Located in Western Colorado just east of the Utah State line is the largest Plateau in North America. The Uncompahgre Plateau stretches some 90 miles in a southeast-northwest direction from Unaweep Canyon on the north to the Dallas Divide in the San Juan Mountains on the south. With an average elevation of 9,500 feet and a high point of 10,300 feet, the Uncompahgre Plateau provides excellent views, good camping spots along the way and in the Fall the Aspen Trees provide outstanding photographic opportunities for an extended period of time due to the large change in elevation from the valleys below.
Accessing the Divide Road on the Uncompahgre Plateau
The Divide Road extends from Colorado Highway 141 on the north end to the City of Montrose on the south end. The north access on Highway 141 is located approximately 15 miles from the intersection of US Highway 50 in the Town of Whitewater south of Grand Junction. The South access is located off of Main Street in Montrose, go west on Main Street a couple of miles and turn south on Highway 90.
There are other ways to access the Divide Road if a shorter or more convenient route is desired. The 25 Mesa Road out of Delta also known as the Delta-Nucla Road is a route that traverses the Plateau and intersects the Divide Road, this route provides access from both east and west. Escalante Canyon north of Delta off of US 50 is another access route and is a very scenic drive up a canyon with sandstone cliffs on either side. The Potholes swimming area is along this route as well as some historic buildings.
Driving the Divide Road on the Uncompahgre Plateau
From Highway 141 to the City of Montrose is a total of 86 miles and all of it is dirt road. The Divide Road is usually passable in a passenger car but can be muddy in periods of wet weather and washboard conditions can be expected at any time. The road is closed during the winter months as there is no maintenance once the snow falls.
On the southern end of the drive there are views of the San Juan Mountains with Mt. Sneffels providing great photographic opportunities, to the west the Abajo Mountains in eastern Utah dominate the view. Farther along the route the West Elk Mountains to the east are visible and the Grand Mesa looms to the north. Continuing north dramatic views of the La Sal Mountains in Utah rise to the west. All along the drive there are views of canyons and drainages on the Plateau, the Upper Dominguez Canyon is especially scenic.
Camping Opportunities along the Divide Road
There are numerous spots along the Divide Road to camp, many are suitable for 5th Wheels and campers. There are also lots of side roads that lead out into the forest to camping spots away from the main road. All of these sites are primitive with no facilities. There is a developed campground at the top of Upper Dominuez Canyon 5 miles off of the Divide Road, however a high clearance vehicle is required to access this campground.
Viewing the Fall Aspen Tree Colors
The Fall is a great time to tour the Uncompahgre Plateau and see the colors of the Aspen Trees on the Plateau as well as the surrounding area. With the expansive vistas the Divide Road provides, there are many opportunities to get some great photographs of the Fall colors. Early dustings of snow can add even greater contrast to your photos. The Fall color season on the Plateau is longer than some areas due to the large elevation change from the valleys to the top of the Plateau, some 4,500 feet. Good color can be expected from mid-September through late October.
The Divide Road traversing the Uncompahre Plateau is a very scenic drive that is especially worthwhile in the fall when the trees have changed color. There are exceptional views in all directions along the way as well as some very good camping spots to enjoy. The Fall is a great time to drive this route for photographic opportunities so plan on a drive along the Divide Road whenever you may be in Western Colorado.
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