Hello. We are making a 2 week run up to Colorado on Saturday. I was contemplating taking a different route from Colorado Springs to Breckenridge. In the past I have taken the interstate Route via Denver. However, I was wondering how an F250 with a 39 foot 5er would do on the following route:- US 29 from Colorado Springs to Hartsel- Colorado 9 to Fairplay and continuing on to BreckenridgeOn Google Maps, there appear to be quite a few switch backs on 9. Any advice or words of wisdom?Thanks,Chris

cgaskins wrote:Hello. We are making a 2 week run up to Colorado on Saturday. I was contemplating taking a different route from Colorado Springs to Breckenridge. In the past I have taken the interstate Route via Denver. However, I was wondering how an F250 with a 39 foot 5er would do on the following route:- US 29 from Colorado Springs to Hartsel- Colorado 9 to Fairplay and continuing on to BreckenridgeOn Google Maps, there appear to be quite a few switch backs on 9. Any advice or words of wisdom?Thanks,ChrisHey Chris,Just a minor correction...it's US 24 that goes from the Springs up to Hartsel. It meets up with CO 9 just west of Hartsel.In any event, it's a good, scenic drive, not overly difficult as Colorado routes go. The climb up from the Springs to Woodland Park is not difficult, and you'll go over Wilkerson Pass, at about 9200ft -- barely noticeable. You'll be in the south part of South Park, so it will be a gradual, but relatively flat crossing to Hartsel, and then on to Fairplay. Fairplay is cool, if you get a chance check out South Park City.From Fairplay to Breck is not difficult, it's a good road and even though Hoosier Pass is about 11500 ft, it's not a bad climb. You'll be following a valley for much of the climb up on the south side of the pass, and then drop down into the Blue River Valley. Yup, there's some switchbacks and there's some 8% grades on that side, but it really isn't difficult; not like Independence, Slumgullion or other passes on the Million Dollar Highway. And once you get down to the actual valley where you're running with the Blue River, it's just a sweet drive on in to Breck. If you've done all those ups and downs on I-70 before with your rig, this will be far easier than I-70.Have a good trip -- hope you enjoy your time here!

Thom02099 wrote:Hey Chris,Just a minor correction...it's US 24 that goes from the Springs up to Hartsel. It meets up with CO 9 just west of Hartsel.In any event, it's a good, scenic drive, not overly difficult as Colorado routes go. The climb up from the Springs to Woodland Park is not difficult, and you'll go over Wilkerson Pass, at about 9200ft -- barely noticeable. You'll be in the south part of South Park, so it will be a gradual, but relatively flat crossing to Hartsel, and then on to Fairplay. Fairplay is cool, if you get a chance check out South Park City.From Fairplay to Breck is not difficult, it's a good road and even though Hoosier Pass is about 11500 ft, it's not a bad climb. You'll be following a valley for much of the climb up on the south side of the pass, and then drop down into the Blue River Valley. Yup, there's some switchbacks and there's some 8% grades on that side, but it really isn't difficult; not like Independence, Slumgullion or other passes on the Million Dollar Highway. And once you get down to the actual valley where you're running with the Blue River, it's just a sweet drive on in to Breck. If you've done all those ups and downs on I-70 before with your rig, this will be far easier than I-70.Have a good trip -- hope you enjoy your time here!Hey, thanks for the reply and the correction. Yes, I meant US 24 not US 29. I have done I70 just fine. I have not done Independence Pass, Slumgullion Pass or the Million Dollar Highway. We were in Durango last summer and elected not to make that drive on the Million Dollar Highway. I went the long way around to Montrose from Durango taking Colorado 145 over Lizard Head Pass dropping in near Telluride - that was a heck of descent!! How does this compare to Colorado 145?-Chris

cgaskins wrote:I have done I70 just fine. I have not done Independence Pass, Slumgullion Pass or the Million Dollar Highway. We were in Durango last summer and elected not to make that drive on the Million Dollar Highway. I went the long way around to Montrose from Durango taking Colorado 145 over Lizard Head Pass dropping in near Telluride - that was a heck of descent!! How does this compare to Colorado 145?I'm not sure if you're meaning CO 145. Max grade on CO 145 is only 4.1%. As a comparison, the grade down into Silverthorne is 7% for 7 miles on I-70. The grade on CO 9 down into Breck is 8%. However, I think that although CO 9 is steeper, it is no more difficult than I-70. Coming down off the pass you'll need to stay in lower gears through those first few switchbacks off the top. You'll be going slow at the top anyway, so just stay slow.

4runnerguy wrote:I'm not sure if you're meaning CO 145. Max grade on CO 145 is only 4.1%. As a comparison, the grade down into Silverthorne is 7% for 7 miles on I-70. The grade on CO 9 down into Breck is 8%. However, I think that although CO 9 is steeper, it is no more difficult than I-70. Coming down off the pass you'll need to stay in lower gears through those first few switchbacks off the top. You'll be going slow at the top anyway, so just stay slow.Thank you for the information - sounds like a pretty steep grade. -Chris

cgaskins wrote:Thank you for the information - sounds like a pretty steep grade. One difference to consider is that the 7% grade on I-70 is continuous for seven miles, while on Hoosier Pass, you have about one mile of steep switchbacks, then the grade eases for a mile or so, then maybe a half mile of switchbacks. Beyond that the grade is relatively easy (by Colorado standards) into Breck.

Colorado Springs to Breckenridge | Good Sam Community

15 Replies

carhopper
Explorer
Mar 02, 2015
cgaskins wrote:
Hello. We are making a 2 week run up to Colorado on Saturday. I was contemplating taking a different route from Colorado Springs to Breckenridge. In the past I have taken the interstate Route via Denver. However, I was wondering how an F250 with a 39 foot 5er would do on the following route:

- US 29 from Colorado Springs to Hartsel
- Colorado 9 to Fairplay and continuing on to Breckenridge

On Google Maps, there appear to be quite a few switch backs on 9.

Any advice or words of wisdom?

Thanks,
Chris

I'm glad to see other people are using SRW trucks to pull large 5ers. I bought my 44' toy hauler before the truck and I have it in a camp site near the dealer. I purchased a 2011 F250 Powerstroke 6.7L on the advice of the salesman at Ford saying "sure it will pull it". Well it is rated at 16k and that's what mine weighs, but what I didn't understand at the time was payload. What I have learned since is that the F250 is capped at 10,000 GVWR for tax purposes. With the 6.7 diesel and 4WD, that only allows about 2,600lbs of payload.The only difference on an F350 is one more leaf spring in the rear and upgraded springs in the front. Some say this isn't true, but at least in 2011 the F250 and F350 have the exact same drive shaft, inner and outer, I verified on the fordparts.com web site. My F250 has the camper prep package with upgraded springs so I assume it has the same rating if not capped. I took the truck to my site, hooked it up to see what kind of squat I would get. My signature has a picture of my truck and rig without any airbags and it only squats about 3". I have since added 5K firestone airbags and Rancho XL9000 shocks. Now my overloads don't engage so I think I will add extenders to the overload contact points to add some more support and help with sway. My tires are the highest rated tires available in their size at 3,640lbs each. I haven't pulled this yet, we're waiting for warm weather, but I am still very nervous about it.
eastcoastfirefl
Explorer
Jul 03, 2014
Thanks all! We ended up taking 24 to 91. It worked out great! My husband felt comfortable and really got a chance to learn how to use the brakes and low gears. And as long as he was not stressed it was a great trip! You guys are awesome!
4runnerguy
Explorer
Jun 07, 2014
US 24 from Leadville to Minturn isn't as bad as 2mileup makes it sound. Yeah, a few switchbacks, but the limited exposure on this route (around Red Cliff) is for those heading from Minturn to Leadville. The northbound side is on the inside. I'd definitely recommend this route vs. going over Fremont Pass and Vail Pass (which, with seven miles of 7% grade, is steeper than either Fremont or Tennessee).

One thing about the CO 91 route is it is a pretty continuous grade all the way down nearly to Copper Mtn. and one can get a fair head of steam on that relatively straight stretch.
2milesup
Explorer II
Jun 07, 2014
Sorry, duplicate post.
2milesup
Explorer II
Jun 07, 2014
eastcoastfirefly wrote:
Has anyone taking 24 all the way to I70? Heading to Grand Junction and the maps tell me to go through Breck and Hoosier Pass. I kind of would like a stress free drive and the switch backs in cars down the pass is scarry enough. This is only our second summer on the road with the travel trailer. So less stress makes a happy family. Suggestions?

Two options, depending on how nervous the switchbacks and steep drop-offs make you. Stay on US 24 all the way from Colorado Springs through Leadville and Minturn to I-70. The road winds a lot, and the shoulder drop-offs are unforgiving, but it's a good road now that they put in guard rails.

If that kind of road gives you the yips, head north on CO 91 from Leadville and join I-70 at Copper Mountain. You'll add about 5 miles to your route but the road is less harsh. The biggest trade-off is that while the US 24 route involves only 1 pass (Tennessee Pass/Battle Mountain), the CO 91 route involves 2, Freemont and Vail Passes.

I live in Leadville and work in Vail, and I usually take the CO 91 route.
eastcoastfirefl
Explorer
Jun 06, 2014
Has anyone taking 24 all the way to I70? Heading to Grand Junction and the maps tell me to go through Breck and Hoosier Pass. I kind of would like a stress free drive and the switch backs in cars down the pass is scarry enough. This is only our second summer on the road with the travel trailer. So less stress makes a happy family. Suggestions?
4runnerguy
Explorer
Jun 04, 2014
Busskipper wrote:
I'm a person who likes to enjoy the drive to the destination as much as the destination, so I might just add a thought as to your route. If this were me I'd take the left turn on Rt 50 at Pueblo towards Salida then head north through Buena Vista and Leadville. This will take you through some beautiful areas of Colorado - Arkansas River and the Collegiate Peaks, not to mention Leadville and the surrounds. Out of Leadville we generally take Rt 91 back to 70 then over to Dillon/Breck. This would give you a more beautiful drive and eliminate the heavy switchbacks on rt 9. (4runnerguy could comment if he is still following this thread) Only other thought is if you are really into the adventure side of it you might get off at Pictou and take Rt 69 up through the Valley, but that would be me and I have followed the small roads until they turn into dirt and gravel.
Colorado is such a beautiful state to drive in and IMHO every road has its own distinctions.

BOL,

OK, Busskipper, you got me! I've travelled CO 69 many times (our cabin is down that way) and had to Google Pictou to even find out where it is (I just go by the name Walsenburg!)

Anyway, the route Busskipper suggests out of Pueblo to Leadville is a great option. Scenic and generally a gentle grade all the way up. The last mile or so to the summit of Fremont Pass is a little steeper, but the grade is still under 6%. It's a generally straight shot right down to Copper Mountain where you rejoin I-70 and head east a bit to Frisco and Summit County. Even when we're in our car, we'll often take US 24 through Leadville, Salida and down toward Pueblo rather than the somewhat quicker, but very much busier, I-70 to I-25 to get there.
Busskipper
Explorer
Jun 03, 2014
cgaskins wrote:
Hello. We are making a 2 week run up to Colorado on Saturday. I was contemplating taking a different route from Colorado Springs to Breckenridge. In the past I have taken the interstate Route via Denver. However, I was wondering how an F250 with a 39 foot 5er would do on the following route:

- US 29 from Colorado Springs to Hartsel
- Colorado 9 to Fairplay and continuing on to Breckenridge

On Google Maps, there appear to be quite a few switch backs on 9.

Any advice or words of wisdom?

Thanks,
Chris

I'm a person who likes to enjoy the drive to the destination as much as the destination, so I might just add a thought as to your route. If this were me I'd take the left turn on Rt 50 at Pueblo towards Salida then head north through Buena Vista and Leadville. This will take you through some beautiful areas of Colorado - Arkansas River and the Collegiate Peaks, not to mention Leadville and the surrounds. Out of Leadville we generally take Rt 91 back to 70 then over to Dillon/Breck. This would give you a more beautiful drive and eliminate the heavy switchbacks on rt 9. (4runnerguy could comment if he is still following this thread) Only other thought is if you are really into the adventure side of it you might get off at Pictou and take Rt 69 up through the Valley, but that would be me and I have followed the small roads until they turn into dirt and gravel.
Colorado is such a beautiful state to drive in and IMHO every road has its own distinctions.

BOL,
cgaskins
Explorer
Jun 02, 2014
4runnerguy wrote:
cgaskins wrote:
Thank you for the information - sounds like a pretty steep grade.

One difference to consider is that the 7% grade on I-70 is continuous for seven miles, while on Hoosier Pass, you have about one mile of steep switchbacks, then the grade eases for a mile or so, then maybe a half mile of switchbacks. Beyond that the grade is relatively easy (by Colorado standards) into Breck.

Understood. Thank you. I assume the switch backs have plenty of room for rig (F250 + 40 foot trailer).
crabbin_cabin
Explorer II
Jun 02, 2014
When we lived in Summit County (Breck. etc for 13+ years) we had family in the Colorado Springs area and a home base in Colorado Heights cg. We used that route - both directions many times, pulling our fifth wheel. Never any problems - other than traffic getting through Breck.!!