From Gateway, CO this might be the shortest way to travel to the top of Uncomphagre Uplift.
Over a distance of 5.5 miles this road climbs about 3,000 feet from the east side of the Dolores River to the forests on top of the cliffs. The top 1.8 miles are the steepest, giving a lift of about 2,000 feet.
Some pictures travelling down late in August after 7 p.m. The time we arrived on the road along Dolores River it was dark.
http://hatchcanyon.eu/Navigation/USA..._DSC2182_9.jpg
Looking down into Dolores River Canyon near Gateway, CO
http://hatchcanyon.eu/Navigation/USA..._DSC2183_9.jpg
Road to Gateway - not that wide, but wide enough.
http://hatchcanyon.eu/Navigation/USA..._DSC2187_9.jpg
Some rocks
http://hatchcanyon.eu/Navigation/USA..._DSC2186_9.jpg
One of the last sunrays for the day.
http://hatchcanyon.eu/Navigation/USA..._DSC2190_9.jpg
Tight switchbacks. Backup!
http://hatchcanyon.eu/Navigation/USA...PICT3177_9.jpg
Another part of the road. One can see the very end of the road near the river.
http://hatchcanyon.eu/Navigation/USA..._DSC2194_9.jpg
Rock? Dirt? Whatever it is, it is colorful!
http://hatchcanyon.eu/Navigation/USA...PICT3184_9.jpg
Twilight
(Some more pictures)