Community Forums

CB1025 · 07-25-2012, 09:41 AM

I am considering driving US 50 from Pueblo to Grand Junction. I am in a 40' DP pulling a toad. From the map it appears to be 2 lanes throught the mountains. Will I experience any problems? Also, what's the situation with US 24 west out of Colorado Springs? Thanks for any help.

Auto hauler · 07-25-2012, 10:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CB1025

I am considering driving US 50 from Pueblo to Grand Junction. I am in a 40' DP pulling a toad. From the map it appears to be 2 lanes throught the mountains. Will I experience any problems? Also, what's the situation with US 24 west out of Colorado Springs? Thanks for any help.

It will be a nice ride west of Pueblo. Long more or less gentle uphill pull toward Monarch Pass. Only the last few mile of that pass east to west as you come out of the tree line have some more serious uphill grade and a few >wide< switchbacks. Once you pass the tourist trap at the top of Monarch, the down grade for a few miles is substantial... Just gear down, take it slow and easy, you will be fine.

If you are proceeding on toward Montrose , there are a couple of minor passes/up and down grades that can surprise you if not expecting them. But again, you will be fine.

I've been this route in all weather conditions with my 18 wheeler car carriers. If my 80 feet of truck can navigate that route, what you have will be no problem... Enjoy the ride.. Keep you camera handy!

golden · 07-25-2012, 10:36 AM

If my gasser can do it, and it has several times, it should be a piece of cake for a DP. Also, it's a very pretty drive.

AFChap · 07-25-2012, 10:40 AM

I drove it West to East a couple of years ago w/40' dp and toad ...beautiful drive. Just great down to keep the rpm up on the climbs, and use the exhaust brake and gears to keep the speed down on the descents. I recall it much as described above with only a few really sharp climbs where the curves kept the speed of other vehicles down too.

Bob (WA0MQE) · 07-27-2012, 08:17 AM

Hwy 24 west from Colorado Springs is a nice easy drive. It's a good two lane, and always well maintained. Wilkerson Pass is the only significant climb, which is nothing compared to Monarch Pass. It's only 10,000 ft. and no switchbacks at all.

CB1025 · 07-31-2012, 05:19 PM

Thanks for the input.

TurbineGuy · 08-03-2012, 07:49 AM

I truly appreciate the words of wisdom I glean from these forums; following up on this thread, what is 550 like running North from Durango? We run a 40' DP, toad free for this trip, heading East from the Grand Canyon.

Thanks again all,
Jerry

golden · 08-03-2012, 08:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TurbineGuy

I truly appreciate the words of wisdom I glean from these forums; following up on this thread, what is 550 like running North from Durango? We run a 40' DP, toad free for this trip, heading East from the Grand Canyon.

Thanks again all,
Jerry

This question pops up on all the forums. Those of us who travel in the mountains use the Mountain Directory West (or East) as a bible. It recommends not to take this route because of the inherent danger due to the steep hills and switchbacks, but rather to use a different route. In your case, go to Mancos, drive from there to 141 to 62 (Ridgeway) and then hang a left on 550 then to I-70 in Grand Junction.

However, DO park your TOAD in Durango and drive 550 (Million Dollar Parkway) to Ouray and return. There will be numerous opportunities to pull over and take pictures and you will understand why you should not take a big rig that way.

All that being said, big rigs (semis, RVs driven by folks who are used to driving in the mountains and those who are ignorant of the warning) drive it every day. I always dread coming up behind one going either way, because I know they will slow down traffic and will cause others to take chances and drive more foolishly than they normally do.

Short answer, don't take 550 if you aren't an experienced mountain traveller.

On edit I noticed you don't have a TOAD so forget all the above other than don't take 550 through the mountains.

CB1025 · 08-05-2012, 04:35 PM

I agree with prior post regarding 550 north from Durango. It's not too bad from Durango to Silverton, I personally wouldn't feel comfortable driving a motorcoach from Silverton to Ouray. Saw others and semis doing it, but I'm just saying I wouldn't. Also there was construction north of Silverton and traffic was down to one lane in one place on 550. Mancos, Delores, Telluride, Ridgeway is, in my opinion, a better and less stressful route.