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THE LONG WAY DOWN TO MONUMENT VALLEY
MILLION DOLLAR HIGHWAY
The feeling of being "in the middle of nowhere" for almost 30 kilometers, along a narrow strip of asphalt that runs, almost clinging, along the walls of a canyon and the slopes of the mountains, often skirting deep cliffs. The Million Dollar Highway crosses some of the most spectacular scenery in Colorado and is part of the San Juan Skyway. A "wild" road, running through remote and magical places, so isolated and fascinating that it is counted among the most beautiful scenic roads in the United States. Riding the Million Dollar Highway on a Harley means enjoying an exciting route, winding like the coils of a snake, with exceptional landscapes. Starting from Ouray in Colorado and heading to Silverton, you encounter a series of mountain passes (Red Mountain, Molas, and Coal Bank), all over 3,000 meters, challenging you with a series of tight hairpin bends. You will soon discover one of the possible origins of the name "Million Dollar Highway": with the sun high in the sky, the thin strip of asphalt, one lane in each direction, will start to sparkle as if it were paved with gold! This, together with the fascinating route and the unsurpassed views of the Rocky Mountains, will make this motorcycle trip truly unforgettable!
DURANGO
The town of Durango is very quiet. Absolutely worth seeing is the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad & Museum. It is a completely free museum dedicated to the narrow-gauge railway, still operating today, that connects Durango to Silverton. The museum traces the history of this ancient railway, displaying numerous locomotives, artifacts, work clothes, and stories and anecdotes related to the railway and the search for gold.
MESA VERDE PARK - MONTEZUMA CREEK -BLUFF
Leaving Durango, we cross Mesa Verde National Park, passing through the towns of Mancos and Cortez. From Cortez we continue to Towaoc and then turn toward Aneth, passing through Montezuma Creek, until we reach Bluff. This route is truly wonderful; in complete solitude with your motorcycle, you will be immersed in an enchanting landscape with desert spaces but a vivid red color. You can stop along the road in total peace to take photos and selfies; you will hardly meet anyone.... Continuing on, you will enter Utah in the town of Bluff, famous for its Twin Rocks: two twin rock pillars. Right below the twin rocks you will find a local craft shop with an attached bar, where among various objects, I point out some very cute wooden chickens, stylized and colorful, which are said to bring good luck. My chicken accompanied me for the whole trip from Bluff to home.
We say goodbye to Bluff and take US163: a road that will forever remain among my best memories. This ribbon of asphalt winds through colorful desert lands, canyons, and thrilling ups and downs that reveal a spectacular landscape, until, from afar, you catch a glimpse, in all its monumentality (in name and in fact), of the long-dreamed-of Monument Valley! You can't help but take lots of photos and, don't forget, the must-have photo of you on your motorcycle with Monument in the background: a must! Along the way you will find the amusing Mexican Hat: a rock formation that resembles a Mexican sombrero. From this point, only 20 minutes separate you from your entrance to Monument Valley.
© 2025 Susy Travel all rights reserved