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...
Forum Discussion
Timeking wrote:
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 backtrack from Pueblo CO (must go there) back into NM, and get further west that way, mainly because of being scared of the passes. Afraid we are throwing away the baby with the bathwater. Which way is "best"? Advice?
Route #1
Prospectors RV to Curecanti - US50 17 miles west of Poncha Springs there is a 10 mile 6% climb with many 30-35 mph curves to top of Monarch Pass. Big parking area at summit of monarch pass is Monarch Tramway, $7 each to top at 12,000 ft, "pets welcome". The descent is 9 miles 6% with numerous 30-35 mph curves
Park Pioneer RV to Tetons - 5 mile climb of stair-stepping 5% followed by 4 mile climb 5-6% (9 miles total) to summit of Togwotee Pass. The descent is 9 miles unsteady 6% rolling hills followed by 8 miles 6% with signs every mile or so (17 miles total)
To Butte Montana on I-90 - 5 mile 6% climb to Rest Area atop Homestake Pass. The descent is 3 miles steady 6% into town.
Route #2
US 64 between Eagles Nest and Taos - 2 miles 4% climb followed by 2 miles steady 6% and constant 20mph curves. Descent is ¾ mile 6% with 15 mph hairpin turn at bottom. Road is narrow to Taos.
US64 between Tres Piedras and Tierra Amarilla - 6 mile climb 5-6% followed by few miles 3% with 35mph curves to summit. At milepost 193, descent is 5 miles 6% with 30mph curves, then eases to 4% for couple miles, followed by some 3%.
US 160 leaving Durango CO - 5to6 mile climb at 6%
What time of year for your travels?
Your post is a bit confusing. In the title you indicate Arches/Canyonlands as a destination. In route #1, you discuss going up and over Monarch Pass (one of the easier passes, as Colorado passes go), but I'm not seeing where you're going after you get down the west side of Monarch other than Curecanti, and how that translates to Arches/Canyonlands. Are you planning on continuing from Curecanti on US 50 to Montrose, Delta, and Grand Junction, then getting on I-70 west to Utah?
If that's your intended route, Monarch Pass will be your biggest challenge, and really, not that bad. Climb/decline lanes, not overly curvy, and the stop at the top and taking the tram is worth it for the views.
