Getting to Leadville CO from the Southeast

[KCJones1950]

Hi, I wanted to know the best way to get to Leadville CO from the SE (Louisiana). I have a 37' Winslow weighing about 18,000 lbs pulling with a 2008 F-450. As an easterner I have not been towing in the Rockies much! Thanks in advance!

[Jim2]

The "best" route depends on what your personal preferences are. But here's one option I might use:
Shreveport to Dallas to Wichita Falls to Amarillo to Raton & I-25 north past Walsenburg to exit 56, then hwy 69 to hwy 50 to hwy 285/24 to Leadville.
Leadville is just over 10,000 ft elevation so it takes a climb to get up there no matter which route you choose. In summer time good weather this is a beautiful drive.

[KCJones1950]

Thanks, I was looking for that last piece since it looks like it goes over some mighty steep mountains at one point on Rt 24. I'm taking that its "doable" even though steep. Thanks for your reply.

[Jim2]

approaching Leadville from the south on those hiways is the least steep. you stick mostly to the valleys, although surrounded by 12-14,000 ft mountains.
from I-25 to Buena Vista you go from 6,000 ft to 8,000 ft, but that's spread over 120 miles, some up, some down. The final climb from Buena Vista (8000 ft) to Leadville (10,000 ft) is spread over 30 miles of mostly straight roadways, so no sharp curves or white knuckle drop offs.
Its mainly when you take E-W routes through the Rockies that you do a lot of steep up/down.

[twogypsies]

From I-25 pick up Hwy 50 west from Pueblo. The Royal Gorge will be on the way and is worth a stop. Go to Salida and north on 285/24 to Buena Vista and Leadville. No big passes to cross.