Colorado Getaways June 2019: Western Slope

Dos Rio Golf Club on the Western Slope
Dos Rios Golf Club

Gunny Business

A fork in the Gunnison River gives Dos Rios Golf Club its “two rivers” name. The river also gives the 6,512-yard course its teeth, as water comes into play on all but one of the holes. John Cochran designed the first nine holes in 1964, and nine more by Dick Phelps opened 16 years later. Mature trees, tight fairways and prime conditioning make this easily walkable course a wonderful test of golf. A 1,100-square-foot patio enhances the atmosphere at the club’s Dos Grill. dosriosgolf.net

Hello, Gorges

Gold Medal trout fishing and whitewater rafting, as well as hiking and biking through the badlands make the Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area a national treasure. blm.gov

Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area - Western Slope of Colorado
Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area

Fish Story

Colorado’s state-record brown, rainbow and lake trout came from the rivers, streams and lakes of the Gunnison Valley. The Headwaters of the Taylor River regularly produce the valley’s largest trout, while the Gunnison and East rivers see the largest Kokanee salmon run in the U.S. The salmon run starts in Colorado’s largest manmade body of water, Blue Mesa Reservoir, just minutes west of Gunnison. bluemesafishing.com

One-Track-Minded

More than 750 miles of mountain bike singletrack lace the Gunnison Valley—from beginner trails like the Lower Loop to expert trails like Doctor Park to the red rock system at Hartman Rocks near Dos Rios Golf Club. mtbhome.com

Something for Everyone

West Elk Bicycle Classic: On Sept. 1, take on a 135-mile backroad route from Gunnison to Crested Butte or try the 52-mile Raghorn Loop from Crested Butte. westelkbicycleclassic.com

Float ‘N’ Dine: A two-hour float down the Gunnison River from Almont’s Three Rivers Resort rewards you with an Italian feast at Garlic Mike’s in Gunnison. garlicmikes.com

Waunita Hot Springs: The family-owned Gunnison guest ranch serves up home-cooked meals, comfy digs, cowboy poetry, horseback rides and healing waters. waunita.com

Hiker’s Heaven: Gunnison Valley’s two million acres of public land mean 150 scenic trails featuring everything from wildflowers to desert canyons. gunnisoncrestedbutte.com

The Bridges Golf Club - Western Slope
The Bridges Golf Club

The Brides Worth Crossing

Playing between 5,380 and 7,207 yards, the Nicklaus Design layout at The Bridges Golf and Country Club in Montrose incorporates abundant native plantings, natural arroyos, rock features, waterfalls and spectacular views of the San Juans. The club takes its name from the many spans traversing the Loutsenhizer Canal that snakes through the property. The club offers stay-and-play options with local hotels, as well as seven beautifully appointed suites—ranging in price from $100 to $175 with breathtaking views of either the San Juan Mountains or Grand Mesa—on the second floor of the 23,500-square-foot clubhouse. The course anchors the 400- acre Bridges community, where homesites start at $35,000 and homes start in the high $300s. montrosebridges.com

The Bridges Clubhouse
The Bridges Clubhouse

Easy Listening

Throughout the summer The Lawn at The Bridges features weekly live music. On Saturday, June 29, ’70s icons Little River Band (“Lonesome Loser,” “Reminiscing”) will perform. Tickets cost $35, with proceeds benefiting Montrose Community Center and Dolphin House Child Advocacy Center. montrosebridges.com

Remington's Patio
Remington’s patio

Chow Down

Views of the golf course and stunning San Juan Mountains accompany meals at Remington’s, one of Montrose’s foremost restaurants and a four-time Wine Spectator Award of Excellence winner. An “Eat Local Eat Healthy” establishment that uses local produce, Remington’s does a stellar Sunday Brunch and features an 11,000-squarefoot patio. montrosebridges.com

Fun For Days

FUNC Fest: On Aug. 9-10, Montrose Water Sports Park hosts the 5th Fun on the Uncompahgre (FUNC), a confab of kayakers, SUPers, music fans, beer lovers and revelers of all ages. visitmontrose.com

Olathe Sweet Corn Festival: On Aug. 3, for the first time in its long history, the celebration of the ears that made Olathe famous will take place at the Montrose County Event Center. olathesweetcornfest.com

Deltarado Days

July 25-28, Delta’s Confluence Park will celebrate the city’s farming and ranching heritage with a parade, live music, 5K race, triathlon and the 84th Deltarado Day Rodeo. deltacolorado.org

Conquistador Golf Club
Conquistador Golf Club

Conquering a Conquistador

A classic Press Maxwell-designed gem in Cortez, Conquistador Golf Club sits 6,200 feet above sea level and tips out at 7,125 yards—many of them tree-lined and in full view of the La Plata, San Miguel and Ute mountains. Water comes into play on eight holes, and a number of tantalizingly cuttable doglegs lead to small, tiered greens that can defend par with punishing pride. A round at the well-maintained municipal layout maxes at $41; carts run an extra $16, though they are not really necessary. fourcornersgolf.com

Happy Trails To You

Colorado Trail
Colorado Trail

The 485-mile Colorado Trail connects Denver and Durango, but it’s not a one-way street, and there are plenty of off ramps. The trail’s southern end lies near downtown Durango at Junction Creek Trailhead. It’s an immediate uphill climb, but worth the views and the luxury of turning around any time. coloradotrail.org

Vino, Veritas?

21-year-old Guy Drew Vineyards in St. Elmo Canyon southwest of Cortez has surprised the wine world with its superb Cabernets, Meritages and Baco Noirs. Tour the property and taste for yourself. guydrewvineyards.com

Cliff Dwellers

Featuring Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings, notably the huge Cliff Palace, Mesa Verde National Park is a must-see. Make sure to take Mesa Top Loop Road and marvel at Sun Point Overlook and Petroglyph Point Trail. visitmesaverde.com

In The Know

Cortez Art and Wine: This two-day festival (July 6-7) will feature more than 40 artists and craftspeople, live music and tastings from several local wineries. cityofcortez.com

Durango Brew Train: On Aug. 31, take a 1920s steam locomotive above the Animas River to Cascade Canyon for lunch, live music and beaucoup beers. durango.gov

Durango Fiesta Days: “The best Wild West festival of the summer” (July 20-28) includes a parade, chuck wagon cook-off, barrel racing, rodeo and more. durango.com

 

Grand County | Steamboat Springs | Colorado Springs


This section appeared in the 2019 June Issue of Colorado AvidGolfer.

Colorado AvidGolfer Magazine is the state’s leading resource for golf and the lifestyle that surrounds it, publishing eight issues annually and proudly delivering daily content via coloradoavidgolfer.com.

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