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Tony_DiannesRV's avatar
Tony_DiannesRV
Explorer
May 23, 2016

Route Canon City, CO to Moab, UT

Hi all-
We are on our cross-country trip (finally!)
We are based here in a campground off Rte 50 in Canon City now. Next stop is Moab, UT. If we take 50W all the way to I70 in Grand Junction and then into Utah, is there anything we should be concerned about regarding steep passes? We are towing a 30' 5'er with a 2015 2500 Sierra gas.

If this is not the best route, is there a better route? We are concerned about mountain passes and safety the most; not so much about the time. The weather ahead looks great for travel.
Thanks in advance, Tony
Roads and Routes

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  • RedRocket204's avatar
    RedRocket204
    Explorer
    May 23, 2016
    TexasShadow wrote:
    you will find Monarch pass west of Salida a bit of a challenge, but lots of big rigs do it every day.


    Yes, and not many options avoiding a pass(es) in CO. OP, The route you have chosen would absolutely be the route I would take.

    Salida/Poncha Springs/Buena Vista are great areas to hang out in but sounds like you are just passing through Salida area. Monarch Pass is a great drive too and it is not too bad... just gear down on the descent. I take my TT over that pass a lot and do not find it nerve racking. Hwy 50 around Blue Mesa Res. is very scenic and worthy of picture taking. Then the eastern descent into Montrose is not bad at all.
  • TexasShadow's avatar
    TexasShadow
    Explorer II
    May 23, 2016
    you will find Monarch pass west of Salida a bit of a challenge, but lots of big rigs do it every day.
  • RCMAN46's avatar
    RCMAN46
    Explorer
    May 23, 2016
    Make any reservations you will need in Moab before you leave. Moab is a very busy place this time of the year and RV sites are hard to get as well as Motel reservations.
  • Tony_DiannesRV's avatar
    Tony_DiannesRV
    Explorer
    May 23, 2016
    Thank you for the quick reply.
    We are basing ourselves in several CO areas and staying an average of 6 nights at each and doing day trips to see what's in the area. We wanted to hit Moab before it got too hot out there! But back into CO again to stay in Dolores next.
  • Busskipper's avatar
    Busskipper
    Explorer
    May 23, 2016
    Tony&DiannesRV wrote:
    Hi all-
    We are on our cross-country trip (finally!)
    We are based here in a campground off Rte 50 in Canon City now. Next stop is Moab, UT. If we take 50W all the way to I70 in Grand Junction and then into Utah, is there anything we should be concerned about regarding steep passes? We are towing a 30' 5'er with a 2015 2500 Sierra gas.

    If this is not the best route, is there a better route? We are concerned about mountain passes and safety the most; not so much about the time. The weather ahead looks great for travel.
    Thanks in advance, Tony


    I'd think that is the only logical route - should be a fun, and beautiful drive - Lot's of great side trips if you are interested.

    If Moab is the ultimate destination try to remember getting off on Exit 214 in Utah onto Rt 128 for the drive along the Colorado River into Moab.

    If you are interested you really might visit many of the sights along the route.

    BOL,

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