Going to Colorado Springs up the Raton Pass

As Colorado passes go, Raton Pass is not a difficult pass. Topping out at under 8000 feet, and per CDOT website, the grade is a maximum of 6%. There really is no need to unhook a toad for the climb; that said, if you want to do so, you could certainly re-connect once you get down to Trinidad. You could even re-connect at the top of the pass, as there is an area to pull off.

If this pass is uncomfortable for you, an alternative to getting to Colorado Springs, assuming you're coming from Texas, would be to take US287 north from Amarillo to Lamar,CO, and then take US50 over to Pueblo to get on I-25, to go north to Colorado Springs.

I fully agree with above. We tow our 5er that route every summer. Raton Pass is really only steep the last mile or so from the top. And even that is not bad. And once you reach Trinidad at the bottom of the north side there are no more grades of any consequence the rest of the way. If you want to unhook, then hook back up in Trinidad (or at the top of the pass as noted above).

We haven't been over all the passes in Colorado, but Raton is definitely the easiest of those we have crossed. Perhaps you are thinking about some other pass. No need to unhook for the Raton.

Two Hands wrote:
We haven't been over all the passes in Colorado, but Raton is definitely the easiest of those we have crossed. Perhaps you are thinking about some other pass. No need to unhook for the Raton.

Agree.

Raton should be no problem for you. It's an easy one.

Aren't you driving a diesel pusher MH?

I was going to ask the same question. Diesel you will have no problem. Had a friend who had a gasser and had to unhook. Have driven it several times with both gasser and diesel Chebby and much more fun with the Dmax and Allie's Son.

Thanks everyone for the info. Sounds like I am remembering it much worse than it is. Sounds like no need to worry or unhook. Thanks for the quick responses.

As noted, you shouldn't have any trouble on that pass. If you must unhook, take exit 460 at the top of the pass and reconnect.

If it's near lunchtime, a stop in Colorado City at Obie's BBQ might be in order. Decent food and real easy off/on right at the top of the ramp with loads of big rig parking. Sometimes easier to eat at these little towns than maneuvering through bigger cities.

287 is a nice road and makes for a relaxing trip vs driving all the way up to Raton. Turn onto highway 50 in Lamar to go to Pueblo.
Dave