Travel West Through Colorado

Thanks for the replies Very helpful We have time so will be checking weather as we get closer

TexasShadow wrote:
ditto to taking 50 through Colorado via Grand Junction, Montrose, Gunnison, Pueblo, etc. Unless there is a major snow storm looming. then you're better off to head west from Vegas to Flagstaff then up 89 to 160 to Cortez to Pagosa Springs and up to Alamosa and over to I 25.

^^^^^This.

Either way, you'll have a pass to go over, just a matter of your preference.

On US 50, you'll have Monarch Pass to go over. It's not overly difficult as CO passes go. At the top, there's a gift shop/restaurant, and during the tourist season, there's an aerial tram that runs to the summit to the south, and the views from there are some of the best in Colorado. Monarch tops out at about 11,300 ft. Once you're over, it's a beautiful drive heading eastbound all the way to the plains.

On US 160, there's Wolf Creek Pass, which tops out at about 10,800 ft. There's a significant climb on the west side and significant decline on the east side, but there's also climb lanes. If you stay on US 160 through Alamosa and on to I-25, you'll have one more pass, North La Veta, but it's certainly not difficult, topping out at about 9500 ft. Yeah, it's still a pass, but not bad. There is a long decline, though not steep, heading down toward Walsenburg.

PingMike wrote:
Leaving Las Vegas end of April for Indiana summer house.
Have not decided going North and take the 70 to Grand Junction and then cut down 550 and Evenually 50 or 70 West.
I assume most snow cleared.
We traveled that way before without 5th wheel and I thought there were some step pulls somewhere along that route.
Other option is South going North out of Flagstaff 89/160 or 191 (never been on either) toward Shiprock, Cortez etc and head west. We have time to spend this time through this area.
How is that 550 headed south.
Any help about route and weather appreciated.

Let me just throw a few way points in for a fun drive.

Vegas to Zion to Bryce to Rt 12 to Capital Reef to Goblins SP to Green River to Arches to Moab to Rt 128 to Colorado - next year or returning you can go the Rt191 and catch all that,

Next as you enter Colorado - Colorado NM to Black Canyon of the Gunnison NP to (Day trip to Ouray and Lake City) to Gunnison and Day trip to Crested Butte To Salida to Collegiates to Buena Vista (day trip up Independence Pass, will not be open but is a great drive for as far as possible) to Buena Vista (Arkansas River Rafting) (K's for lunch) to Leadville (Quincy's for dinner) to Idaho Springs (get off at exit 243 to take Rt 6 into Golden) Golden/Coors downtown Clear Creek CG thru Denver to I-70 and then to Rt 36 and HOME.

Is this what you were after?

We try to do this or some semblance of this every time we get a chance - NEVER GETS OLD!

BOL,

ditto to taking 50 through Colorado via Grand Junction, Montrose, Gunnison, Pueblo, etc. Unless there is a major snow storm looming. then you're better off to head west from Vegas to Flagstaff then up 89 to 160 to Cortez to Pagosa Springs and up to Alamosa and over to I 25.

The Black Canyon is well worth the trip, I think the north rim is better than the south in some ways:



You can get right up to the rim and it isn't as developed as the south rim.

I second "Black Canyon of the Gunnison". It's a miniature Grand Canyon that might be even more beautiful.

IMHO take 70 to East of Grand Junction to Rifle Fall State Park with dip on the way to Arches National Park if you have the time. From Rifle Falls go to Montrose and check out the Black Canyon of the Gunnison. From Montrose go to Cortez I would not recommend 550 for you south of Ridgway. From Cortez take 160 across Colorado to I25
Weather should be good but as always check the day before just to be safe. Lots of great places on 160 if you do decide on that PM and I would be glad to give you a list.

Cannot help with the weather but yes there are steep grades on 550. But there are steep grades on just about any Colorado path that you pick. The Rocky Mountains you know....heh.