Zion to I-40 east eventually

For higher elevation you could take US 160 across southern Colorado. Pick up Four Corners, Mesa Verde, Durango (train ride), Pagosa Springs, Great Sand Dunes NP, and some beautiful scenery along the way. Over to I-25 at Walsenburg and south to Raton and US 87 to Amarillo and I-40.

I've pondered that route before. How are the mountain grades on 160?

I second exactly what BB_TX said. That is what I was going to recommend.

I did a similar route a few years ago on the bike, but turned south at Pagosa Springs and went through Santa Fe. What a scenic ride (till Santa Fe).

Page to Cortez is easy. West side of Durango is done climbing. Wolf Creek Pass east of Pagosa is steep but worth it.

Think that sounds like a plan. We might hit the sand dunes, if not, the route will be different scenery.

Twain wrote:
Think that sounds like a plan. We might hit the sand dunes, if not, the route will be different scenery.

Will be curious as to how you will decide to get to Cortez - Just so many routes, so many options - have you thought about getting over to Bryce and Capitol Reef - Rt 12 HogBack - Or back through Page - Lake Powell - Monument Valley - Mexican Hat - Possibly up to Telluride, over to Ouray, seeing the Colorado Alps - Renting a jeep - 4X4 trails - Cool Crisp Nights and Mornings.

Oh to be in the San Juan's in the Summer - Heaven.

Will be fun to see what Route you Take,


Baest of Luck,

Twain wrote:
I've pondered that route before. How are the mountain grades on 160?

Wolf Creek Pass east of Pagosa Springs is a fairly long steep climb. But there are two lanes going up so you can stay in the right lane and take your time without worrying about holding up traffic. And several scenic pullouts along the way if you need to pull over. US 160 is essentially a pipeline for RVs of all types and sizes across southern CO.

North La Veta Pass between Ft Garland and Walsenburg is not nearly as steep and long. And Raton Pass even less so. But if you would rather not do the passes you could turn south at Pagosa as noted above and head down thru Santa Fe and on down to I-40.