Community Forums

bounder50 · 03-07-2016, 12:54 PM

I am heading for Pagosa Springs Colorado this summer and was interested in the easiest way to get there in a 42 foot class A diesel. Headed from Oklahoma
Never been in the mountains with the RV
THANKS

pagosajoe · 03-07-2016, 01:17 PM

Not knowing exactly where you're departing from, I'd recommend that you head over to Santa Fe, NM on I-40, then turn north on highway 84 through Santa Fe.

That's the route where you will not run into mountain passes. There are some minor grades coming into Pagosa from the south (highway84), but they are not very steep, and not very long.

Highway 160 across southern CO involves a couple, the worst of which is Wolf Creek Pass, just 30 miles east of Pagosa Springs.

https://www.google.com/search?q=moun...+site:irv2.com

Here's a link to a discussion on Wolf Creek Pass:

http://www.irv2.com/forums/f38/color...ip-279421.html

There are lots of discussions on mountain driving on IRV2.

https://www.google.com/search?q=moun...earch=irv2.com

Hope that helps!

jerboy · 03-07-2016, 03:36 PM

SPRING TIME IN THE ROCKIES is defined as the first time a Winnebago overheats coming over Wolf Creek!!

Craiginok · 03-07-2016, 07:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pagosajoe

Not knowing exactly where you're departing from, I'd recommend that you head over to Santa Fe, NM on I-40, then turn north on highway 84 through Santa Fe.

That's the route where you will not run into mountain passes. There are some minor grades coming into Pagosa from the south (highway84), but they are not very steep, and not very long.

I agree... We live in Tulsa and I love heading through the Oklahoma Panhandle but the easiest drive is I-40.

Pagossa Springs is a great place to spend the summer!!

UAV · 03-07-2016, 07:49 PM

Been over Wolf Creek Pass numerous times.

Should not be a big deal...just go slow and use your Jake/Exhaust Brake if you have one.

If you don't, just downshift so you don't have to ride your brakes too much.

No problemo. Beautiful area.

powerboatr · 03-07-2016, 07:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pagosajoe

Not knowing exactly where you're departing from, I'd recommend that you head over to Santa Fe, NM on I-40, then turn north on highway 84 through Santa Fe.

That's the route where you will not run into mountain passes. There are some minor grades coming into Pagosa from the south (highway84), but they are not very steep, and not very long.

Highway 160 across southern CO involves a couple, the worst of which is Wolf Creek Pass, just 30 miles east of Pagosa Springs.

https://www.google.com/search?q=moun...+site:irv2.com

Here's a link to a discussion on Wolf Creek Pass:

http://www.irv2.com/forums/f38/color...ip-279421.html

There are lots of discussions on mountain driving on IRV2.

https://www.google.com/search?q=moun...earch=irv2.com

Hope that helps!

yep thats how we went.
take your time and enjoy the trip.
the long pass was interesting...its a long two lane . i rode the exhaust brake the whole way down coming back, it does seem to go on forever

Jtrving · 05-09-2018, 09:10 AM

Hi,

Getting ready to do this trip next week. We have 45' class A towing a Jeep Wrangler. Mapquest has us on 285/84 the whole way. Any potential issues we should know about along this route?

Thanks.

Ivylog · 05-09-2018, 05:46 PM

"Mapquest has us on 285/84 the whole way." No way would I go around two sides of a triangle just to avoid Wolfe Creek Pass...one of the easier CO passes. At Hooper I would take 112 to 160...anywhere from 100 to 160 miles shorter than what you posted. Your 42' has an exhaust/Jake brake so at a slow enough speed you will not even have to use your brakes coming down. There is only one major switch back and it's not that bad. I usually go a little faster so every 30 seconds or before a sharp curve I have to get on the brakes for 5 seconds to slow down,.
Now Monarch Pass on 50 is one of the more difficult ones, but here again if you keep your speed down by selecting a low enough gear you will not have a problem.

V3600 · 05-09-2018, 06:15 PM

Your coach will get you anywhere you want to go, the only limitation is the driver.

uncbearfan · 05-09-2018, 06:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bounder50

I am heading for Pagosa Springs Colorado this summer and was interested in the easiest way to get there in a 42 foot class A diesel. Headed from Oklahoma
Never been in the mountains with the RV
THANKS

If you're comfortable mountain driving Wolf Creek Pass has beautiful scenery. Plus you can play the song while you're coming down!

FatChance · 05-09-2018, 08:12 PM

Semi trucks drive over that pass every day of the year with no issues. It is a major cross-country US Highway.

sbpierce · 05-09-2018, 08:17 PM

I've driven Wolf Creek Pass a hundred times. Late this summer will be the first time with a 44ft fifth wheel strapped to my rear end. I expect it to be a new experience, but knowing it well will help.

pagosajoe · 05-10-2018, 08:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FatChance

Semi trucks drive over that pass every day of the year with no issues. It is a major cross-country US Highway.

Indeed, 160 is a major east-west route in southern Colorado. However, there are frequent crashes involving semi trucks. Sadly there are fatalities involved. Many of these incidents involve drivers with no mountain driving experience who simply drive too fast.

My advice, having driven Wolf Creek Pass frequently, is keep the speed at no more than 35, use the engine brake, exercise caution, don't ride the brakes and overheat them, and enjoy the scenery - it's one of the most beautiful places in the US.

azpete · 05-10-2018, 08:46 AM

pagosajoe has it right. slow and easy works. ive taken my 36 ft meridian and toad over wolf creek pass a couple of times. im not fond of doing it, but to save time, i do.
looking down the canyons on the way, you will see wrecks marked with a red x spray painted on top. they are old wrecks.
however, if you are the least bit uncomfortable going this route, then by all means, go around. its better to drive a little further and feel safe.