Bikincamper wrote:
I’m pulling a travel trailer to Leadville, CO in August. I’m looking for advice on the best path to take. Most recommendations have been to come in I70 to 91. I was wondering if anyone had thoughts if it would be an easier tow to coming in from the south. I know it would be longer, but I’m looking for something that might miss some of the steeper climbs.
If you are traveling westbound on I-70, one alternative would be to get off in Limon and on to US 24 to Colorado Springs, and stay on US 24 thru the city. It continues westbound thru Woodland Park and on up to Antero Junction where it meets US 285. Stay on US 24/285 to Johnson Village, where you'll split from US 285 and take US 24 up to Leadville. Gradual up hill for most of the drive, a beautiful drive from Johnson Village thru Buena Vista and on up to Leadville.
There is nothing overly steep about this route. Yes, you'll have some ups and downs, and some curves and one pass (Wilkerson Pass) which, for Colorado passes is ho hum barely noticeable. Biggest obstacle is the traffic in Colorado Springs, but no worse than what you'd have going through Denver on I-70.
EDIT: Just saw the above responses as I was typing this. You could still follow this suggestion, with this added suggestion.
Take I-80 to I-76 and get off I-76 in Brush and take CO 71 south to Limon where you would pick up the above suggestion. Yes, it's a longer drive, but you'll avoid several steep climbs this way.
