Run to the Western Slope

Updated 5/18/07 (see bottom of message)
Updated 6/01/07 (Fri., Sat. group dinner plans added)
Reserve June 8-10 now for a Run to the Western Slope (Grand Junction/Palisade, Gateway, Gunnison). The first night is in Grand Junction, about 220 miles from Denver. The town of Palisade is next to Grand Junction along the Colorado River and the Colorado National Monument is minutes away. The highlight of the trip is the Gateway Colorado Auto Museum located in the town of Gateway, about 1 hour southwest of Grand Junction. The second night is in Gunnison (near Black Canyon of the Gunnison). Return is near Salida along Hwy 285 back to Denver.

Itinerary, as of 4/11/07 (subject to change):
Friday 6/8/07

• 9:00 AM -- WHEELS ROLLING (Get there at 8:45 AM or earlier. We really need to leave on time due to possible Glenwood Canyon construction delays) -- Depart Stegosauras Parking Lot, SE corner of I-70 & Hwy 26 (1st exit West of C-470). Denver to Grand Junction via I-70, 220 miles.

• 1:30 PM -- Grand Junction/Palisade winery tours and wine tastings at several locations. Click here for more info
• 3:30 PM -- Grand Junction hotel check-in (see below)
• 4:00 PM -- Motor Colorado National Monument on the scenic Rim Rock Drive from one end to the other (paved)
• 7:30 PM -- Group Dinner at Dos Hombres (421 Brach Dr), reserved room. Special menu (7 choices), soft drink, tax, tip included: $16 (pay Nancy, who will pay one bill for group).

Saturday 6/9/07

• 7:30 AM -- Breakfast (optional) at Starvin Arvin's (near hotel)
  
• 9:00 AM -- Leave for Gateway Colorado Auto Museum - one of the finest collections of American cars in existence. The collection, with just over forty vehicles, is owned by John Hendricks (founder of the Discovery Channel) and family. Gateway is 54 miles SE of Grand Junction. Click here for map.
• 12:00 PM -- Group Lunch (special menu, $7-$9) in Gateway at museum (pay Nancy, who will pay one bill for group)
  
• 1:00 PM -- Drive to Gunnison, via Naturita, Norwood, Ridgway and Montrose, 200 miles. Click here for map.
• 6:00 PM -- Gunnison hotel check-in (see below)
• 7:00 PM -- Group Dinner at Mario Pizza's. Special menu (5 choices), soft drink, tax, tip included: $15 (pay Nancy who will pay one bill for group)

Sunday 6/10/07

• 8:00 AM -- Breakfast at TBD location
• 9:00 AM -- Return to Denver via Salida and Hwy 285, under 200 miles. Click here for map.

Suggested Hotels (sorry, no group discounts promised).

• Grand Junction -- Comfort Inn, 750 3/4 Horizon Dr, 800-4-CHOICE, 970-245-3335
• Grand Junction -- La Quinta Inn & Suites, 2761 Crossroads Blvd, 800-531-5900, 970-241-2929
• Gunnison -- Comfort Inn, 911 N Main St, 970-642-1000
• Gunnison -- Quality Inn, 400 E Tomichi, 970-641-1237

Click below (enroll) if you will be attending, so that we know to expect you!