Colorado Hwy 24 from Minturn to Salida

[bgrissom]

Pulling a 36’ 5th wheel, how strenuous of a drive is this route?

[BarryG20]

It has been a while since I have been on that route as we normally come from the east but certainly doable. The road is not overly wide and there are some steep areas and the speed is lower but the farther you get up it the better it gets. You do still go up and over Tennessee pass which isnt that big of a deal. However you save some miles, you save going up and over Vail Pass (though it is not bad just a long slog) then once down it you get to go up Fremont pass on 91 which is better road than 24 to Leadville. IIRC 24 is about 20 miles less but only about 10 or 15 minutes less time so no major time savings.

[twogypsies]

From the 'Mountain Directory for Truckers and RVers'.....

You'll have about 7 miles of 6-7% grades with 20 mph switchbacks.

You'll then have an uphill of approx. 3 miles and then a descent toward Leadville of 1.5 mi of 5-6% grade.

It's very doable and Hwy 24 is very popular with RVers - beautiful highway. Plan to stop a while in Leadville or Buena Vista area.

[Busskipper]

Originally Posted by bgrissom

Pulling a 36’ 5th wheel, how strenuous of a drive is this route?

IMHO it is One Beautiful Drive!

Leaving Minturn you drive on the outside of the road, it is plenty Wide, and the Valley will be on your Right with the Backside of Vail on your Left.

Before you get to Red Cliff and the Green Bridge - you will pass an old abandoned mine with a lot of the buildings still in place,

After driving over the bridge if you get off on the Right Side you can loop back into town - Couple of Good bars for lunch and a Hotel if you stay. Leaving Red Cliff you will drive through some beautiful Aspen Groves and more of the Backside of Vail - then Camp Hale with more great pull outs to the Left.

After Camp Hale you approach RT 91 and Leadville - Quincy's SteakHouse for Dinner - CG's in town or out and Turquoise Lake is an option - If none of these work bump on down to Buena Vista with lots to see and do.

Collegiates - Browns Canyon NM - Aspen - Trails - Lakes Streams.......

Hope this Helps, I take it every chance get.

I Love the drive and the Area.