Colorado Wyoming Loop Route

Question

I'm looking for suggestions for loop routes through these states, coming from and to Albuquerque, that do not involve very steep roads. We are pulling a 27 foot trailer with a gas rig, plus are rather new at all this. We just don't feel comfortable crossing tall mountain passes as of yet. We'd like to find a few bases to operate from on the East side of the Rockies, then over on the West side, where we can set up camp for a few days to explore without having the trailer behind us. We'd love to get up to Teton and Yellowstone as well. I have ordered the Mountain Directory so that should help with planning too. In the meantime, your suggestions are appreciated.

Thank you.

thom02099 · Answer

Bernalillo Girl wrote:I'm looking for suggestions for loop routes through these states, coming from and to Albuquerque, that do not involve very steep roads.   We are pulling a 27 foot trailer with a gas rig, plus are rather new at all this.  We just don't feel comfortable crossing tall mountain passes as of yet.   We'd like to find a few bases to operate from on the East side of the Rockies, then over on the West side, where we can set up camp for a few days to explore without having the trailer behind us.   We'd love to get up to Teton and Yellowstone as well.   I have ordered the Mountain Directory so that should help with planning too.   In the meantime, your suggestions are appreciated.  Thank you.How much time do you have allotted for such a trip, and what time of year?  Have you been in either areas previously?  Makes a difference as to adequate responses.  If you have weeks available (like 6 weeks or more), responses will be different than if you have only 2 weeks to leave and return to Albuquerque.

2gypsies1 · Answer

I'm not sure what you mean by finding a 'base'. It would be a lot more relaxing to move from place to place rather than trying to do a base campsite and drive distances to see things.

isaac-1 · Answer

Crossing WY on I-80 is fairly easy as there are no long steep grades unlike I-70 in CO, however wind can be an issue depending on time of year.

bb_tx · Answer

Can't help a lot. But from Albuquerque, I would go I-25 north to Santa Fe, then US 285 north. I believe you can stay on 285 all the way to Denver without any major grades to climb. For sure at Poncha Springs you can take US 50 east to I-25. Either is more scenic than I-25 all the way from Albuquerque to Denver, and avoids Raton Pass (not a bad pass but the gasser may strain a little).

There are numerous ways to travel back down the west side to Albuquerque. But don't try US 550 in western Colorado if you don't want mountain passes.

busskipper · Answer

Bernalillo Girl wrote:I'm looking for suggestions for loop routes through these states, coming from and to Albuquerque, that do not involve very steep roads.   We are pulling a 27 foot trailer with a gas rig, plus are rather new at all this.  We just don't feel comfortable crossing tall mountain passes as of yet.   We'd like to find a few bases to operate from on the East side of the Rockies, then over on the West side, where we can set up camp for a few days to explore without having the trailer behind us.   We'd love to get up to Teton and Yellowstone as well.   I have ordered the Mountain Directory so that should help with planning too.   In the meantime, your suggestions are appreciated.  Thank you.Here you go a map of a good route to see a little of Colorado and Wyoming.Missed a lot but you posed a very open ended question.Hope this helps,

Forum Discussion

Colorado Wyoming Loop Route

About Bucket List Trips

Related Content

Route in colorado

Colorado route 160

Colorado Route Suggestions?

Route 287 in Wyoming

Wyoming Route.... Need Some Advice