After two nights at the Hotel Palomino, we head west, cross the Dallas Divide, roll through Norwood, and arrive in Naturita. Here, we begin a 95-mile ride on the Unaweep-Tabeguache Scenic Byway, which cuts through dramatic red rock canyons and takes us along the Dolores and San Miguel Rivers.

We arrive at the end of Colorado Highway 141, turn west on US Highway 50, and soon find ourselves entering the Colorado National Monument, whose highlight is Monument Canyon. The canyon includes rock formations, one of which is the Kissing Couple, a 400-foot sandstone pillar said to resemble an embracing couple. I don’t see it.

The monument ride ends in Fruita, and from there, it’s a hop, skip and a jump to tonight’s destination, Palisade. We’re again at the Wine Country Inn. This place must rock.

To view today’s route, click here.

And now, a few pics from today’s ride.