I-25 NM to Denver

[UPS 34]

We will be traveling from New Mexico. I 40 to Denver. Looking at going up I 25. Looks to be a good path. What can i expect.

[Robert Rice]

Big smooth hwy. Speed limit 75mph. Hilly

[Jim2]

Quote:

Originally Posted by UPS 34 We will be traveling from New Mexico. I 40 to Denver. Looking at going up I 25. Looks to be a good path. What can i expect.

Expect a typical Interstate highway. This run has lots of ups and downs, mostly between 5,000 - 7,000 ft. Raton Pass near the NM/CO border will be the highest elevation at about 7,800 ft, but its not that steep on either side. There are a few rough sections that are past due for resurfacing. Traffic is usually not bad until you hit the outer loop near Denver. If you hit Denver anywhere near rush hours, it can be a nightmare, even on the interstate.

[Ding-a-ling]

We travelled that route and agree with Jim2.

Once you get into Colorado the scenery is kind of unique - mountains on the west side and the plains on the east side.

[golden]

Unless it has changed in the past two years, Colorado Springs was always a pain to drive through, especially for such a small city. There used to be a fair amount of construction, narrow roads and lots of traffic. Still, I-25 is the best way to get to Denver.

[emeryts]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim2 Expect a typical Interstate highway. This run has lots of ups and downs, mostly between 5,000 - 7,000 ft. Raton Pass near the NM/CO border will be the highest elevation at about 7,800 ft, but its not that steep on either side. There are a few rough sections that are past due for resurfacing. Traffic is usually not bad until you hit the outer loop near Denver. If you hit Denver anywhere near rush hours, it can be a nightmare, even on the interstate.

Jim2...I also will be taking this route in July. Sounds like good elevation...do you know what most or even some of the grades are? Wife will be driving also, but do not want her behind wheel on steep grades. I would like to keep brakes if you know what I mean!
Thanks
Terry

[porscheracer]

IIRC, Raton Pass is about a 6% (maximum) grade. As of last September, construction around Colorado Springs was still a problem.

[Jim2]

Quote:

Originally Posted by emeryts Jim2...I also will be taking this route in July. Sounds like good elevation...do you know what most or even some of the grades are? Wife will be driving also, but do not want her behind wheel on steep grades. I would like to keep brakes if you know what I mean! Thanks Terry

Let your wife drive the leg from Albuquerque to Sante Fe, thats a long gradual climb from around 5000' to 7000'. The steeper grades and curves are in the sections just past the Sante Fe exits, and from Raton, NM to Trinidad, Co. The 7800' pass may sound high, but consider that your starting from 6600', so its only 1200' up or down. The northbound descent from Raton Pass does have a section near the top of 6% grade, then levels off to 3-4% grade overall with a few short steep sections mixed in. As long as you downshift at the top, and/or use an engine/exhaust brake to keep the speed down, you shouldnt need your brakes.

[emeryts]

thanks Jim2...much appreciated! I drove southbound from Co.Springs a couple of years ago, so I just wanted to make sure going north of anything to expect.

Norm and Janet...thanks to you to. I am staying in Co. Springs actually exiting at Hwy 24. So I will not be driving all the way thru. Staying at Garden of the Gods RV park (again). Nice place.

Terry

[Blue74]

All of the construction is done in Colorado Springs except at the last bridge heading north out of town, looks like they had to redo something. Just through there last week in a big truck.

Paul

[Bob (WA0MQE)]

Colorado Springs isn't a problem anymore. They've done extensive upgrades to the Interstate going through the city. Primarily added anywhere from one to two new lanes both directions. This addition of new lanes made a big difference in traffic flow. Even rush hour traffic isn't that bad now. Just stay in the middle or fast lane to stay away from vehicles entering and exiting the highway and you won't have any problem.

[mkgearhead]

The worst construction is through Trinidad. It's narrow and 35mph. After that, you should be good. I drive a tractor trailer and it wasn't a big deal.