I believe the way youโll be goingโnorth to southโis by far the easier, safer way. Lake San Cristobal is beautiful. Unhook in Lake city and go a ways on the Alpine loop if you have a 4 wheel drive truck. Slumgullion is very steep downhill going south to north from Creede to Lake City and you must go very slow. I could be wrong, but I think I read itโs the steepest paved long grade in Colorado. But going from Lake City to Creede should be very safeโjust slow. Watch your transmission temps.
Slumgullion, 11,530 ft, is at its steepest traveling north to south from Lake City. And as mentioned with curves and switchbacks. Going down the other side toward Creede is not nearly as bad. Take your time on both sides.
I've gone north and south, between Gunnison and Creede. I went slow and sometimes was geared down to 1st gear. No hot brakes. No problems. Lots of curves. Plenty of places for faster traffic to pass me. Take your time. 20,000 lb truck & trailer. 61' long. Pat
2010 Ford F-350 SRW 2021 Grand Design Reflection 315