La Veta Pass (Colorado) with old and heavy RV?

La Veta was more exciting in a Class A at high summer circa 1976. The Dodge-powered rigs made it over, the Fords & Chebbies coughed to a halt.

Plenty of big truck wreckers sitting alongside to get them over.

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Neither Poncha Pass nor La Veta Pass have the extended downhill like I-17 south of Flagstaff. That 20 mile drop down to Camp Verde is amazingly long.

I wouldn't worry about climbing either of those passes as both have quite gentle approaches all the way to the summit.

I would personally use Poncha Pass. One advantage it has over La Veta Pass is that the speed limit on the downhill side is 50 mph compared to 65 on La Veta Pass. It's easier to hold speed when you're starting from a lower speed to begin with. Once you're past Salida, the road in the canyon also has a lot of sections with lower speeds (50 mph) so much easier on your vehicle.

Thom's advises to use CO 115 does cut off the mileage through Pueblo but do be ready for a lot of traffic on CO 115 through Colorado Springs as you approach I-25. It does save quite a bit of mileage and interstate driving. Do make sure you're in the left lane as you approach I-25.

Try not to be on I-25 between Colorado Springs and Denver at rush hour. Amazing how many people communte between these two areas every day.

if your husband is uncomfortable with your rig or his driving don't do it.
he knows what each are capable of.
think of the kids if nothing else there is a lot of other place to explore

I went over La Veta Pass last week with my TT. It is probably the most gradual climb of any of the passes we encountered on this trip. It tops out at 9,426'. There are passing lanes going both directions so people can pass whenever they want.
Make sure to shift down on the way up and down. I would not be surprised to hear that you go up and down in second gear doing 35 mph. Keep the gears low and let the engine work going up and down.

Globy wrote:
Thanks again for the recommendations…one last question for all. Of the two routes from Alamosa to Colorado Springs…La Veta Pass or Poncha Pass…which would you feel is less dangerous, easier on the nerves and our old slow heavy RV…all things considered (passing lanes, grade, road conditions, curves, elevation, etc)?

H E R E - Poncha Pass is a link to driving over Poncha Pass (a few minutes into the video) and H E R E - La Veta Pass is a link to driving over La Veta Pass.

Personally I think the views are better going northbound over Poncha Pass than eastbound over La Veta Pass but that's just me.;)

Globy wrote:
Thanks again for the recommendations…one last question for all. Of the two routes from Alamosa to Colorado Springs…La Veta Pass or Poncha Pass…which would you feel is less dangerous, easier on the nerves and our old slow heavy RV…all things considered (passing lanes, grade, road conditions, curves, elevation, etc)?

I would chose the Poncha Pass route with your RV. Mainly due to easier grade that way for your “old heavy RV”. Easier climb going up and less braking going down makes it easier on the nerves and RV. But still watch your speed going down.

Lwiddis wrote:
While I don’t have issues going up or down in my rig, I also don’t mind at all being behind slow RVs. Gives me time to see more scenery and shows you are being careful descending. Gear down and stab, slow way down and release. Drive on and enjoy!

Many people fail to understand same weight, same grade, it it takes a whole lot more brake to hold speed between 50 and 40 than it takes to hold between 40 and 30. Longer and harder stabs, with shorter time between can get things exciting

Thanks again for the recommendations…one last question for all. Of the two routes from Alamosa to Colorado Springs…La Veta Pass or Poncha Pass…which would you feel is less dangerous, easier on the nerves and our old slow heavy RV…all things considered (passing lanes, grade, road conditions, curves, elevation, etc)?

Medano Creek will be flowing across the edge of the dunes near the parking lot. An interesting contrast to the dunes themselves. Prepare to wade across to get to the dunes. A little early so flow is probably still low. Never gets more than a few inches deep, but can get 50’ and more wide later as more snow melts. Web site says the creek is freezing along the edges most nights, so prepare for some cold temps. Also some good info about visiting early morning to avoid high afternoon winds typical this time of year.

https://www.nps.gov/grsa/planyourvisit/medano-creek.htm

Thanks everyone for the great advice! Truly appreciated!