Peak to Peak Rallye 2024
2024 Peak to Peak – Rallye Recap
So, another Peak to Peak Rallye is in the books. And what a fine chapter was written. With amazing roads and scenery, top-notch dining experiences, cozy overnight accommodations, and the very best social interactions you could ask for. The “cars are the stars” but the people are what make Peak to Peak truly unforgettable. There are no egos here and the inherent generosity of our participants allow us to make a significant impact on communities with needs that are, in some cases, difficult to comprehend. Some of the highlights from the 2024 rallye include:
Roads/Scenery
Day 1 – We got our juices flowing with spirited romps over Gore Pass and 20 Mile Road in the morning. After lunch, Hwy 13 took us on a wide-open western Colorado passage from Craig to Rifle. From there I-70 took us along the Colorado River to Palisade for the night.
Day 2 – Since we would be staying in Palisade two nights, day 2 would be our loop day drive. And what a drive it was, as awe-inspiring would be putting it mildly. Hwy 141 would take us through the breath-taking Unaweep Canyon and onto Gateway. The road from Gateway to our turnoff at Hwy 90 ushers us over the Dolores Canyon stretch, a sports car enthusiast’s dream. The Paradox Valley awaits us on Hwy 90, which becomes UT-46, a blast from start to finish. And this was just what our morning entailed. After lunch in Moab, we’d follow along the Colorado River on SR-128, and OMG, I just can’t imagine a better combination of road and scenery to be found. What a way to cap off a phenomenal day!
Day 3 – This day immediately began with a trek over the awesome Grand Mesa. Encounters with moose, cows, and deer made the journey that much more entertaining. Once we hit Montrose, the drive along Hwy 50 east to Hwy 92, a first for Peak to Peak, would prove to be a real surprise and one that will be duplicated in the future. A cool flow and great vistas served as a nice appetizer leading up to Hwy 92 and the north rim of Black Canyon of the Gunnison, one of the most spectacular drives in all of Colorado. And again, this is all crammed into the first half of the day. After lunch in Hotchkiss, we’d make our way up yet another drivers dreamscape, this time it’s McClure Pass and then onto Glenwood Springs for the night. Whew!
Day 4 – Through the spectacular Glenwood Canyon is how this day would begin. A feat by Mother Nature and by man makes this one of the true gems of the U.S. Interstate system. I-70 would lead us to US-24 and over Tennessee Pass to Leadville. This stretch is where we would encounter the best changing fall colors we would encounter this year. Next would be Fremont and Loveland Passes before making our way back to the real world.
Meals
Wheels to Meals was in high gear. Per usual, nobody would walk away wanting more. We wasted no time kicking things off with a bang during the opening reception and dinner, hosted by Larry & Toni Winkler at the magnificent Sculptured House. Jules Gourmet provided the tasty spread which fueled the troops heading into the first day of driving.
Monday evening would find us enjoying a BBQ dinner at the Palisade Brewing Co. The brisket would prove to be some of the most tender and tasty you could imagine. And the bacon wrapped jalapenos? Holy cow, could have made a meal out of those alone!
Blue Pig in Moab for lunch on Tuesday, and then dinner at Wine Country Inn would both prove to be worthy of repeat visits in the future. Our dinner stop on Wednesday in Glenwood Springs would unveil a sleeper and a total grand slam. Hugo’s, located in an unassuming strip mall located next to the local high school, provided the most amazing meal of the week. Participants were treated to a very warm welcome and then served the finest feast of a meal that one could dream up. Move over Bobby Flay, you have nothing on the folks at Hugo’s. Hats off!
Our trip would come to a conclusion on Thursday, but not before stopping at Montezuma Roadhouse in Keystone for a lunch that included some tasty sliders. The brussels sprouts were awfully good as well. The Golden Hotel would provide the meal that evening for our final gathering of the 2024 event. It was all great but the beef, in my opinion, was extremely well prepared and really stood out among the best of the week.
Camaraderie
We would have many opportunities to reunite participants from past Peak to Peak outings, as well as to meet and embrace those that were new to our little band of sports car hooligans. I would be remiss not to stress just how much these fine folks mean to me personally. Without doubt some of the most genuine and generous that I’ve ever been associated with. Thank you all for coming together to create the absolute best week of the year. What say we do it all again in 2025 (September 14-18).
Charity
Yet again, not surprisingly, Peak to Peak Participants came together in an effort to give back to many in need of a hand up, not a hand out. Our mission is to help those that are willing to help themselves but may find themselves in a position of needing some assistance. Fortunately, we have been able to target organizations that fit our specifications for such assistance. In 2024, it was the Inter Faith Food Bank in Craig, CO, and St George Community Meals in Leadville, CO. Peak to Peak has worked with both of these organizations in the past and they have proven they are the type of folks we wish to continue relations with. God Speed to these extraordinary folks!
All in all, 2024 Peak to Peak Rallye of the Rockies was a rousing success in all facets. Thanks go to YOU for making Peak to Peak an epic outing, and the home of like-minded sports car enthusiasts since 2004.