Not for the faint of heart, this road ride starts at one winery for a tasting and takes you to another for a second tasting, with a 30-mile round trip of paved riding through McElmo Canyon in between. Most of the road is well-maintained with lots of twists and turns and rolling hills. You’ll roll past several ranches and farms and enjoy constantly changing scenery as you drop to lower elevation. Keep your eyes peeled for rare birds, butterflies and reptiles.

(49.08 km)

Skill Level

Expert

Elevation gain

Travel Tips

Park at Yellow Car Country Wines Winery on the southwest edge of Cortez then ride down to Road G, (McElmo Canyon Road), to Sutcliffe Vineyards.
Be aware, the 15-mile ride back to Yellow Car Country Wines is mostly uphill.
Ride with caution as there is no shoulder in McElmo Canyon.
McElmo Canyon gets plenty of sun so bring sunscreen and extra water.
There is little vehicular traffic on this ride so carry bike tools, a tire repair kit, and pump.
Leave time to explore the historic Puebloan ruins in the area, especially the often uncrowded Hovenweep National Monument.
Call ahead to check tasting room availability and hours at Sutcliffe Vineyards and Yellow Car Country Wines Winery.