Community Forums

dakota pete · 10-31-2014, 07:39 PM

Wondering if anyone has traveled this route. Are there lots of switchbacks, curves, etc. This is the first time we've had our MH (with a tow) in this country and altitudes and wondering just how tough the wolf creek pass is, etc. If you can give any help, would appreciate it. We're in Alamosa tonight and contemplating going down 285 into New Mexico instead of trying the mountains. Thanks in advance for any help.

Bumps · 10-31-2014, 07:51 PM

US160 between Alamosa and Durango is a very pretty drive. Wolf Creek Pass is very do-able (just watch your speed). It is a winding mountain road, but designed for OTR trucks and heavy equipment. There are pull-offs to take pictures (which I recommend). Don't be in a hurry.

US285 from Alamosa to Espanola to Santa Fe is pretty flat -- just a couple hills. HOWEVER, it has some twists and turns similar to US160 (just without the Pass). In addition, US285 in New Mexico is more narrow in places than US160 is in Colorado. And the scenery is blah until right before Espanola.

If your destination is Durango, I would not hesitate to take US160.

\ken

twogypsies · 10-31-2014, 09:07 PM

Many RVers drive the highway as do semis. It's very doable. As stated above, take your time and be mindful of your braking. Downshift before you even start going down. The curves aren't drastic. There are no switchbacks.

If you plan to avoid mountain driving you won't be seeing some beautiful areas. Everyone has their 'first time' and they get through it.

Have a good trip.

Firebug5 · 11-01-2014, 07:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dakota pete

Wondering if anyone has traveled this route. Are there lots of switchbacks, curves, etc. This is the first time we've had our MH (with a tow) in this country and altitudes and wondering just how tough the wolf creek pass is, etc. If you can give any help, would appreciate it. We're in Alamosa tonight and contemplating going down 285 into New Mexico instead of trying the mountains. Thanks in advance for any help.

The weather is going to be an issue for some this weekend along the top of the pass, with snow and/or rain predicted thru Sunday. Be sure to check the CDOT website for weather conditions and traffic reports. The cameras show some rain and drizzle this am.

Road Conditions, Speeds, Travel Times, Traffic Cameras, Live Streaming Traffic Cameras, Road Closures and Road Work Information provided by Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) a branch of Colorado Department of Transportation

BTW, PagasoJoe lives in that area, hopefully he will be along to assist.

Bruce

OB-One · 11-01-2014, 10:04 PM

... one more thing. You need to play CW McCall's Wolf Creek Pass on the stereo before climbing the pass.

dakota pete · 11-02-2014, 06:35 PM

Thanks all for your help! We had slept on it and decided to go through the Pass on Sat morn, until we got the weather link. 100% snow and less than 100 ft visibility - avoided that mess! Always can count on the IRV2 folks to help us out! Thanks again!

mtnfan · 11-02-2014, 09:22 PM

Pay very close attention to weather and road conditions. If the snow gets heavy, CDOT will close WC pass for avalanche mitigation. Sometimes for days.