Very wise decision about Independence Pass. I would not tow any trailer on that route. The road becomes one lane in several places.
From Colorado Department Transportation:
Who can drive on the Pass?
Oversize and overweight vehicles are strictly prohibited from using the Pass at any time due to narrow and winding roads and steep inclines. Absolutely no vehicles over 35 feet in length may use the Pass at any time. Length and weight limits remain in place due to several existing single lane-only widths and tight curves in today¹s roadway.
We have stayed in several of the RV parks in Buena Vista. I suppose our favorite is Arrowhead RV Park, about 5 miles north of town (on the way toward Leadville). We used the KOA out south of town for several years and found it very positive. I enjoyed the KOA because I could hike right out of the park and do rock scrambling all the way up Midland Hill and on into Buena Vista. These are great memories.
As to the Silverton-Ouray route I suggest you read a very recent post:
Million Dollar HighwayWe have often gone from Leadville to Estes Park following I-70 to the Central City area where we take the "peak to peak" highway. HOWEVER, the whole area around Estes Park was devastated by massive floods last year. Any "skirting" of RMNP will require checking out those conditions.
