The Colorado Backcountry Discovery Route (COBDR) is one of the most exciting multi-day motorcycle trips in North America. The route cuts a meandering diagonal across the state, stretching from the Four Corners Monument in the southwest to the Wyoming border in the northeast, 675 miles away. Along the way, it passes through the historic towns of Telluride, Steamboat Springs, Cortez, and Ouray.

Planning the Route on the Colorado Backcountry Discovery Route

Planning a trip of this length can be a logistical challenge. You’ll need to be aware of where food, fuel, and accommodations are available each night and plan days that are short enough to prevent you from getting too sore to ride the next day. Setting aside a week to ride the Colorado Backcountry Discovery Route should allow you time to visit all the sights along the way without leaving you exhausted each evening.

Much of the route is at high altitude, so it should only be attempted during the warmer months (June-September) to ensure that you don’t encounter any snow or ice in the backcountry.

Fuel

The longest stretch between fuel stations is 88 miles (between Lake City and Pitkin), which can stretch the limits of some smaller bikes. It’s always a good idea to carry a jerry can of extra fuel just in case, especially since you might not be able to contact help on the route’s more remote stretches. For the most part, though, you won’t have too much trouble finding fuel along the way.

Accommodations and Food

There’s no shortage of places to stay along the Colorado Backcountry Discovery Route and plenty of different options: campsites, Airbnbs, budget motels, midrange hotels, five-star resorts in Telluride – you’ll only be limited by how much you’re willing to pay. Much of the route passes through national forest lands, which have both primitive campgrounds that can be used for free and more developed ones with water and fire pits that can be reserved for a fee.

It’s worth noting that the sections of road between towns can be quite remote – you’ll want to pack a lunch each day, as you’re unlikely to find a restaurant on most of these backroads. It’s only once you’re back on paved roads that any recognizable civilization will come into view.

If you’re looking for a unique camping experience on COBDR, reserve a teepee or a yurt at the State Bridge campground on the banks of the Colorado River. It’s a venue for frequent outdoor concerts and has a rather bohemian vibe to it.

Sights

No trip to Colorado would be complete without checking out some of the state’s mining history. Luckily, the COBDR goes past a number of its most famous prospecting hotspots: Telluride, Pitkin, and Tincup. Each has historical sites you can stop to peruse (and give your body a break from the grueling ride).

In addition to its historical sights, the mountains of Colorado are some of the most beautiful in the country. The rugged peaks and alpine forests provide endless Instagram-worthy photo-ops and scenic stopping points for picnic lunches. The section from Ouray to Lake City is one of the more challenging, traversing Corkscrew, Cinnamon, and California Pass – but each one offers absolutely stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

Four Corners Monument – Photo Credit: Marelbu / CC BY

Steamboat Lake State Park – Photo Credit: Jeffrey Beall / CC BY

Idarado Mine Ruins – Photo Credit: Ken Lund / CC BY

Featured Image is of California Pass Photo Credit: Pierce Martin / CC BY

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Colorado Backcountry Discovery Route

Colorado Backcountry Discovery Route

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