Raton to Gunnison..Wolf Creek Pass or Monarch Pass?

12th Man Fan wrote:

padredw wrote:
Depending on where you are starting from you do have another choice in getting to Gunnison. IF you are coming from Texas you can turn off I-25 at Walsenburg and take US 160 W. to Monte Vista then take US 285 to Saguache. From Saguache take CO 114 on to US 50 very near Gunnison.

It is probably a bit longer, but Cochetopa (Buffalo) Pass is a relatively easy pass and the drive from the pass on to US 50 is a beautiful canyon drive.

X2

X3!!

I just went to CO a couple weeks ago. Went the Monarch route going, and the Saguache route coming back. WAY easier and better road on the Saguache route!!

When we go again, we will most definitely go that way!!

Mark

On my! Huge head slap here! I thought LaVeta pass was Wolf Creek Pass. Senior moment for sure.

So sorry for the confusion!

The scenic turnout on the south side of Wolf Creek Pass has a fabulous view of the valley below, but it it currently closed for construction. :( Anyhow, it is out of your way as others have said.

Gizmo, your class C will handle all major highway's with a pass in Colorado.

padredw wrote:
Depending on where you are starting from you do have another choice in getting to Gunnison. IF you are coming from Texas you can turn off I-25 at Walsenburg and take US 160 W. to Monte Vista then take US 285 to Saguache. From Saguache take CO 114 on to US 50 very near Gunnison.

It is probably a bit longer, but Cochetopa (Buffalo) Pass is a relatively easy pass and the drive from the pass on to US 50 is a beautiful canyon drive.

For that matter, Monarch has never been a problem but you do have a choice. I don't think Wolf Creek is in this picture.

X2

Wolf Creek will not work well as it takes you too far west. And 114 from Saguache on 285 and 114 to Gunnison is easier than Monarch. If you go to South Fork and Lake City CO (149 North off 160 West) to get there you will have Slumgullion Pass which is very high and more difficult @ 11,529 feet. I have towed on every one of them and do not mind any depending on my final destination.
However the OP wanted the easiest route. Which = I40 to Clines Corners, 285 to Saguache via Santa Fe, and off 285 at Saguache on 114 to Gunnison. Cochetopa Pass is on 114 and will be your only real pass. Traffic is low and the pass is very easy. My 2 cents.............

Edited to add: OP did say Raton NM ...160 West off I25 at Walsenburg takes you over La Veta Pass which will get you to Alamosa where you can take 285 North to Saguache. 3 passes this direction. Raton, La Veta, and Cochetopa. All very easy.

To get from Wolf Creek to Gunnison you either have to go through Creede and Lake City (which negates the easier drive at W.C.) or go through Durango and Rico (way out of the way). and come back on 50.

Slow and easy (for a big diesel) over Monarch is the way I go.

Depending on where you are starting from you do have another choice in getting to Gunnison. IF you are coming from Texas you can turn off I-25 at Walsenburg and take US 160 W. to Monte Vista then take US 285 to Saguache. From Saguache take CO 114 on to US 50 very near Gunnison.

It is probably a bit longer, but Cochetopa (Buffalo) Pass is a relatively easy pass and the drive from the pass on to US 50 is a beautiful canyon drive.

For that matter, Monarch has never been a problem but you do have a choice. I don't think Wolf Creek is in this picture.

Per the Mountain directory, heading east to west:

Wolf Creek: 6% for 8 miles going up; going down, 6% (8 miles) with 30 MPH curves and then another 2 miles of 5%. Going the other way there are 9 miles of 7% downgrade.

Monarch Pass: The ascent is 10 miles of 6%. Westbound descent is 9 miles of 6.4% with numerous 30, 35 and 45 MPH curves.

Choose your poison...

Rob

GizmosMom wrote:
26 foot Class C, Ford 450 gasser with no tow. Have always used Monarch Pass to get to Gunnison. Wondering which is easier for one brave guy (DH) and one old gal (me) who isn't fond of mountain passes.

Which pass, in your opinion, is easiest? East to West (obviously). In August.

Will travel the easier New Mexico route on the way home.

Thanks.

What am I missing?