Tired of the same old on-the-beaten-path, tourist- clogged weekend trips? Head west to the Unaweep/ Tabeguache Scenic and Historic Byway. The road cuts through gee-whiz red rock canyons, speeds past a way-cool new car museum, along a hanging wooden flume, and on to Ridgway, the town where Rooster Cogburn had a few swigs too many in the film “True Grit.” Take time to stop at all the historic markers along the way. Maybe rent a mountain bike or kayak for a mini-adventure in Gateway. But make sure to stop and tip a tall glass of lemonade in a toast to The Duke on the board sidewalk outside Ridgway’s True Grit Cafe.
Getting around: Jump on the byway by turning west onto Colo. 141 from U.S. 50 at Whitewater, about 15 miles south of Grand Junction.
