Vail CO to SantaFe NM via I24>I285>I17

[RLGetman]

Motor Carrier Atlas and Mountain Directory indicate the route is acceptable for RVing with minor elevation changes (6-7% for 2-3 mi) and slowest speed of 30 mph. Any other concerns? Any suggested attractions along the route? Thanks

[NMDriver]

At the head of the valley as you drive down US 285, you are driving over Bonanza Caldera and by the time you get down into NM you are driving over the Taos plateau of lava fields. Granted the whole valley is not a caldera but then I did not say it was.

Although, as you probably know from your prior answer, the La Garita Caldera stretched over to the area of the present San Luis valley where 285 is located. It is just to ancient to still be recognizable on the surface. 😉

[Busskipper]

4runnerguy wrote:

NMDriver wrote:
"In the San Luis Velley (which isn't a caldera BTW)"

I will refer you to the following link Geologic maps of the San Juan ... Read the photo caption and the short text. You will note the use of the term San Luis Caldera.

The San Luis Caldera Complex is not in the San Luis Valley (where US 285 runs) but rather centered around San Luis Peak north of Creede. Great examples of the volcanics are exposed north of Creede. The San Luis Valley is a rotated fault block valley in many ways similar to the Basin and Range type of geology of Nevada and Western Utah which explains the flatness of the valley.

At one point many years ago I spent some time mapping those volcanics just off of CO 114 and later studied the San Luis Valley as an analogue for some of the geology I mapped in NV.

Who would have guessed:W

[4runnerguy]

NMDriver wrote:
"In the San Luis Velley (which isn't a caldera BTW)"

I will refer you to the following link Geologic maps of the San Juan ... Read the photo caption and the short text. You will note the use of the term San Luis Caldera.

The San Luis Caldera Complex is not in the San Luis Valley (where US 285 runs) but rather centered around San Luis Peak north of Creede. Great examples of the volcanics are exposed north of Creede. The San Luis Valley is a rotated fault block valley in many ways similar to the Basin and Range type of geology of Nevada and Western Utah which explains the flatness of the valley.

At one point many years ago I spent some time mapping those volcanics just off of CO 114 and later studied the San Luis Valley as an analogue for some of the geology I mapped in NV.

[RLGetman]

Thank You All

[NMDriver]

"In the San Luis Velley (which isn't a caldera BTW)"

I will refer you to the following link Geologic maps of the San Juan ... Read the photo caption and the short text. You will note the use of the term San Luis Caldera.

[4runnerguy]

You'll go by Camp Hale before you get to the top of Tennessee Pass and Leadville. This is where they trained soldiers in winter combat during WWII. Many of the ski resorts in CO were developed by veterans of Camp Hale.

Some boondocking up Half Moon Creek between Mt. Elbert and Mt. Massive (near Leadville), although I don't know how big your rig is. The road is rather rocky and washboardy before you enter the canyon, but smoother after that. Also boondocking the first couple of miles above Cottonwood Lake CG above Buena Vista. Don't go more than three miles or you'll have a challenge in turning around. More boondocking above Poncha Springs on the Silver Lakes road, which turns off of US 285 six miles south of Poncha. Private property the first couple of miles, but several good sized places over the next few miles.

If your TV isn't too big, Independence Pass is a great drive over to Aspen. If you have a dually, drive to the top of the Pass and return. There are some very narrow places on the west side of the pass.

Head up to the ghost town of St. Elmo and continue along the old RR grade to the site of Hancock. Great aspen up there and St. Elmo is worth the drive.

Take a day trip over Cottonwood Pass to Taylor Park. Explore up there and either return the same way or make a long loop down through Gunnison and back over Monarch Pass. The west portal of the Alpine Tunnel is an interesting and scenic drive.

If you get a day of inclement weather, check out the mining museum in Leadville. The hills to the east of Leadville are full of old mining ruins.

Spend an afternoon each exploring Leadville and Salida. Leadville for the old mining camp feel and Salida for the art and restaurant scene (without being over priced).

In the San Luis Velley (which isn't a caldera BTW) head a little east and check out the Great Sand Dunes NP. Further south, ride the Cumbres and Toltec Narrow Gauge Railroad. An old steam railroad taking you through some scenic parts of NM and CO.

[NMDriver]

Good driving but nothing to see on US 285 from Salida, CO to Espanola, NM. There are mountains in the distance but you are basically driving across an old caldera. The land is mostly flat with scrub vegetation. Use US 50 to go east or west of the valley and you get more mountain driving but better scenery.

[Busskipper]

RLGetman wrote:
Thanks! We will have from Sept 9th (leaving Boulder CO) through Sept 29th (arrive ABQ Balloon Fiesta, NM). Looking for some free RV parking along the way as we are 100% Solar. Looking for "attractions" to stop and visit as well.

If you are in Boulder don't miss the Farmers Market - Wednesday and Saturday
- also the only place you can stay is in a driveway or a Wal*Mart unless you are up the road in Longmont at the fairgrounds.

Likely see my Granddaughters on a Saturday, is the place to be.

Use your early time to get to the Passes as they turn early and as you go further along you will have a lot to see and do - The drive over Trail Ridge will turn early and then Leadville and Red Cliff. Then you will love the Collegiate Peaks and the spots available there and into Crested Butte.

You will truly enjoy this trip,

Busskipper

[RLGetman]

Thanks! We will have from Sept 9th (leaving Boulder CO) through Sept 29th (arrive ABQ Balloon Fiesta, NM). Looking for some free RV parking along the way as we are 100% Solar. Looking for "attractions" to stop and visit as well.

[Busskipper]

RLGetman wrote:
Motor Carrier Atlas and Mountain Directory indicate the route is acceptable for RVing with minor elevation changes (6-7% for 2-3 mi) and slowest speed of 30 mph. Any other concerns? Any suggested attractions along the route? Thanks

Beautiful drive - in THREE weeks it is Spectacular, at least the part in the mountains when the Aspen turn Golden Yellow.

Hoping you will be able to spend some time in the areas you are driving through. Minturn - Red Cliff - Leadville - Buena Vista - Collegiate Peaks - Salida - Great Sand Dunes NP - and then NM and Santa Fe.

Great trip - Great drive - just hope you have time to slow down and smell the Roses.

BOL,