Tour of Western Colorado, Stage 1 (Unaweep Canyon)
Stage 1 goes through canyons and valleys reminiscent of a mix between Norway (sans fjords) and Yosemite Valley. It is a long ride, while grades are mostly gentle it still packs a CAT1 climb. Unaweep Canyon is a geologically unique canyon that cuts across the Uncompahgre Plateau in western Colorado. It is unique because two creeks, East Creek and West Creek, flow out of opposite ends of the canyon, separated by the almost imperceptible Unaweep Divide. State Highway 141 runs inside Unaweep Canyon between Whitewater and Gateway, one segment of the Colorado-designated Unaweep/Tabeguache Scenic Byway.
Region: Colorado
City: Mesa County
Distance: 46.6 km
Elevation Gain: 787 m
Elevation Loss: 206 m
Difficulty: 416 (Moderate)
FIETS Index: 1.7 FIETS
Avg Grade: 2.32 %
Max cat climb: 1
Min elevation: 1419 m
Max elevation: 2149 m
Ride Category: Hilly