Colorado Springs to Breckenridge

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

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!