Colorado Scenic Byways Map
Unaweep Tabeguache Scenic Byway

Map Information »
Places to Stay & Fun Things to Do »
More Activities & Information »
Where is Unaweep Tabeguache Scenic Byway »

Unaweep Tabeguache Scenic Byway, Colorado Vacation Directory

Unaweep Tabeguache Scenic Byway Map, Colorado

Unaweep/Tabeguache Scenic Byway near Delta, Grand Junction, Montrose, Naturita, Nucla, Telluride

The Unaweep Tabeguache Scenic Byway running just outside the Uncompahgre National Forest is along the western edge of Colorado, almost to the Utah border. Stretching for about 130 miles, it will take you almost 3 hours to drive it all. This area is filled with history: geological formations, Native American buildings, petroglyphs, hieroglyphics.

Red flowers along the Tabeguache Scenic Byway outside the Uncompahgre National forest in western Colorado

Unobstructed Views of Snow Covered Mountains Along the Unaweep Tabeguache Scenic Byway

Red Sandstone Cliffs along the Tabeguache Scenic Byways, Photo by Sandy Pottoriff

Red Sandstone Cliffs and Blue Skies Line this Unforgettable Scenic Drive

All that remains of the Driggs Mansion is worn down sandstone walls. Built in the early 1900s, Lawrence LaThourette Driggs purchased the land with the hope of developing and cultivating desert land. This was a tough feat because water rights limited their ability to irrigate the land. The structure isn't on the State or National Historical Site Registries but it does qualify.

The remains of Driggs Mansion, Photo by Mike Mortensen

The Worn Remains of Driggs Mansion

Sandstone Walls and fall colors along the Dolores River, Photo by Mike Mortensen

The San Miguel River Cuts Through the Valley

The Hanging Flume near Uravan was built for carrying water to the gold mines along the Dolores River. It was only used for a few years after miners realized the gold was unrecoverable from the deposits. You can still see remains of the flume along the walls but much of it has vanished.

The Hanging Flume hugs the cliff wall along the San Miguel Rver, Photo By Jerrod Fast

The Hanging Flume Hugs the Cliff Wall along the San Miguel River

Red Cliffs with yellow aspen trees along the Unaweep Tabeguache Scenic Byway, Photo By Mike Mortesen

The Unaweep Tabeguache Scenic Byway is Filled With All Shades of Color

Along the byway there are many sightseeing opportunities and fun things to do. Whitewater Rafting is popular along the Gunnison River just outside of Whitewater and Delta. Various hiking and picnicking areas along the byway allow vacationers the opportunity to see the beautiful scenery: panoramic views, forests, wildlife, sandstone layers.

Location: From I-70 in Grand Junction, take Highway US 50 South. Turn onto SH 141 just outside of Whitewater; this is where the Byway starts. Follow SH 141 through Gateway, Uravan, Vancorum, and Naturita. The byway continues on SH 145 through Norwood and ends in Placerville.

Places to Stay & Fun Things to Do

Naturita - A Vacation Destination to Trails and Adventure Web page link icon

Big Things Happen in -- Little Nature -- Rimrocker Trail, Buckeye Reservoir, Unaweep Tabeguache Scenic Byway, San Miguel River, wildlife, ancient petroglyphs, hike, fish, ATV, mountain bike, hunt, raft.

Naturita RV Park Web page link icon

New owners 2024. Stay in Naturita along the Unaweep Tabeguache Scenic Byway. RV Park: long gravel full-hookup sites near groceries, San Miguel River boat launch, and the Rimrocker off-roading Trail.

Town of Nucla - A Vacation Destination to Trails and Adventure Web page link icon

PLAY in SW CO! Nucla along Unaweep Tabeguache Scenic Byway, Hwy 141: San Juan Mountains and Uncompahgre Plateau, Off-Road Trails - ATV, bike, hike; fish San Miguel River, prehistoric caves and art.

Vestal House @ Tabeguache Park - Bed and Breakfast and RV Park Web page link icon

The Tooker Family renovated this historic landmark the Vestal House at Tabeguache Park: a Bed and Breakfast and RV Park in Nucla. Explore the Unaweep Tabeguache Byway and Rimrocker 4x4-ATV Trail.