US50 through Colorado

Question

We're starting to plan a trip for next August and we have a choice of going through Colorado from the east to the west, using either US50 or I70. We're driving a 2007 Bounder 35E on a Workhorse chassis, towing a smart car. So, the question is - how is US50 in regards to mountain passes, traffic, etc. We've been on I70 between Denver and Grand Junction so we know what to expect there, but we've never done US50 before.

If you have a recommendation please speak up - but give good reasons for your recommendation so we can make a decision. Also, recommendations on places to see will be appreciated! Thanks!

two_hands · Answer

It is a beautiful drive. Monarch Pass is one of the easiest I have ever driven. Have  a safe trip!

enblethen · Answer

Very scenic highway! You should have no problems. We have gone both ways. Plan on time around Gunnision/Saperino. Good parks along the lake.

2gypsies1 · Answer

I answered you on 'the other' forum.  I agree.... Hwy 50 is a beautiful easy drive. Monarch Pass will be the only one you'll have - 6% for 9 miles downhill.  I-70 is more difficult.  Get into low gear before even heading down; don't try mid-way.

padredw · Answer

I agree with all the above. Monarch has plenty of passing lanes going up from Salida--for whether you are passing or being passed. Going through the canyon between Pueblo and Salida is a very curvy route and require attention but is very scenic along the Arkansas River.

Nice places to spend some time: Salida and Buena Vista, Gunnison and Crested Butte, Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Ouray, and Mesa Verde. Buena Vista, Crested Butte, and Ouray are not ON US 50 but are well worth going off route.

I hope you are not just "going through" this great part of Colorado.

busskipper · Answer

Alan_Hepburn wrote:We're starting to plan a trip for next August and we have a choice of going through Colorado from the east to the west, using either US50 or I70. We're driving a 2007 Bounder 35E on a Workhorse chassis, towing a smart car. So, the question is - how is US50 in regards to mountain passes, traffic, etc. We've been on I70 between Denver and Grand Junction so we know what to expect there, but we've never done US50 before.If you have a recommendation please speak up - but give good reasons for your recommendation so we can make a decision. Also, recommendations on places to see will be appreciated! Thanks!Having driven almost all the possible routes across Colorado I'd say try to do One going out and a different One coming back. All are good, some are more fun than others but your rig is good on whatever works for you.RT 160 is another as is RT 24. If the Mission is just to get across I-70 is normally fastest. RT 50 is easy and will give you a little Mountains but not that much unless you jump off and go North or South a bit.Let me give you the Most Enjoyable Mountain Drive Route - Not straight but surely a lot more fun. Just one more option, They way we go if we have time, probably just a little longer than RT 50.

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US50 through Colorado

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