We are traveling from Santa Fe up to see the Great Sand Dunes. After which we plan to head up to Denver (and beyond). We are traveling in a 1999 Rexhall Rexair 36’ (Triton V10) that is extremely heavy (full-timers with two kids). Our highest passes to date are around 8,500’ near Lake Tahoe and also Lassen NP. My husband doesn’t want to attempt anything higher…thinks our poor RV won’t support the lack of oxygen. Plus we were pretty scared recently coming down Highway 17 (Flagstaff to Sedona)…6% grade…hard on breaks / engine breaks (high RPM). With this in mind, any thoughts about the Veta Pass (9400’) West to East for us? If we don’t take that pass, looks like we have to come back down to Santa Fe to get around…meaning about 350 extra miles (and with gas prices today…yikes!). I have read several blogs about this pass, saying it is “easy”…but I would appreciate any comments with respect to our situation (older and very heavy RV).

La Veta is not too bad, and eastbound is easier than westbound. The west side is not as steep so going up a little easier. Going down the east side you will need to watch your speed carefully as it is steeper. Or, from Alamosa you could take CO 17 to US 285 to Poncha Springs and then US 50 to I-25. One pass south of Poncha Springs but not bad at all. Listed as 3% on CDOT. Probably easier on your nerves, and RV, that way.https://www.uncovercolorado.com/activities/poncha-pass/

Thanks! The Poncho Springs recommendation seems lower (9000’) and less grade! Still not sure if our 99 V10 Triton can support the lack of oxygen (my husband’s concern). Do you know how the road conditions are there…good pavement, wide lanes, passing lanes, not too many sharp curves, etc? Also any info on how we can easily see road grades would be awesome! I keep looking them up road by road, pass by pass. Or use google maps to see elevation numbers (which I need a magnifying glass to read on my phone!).

My dad went back to a 99 ish Sea Breeze with the V10 Triton. He pulls a Wrangler Unlimited that he uses off road (pretty heavy).The motorhome still goes over the passes, but it is SLOW. That vintage Triton just doesn't have a ton of power, but it does get the job done.

Globy wrote:Thanks! The Poncho Springs recommendation seems lower (9000’) and less grade! Still not sure if our 99 V10 Triton can support the lack of oxygen (my husband’s concern). Do you know how the road conditions are there…good pavement, wide lanes, passing lanes, not too many sharp curves, etc? Also any info on how we can easily see road grades would be awesome! I keep looking them up road by road, pass by pass. Or use google maps to see elevation numbers (which I need a magnifying glass to read on my phone!).The roads from Poncha Springs up to Denver are in good shape and do have some passing lanes. We drive that road regularly with our 5th wheel and cut off to Colorado Springs. The elevation is partly important but how fast you have to climb and descend on grade is a big factor.LaVeta Pass from the west is not a real steep climb it is long and gradual. Overall it is not a hard pass to cross and road is good from Great Sand Dunes to I-25.

While I don’t have issues going up or down in my rig, I also don’t mind at all being behind slow RVs. Gives me time to see more scenery and shows you are being careful descending. Gear down and stab, slow way down and release. Drive on and enjoy!

La Veta Pass (Colorado) with old and heavy RV? | Good Sam Community

Thom02099
Explorer II
Apr 24, 2022
BB_TX wrote:
Or, from Alamosa you could take CO 17 to US 285 to Poncha Springs and then US 50 to I-25. One pass south of Poncha Springs but not bad at all. Listed as 3% on CDOT. Probably easier on your nerves, and RV, that way.

https://www.uncovercolorado.com/activities/poncha-pass/

^^^ This.
Alamosa and the San Luis Valley is around 7500ish feet. CO 17 is a long straight very gradual climb up to Poncha Pass at the upper end of the Valley. Poncha Pass tops out ~9000 feet give or take a few. There's a decline down to Poncha Springs that's 3 lanes, mostly climb lane for folks going south. Once in Poncha Springs, take US 50 east thru Salida and follow the Arkansas River down to Canon City. Lots of twisties but keep your speed down you should be fine. IIRC there are pull offs along the route in case traffic backs up behind you. Once you get thru Canon City, watch for the CO 115 cut off at Penrose to Colorado Springs, which skirts along the foothills and is a good drive. CO 115 intersects with I-25 NB to Denver.
folivier
Explorer
Apr 24, 2022
And La Veta pass has 2 lanes on the climb up on either east or west side so you shouldn't hold up traffic. Just gear down especially going downhill and keep your speed down. I've done it in 26' up to 45' DP weighing at 58,000# with toad. Enjoy your trip!
Lwiddis
Explorer II
Apr 24, 2022
While I don’t have issues going up or down in my rig, I also don’t mind at all being behind slow RVs. Gives me time to see more scenery and shows you are being careful descending. Gear down and stab, slow way down and release. Drive on and enjoy!
gwalter
Explorer III
Apr 24, 2022
Globy wrote:
Thanks! The Poncho Springs recommendation seems lower (9000’) and less grade! Still not sure if our 99 V10 Triton can support the lack of oxygen (my husband’s concern). Do you know how the road conditions are there…good pavement, wide lanes, passing lanes, not too many sharp curves, etc? Also any info on how we can easily see road grades would be awesome! I keep looking them up road by road, pass by pass. Or use google maps to see elevation numbers (which I need a magnifying glass to read on my phone!).

The roads from Poncha Springs up to Denver are in good shape and do have some passing lanes. We drive that road regularly with our 5th wheel and cut off to Colorado Springs. The elevation is partly important but how fast you have to climb and descend on grade is a big factor.

LaVeta Pass from the west is not a real steep climb it is long and gradual. Overall it is not a hard pass to cross and road is good from Great Sand Dunes to I-25.
Bionic_Man
Explorer
Apr 24, 2022
My dad went back to a 99 ish Sea Breeze with the V10 Triton. He pulls a Wrangler Unlimited that he uses off road (pretty heavy).

The motorhome still goes over the passes, but it is SLOW. That vintage Triton just doesn't have a ton of power, but it does get the job done.
Globy
Explorer
Apr 24, 2022
Thanks! The Poncho Springs recommendation seems lower (9000’) and less grade! Still not sure if our 99 V10 Triton can support the lack of oxygen (my husband’s concern). Do you know how the road conditions are there…good pavement, wide lanes, passing lanes, not too many sharp curves, etc? Also any info on how we can easily see road grades would be awesome! I keep looking them up road by road, pass by pass. Or use google maps to see elevation numbers (which I need a magnifying glass to read on my phone!).
BB_TX
Nomad
Apr 24, 2022
La Veta is not too bad, and eastbound is easier than westbound. The west side is not as steep so going up a little easier. Going down the east side you will need to watch your speed carefully as it is steeper.

Or, from Alamosa you could take CO 17 to US 285 to Poncha Springs and then US 50 to I-25. One pass south of Poncha Springs but not bad at all. Listed as 3% on CDOT. Probably easier on your nerves, and RV, that way.

https://www.uncovercolorado.com/activities/poncha-pass/

Forum Discussion

La Veta Pass (Colorado) with old and heavy RV?

About Bucket List Trips

Related Content

Too Heavy?

Heavy Duty Brakes?

TC weight too heavy?

How heavy is TOO heavy? GVWR on a 2500

Craig Co to La Veta