Silver Thread Scenic Byway

[al_mers]

Has anyone driven the Silver Thread Scenic Byway from Gunnison, CO to South Fork and on to Pagosa Springs? We are wondering if it is suitable for a large motorhome. Thanks

[al_mers]

Has anyone driven the Silver Thread Scenic Byway from Gunnison, CO to South Fork and on to Pagosa Springs? We are wondering if it is suitable for a large motorhome. Thanks

[Chickadee]

Hi al_mers: We recently traveled a portion of this route heading East from Durango and then Pagosa Springs on Hwy. 160 to South Fork, but then continued East on 160. (Don't know about the stretch from Gunnison down to South Fork). Anyway, we fulltime in a 45' Pusher, 500 ISM Cummins, towing a Honda Element and the only comment about the stretch between Pagosa Springs and South Fork is that the Wolf Creek Pass is a BIG ONE!! We did NOT unhook the Honda and pulled up and over the pass O.K. but were pulling pretty hard near the top. I don't know what you're driving, but just wanted to let ya know, the pass is ONE BIG HILL....HA!!! The highway is just fine however. Steve & Lynette

[RVThere]

Like Chickadee, I only did the Rt. 160 portion of that route. Wolf Creek Pass was big, but did not seem as hairy as the previous days ride on Rt. 550 from Ouray to Durango.

Looking at my geeky mapping software, I see you will go over two passes from Gunnison to South Fork. Here's what Wikipedia says:

Slumgullion Pass (el. 11,530 ft.) is a mountain pass in Colorado traversed by State Highway 149. The north side has the steepest grade of any continuously paved road in Colorado (9%), but the pass does not close often in winter, since snowplows clear the route regularly during this season. It has a few switchbacks and tight spots, but other than that, most travelers will find it an easy, scenic route.

Spring Creek Pass (el. 10,901 ft.) is a high mountain pass in Colorado traversed by State Highway 149.

Take it slow and cool your brakes. It should be an 'experience'. Good luck!