CO 1, also known locally as the Trough Road, is a graded gravel road from State Bridge to the junction with CO 9 south of Kremmling. Nothing difficult about the road but being gravel you won't be going 65 MPH either. If you don't mind graded gravel roads, it's a fine road with views of the river along the way. If does go through more of a desert environment with lot of sage brush in places
Do avoid it if it has rained. We travelled that way after a rainstorm and had to stop at a car wash in Kremmling to wash everything off. Apparently, they use mag chloride to keep the dust down. When it gets wet, it forms a very sticky mud that is hard to wash off.
Of course, the other option is to take CO 131 north to Toponas and then CO 134 east from there to US 40 and on to Kremmling. A little further in time and distance. Paved the whole route. You do have to travel over Gore Pass that way, but nothing too difficult. Definitely more trees and forest on this route vs. the Trough Road, although beetle kill is quite pronounced in areas.
