Golden CO to Durango CO

Thanks for all the info. All very helpful.

BarryG20 wrote:
I go from Denver to Durango at least ten times a year. In fact going tonight. The previous posters hit it good. For me 285 to 112 (this cutoff saves about 10 miles compared to going 285 to Monte Vista) to 160 is my preferred route. It is easy by just about anyone's standards. Is certainly a prettier drive than i25 to 160 and you miss driving through Denver, Colorado Springs and Pueblo (not that Pueblo is bad). Kenosha pass one of the easier ones, Poncha pass is just as easy if not easier as the west/south side is a very gentle 50 mile downhill. Wolf Creek while a bit of a slog to the top just pay attention to the downhill speed on the west side.

Read this one. Barry has all the important particulars down. The note on the downhill from the top of Wolf Creek Pass is important.

You are smart to ask these questions. I have travel lots of mountains including the Canadian Rockies and the area you are asking about is one of the most difficult I personally have experienced. Either way you will have to go over the Wolf Creak pass (this was the way I chose) or the Million dollar highway (have read many horror stories).

PS next time I will disconnect my toad.

Good luck it is beautiful country, r0n.....:E

I go from Denver to Durango at least ten times a year. In fact going tonight. The previous posters hit it good. For me 285 to 112 (this cutoff saves about 10 miles compared to going 285 to Monte Vista) to 160 is my preferred route. It is easy by just about anyone's standards. Is certainly a prettier drive than i25 to 160 and you miss driving through Denver, Colorado Springs and Pueblo (not that Pueblo is bad). Kenosha pass one of the easier ones, Poncha pass is just as easy if not easier as the west/south side is a very gentle 50 mile downhill. Wolf Creek while a bit of a slog to the top just pay attention to the downhill speed on the west side.

^^^^^ This. What the last 2 posters have said.

US 285 is a beautiful drive, and at the top of Kenosha Pass, there's a pull out for a wonderful photo op. One of the most beautiful spots you'll find in Colorado is South Park.

The early part of US 285, from CO 470 to near Pine Junction, is primarily 4 lane through Aspen Park and Conifer. Big down hill from Pine Junction to Bailey, but then an easy drive up to Kenosha Pass at 10000 feet.

As pointed out, the drive across South Park is mostly flat, at ~9400-9600 feet. A down hill to Johnson Village, where you'll start heading south down the Arkansas Valley.

Once over Poncha Pass (a barely noticeable pass by Colorado standards), the views of the San Luis Valley are also breathtaking. Follow the instructions in the post above about getting to US 160.

Once on US 160, you'll have Wolf Creek Pass to go over. It's reputation is from the past, it's been "tamed" in recent years so it's not near as difficult as it once was, and literally thousands of RVers cross it all the time, as well as commercial truckers. Once down, the drive from Pagosa Springs to Durango is another beautiful stretch.

AND...if you have the time, many of the points of interest that Bill/Busskipper pointed out, can be experienced, such as Leadville, Independence Pass and Buena Vista. If you were to stay for a few days in the Arkansas Valley, you could also go over Monarch Pass to Gunnison and Crested Butte area, and explore that wonderful area of the state. A few days in the San Luis Valley also would allow you to see the Great Sand Dunes NP, if you wish.

Much to see/do in taking the US 285/US 160 route versus the I-25 route. Any more these days, it's bumper to bumper traffic from the western suburbs of Denver south to Colorado Springs with speeds frequently slowing to 25-30 MPH in stretches, and sometimes even slower around Monument Hill. And this is at times during the week, not just on the weekends. Last times I was down that was was during the week in the mid-morning to mid-afternoon. A very stressful drive that's been.

If you are in Golden and want to take 285, I would take c470 south to Hampden Ave, which is 285, and take 285 down to Monte Vista and catch 160. Kenosha pass into South park is a very easy pass to maneuver, both up and down. South Park is fairly flat to Johnsons corner. I have taken this route several times. Also when you see highway 112 by Center you can take this and cut over to Del Norte and catch 160. I agree with Heisnbergs comments

I did 285 to 160 back in July from Chatfield. Of course the traffic is busy until you clear Bailey or so. It is a breeze for sure once you clear Fairplay. Much easier than the I25 metro mess through the Springs IMO. A beautiful drive.

285 can be a very busy 2 lane road on weekends and high traffic times. There are many passes.

Fewer passes on 160 and not so busy.

I've driven them and would probably opt for 25-160

but, everyone has a different risk tolerance / adventure - ordeal scale!

BearontheGo wrote:
Have a 38' MH flat towing a car. Looking for best route. Debating between I-25 to US160 or US285 to US160. Thanks for any info.

Edit:

IMHO your routes will get you there BUT - there is Sooooo much to see and do in Colorado to miss any is just not right - so Look over this option for a Beautiful and enjoyable drive, that takes you into the mountains and Beauty and Adventure you have come to the Mountains of Colorado to see. Just the Drive out Rt 6 along Clear Creek will enlighten you as to what you can just drive along and enjoy - then Buena Vista and the Collegiates - Independence Pass in the Toad - Quincy's in Leadville - Possibly Crested Butte and Lake City as you drive out then Ouray, the Alps of Colorado - to Silverton and the Million Dollar Highway. Just too much to see and do to miss all this.
JMHO.

Leave Golden on Rt 6 along Clear Creek - arrive Idaho Springs and I-70 - continue west on 70 to Rt 91 and Leadville - take Rt 24 south through Buena Vista and on to Salida/Poncha Springs and Rt 50 head west through Gunnison and on to Montrose. Head south on Rt 550 to Ouray continue on through Silverton to Durango.

That the route we have taken and would recommend - the Rt 550 might cause some concern, if that is the case opt out to Rt 145 catching Telluride And Rico and on to Durango.

There are a years worth of things to see and do all along the way - BUT - you just wanted direction to, so there you go enjoy - take lots of Pictures and let us know how you enjoyed the trip.

Best of Luck,

I do have a DP with engine compression brake. Will be first time driving in mountains