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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.
A road sign reading "Historic Right of Way. McElmo Canyon Road, Road G."
A road on the left foreground surrounded by scrub taking up most of the foreground. In teh background is some higher terrain.

Key local business services

Hotels

Canyon of the Ancients Guest Ranch
Sand Canyon National 9 Inn
Kelly Place Bed and Breakfast

Restaurants

The Farm Bistro
Main Street Brewery
Stonefish Sushi and More

Bike shops/rentals

Kokopelli Bike and Board

Off-day things to do

Visit Sutcliffe Vineyards
Visit Canyon of the Ancients National Monument
Head to Yucca House National Monument

A road in the left foreground of the image, going toward the horizon. surrounded by scrub and rocks. In the background left, there is a mountain.
Scrubby hills and red rocks in the background, a vineyard in the foreground.
A small bookshelf with a roof and a sign that reads "McElmo Community Library." It is sitting on dirt in a scrubby landscape. There are hills in the background.
A road sign reading "Historic Right of Way. McElmo Canyon Road, Road G."
A field behind a fence with a large hill in the background. There are a couple of horses standing in the field.

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