getting to Arches/Canyonlands from Florida
We have pulled our 5200lb trailer with our V8 Trailblazer over 40,000 miles so far. Now we are going back west to hit what we missed. We have to choose to either go over Monarch Pass etc., or backtr...
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Just for comparison: We tow a 34' fifth-wheel with a Chevrolet Duramax/Allison--both about 7 years old. The primary driver is 82 years old.
We have been over both your routes several times each. Monarch Pass is a major pass, but we have been over it many times. There are passing lanes as you ascend from Salida so faster traffic can get around you. As with all such passes, the greater care is to be taken going down on the other side. Again, going down toward Gunnison, the road is wide even though the curves are tight near the top. I will just say that we have no dread of Monarch.
Similar comments in regard to Towgatee Pass between DuBoise, WY and Moran and the Tetons. I think we have towed three different fifth-wheels over Towgatee, and have been over it both ways. It is our preferred route into the Tetons from Colorado.
Now to Route #2: Taos and Durango are some of our favorite places to visit (add Santa Fe)--not just as routes, but as desitinations. I would consider all these as easy highways. If you go that way you might want to visit Taos (but if so, you would need an overnight--parking in Taos would be difficult)
You have two good routes. We would select on the basis of where we wanted to visit/stay over. Gunnison is a favorite of ours as is the upper Arkansas Valley (Salida, Buena Visita, Leadville). Will be glad to answer specific questions you may have--via private messages.
We have been over both your routes several times each. Monarch Pass is a major pass, but we have been over it many times. There are passing lanes as you ascend from Salida so faster traffic can get around you. As with all such passes, the greater care is to be taken going down on the other side. Again, going down toward Gunnison, the road is wide even though the curves are tight near the top. I will just say that we have no dread of Monarch.
Similar comments in regard to Towgatee Pass between DuBoise, WY and Moran and the Tetons. I think we have towed three different fifth-wheels over Towgatee, and have been over it both ways. It is our preferred route into the Tetons from Colorado.
Now to Route #2: Taos and Durango are some of our favorite places to visit (add Santa Fe)--not just as routes, but as desitinations. I would consider all these as easy highways. If you go that way you might want to visit Taos (but if so, you would need an overnight--parking in Taos would be difficult)
You have two good routes. We would select on the basis of where we wanted to visit/stay over. Gunnison is a favorite of ours as is the upper Arkansas Valley (Salida, Buena Visita, Leadville). Will be glad to answer specific questions you may have--via private messages.
