Spring in the Red Rock Country

Spring on the Western Slope is an especially inviting time of year. Coming out of winter, most of us welcome these teasingly warmer days. Take this past Sunday for instance. We had been watching the weather forecast to see if the nice warm days we were having would make it to the weekend and we were nicely rewarded.


My wife Kathy and I decided a ride to Gateway would be in order. A good customer had mentioned to me that I should think about teaching some workshops over at Gateway. I thought this sounded like a good idea so Kathy and I climbed on the Harley and off we road.

I’ve been to Gateway before. Several times over the years we’ve ridden that way if nothing more than for lunch at the Gateway Canyons Resort Paradox Grill. On any given Sunday when the weather is nice one can find a number of motorcycles parked out side the restaurant. It is a favorite destination. For an artist, there is a wealth of material to paint in the area. There is everything from old historic buildings to great red rock formations to high country fir trees and aspens in the surrounding area, not to mention riverside cottonwoods.

I especially like this time of year. As everything starts to green up it presents a lush offset to the red rock formations. Although we were a bit early on this particular Sunday, in another month or so it will be stunning. I’ve been through there in the fall of the year also, turning south on Hwy 141 along the Dolores River. The fall colors are a painter’s delight.

Gateway has been transformed in recent years by the development of the Gateway Canyons Resort. It is a first class facility with lodging, restaurant, general store and outfitting services for everything from hunting to mountain biking to rafting. The buildings are tastefully done and fit the area well.

Next time I go over there I’m going to bring my painting kit and the pickup so I can get off of the pavement and do a little more exploring. I’m told the John Brown Canyon road reveals some spectacular scenery and will eventually take one over to Moab, UT which is another place on my list but that will have to wait until fall perhaps.

If you find yourself with a free Sunday jump in the car and head to Gateway. The drive through Unaweep Canyon is a treat in itself. Stop and checkout the old abandoned Driggs Mansion as you go by it. Head toward Grand Junction and turn west on Hwy141 at Whitewater. Have fun and let me know what you think.