This gloriously unspoiled area of the wetern slopes of Colorado is home to the Dolores River and the San Miguel. The two rivers meet in this 110 mile long canyon. The canyon on the south starts just west and north of Naturita, CO on Hwy 141. It continues north west and eventually northest until it spills out at Whitewater, Colorado (just south of Grand Junction). It is a well maintained two lane blacktop highway the entire length of the route - and has incredible sites to see all year round.
The SanMiguel River originates in the San Juan Mountains (home to Telluride, CO) and flows from lofty heights down rapidly past Placerville, throught he Sam Miguel Canyon and then out of sight of any highways as it skirts along the nothern edge of Wrights Mesa (home to the small towns of Norwood and Redvale). Twenty miles later, it reappears along Hwy 145 at the junction to Hwy 141 and then flows gently past Naturita, CO and begins its journey to meet the Dolores River in Gateway Canyon.
About 30 minutes up the canyon, you come to the Log Flume. Then you come upon Uravan - an old mining community that is now pretty empty (save for one company still operating there). Another 30 minutes up the road - is Gateway. This community has only a few residents - mostly ranchers. The canyon here is particularly spectacular - spanning out in many directions.
The rest of the drive (about one hour to Whitewater) continues along with stunning vistas of redcliffs and long green meadows between them. There is another worthy stop to view the ruins of the Driggs Mansion.
The name Unaweep Tabeguache is Ute Indian and means the place where two rivers meet (unaweep) and the place where the snow first melts (tabeguache). The route from the green and colder mountains of Telluride to the drrier and warmer regions near Grand Junction was a frefquent route of the Utes while they followed the abundant herds of deer and elk throught the seasons.
the descritpThe drive cannnot be compared to any other!
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