Many interesting and beautiful roads in western Colorado and eastern Utah are widely known and frequently visited but roads don't have to be famous and popular to be worth traveling. Most roads mentioned here are lesser known, sometimes even to local riders. These roads not only feature stunning scenery but are often lengthy, remote and lightly traveled. Many include long unpaved sections ideally suited to adventure-touring motorcycles with large fuel tanks and all-day comfort. All but a few of the unpaved roads are easy going, suitable for newer riders, cautious older riders or anybody wanting beautiful scenery. It should be understood the following descriptions represent snapshots in time. Unpaved mountain and desert roads vary from season to season and may even be impassable after major storms.

—Verle Nelson, Cedaredge Colorado

These unpaved mountain passes are all in western Colorado, west of or crossing the Continental Divide. Some dirt, mostly graded gravel, these passes are suitable for passenger cars and motorcycles with good clearance. Condition can vary depending on weather and road maintenance. May be impassable when wet.