Trip to Colorado

Thom02099 wrote:

rrurban wrote:
I would most definitely NOT take I-70. The weather is usually bad at Eisenhower tunnel (the continental divide), and the traffic almost always stinks, especially on weekends!
Instead, I would take Hwy 24 at Colorado Springs and then Hwy 9 at Harzel. This route is very scenic, mostly long and straight roads, and all blacktop. It takes you into the town of Breckenridge. It's much shorter than dealing with I-70. You'll thank me later. Be sure to stop at the rest stop at Wilkerson Pass for the incredible views (not really much of a pass, roads are straight and easy for the most part).
Rob

Yup, this is the route that I would recommend, for the ease of the drive and the scenic beauty. The climb from Colorado Springs to Woodland Park isn't difficult, once you get up there, you'll be entering South Park from the SE, one of the most spectacular locations in Colorado. The drive across South Park on US24 is at high elevation (8000-9,000 ft), but it's good road and flat, not a lot of ups and downs.

Make sure you watch for the turn off at Hartzel for CO 9; that takes you in to Fairplay, which is at just a shade under 10,000 feet. From there, stay on CO 9 up and over Hoosier Pass, which is at about 11,500. But it's a gradual climb from Fairplay to Hoosier, much more so than the I-70 grades.

Tiger Run is pretty much THE only game in town in that area for a Motor Home, other than sitting in someone's driveway, which may be frowned upon up there! It's a 5-star resort, open all year...you get what you pay for.

IF it's snowing, park somewhere (the Springs) and ride it out if you don't have experience driving in our snows here. March/April storms can be particularly fierce, they're usually a wet snow, and driving is a challenge for ALL of us. CDOT does a good job keeping roads open, and when they do close, they do a good job getting the re-opened. White out conditions are fairly common in South Park so be aware of that as well.

Totally agree with these two posters.

Never forget that March is Colorado's snowiest month. It can come in fast and melt fast, but the storms can dump a lot very quickly. Like he says, if it snows park up and wait it out.

Lauren wrote:
Tiger Run - Yup, only game in town and they let you know it. It is pricey and at times one finds things not working or need repair. You tell them, they nod and smile and usually nothing is done to address it in a prompt manner.

Yep! They've been working on upgrading the Wifi for years.

rrurban wrote:
I would most definitely NOT take I-70. The weather is usually bad at Eisenhower tunnel (the continental divide), and the traffic almost always stinks, especially on weekends!
Instead, I would take Hwy 24 at Colorado Springs and then Hwy 9 at Harzel. This route is very scenic, mostly long and straight roads, and all blacktop. It takes you into the town of Breckenridge. It's much shorter than dealing with I-70. You'll thank me later. Be sure to stop at the rest stop at Wilkerson Pass for the incredible views (not really much of a pass, roads are straight and easy for the most part).
Rob

Yup, this is the route that I would recommend, for the ease of the drive and the scenic beauty. The climb from Colorado Springs to Woodland Park isn't difficult, once you get up there, you'll be entering South Park from the SE, one of the most spectacular locations in Colorado. The drive across South Park on US24 is at high elevation (8000-9,000 ft), but it's good road and flat, not a lot of ups and downs.

Make sure you watch for the turn off at Hartzel for CO 9; that takes you in to Fairplay, which is at just a shade under 10,000 feet. From there, stay on CO 9 up and over Hoosier Pass, which is at about 11,500. But it's a gradual climb from Fairplay to Hoosier, much more so than the I-70 grades.

Tiger Run is pretty much THE only game in town in that area for a Motor Home, other than sitting in someone's driveway, which may be frowned upon up there! It's a 5-star resort, open all year...you get what you pay for.

IF it's snowing, park somewhere (the Springs) and ride it out if you don't have experience driving in our snows here. March/April storms can be particularly fierce, they're usually a wet snow, and driving is a challenge for ALL of us. CDOT does a good job keeping roads open, and when they do close, they do a good job getting the re-opened. White out conditions are fairly common in South Park so be aware of that as well.

Tiger Run - Yup, only game in town and they let you know it. It is pricey and at times one finds things not working or need repair. You tell them, they nod and smile and usually nothing is done to address it in a prompt manner.

rrurban has the right route to miss the traffic and less steep grades than the Eisenhower climb.

RAS43 wrote:

Coach B wrote:
Someone recommended Tiger Run Resort in Breckenridge. Would that be a good place to stay 5 nights?

Yes, it is a nice campground but pricy as it is the only game in town. We have stayed there a couple of times over the years.

X2

I would most definitely NOT take I-70. The weather is usually bad at Eisenhower tunnel (the continental divide), and the traffic almost always stinks, especially on weekends!
Instead, I would take Hwy 24 at Colorado Springs and then Hwy 9 at Harzel. This route is very scenic, mostly long and straight roads, and all blacktop. It takes you into the town of Breckenridge. It's much shorter than dealing with I-70. You'll thank me later. Be sure to stop at the rest stop at Wilkerson Pass for the incredible views (not really much of a pass, roads are straight and easy for the most part).
Rob

Timing on 70 is everything. Don't be on that highway when skiiers are going to or coming from the mountains. Crazy people. Westbound Sunday-Thursday afternoons is fine. Eastbound any morning after the rush hour into Dever.

I've traveled back and forth from the Dallas area to Colorado for better than 45 years. Wife's family had made that trek since the 1950s. We all used the route to Dalhart to Raton to Denver.

Before Colorado Springs, Pueblo and south Denver's population exploded, it was the fastest way. About seven or eight years ago we started using Dumas, 287 to Limon. It is faster to Dallas area by almost an hour in spite of the fact that 287 is two lane vs. I25.

As others have noted, March is still winter in the high country, just watch the weather. You could hit a major spring snow event with heavy snow. I70 west of Denver can be easy sailing or closed due to snow and accidents. When leaving Breckenridge heading home, don't wait till afternoon. I70 east bound into Denver can be at a crawl for miles and miles.

Or you could have sunny weather and dry roads.

Coach; You don't say how many friends, and is this a hotel alternative? Yes, Tiger Run may be pricey, but what is the alternative in March? Dry camping would mean little or no hot water, no showers and no hot tub. TR offers all three plus a pool and electric. A hotel in March would certainly be $150/night plus tax, and then you go out for dinner and drinks at resort prices. If you plan to ski Copper Mt, stop at the Frisco Info Center and buy a $10 E-Book, which includes a couple of 2x1 coupons.