Denver to Pagosa Springs / Bayfield

[OverDo]

Is 285 / 160 a good route from Denver to Pagosa Springs / Bayfield? Is another route more recommended? Heading into Denver from the East on 76.
Thanks all

[Jake21]

You will be fine. A few climbs is all. And downhills but nothing crazy.

[Busskipper]

Originally Posted by OverDo

Is 285 / 160 a good route from Denver to Pagosa Springs / Bayfield? Is another route more recommended? Heading into Denver from the East on 76.
Thanks all

Paul your route is fine....... but ........ would you like to see more of the Mountains?

Let me suggest an Alternate Route that takes you by more of the Colorado I Love. - https://binged.it/2wTXT8X

This will take you through Golden - Possible stop in Golden Clear Creek RV or Coors or Peak to Peak.

Then out RT 6 to Idaho Springs, this drive gets you into the feel of the mountains without any issues, follows Clear Creek on up to Idaho Springs, just a beautiful drive on a great two lane road.

Then onto I-70 and through the tunnel - down the other side with the possible stop at Breck and Tiger Run RV park/Resort.

From there head on west on I 70 just a bit to RT 91 and on up to Leadville/Turquoise Lake/Camp Hale/Quincy's.

Now out of Leadville South on RT 24 to Twin Lakes - if you spend the night anywhere close a great day trip is RT 82 to Maroon Bells/Aspen/Independence Pass.

Then just down the Road is Buena Vista/ Collegiates/K's Dairy Queen/Browns Canyon NM.

Then as RT 24 heads to the Springs you follow RT 285 south to Rt 160 and Pagosa Springs.

If you do all you can do on this route, you might get out next year - but you can just drive through/by all these great spots so as to plan the Next Trip.

Just a suggestion that if driving straight through might take an extra 15-20 minutes (or 12 months) but will expose/allow you to see so much more.

Just a thought,

..........

[OverDo]

Thank you both.
We plan on making the trip next spring or summer to see some family who we haven't seen in 20 years that now live in Bayfiled.
Ive not seen Bing maps before. Looks interesting.
Thanks again
Vern

[Busskipper]

Originally Posted by OverDo

Thank you both.
We plan on making the trip next spring or summer to see some family who we haven't seen in 20 years that now live in Bayfiled.
Ive not seen Bing maps before. Looks interesting.
Thanks again
Vern

Your Spring or Colorado Spring?

Last year they had 17 ' of snow on Trail Ridge in RMNP on Memorial Day and did not clear the road till Thursday.

Might be smart to have an alternative time line - as spring is usually only a day or two in Colorado - Winter storms are at their most productive times in April and May.

While this is a very quirky thing and some years are totally different than others.

Wolf Creek Pass is one that you just need to keep an eye on so it does not spoil your trip.

You will love the Mountains and Pagosa Springs Area.

Just one added thought - it would be smart to look at/think about going out on RT 145 or RT 550 on the way home - will make for the trip of a Life Time.

Best of Luck

[OverDo]

Thanks for the heads up on late spring weather in the mountains. We were thinking that mid June to mid July might be when we can get out that way.
I was also looking at 160 / 550 / 50 to Grand Junction then back east on 70 for the return trip from Pagosa Springs.
We may even go that way first then back on the original intended out route.
Being flatlanders we love to see the high desert and mountain terrain but its a 1100 mile trip to get to Denver.