KIMKUGLER wrote:
We will be traveling from Canyonlands N.P. thru Colorado on I70 at the end of September. We have a v10 class a 37' gasser with a toad. I've heard everything from white knuckle to not a big deal. Also looking for some good places to stay and sights
As with everything related to mountain driving, a lot has to do with the experience level of the driver, whether it's the Rocky Mountains, the Appalachians, or some other mountains.
From Grand Junction, you'll be ascending/climbing quite a bit, though it is a gradual climb most of the time. There are spots where it can get more than gradual. There will also be spots where it levels out some. You'll be in a canyon/valley for a goodly part of the trip from Grand Junction east through Rifle, Newcastle, and Glenwood Springs. Glenwood is definitely worth a stop, there's a lot to see there, and hopefully Ken/4Runnerguy will respond with some pointers as he's from there.
East of Glenwood, you'll travel through the famous Glenwood Canyon, a wonder of nature and engineering. Take your time and enjoy the sights of that marvel.
Further east is the Eagle Valley, and the drive is quite comfortable with a different, broader view while driving. Next is the Vail Valley area of Edwards, Avon and Vail. Much to see and do in that area, there's usually music festivals or art shows of some kind or another going on there, some nice hikes, and a lot more than "just skiing".
Out of Vail is the climb up to Vail Pass, topping out at 10,600 or so. Not a difficult climb...steady, but not difficult. Once headed down, the descent to Copper Mountain again is steady but not difficult, just be aware that at the base as you approach Copper, there's a goodly curve, so a heads up is in order to watch your speed as you approach Copper.
Copper to Frisco, Silverthorne and Dillon is again in a valley and is a pleasant drive, still mainly down hill to Silverthorne.
From Silverthorne you'll start the climb up to the Johnson/Eisenhower Tunnels. It's approximately 11 miles up and is quite steady climbing, there are 3 lanes up and several pull offs the enjoy the views. There will likely be a steady stream of slow vehicles in the far right lane, semis with their flashers on, other RVs as well. Take your time heading up.
Once through the Tunnels at 11000 feet, it's a goodly, steady decline/descent to Silver Plume/Georgetown area. Again, there will likely be a steady stream of semis and RVs in the right lane going down in a low gear with flashers on. Don't hesitate to join them if you're so inclined...I do. Drop down to a lower gear heading down. In my 3500 dually, I usually drop down to 2nd or 3rd gear. It's not a race. There are several runaway truck ramps on the way down.
From Georgetown to Idaho Springs, it's a good comfortable drive. Idaho Springs is in a valley/canyon and gets narrow, so be aware of local traffic entering/exiting I-70 for the several exits there. And just past Idaho Springs, there's a significant curve to the right, so be aware of your speed as you aproach that area.
Next up is Floyd Hill which is a fairly significant climb up to Genesee Park, but it's again 3 lanes climbing and will again be a stream of semis and RVs going up with flashers on. Once up top, it levels off a bit....and then there's the decline/descent into the Denver Metro. It's about 7 miles or so of very steady and somewhat curvy down hill, and there are signs that will tell you how much further you have to go. Again, if so inclined, join the semis and RVs heading down with flashers on and in a low gear. I usually use 3rd gear in my diesel as I'm going down. There are also several runaway truck ramps going down.
When you see signs for CO-470, you're just about down. And there will be more lanes as you start into the Metro area.
This gives you an overview of what to expect if you stay on I-70 west to east from GJ to Denver.
H E R E - Elevation Changes is a graph that shows the elevation changes, over the course of the 243 miles between GJ and Denver.
There are a LOT of things to see/do along the way, and others will give you some suggestions for alternate routes. If you have the time, certainly read what's suggested and see those sights!
