Community Forums

skigramp · 04-08-2009, 05:49 PM

We will be heading back to Wisconsin near the end of April; we need to visit family in Cheyenne on the way.

We we will be in the Moab, UT area sightseeing ...

I am considering a route that takes me up over Rabbit Ears Pass on US 40 "east" of Steamboat Springs. I am considering this route because I have travelled I-70 from Grand Junction to Denver about a half dozen times and would like to try a different route.

The Mountain West Directory shows the ascent from the west is about 7 miles of 7% grade ... and the eastbound descent is about 6%

Wyoming 230 has some steep grades between the CO border and Laramie, WY as well ...

We have a diesel pusher with a C7 Cat engine ... I tow a 4200 pound toad.

We will be travelling in that area about May 1 ...

Anybody have any advice?

Thanks in advance

CoastieSCPO · 04-08-2009, 07:41 PM

It has been quite a few years, but we did that exact route in reverse. Travelled from the Black Hills of SD down to Laramie, Rte 20 thru Walden then on down to Steamboat thru Rabbit Ears Pass. The Pass was a tough pull but we made it with some traffic trailing behind. I do not recall any real troublesome grades on Rte 230 or 14. With your C7 Cat, you should not have any problems. There is, if I remember correctly, a pull off or passing lane on the upgrade side and the other side will be easy for you with a diesel.

Bob

max49 · 04-08-2009, 09:57 PM

Rabbit Ears is a tough pass especially going EB. I have the 8.1 gasser and I was in 1st gear going about 30 MPH at about 4500/ 5000 RPM for what seemed like for a long time. Your Kitty Cat should do much better.

Could you look at your Mountain West Directory and tell me what it says about Cottonwood Pass , also in CO. I heard mixed reviews about it but if I can cross it , it will save me a hundred miles each way. Going to Taylor Park, several times this year, I hope.

tmm2good · 04-09-2009, 03:19 AM

Rabbit Ears is much worse than 230, and Rabbit Ears will be no problem for your rig. I do 230 quite a bit and it is a pretty mellow drive , just watch your speed downhill that last bit b4 Woods Landing.

Ray,IN · 04-09-2009, 09:42 PM

Rabbit ears pass. Besides the driving issue, watch the weather closely that time of year. A sudden snowstorm can ruin your day. I got caught in a snowstorm there. I wondered why I was the only vehicle on the highway, good thing, I was all over the road. When I arrived at the West end of the pass the road was closed, with state troopers manning the gate. They asked me how I got past the East gates. I guess it was closed after I went through.

skigramp · 05-04-2009, 11:14 PM

We went over Rabbit Ears Pass today and into Laramie ...

It snowed two days ago ... there was a beautiful blanket of white stuff on the summit and the "Rabbit Ears" ...

The roadway was clear and no wind ...

So it was a fantastic ride over the top today ...