Wolf Creek Pass Colorado

[regalroute66]

I'm looking for some input on Hwy 160 from Pagosa Springs to Del Norte Colorado.I understand that I would have to go through Wolf Creek Pass. In 2009 I drove our 24' Class C MH up Monarch's Pass, and it made my little rig work hard.I would like to avoid that kind of strain if thats at all possible.We are coming from Mesa Verde Nat'l Park and heading towards Kansas. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[edm3rd]

The train is definitely worth riding. Actual name is the "Cumbres and Toltec Scenic" (CATS), and is part of the old Rio Grande narrow gauge mainline to Silverton via Durango. This 64 mile section runs from Chama, NM to Antonito, CO.

[4runnerguy]

OH48Lt wrote:
Went through there in September. Easy steady grade to the top.

I assume you were driving east to west, as the grade to the summit on the west side is noticeably steeper than the approach from the east.

[OH48Lt]

Went through there in September. Easy steady grade to the top. We ran into heavy can't-see-50-feet fog in the area of Deadmans Curve just west of Wolf Creek Pass. Didn't like that too much, but it was just for one mile. Plenty of space to park at the top if you're so inclined.

[SLOW-1]

We went through there on our cross country trip 2009...I would not miss it for the world...it was my favorite part of Colorado because of the scenery.

We went through in July.

Like said, take your time...no problem.

[padredw]

I will just say that some of us were speaking from direct experience of crossing these passes many times, and only responding to the OP who mentioned having some struggle on Monarch.

I would not hesitate at all to use Monarch or Wolf Creek, but if you are comparing only these two, it would only be fair to say that Wolf Creek is not an "easier" pass than Monarch.

[paulj]

I posted this list link before
http://www.coloradodot.info/travel/maximum-grades-on-colorado-mountain-passes.html
Colorado DOT's list of passes and their grades

Monarch U.S.50 11,312’ 6.4%

Eisenhower Tunnels Approaches I-70 11,158’ 6% W

Red Mountain U.S. 550 11,018’ 7%+

Molas U.S. 550 10,910’ 7% +

Spring Creek SH 149 10,901’ 7.5%

Wolf Creek U.S. 160 10,850’ 6.8%

In just this short extract, Monarch and Wolf Creek seem pretty average.

[4runnerguy]

Heisenberg wrote:
If you did not like Monarch you will not like Wolf Creek.

x2

As noted by others, Monarch and Wolf Creek Passes are two of the steeper passes on US highways in CO, but neither is technically difficult or scary. But that's the nature of driving an RV in CO.

[crabbin_cabin]

agesilaus wrote:
It's no big deal, we went over it in bad weather (rain) and after sunset and had not problems. It is steep tho, a long 7 to 8% steady grade. You need to get the CW McCall song and play it repeatedly as you go down to Pagosa Springs.

I don't it's any better than Monarch Pass tho. That has 7% grades too.

BK

Wrong direction - if you actually read the post and not just the Subject line.

[hittingtheroada]

We went over west to east with a 38' fifth wheel and did not have any problems. I believe there was an area you could stop at the top if you wanted to pull over before heading down the other side.

[padredw]

We have been over both Wolf Creek Pass and Monarch Pass--several times each--towing a 34' fifth-wheel, and did not consider either to be a problem. These are two of the major passes in Colorado.

BUT . . . I agree with the previous post. you should not expect Wolf Creek Pass to be one bit "easier" than Monarch.

If you do decide to take that alternate route south from Pagosa Springs you will make one of our favorite drives: between Pagosa Springs and Chama. And Chama is worth a visit, even an overnight if you have time. You probably know about the Chama-Antonita narrow gauge train ride. And LaVeta Pass is one of the easier passes in Colorado.

So, for myself I would take the Wolf Creek Pass route without any hesitation, but that relates to my equipment and my experience. At least you have an alternative. And if you struggled on Monarach, maybe you should consider it.

[Heisenberg]

If you did not like Monarch you will not like Wolf Creek.

[BTPO1]

We went through there last July heading west and had no problems. We were towing and yes we did have to go slower, but we got to see more and I was OK with that. As I get older I want to slow down and enjoy what we have. Never had a problem with overheating at all, but I am glad that I had installed brakes on my dolly. Take your time and enjoy your drive. JMO

[BB_TX]

You are going to be climbing the steep side of the pass. The west side is considerably steeper than the east side. But it is a very good highway. You will have two lanes all the way up. Just stay right and take your time and you should have no problem. There are a number of pull outs along the way that you can pull over to the side and let the engine cool if needed.

That highway is a virtual RV pipeline both ways in the summer months.

Going down the east side is not bad. BUT. Shortly after passing the ski area watch for the snow shed over the highway. And mind the speed signs. There is a curve inside the snow shed and you need to be going the speed limit or less when you go thru. Other than that it will be easy all the way down.

If you truly want to avoid the climb, you could take US 64 south from Pagosa to US 285, then north to Alamosa. Quite a few extra miles, but no high passes to go over. About 170 miles to Alamosa that way vs about 90 over the pass.

And between Alamosa and Walsenburg you will cross La Veta pass. Not nearly as bad as Wolf Creek pass. And in this case the east side is the steeper side. The west side is pretty easy climb. Be careful of speed going down the east side though.

[EgorKC]

Drove that with a loaded Ford Expedition V8,gas, pulling 4500 lb trailer both east and west. There are slow traffic lane pullouts often enough that you should not feel the need to strain your rig. Can't speak to your preferences but I was able to maintain 35-45 uphill without noticing a lot of engine/transmission groan. With the slow lane opportunities you should be fine. It's a very scenic route in many places and worth it. My best argument for that route is:....................At least it's not I-70 across Colorado! I-70 from Denver to Rifle is Awful.

Greg