Grand Lake, CO

On the subject mountain roads, I stumbled upon this video of a truck taking a large marble block down a series of switchbacks in Italy. Some corners are 5pointers, others require backing down a leg of the switchback.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=naOHC8KnmjU

Thanks for the replies. Berthoud Pass will be the way I go. As I said, I have driven 550 several times from Durango to Ouray so mountain passes do not bother me. I just wanted to make sure it was not restricted like Independence Pass.

thanks again.

I'd also recommend the route over Berthoud Pass. Do be aware that the area around Granby and Grand Lake has some of the worst beetle kill in the state.

With all do respect to above poster. Berthoud is not a tough pass. Yes, it is steep and winding. Yes, it has climbing/passing lanes. I hate it in a car and MH. If you have driven 550, Berthoud is a piece of cake.

The road from Silverthorn to Kremmiling is a nice road, but out of your way since you have to double back to Granby.

Two ways -from I 70 - Berthoud Pass (US 40) is pretty tough pass but passing lanes all the way up and over - on to Granby OR I 70 to Silverthorne then #9 to Kremmling and back on US 40 to Granby. Only pass here is up and through the Eisenhower Tunnel and back down.- much easier, IMHO, than Berthoud Pass. From Silverthone thru' Kremmiling to Granby and on to Grand Lake is basically flat 2 lane hiway. Enjoy that beautiful country!
John

Winding River Resort is really nice. I was just in Grand Lake 2 weeks ago but came up through breck. I live in Woodland Park so it was closer so cannot comment on the road up through winter park. Grand lake was top notch though. We caught lots of fish and saw a lot of Moose.