Denver to Telluride

[Beeper]

We are driving in full size pickup truck from Wisconsin to Telluride CO in early September and I'm wondering what the best route would be from Denver to Telluride. I-70 to 50 to 550? Or 285 to 50 to 550.

I did do a search for this route but did not find what is was looking for.

Thank you in advanced.

[BFlinn181]

The route 285 to 50 to 550, is the shortest and is all on good roads. Not sure what more information you're looking for, Google Maps satellite view can show the whole route, Street view can even show you the actual road and surroundings. Google Earth can map out a cross-section of the elevations you'll encounter on the route. It's a scenic route across Colorado, very pretty.

[AITG]

Originally Posted by BFlinn181

The route 285 to 50 to 550, is the shortest and is all on good roads. Not sure what more information you're looking for, Google Maps satellite view can show the whole route, Street view can even show you the actual road and surroundings. Google Earth can map out a cross-section of the elevations you'll encounter on the route. It's a scenic route across Colorado, very pretty.

I second this route. We took it last fall in a gas engine class A and did just fine. The steepest climb eastbound had us down to 38 mph for a couple of miles. Downgrade the transmission held our speed with occasional brake applications.
It's a beautiful ride.

[Beeper]

I guess I should of mentioned the most scenic and safest drive.

We live in the flatland's and not I'm not use to the elevation and hairpin driving.

Thanks

[BFlinn181]

Originally Posted by Beeper

I guess I should of mentioned the most scenic and safest drive.

We live in the flatland's and not I'm not use to the elevation and hairpin driving.

Thanks

It's not hairpin driving, a number of curves and grades, but not trail riding or rock climbing. Downshift when the engine needs it, I pay more attention to the temperature gauge than the speedometer. in the mountains. Use engine braking or lower gears going downhill. Apply brakes firmly to slow by 10 mph or more, then foot off the brake pedal until next need to drop speed by 10 mph or more. Riding the brakes on long hills is good for brake shops, not for your pocketbook or safety. Pull off and take photos, walk around the truck, don't feel pressure from people behind you, pull off if a line starts to form.

[Beeper]

I guess I'm a little confused because on Bing-Maps it shows the drive as 330 miles but an 8-hour drive. I take it you are driving pretty slow.

[F4Gary]

Originally Posted by Beeper

I guess I'm a little confused because on Bing-Maps it shows the drive as 330 miles but an 8-hour drive. I take it you are driving pretty slow.

You don't do 70mph on twisty mountain roads.
Also, as mentioned above, if you are holding up 3 or more cars behind you, look for places you can safely pull into and let them by. Doesn't cost you any time, and they won't try to unsafely pass you.
Enjoy your trip through the mountains.

[BFlinn181]

Originally Posted by Beeper

I guess I'm a little confused because on Bing-Maps it shows the drive as 330 miles but an 8-hour drive. I take it you are driving pretty slow.

Google maps says 330 mi, 6 hr 9 min, or an average close to 55 mph. I'd say that is optimistic, it's not interstate and there are small towns where the speed limit drops to 25-30 mph. Sharp curves at various spots mean slower speeds, plus if it's your first time in the area, you don't want to speed past the sights. Bing's time/distance works out to a little over 40 mph, probably more realistic, but I've stretched it out longer with dining and shopping in some of the spots along the way.

[Beeper]

Thank you all for the information. I will post when we get back and let you know how it went.

[Busskipper]

Originally Posted by Beeper

Thank you all for the information. I will post when we get back and let you know how it went.

Beeper,

I'm a little late to your Post so I'll join in with the "Real Best Route" -

As I've driven this and the only issue will be one Pass - I've driven it in the Signature rig and Love the Drive as it is scenic and EASY.

Starting on I-70 in Denver go to RT 58 - exit 265 will take you to RT 6 that follows Clear Creek to Idaho Springs and Catches I-70 there.

Continue on I-70 through the Eisenhower Tunnel to RT 91 just past Silverthorne to Leadville - exit 193.

Nice gentile drive up to Leadville on RT 91 - Quincy's is here for a Great Steak Dinner along with - Turquoise Lake/Camp Hale on down to Twin Lakes on RT 24 to Buena Vista/Collegiates (If you had a day go in the Truck to Marron Bells on RT 82 - Independence Pass - Beautiful Drive) on to Salida and RT 50 to Gunnison (Crested Butte if time allows) Here you will cross Monarch Pass - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monarch_Pass - long but easy (JMHO)

Ok onto Gunnison - around the reservoir to Montrose then South on RT 550 to RT 62 to RT 145 and into Telluride. (Note here, there is a Wal*Mart in Gunnison, so if you need anything get it NOW)

Easy Peasszzy - 350 miles and all Fun and Beautiful - MAP -
https://binged.it/2Bitg12

Hope this reaches you before you drive down the RT 285, which while easy, is just Plain BORING (JMHO)

Don't get me Wrong Monarch is a Pass - but either way you will need to drive it............so just saying.

Hope this Helps,


- -

[twogypsies]

Originally Posted by Beeper

I guess I should of mentioned the most scenic and safest drive.

We live in the flatland's and not I'm not use to the elevation and hairpin driving.

Thanks

You're in the West now so you'll have to cross those mountains. You'll soon be a pro. Take a deep breath!

[Beeper]

Originally Posted by Busskipper

Beeper,

I'm a little late to your Post so I'll join in with the "Real Best Route" -

As I've driven this and the only issue will be one Pass - I've driven it in the Signature rig and Love the Drive as it is scenic and EASY.

Starting on I-70 in Denver go to RT 58 - exit 265 will take you to RT 6 that follows Clear Creek to Idaho Springs and Catches I-70 there.

Continue on I-70 through the Eisenhower Tunnel to RT 91 just past Silverthorne to Leadville - exit 193.

Nice gentile drive up to Leadville on RT 91 - Quincy's is here for a Great Steak Dinner along with - Turquoise Lake/Camp Hale on down to Twin Lakes on RT 24 to Buena Vista/Collegiates (If you had a day go in the Truck to Marron Bells on RT 82 - Independence Pass - Beautiful Drive) on to Salida and RT 50 to Gunnison (Crested Butte if time allows) Here you will cross Monarch Pass - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monarch_Pass - long but easy (JMHO)

Ok onto Gunnison - around the reservoir to Montrose then South on RT 550 to RT 62 to RT 145 and into Telluride. (Note here, there is a Wal*Mart in Gunnison, so if you need anything get it NOW)

Easy Peasszzy - 350 miles and all Fun and Beautiful - MAP -
https://binged.it/2Bitg12

Hope this reaches you before you drive down the RT 285, which while easy, is just Plain BORING (JMHO)

Don't get me Wrong Monarch is a Pass - but either way you will need to drive it............so just saying.

Hope this Helps,


- -

Thanks for the input, and its good to know there is a Walmart on that route.

[wingnut60]

beeper,
Are you towing anything, or solo?