Skimming the Utah border on the far western side of Colorado is State Route 141. Starting just south of Grand Junction, this 150-mile stretch of road to Dove Creek, Colorado, winds and weaves its way through spectacular scenery. When you’re driving from north to south, the turnoff from U.S. Highway 50 is subtle. After crossing the Gunnison River, 141 starts to follow East Creek—which leads you from the flats of the valley floor slowly down into the start of the Unaweep Canyon. Nine Mile Hill starts to rise on your left, and the aspen trees, which flourish in this riparian zone, put on an awe-inspiring show in the fall. East Creek joins the Dolores River in the town of Gateway, where five canyons converge; the drive continues south from there.
