Slumgullion Pass, Colorado

[BillyandKris]

Hi. Just looking for opinions or someone who has done this. We are thinking of towing our 29.5 Arctic Fox Fifth Wheel (2012 Ford F250 Diesel Truck) south to north over Slumgullion Pass (CO 149) from Creede to towards Crested Butte, CO next summer. 11,530 ft. 9.4% Grade NB according to my list and I believe they mean NB to be going south to north?? We did this several years ago, but with a different truck and lighter trailer. I guess the alternative would be to go back to Del Norte and take 285 and 114 to Gunnison—that way has North Pass which I think is no big deal. I searched the posts and saw where someone said it was really curvy. But, isn’t 149 just as curvy? Another thought is that 149 over Slumgullion Pass is probably less traffic!?Thanks, Guys.

Also just curious as I searched for “Slumgullion Pass” on this Forum someone was talking about don’t take Rt. 14. Anyone know if that was in Colorado or elsewhere?

[BillyandKris]

Thanks, Everyone. Sounds good.

[jrp]

I drive up and down Slumgullion all summer, but mostly with my Harley and Jeep. Its a serious downhill grade from the summit down to Lake City and can burn up your brakes if you don't use an engine brake and/or the transmission to keep your speed down. But with the right equipment & technique, lots of RV's get down it all summer with no issues. My summer homebase is in South Fork and when I take the motorhome to Gunnison, Crested Butte, Taylor Park, I use the alt route via 114 since its about the same mileage from my place. If I was in Creede I probably wouldn't back track the 20 miles just to avoid that downhill.
As far as your comments about traffic and curves, 149 has way more traffic than 114. 114 is used mostly by locals, where 149 is a major tourist route all summer with heavy traffic (by high country standards) in both directions. Both have curves but the 149 curves are more gentle sweeping curves, where 114 has several sharp curves back and forth as it follows a stream through a canyon.

The post in your search that mentioned 14 was about a route in Utah and only mentioned Slumgullion as a comparison to the steepness of 14 near Cedar City Ut.

BillyandKris wrote:
Hi. Just looking for opinions or someone who has done this. We are thinking of towing our 29.5 Arctic Fox Fifth Wheel (2012 Ford F250 Diesel Truck) south to north over Slumgullion Pass (CO 149) from Creede to towards Crested Butte, CO next summer. 11,530 ft. 9.4% Grade NB according to my list and I believe they mean NB to be going south to north?? We did this several years ago, but with a different truck and lighter trailer. I guess the alternative would be to go back to Del Norte and take 285 and 114 to Gunnison—that way has North Pass which I think is no big deal. I searched the posts and saw where someone said it was really curvy. But, isn’t 149 just as curvy? Another thought is that 149 over Slumgullion Pass is probably less traffic!?Thanks, Guys.

Also just curious as I searched for “Slumgullion Pass” on this Forum someone was talking about don’t take Rt. 14. Anyone know if that was in Colorado or elsewhere?

[Veebyes]

Done Slumgullion a couple times S to N with a heavy trailer. One of the few passes where a stop was required for pads & rotors to cool. Pretty far down before first chance for that but it is a big pullout.Go slow & stay off the brakes as much as possible letting speed build up then braking fairly hard to reduce to a very slow speed, repeat using the engine in the M mode if you have it.

[Jay_Pat]

I went over Slumgullion Pass a few years ago.
Used low gear held the rig very well.
Had to use slight braking in a few areas.
Arrived in Lake City with cool brakes.
Enjoy the drive!!
Pat

[2gypsies1]

From Creede you'd want to take Hwy 149 north to Hwy 50 at Gunnison. You will have a 9% descent for approx. 7.5 miles with curves from the summit. It requires excellent braking control. Get into low gear at the very top, not when you're going faster down. Just take your time and it will be over soon! It just depends how you feel about it. With your small trailer you shouldn't have any problem. Many RVers drive it. It's a beautiful drive.

[Heisenberg]

F250 ... Piece of cake. Just be cool and take your time.

[BB_TX]

Have not towed over it but have driven it. The north side is definitely the steeper and more winding side. You should have no problem towing up the south side. Then just let the tow/haul engine braking ease you down the north side. There are at least a couple switchbacks you want to go very slow around going down.