Unaweep Panoramic Road

Experience the magnificent views of Unaweep Panoramic Road, a 262 km journey from Grand Junction to Ridgway in the United States. This road trip is best taken during the spring or summer months, when the wildflowers are in bloom and the mountain passes are open and free of snow. Along the way, you'll pass through Whitewater and Naturita, where you can take in the breathtaking views of the Uncompahgre Plateau, the Grand Mesa, and the San Juan Mountains. The roads are in good condition and provide a smooth ride, so anyone can enjoy the journey. This road trip offers a unique experience with plenty of memories to be made, and it can be completed in one day. Best of all, it doesn't have to break the bank – the Unaweep Panoramic Road is suitable for those with a moderate budget. Don't miss out on this incredible journey!

Grand Junction is a city located in the Western US state of Colorado. It is a great starting point for exploring the beauty of the region. For those planning a road trip along the Unaweep Panoramic Road, Grand Junction is the perfect spot to begin your journey. The city is home to numerous attractions, including the Colorado National Monument, the Grand Junction Wildlife Center, and a variety of outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, and camping, as well as a myriad of museums and galleries. There is also a vibrant nightlife with exciting music venues, restaurants, and more. For those traveling by air, the nearest international airport is Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT). The airport offers a variety of car rental services, so travelers can easily rent a car and explore the region at their own pace. Grand Junction is an ideal starting point for any road trip. With its varied attractions, outdoor activities, and vibrant nightlife, it is sure to provide a memorable experience.

Embark on a wonderful road trip from Grand Junction to Whitewater! This 10mi drive will take you less than an hour, but you will find plenty of interesting places to explore along the way. Starting in Grand Junction, you can visit the Museum of the West, a great place to learn about the area’s history and culture. In Whitewater, you can visit the Grand Mesa National Forest, a stunning natural area full of hiking trails and wildlife. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also check out the Colorado National Monument, a breathtaking canyon with spectacular views. For a more relaxing experience, you can take a stroll through the Whitewater State Wildlife Area, or visit the nearby Powderhorn Ski Resort. There is something for everyone on this road trip. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please consult the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your journey!

Welcome to your road trip adventure! This stage of your journey starts in Whitewater, United States and ends in Naturita, a small town in Colorado. This 94mi route will take you less than two hours to complete, so you will have plenty of time to explore the most interesting places along the way. First, you will drive to Grand Junction, the largest city in the area, where you can visit the Museum of Western Colorado, the Dinosaur Journey Museum, or the Cross Orchards Historic Site. Then, you will pass through the charming towns of De Beque and Palisade, where you can discover the Palisade Fruit and Wine Byway, the Palisade Brewing Company, or the Bookcliff Vineyards. Your journey will end in Naturita, a small town that offers a great variety of outdoor activities, such as camping, fishing, and exploring the nearby canyons. For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your trip!

Welcome, road-trippers! Get ready for an amazing journey from Naturita to Ridgway, a 59mi drive that will take you less than 2 hours. Start your journey in Naturita, a small town located in the San Miguel County, Colorado. Here you can visit the Uravan Mineral Museum, dedicated to the area’s uranium mining history. Your next stop is the small town of Nucla. Here, you can visit the Nucla Historic District, a National Historic District with many historic buildings, including the Nucla Commercial Historic District. Continue your journey to the small town of Bedrock, home of the Bedrock Historic District, a National Historic District with many historic buildings, including the Bedrock Post Office. Continue your journey to the small town of Paradox, home of the Paradox Valley. Here, you can visit the Paradox Valley State Wildlife Area, a wildlife area with many species of wildlife and plants. Finally, you will arrive in Ridgway, a small town located in the San Miguel County, Colorado. Here, you can visit the Ridgway State Park, a state park with many recreational activities, including camping, fishing, and hiking. For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your trip!

Ridgway, Colorado, is the perfect ending point to a road trip along the spectacular Unaweep Panoramic Road. Located in the beautiful Uncompahgre Valley, Ridgway offers a variety of attractions and activities for travelers. Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the nearby Ridgway State Park, which offers camping, fishing, and hiking, as well as a marina with boat rentals. The town itself offers plenty of fun, including the Ridgway Railroad Museum, the Ouray County Historical Museum, and the Ridgway Creative District, which features over a dozen art galleries. There are several excellent restaurants in town, featuring a variety of cuisine from Mexican to Italian. For those looking to explore further afield, Ridgway is also conveniently located near Telluride and Ouray, which are both just a short drive away. For those traveling by air, the closest international airport is located in Montrose, Colorado (MTJ). Whether you're looking for a relaxing getaway or an outdoor adventure, Ridgway is the perfect destination for your next road trip.

Before you set off

The Unaweep Panoramic Road, stretching 262 kilometers (163 miles) from Grand Junction to Ridgway in the state of Colorado, United States, serves as a magnificent showcase of the region's diverse and breathtaking natural beauty. This journey is not just a Road Trip; it's an exploration of the rich geological and ecological tapestry that makes Colorado an exceptional destination for travelers seeking both adventure and tranquility.

Key Destinations and Top Sights:

As you traverse this scenic route, you'll be greeted by the awe-inspiring landscapes of the Uncompahgre Plateau, the sprawling vistas of the Grand Mesa (which is the world's largest flat-topped mountain), and the dramatic peaks of the San Juan Mountains. Noteworthy stops include the historic towns of Whitewater and Naturita, each offering a window into the area's cultural heritage and a vantage point for Colorado's formidable terrain. Along the way, Roadtrippers will discover lush valleys, towering rock formations, and the rich colors of the earth that are especially pronounced in the fading light of day.

Best Time to Go:

Embarking on this panoramic journey during the spring or summer months is highly recommended. The landscape transforms into a canvas of vivid wildflowers, and the open mountain passes provide smooth and scenic travel. The mild weather during these seasons offers the perfect opportunity for outdoor activities such as hiking, photography, and wildlife watching.

Potential Risks:

While the Unaweep Panoramic Road is well maintained, travelers should remain vigilant for sudden and unpredictable weather shifts that are common in high-altitude regions. It's wise to check the latest Road conditions and weather forecasts before setting out, particularly if traveling in late fall or winter, when snow can close mountain passes and create hazardous driving conditions.

Facts for Roadtrippers:

This driving adventure is achievable within a single day, but those who take their time will be richly rewarded with the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in the area's natural splendor. The route is accessible and enjoyable for drivers of all skill levels, and it caters to those with moderate budgets who wish to experience the majesty of Colorado without breaking the bank.

A good choice for:

The Unaweep Panoramic Road is a captivating journey that promises to enrich the soul and provide a memorable escape into the wild heart of Colorado. For nature enthusiasts, photography aficionados, and anyone with a yearning to delve into the picturesque western United States, this Road Trip stands out as an essential experience.