Ridgway State Park to Leadville

Thank you all so much for your help. It helps so much to know what to expect, and to get information like this from people who know the area. We really appreciate it, and can't wait to see and enjoy this part of Colorado!

This is easy. I've made it many times. You take US 550 north to Montrose. Very different from US 550 SOUTH from Ouray which is called the "Million Dollar Highway"--absolutely flat to Montrose.

Then take US 50 E to Poncha Springs (near Salida). That will be over Monarch Pass. Clearly one of the major passes in Colorado, but a good highway. If you can't tow over Monarch you probably shouldn't be in Colorado. Just keep it slow going down and stay in your lane. Our rig is also a 34' fifth-wheel and a 2500 Chevrolet Duramax/Allison--single rear wheel. Many times over Monarch without a worry.

At Poncha Springs take US 285 north to Buena Vista.

So -- there is only one high pass and that is Monarch. I take it seriously but without anxiety.

Busskipper wrote:

Travel glampers wrote:
What is the best way to go to Leadville/Buena Vista area from Ridgway State Park? We have a large dually pickup and will be towing a 34-ft fifth wheel. This is planned for July 2020. We prefer ease of towing, and would like to keep steep mountain passes, etc to a minimum. Thanks for any information you can give us.

Big :) here.

You are in the Heart of the Rockies - As will usually be the case any trip from Here to There will likely involve a Mountain or Two!

Suggested Route - with one pass - First time over this I just thought I had gone over a Mountain "Not a Pass" - Note here I love Driving in the Mountains.

Might be fun to Stop at Monarch Mountain Ski Resort to rest and stretch your legs - One more note - Wal*Mart is in Gunnison to Resupply - and http://quincystavern.com/ - is worth the stop for dinner.

Hope this helps, as the Alternative is Vail Pass and that's Big.

Best of Luck,

edit Another Post to Read on the Area.

What Bill/Busskipper said...

US 50 east to US 285, north to US 24. Lots of photo ops, the heart of the Collegiate Range of mountains. Monarch Pass is the only pass to deal with and as Colorado passes go, it's not difficult. At the top, there is an aerial tram that takes you to the top of the ridge on the south side of the pass, and is definitely worth it for the vistas and magnificent mountains to be seen up there. Drop down and take in Poncha Springs and Salida while you're there. Buena (Byoona) Vista also worth a stop.

If you don't like steep mountain passes, it would be best to drive around the STate of Colorado.

Travel glampers wrote:
What is the best way to go to Leadville/Buena Vista area from Ridgway State Park? We have a large dually pickup and will be towing a 34-ft fifth wheel. This is planned for July 2020. We prefer ease of towing, and would like to keep steep mountain passes, etc to a minimum. Thanks for any information you can give us.

Big :) here.

You are in the Heart of the Rockies - As will usually be the case any trip from Here to There will likely involve a Mountain or Two!

Suggested Route - with one pass - First time over this I just thought I had gone over a Mountain "Not a Pass" - Note here I love Driving in the Mountains.

Might be fun to Stop at Monarch Mountain Ski Resort to rest and stretch your legs - One more note - Wal*Mart is in Gunnison to Resupply - and http://quincystavern.com/ - is worth the stop for dinner.

Hope this helps, as the Alternative is Vail Pass and that's Big.

Best of Luck,

edit Another Post to Read on the Area.