Can I tow safely on this Colorado route????

4runnerguy wrote:
x2 on camping at Rifle Falls vs. Rifle Gap. Just four more miles up the road.

As far as Busskippers suggestion to stop in Glenwood Springs for lunch, I'd skip it. During the time frame you're talking about, the main bridge into town will be torn down and all traffic will be routed via the West GS exit. Isn't going to be fun for those of us that live here and and sure wouldn't wish it on someone during their vacation.

NHIrish wrote:
Hi all.

We are working on a plan to spend a month in CO. next year...Sept 3 to Oct. 8th. We planning on using each of our stops as base camps to explore the area.

Since we don't know the roads, it seems prudent to ask before we get in a bind!

So...how does this route look towing a heavy fifth wheel.

IMHO all the roads are good - if you have the motor and the brakes you should be fine.

1. Estes Park to Buena Vista via Rte 36,70 and 285;

When I look at your routing the first thing that comes to mind is the route, just a thought - Trail Ridge to Grand Lake, I'd go early - before 10 to beat the traffic and stop in Grand Lake, slower, less crowded and great fishing and people - and from there to Rifle gap - Kremling to Steamboat - Craig - and then to Rifle Gap (Look at these State Parks as an Option - Stagecoach - Steamboat Lake - Yampa River - along the way) this will expose you to the most missed part of Colorado.

2. Buena Vista to Rifle Gap SP via 24 and 70;

Rifle Gap to Buena Vista - stopping along the Colorado River in Glenwood Springs on I-70 (just a great lunch stop) Then Take I-70 to Rt 24 at Minturn and that will run you by Red Cliff - another good stop with the Green Bridge on the River - just a beautiful drive into Leadville/Turquoise Lake - nice Camp Grounds and Quincy's for a Great Dinner (If you Like Steak) Now you are just 20 - 30 miles from Buena Vista and IMHO you had a great drive (in the truck make a run over Independence Pass to Marron Bells and Aspen then get back before dark - another GREAT drive) Try to make the drive over Cottonwood Pass to Crested Butte - Beautiful.

3. Rifle Gap to Ridgeway SP via 70, 141, 50 and 550;

Buena Vista to Ridgeway SP/Ouray/Silverton/Rt 550 - 285 to Salida the Rt 50 west to Gunnison/Blue Mesa Reservoir/Black Canyon of the Gunnison - I would spend a couple of nights in this area with the side trips to Creede/Lake City/BCoftheGNP - then on to Ridgway and Ouray - all this area is just heaven - 4x4 trails to spend a lifetime on - eye Candy that never, NEVER gets old. Because you have elected to take the Lizard Head Pass and Rico route around Silverton be sure to add it and a 4x4 trail or two to the itinerary, for a day trip or two.

4. Ridgeway SP to Cortez/Mesa Verde KOA via 50, 62 and 145;

Great drive with Telluride and Dunton and Trout Lake as great side trips - again just too much to see and do in a lifetime.

5. Cortez to Durango via 160;

Easy - having been to Durango it just has nothing for me - after all the wild and beautiful places, hard to come into a crowded Metropolis.(JMHO)

6. Durango to Alamosa via 160;

Try to work Pagosa Springs into the stops - Beautiful starting to get too large but still, IMHO, heaven.

7. Alamosa to Colorado Springs via 160 to 25.

Again just my preference - avoid the I-25 craziness - head north - catch Great Sand Dunes NP - on up thru Salida then Rt 24 into the backside of the Springs.

I know it's a lot to look at...so thanks in advance! Any input greatly appreciated. We have towed through Utah, Montana etc and are comfortable with most everything except steep drops with no guardrails while towing...

Irish