Community Forums

becken63 · 02-03-2016, 06:22 PM

We are planning a trip that includes either hwy 160 from Durango to Walsenburg to Colorado springs or Durango to Montrose to Colorado springs, Hwy 50. What is the better route and what to stop and see on either route. 36 ft Winnebago gas, towing small pickup Ken

owen48 · 02-03-2016, 06:55 PM

Are you going this winter? If so I would go 160 over Wolfcreek Pass as the road is less dangerous than 550 over Molas and Coalbank Pass. If you are going soon Be prepared for snow and the possibility that you will have to chain up your MH and the toad. I wouldn't,t drive either in the winter unless I had to. I would take the longer route west to Cortez on 160 then north through Moab to Grand Junction. I went this way last summer and no extreme grades or mountain passes.

twogypsies · 02-03-2016, 07:43 PM

I'm assuming you are not making this trip during the winter.

Wolf Creek Pass just beyond Pagosa Springs on 160 is much easier than Red Mtn. Pass on 550 at Silverton/Ouray if you're not comfortable with steep mountain driving. We've done both multiple times with a 40' motorhome.

From Durango you could also go west to Cortez and take 145 north up to Montrose which again, is easier than 550.

Hwy 50 east is easy to do.

All are very scenic drives. It's our favorite area in the West!

Jim2 · 02-03-2016, 08:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by becken63

.... What is the better route and what to stop and see on either route.

Better for what? Hwy 160 and Wolf Creek Pass is an easier drive than Hwy 550 and Red Mtn Pass. Both are scenic drives through the beautiful mountains, with lots of outdoor activities and few tourist traps. Stop and see the mountains up close, see and/or fish the clear mtn lakes & rivers, take a hike into the high country and you may see deer, elk, moose, big horn sheep, lynx or black bear. If its early summer, take a raft ride down one of our white water rivers. My summer home is in the mtns above South Fork, off hwy 160, but I spend the summer exploring the mountains all over SW Colorado. Pick any route, the only mistake you can make, is spending too much time inside your RV.

tmm2good · 02-07-2016, 04:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim2

Better for what? Hwy 160 and Wolf Creek Pass is an easier drive than Hwy 550 and Red Mtn Pass. Both are scenic drives through the beautiful mountains, with lots of outdoor activities and few tourist traps. Stop and see the mountains up close, see and/or fish the clear mtn lakes & rivers, take a hike into the high country and you may see deer, elk, moose, big horn sheep, lynx or black bear. If its early summer, take a raft ride down one of our white water rivers. My summer home is in the mtns above South Fork, off hwy 160, but I spend the summer exploring the mountains all over SW Colorado. Pick any route, the only mistake you can make, is spending too much time inside your RV.

What he said !!

Big Dude · 02-11-2016, 08:51 AM

I've been over US 160 several times with the RV and toad and no issues. I've been over US-550 a few times in a car and no way I would drive my RV but others do and I'm an old guy. If my objective is to just get from Durango to CO Springs, 160 would be an easy decision for me.