Hwy 70 From Denver to the Utah boarder

We just drove through I-40 from Denver to Utah twice in the past 2 weeks. Going west, the tough climb are the first one after Golden (MM ~250), last few miles to Eisenhower Tunnel, and Vail Pass though this is the easiest one since starting elevation in Frisco is over 9000 ft. Coming back, climbing Vail Pass and Eisenhower Tunnel are the two big climbs.

We never dropped below 40mph on any of the climbs. Usually maintain around 50 mph. Coming down, using either 4th or 3rd gear, it's rare I ever touch the brakes except for slower traffic. I'm pretty sure I never touched the brake from Eisenhower Tunnel down to Silverthorne since I did that section at 5:30 am and traffic were light.

I thought the section through Glenwood Canyon was super scenic. The expansion joints didn't bother us.

I would not want to tackle the section from Avon to Idaho Springs if there are any snow on the road.

The last few miles up to the Eisenhower tunnel will test your transmission. The downgrade to Silverthorne will test yoyour brakes. Vial Pass is challenging too. Take yoyour time.

I cannot reiterate enough the concern about snow. It is a real possibility and we seem to be getting decent early. About 6" thus far in my yard yesterday, most of it has melted. Mountains should be cold enough now that whatever we get is here for the season unless we get a real good an long warm spell. Winter is here in the High Country albeit we will still get some nice days.

I hope the west bound is smoother. I just drove it eastward about 9 days ago and it was rough. The bridge expansion joints are the worst along with construction before Glenwood Springs. I was quickly reminded why I prefer the two lanes with little traffic.

BarryG20 wrote:
I don't believe any of the passes or hills are over 6% anywhere along the route.

The down hill sections on the west side of the tunnel and the west side of Vail Pass are both 7% grades for around seven miles. Use your gearing to keep your speed in check.

Interstates have the most stringent grade requirements, the most gradual curves of any highways. Even going over the Rockies it is not that hard. Some grades are long like the one going westbound after Loveland Pass. Watch for snow.

Yup just adding, if it snows, it kind of sucks but not the worst thing ever early in the year. Otherwise it's not a bad drive, just a few steeper passes but nothing too treacherous. We do it every year with our 38' 5th wheel toyhauler. There's CDOT Rest Stops with clean bathrooms that are big rig friendly in Edwards and Rifle and Fruita if you need a place to stop. They all also have free water and dump stations if you need it.

I would also make sure you are good on gas before you get going. There's not a ton of great gas stations along the way until you get past Glenwood Springs. Our go to gas stations is a station just north of the outlet mall in Silverthorne, or the small truck stop in DeBeque, but with our new truck, we can make the whole trip without filling up.

As previously mentioned good road. You have a couple good hills as you come out of Denver and start heading up Genessee and then Floyd Hill. From there you get some relief until Georgetown then the slog up to the tunnel starts. Once up and through the tunnel and down you will soon hit Vail Pass and its climb. Once up and over it is mostly downhill all the way to Grand Junction. Glenwood Canyon just before Glenwood Springs is great. From Glenwood to Grand Junction is good road no hills of merit at all. From Grand Junction to the border you will hit a few hills as you get closer to the border but nothing that is long or really significant. I don't believe any of the passes or hills are over 6% anywhere along the route. Also as previously mentioned keep your eye on the weather. That time of year it can snow for sure but normally is a wetter snow. Though the storms are not frequent. Sometimes it can pile up and sometimes it is just a dusting or melts within hours. The problem with the early season wetter snow even if it doesn't get deep is it turns to the thick slushy icy type stuff from the traffic as the road is still a bit warm. Normally a non issue once west of Vail Pass a bit but you never know. We use COTRIP.ORG all the time to check out the cameras in the winter time.

dave_330 wrote:
I have a 42FT. motor home towing a car dolly. Can anyone tell me how the mountain roads are, I am going from Denver to the Utah boarder the first week in Nov.

It's the Interstate Highway with two Good Passes and one of the most Beautiful Section of the Interstate System Just before Glenwood Springs.

Couple of Notes - Weather, just keep an Eye open, it can be Sunny on the Denver side and a Blizzard on the Western Side. Cameras - CDOT Cameras

We always go out on RT 6 just out of Golden to Idaho Springs - Beautiful drive that will take you along Clear Creek to Idaho Springs and I-70.

If Moab is in you plans as you leave RT 128 at exit 214 along the Colorado River is again Beautiful.

Map - Denver to Moab

Best of luck,

See my Signature vehicle - similar to you - so yes, all the Roads are Good.

edit; Traffic on weekends if Skiing is Good - Yes Heavy Traffic especially if it's Snowing. - :E

X2 on weather. Snow is basically guaranteed at times during November. I would recommend being able to re-adjust your schedule to wait out any snowstorms.