Thought I’d follow up on our travel from Tetons NP, to Vernal, then into Glenwood springs.
US191 Tetons to I80
Once US191 splits from US89, you drive along the Hoback River. It’s a beautiful drive, but slow in a larger RV as it winds along the River. Then (IIRC) there is one moderate climb out of the river valley, then you are driving in the middle of nowhere through the energy fields until you get down to I80. Road surface was generally good, with some road construction.
Gas station at Daniel Junction (US191/US189 intersection) is easy in / easy out for gas (didn’t pay any attention to Diesel....).
US191 from I80 to Vernal
Is a treat and a stunning drive for those that enjoy “mountain” driving on US Highways. For those that don’t like big drop offs (along the top of the plateau) or significant grades (going down and up from the dam and the big down grade into Vernal), well, it’s probably it not going to be very enjoyable. But the road is certainly suitable for larger RVs and the switchbacks into Vernal are easy enough. The road does narrow a bit going down to and across the dam, but it’s really no issue.
Vernal to Glenwood Springs
US40 to Dinosaur, CO / CO64 to Meeker, CO / CO13 to Rifle, CO (I70)
Easy enough, nothing really to note other than CO64 road surface is pretty beat up through the energy fields, and some construction on CO13.
A few side notes:
We were in Vernal the 2nd week of September, and the rafting companies were shutting down already. We were lucky enough to catch very the last day trip (by any of the rafting companies) on the Green River (pic below)
Dinosaur Natl. Monument, there are 2 main entrances.
The “quarry” near the main entrance is the only place you will see the (unbelievable) dinosaur fossils, and it is contained within a climate controlled structure. It’s is mind boggling, and actually great for kids as it’s very easy access via tram from the visitor center and you can spend as much or little time as you want looking. (there is also a museum in Vernal, but we did not go).
The drive east of the visitors center is interesting, and the Josie Morris cabin (and her story) are very interesting (but probably not so much for kids).
We were going to do the Sound of Silence / Desert Voices Trail, but it was really overgrown at the beginning near the boat launch and decided not to.
The Colorado side near Dinosaur Colorado, is very different. It’s mostly a drive with many scenic overlooks, kind of reminded us of Canyon Lands Natl Park. The real “bonus” is the Harpers Corner Trail at the end of the road. It’s a spectacular hike along a ridge line above the canyon. A fairly easy hike, but has a couple places were the drop offs next to the trail are significant
. (Pic from the end of the trail below). We did not drive the Dugway due to the threat of rain which can make the road impassable.
By the time we got to Glenwood Springs, were we’re pretty much ready to head home after 3 months on the road. Spent a few days relaxing, went up to Aspen and drove up Independence Pass in the Jeep (the road from Aspen to the Pass is length restricted, strictly monitored and enforced) so it is NOT appropriate or legal for larger RVs; in fact, given several very narrow road sections (less than 2 lanes) it wouldn’t be much fun in even a dually pick up (note scrapes on rocks next road on some tight corners
). We’ll be headed back to CO again next year......
Again, can not express enough thanks to busskipper and twogypsies for there invaluable guidance
.
Regards