Forum Discussion

  • East on US 40 to Kremming, then CO 9 South to Canon City.
    Did this numerous years ago.
  • enblethen wrote:
    East on US 40 to Kremming, then CO 9 South to Canon City.
    Did this numerous years ago.


    Yep^^^^

    240 miles.....6 hour trip with rest/pee stops
  • Notice several mountain passes on this route. I have pulled over some before on our travels but this many will be more than all those put together! However, don't see other routes thus far in my planning. How are the passes? Switch backs are the concern not just the altitudes. Thanks,
  • navybanker wrote:
    Notice several mountain passes on this route. I have pulled over some before on our travels but this many will be more than all those put together! However, don't see other routes thus far in my planning. How are the passes? Switch backs are the concern not just the altitudes. Thanks,


    OK might just be me, ....... no argument with Rabbit Ears then to Kremmling the RT 9 along the River to I-70 but here's where I'd add/attempt to make this More Fun and More Beautiful, IMHO, :) - Head west on I-70 to RT 91 Leadville then RT 24 on South past Twin Lakes - along the Arkansas River through Buena Vista and on to Salida then from Salida take RT 50 to Canyon City.

    MAP

    While the Elevation goes up and Down, the Grades - other than Rabbit Ears Pass - is/are all pretty easy, and you will be in some of Colorado's most beautiful Drives.

    Optional side trips; All are worth a day or two extra. :) In the TV.
    RT 24 to Minturn and Back.
    Up Independence Pass to Maroon Bells in Aspen and Back.
    After lunch at K's in Buena Vista a drive over Cottonwood Pass to Crested Butte and Back.- if that's too far just drive down through town to the Town Park Beautiful.
    Salida - need a good long drive Try Monarch Pass or just again to the Town Park on the River.

    If that does mess your thought process up, nothing will Although Leadville is at 10,000 feet getting there is just Easy, then you are following the River - Down - really easy.

    There you go - just trying to make the drive as Beautiful as possible - I Love the Collegiate Peaks.

    Best of Luck,
  • navybanker wrote:
    Notice several mountain passes on this route. I have pulled over some before on our travels but this many will be more than all those put together! However, don't see other routes thus far in my planning. How are the passes? Switch backs are the concern not just the altitudes. Thanks,
    Rabbit Ears Pass isn't much of a problem in your travel direction as it is two lanes uphill most of the way to the summit so just keep right and you'll do fine. The grade down the other side is an easy one. Lots of RV's on both these passes.

    Hoosier Pass just south of Breckenridge has some switchbacks as you approach the summit. So switchbacks on the downhill side of that pass. I think your biggest issues might be the traffic in Steamboat Springs and Breckenridge, esp. if it's a weekend.
  • navybanker wrote:
    Best route in August pulling a 38' fifth wheel.


    Alternative to prior suggestions - US 40 to Steamboat, then south on CO 131 to I-70 at Wolcott. I-70 east to US 24, then south on US 24 through Leadville to Buena Vista, picking up US 285 to Salida then US 50 on to Canon City.

    Only pass of any consequence is Tennessee Pass before you get to Leadville and it's not difficult, with just a couple of switchbacks, certainly not daunting.
  • Thom02099 wrote:
    navybanker wrote:
    Best route in August pulling a 38' fifth wheel.


    Alternative to prior suggestions - US 40 to Steamboat, then south on CO 131 to I-70 at Wolcott. I-70 east to US 24, then south on US 24 through Leadville to Buena Vista, picking up US 285 to Salida then US 50 on to Canon City.

    Only pass of any consequence is Tennessee Pass before you get to Leadville and it's not difficult, with just a couple of switchbacks, certainly not daunting.


    Only Suggestion on this Route would be to take the time to spend the night at Stagecoach State Park just after Steamboat off RT 131 - Beautiful State Park right on the Lake.

    Just a thought, Both Thom and 4runnerguy Know Colorado and the roads that work, Now you have a few options.

    Best of Luck,