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Old 09-16-2019, 03:58 PM   #1
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Route from Ouray Colorado to Colorado Springs ??

In a couple of days I will be heading towards Colorado Springs from Ouray Colorado!! It looks like I have two route options:
1. 550 north to 50 East to 285 n to US 24
2. 550 north to 50 east to 115 n

So after driving the 550 from Durango to Ouray I would like the easiest route for my truck and me!!

Would love any input

Thanks
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Old 09-16-2019, 04:08 PM   #2
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Route #1 I believe you have Wolf Creek Pass and #2 you have Monarch Pass, six to one half a dozen of another. I'm sure others will chime in that knows for sure. I've pulled doubles over Monarch many times (F250 7.3, 34' 5er and rhino on small trailer), just watch your speed down hill.
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Old 09-16-2019, 04:11 PM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by whit66 View Post
In a couple of days I will be heading towards Colorado Springs from Ouray Colorado!! It looks like I have two route options:
1. 550 north to 50 East to 285 n to US 24
2. 550 north to 50 east to 115 n

So after driving the 550 from Durango to Ouray I would like the easiest route for my truck and me!!

Would love any input

Thanks
We just left Ouray on US50 and if it were me I’d take 50 to I-25 then North to Colorado Springs.
If you take US50 it goes over Monarch pass, regardless of where you go after that.
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Old 09-16-2019, 05:28 PM   #4
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You're not going near Wolf Creek Pass. That's down by Pagosa Springs.

Either route is good and both will take you over Monarch Pass. The eastbound descent of Monarch begins with 6% for 10 miles with some curves and alternates between 2 and 3 lanes. After the runaway truck ramp you'll have another 6 miles of 6%.

Downhills - get in low gear before even starting down; not in the midst of the downhill. You shouldn't have to use your brakes much if you're in the correct gear.

50 straight across to I-25 is the easiest but 24 is not hard.

24 will take you over Trout Creek Pass EL 9346', 5-6% grade and not long. You'll also have Ute/Wilkerson Pass at 9165' with 6 miles of rolling hills and a gradual grade downhill to Manitou Springs.

Have a good trip!
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Old 09-16-2019, 06:27 PM   #5
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Thank you, which route do you recommend as the easiest on the tow vehicle
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You're not going near Wolf Creek Pass. That's down by Pagosa Springs.

Either route is good and both will take you over Monarch Pass. The eastbound descent of Monarch begins with 6% for 10 miles with some curves and alternates between 2 and 3 lanes. After the runaway truck ramp you'll have another 6 miles of 6%.

Downhills - get in low gear before even starting down; not in the midst of the downhill. You shouldn't have to use your brakes much if you're in the correct gear.

50 straight across to I-25 is the easiest but 24 is not hard.

24 will take you over Trout Creek Pass EL 9346', 5-6% grade and not long. You'll also have Ute/Wilkerson Pass at 9165' with 6 miles of rolling hills and a gradual grade downhill to Manitou Springs.

Have a good trip!
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Old 09-16-2019, 06:48 PM   #6
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I did both routes you mentioned a couple weeks ago in a class A DP with two motorcycles onboard and a flat towed car. We don't have an exhaust brake. Either way is similar. After Durango to Ouray, it'll seem fast and following lol. Just take your time.
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Old 09-16-2019, 07:56 PM   #7
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Originally Posted by whit66 View Post
In a couple of days I will be heading towards Colorado Springs from Ouray Colorado!! It looks like I have two route options:
1. 550 north to 50 East to 285 n to US 24
2. 550 north to 50 east to 115 n

So after driving the 550 from Durango to Ouray I would like the easiest route for my truck and me!!

Would love any input

Thanks
Hi,

I live in Colorado Springs and have family near Montrose. I have made this trip too many times to count. I've driven it every imaginable way!

The eventually I settled on your route 1. It seems the most comfortable drive.

Only reasonable route to the intersection with 285 at Poncha Springs takes you over Monarch Pass. Be aware that the are three summits between Montrose and Poncha Springs. You must also top Cerro Summit and Blue Mesa Summit as well as Monarch Pass. All passes have steep grades both up and down. But, take your time, especially on the down grades. Use lower gears.

A tip...time your arrival at Colorado Springs before 4 PM. Any later and you start hitting traffic while you are still 30 miles out.

Enjoy the scenery. It is a great drive.
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Old 09-16-2019, 09:28 PM   #8
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I did US 50 to US 24 into Colorado Springs earlier this August. Did Eastbound Monarch pass in 26 foot Class A towing a Jeep. Total weight 20k (give or take) Topped pass at 35 MPH and no problems. Same with Wolf Pass (Westbound). US 50 is a great road, with lots of stuff to stop and see.
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Old 09-16-2019, 09:38 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by yeloduster View Post
Hi,

I live in Colorado Springs and have family near Montrose. I have made this trip too many times to count. I've driven it every imaginable way!

The eventually I settled on your route 1. It seems the most comfortable drive.

Only reasonable route to the intersection with 285 at Poncha Springs takes you over Monarch Pass. Be aware that the are three summits between Montrose and Poncha Springs. You must also top Cerro Summit and Blue Mesa Summit as well as Monarch Pass. All passes have steep grades both up and down. But, take your time, especially on the down grades. Use lower gears.

A tip...time your arrival at Colorado Springs before 4 PM. Any later and you start hitting traffic while you are still 30 miles out.

Enjoy the scenery. It is a great drive.

--------------

Lot's to see and do - along with a Beautiful but easy drive. -
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