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Old Rocker · 09-08-2012, 10:50 AM

I am planning next years vacation and am thinking of Durango Co. The maps I have looked at take me from here (Wichita Ks) to there thru the pass. I have a 30 ft gasser that handled the mountains west of Colorado Springs easily, but the stories from a couple old truck drivers told me has me concerned.

If you have been over the pass, I would sure like some advice, and points of interest. I will not be in a hurry and will be traveling light and brakes will be new.

Thanks
Kent, Vickie and the sissy dog

two2go · 09-08-2012, 11:13 AM

If you are westbound, the climb out of South Fork gets steep, but only a couple of big curves. It was not the worst pass going up we have encountered. "In low and go slow." Dropping down the west side gets a bit of adrenaline flowing. Keep it in that low gear. Love the tranny grade brake. Steep and a couple of sharp hairpins. Not all that many people die every day on it!!!
If your rig is running good, you will make it, but you will definitely feel the altitude power loss. Have a good trip.

chief02 · 09-08-2012, 11:15 AM

Wolf Creek is now four lanes with lots of spots to stop and take a break. Just take your time manange your engine temp while climbing and your brakes while desending and you wont have a problem. I doulbe tow a 5er with 2 atvs tied onto the 5er over wolf creek pass regularly. When you get to the summit pull off and enjoy the view and let your rig idle till it cools down. Use a lower gear and 20 mph while desending. The whole crossing is only about 40 mins. Enjoy the Four Corners, ride the train, see Mesa Verde NP, go to Silverton and Ouray!

Chickadee · 09-08-2012, 12:35 PM

Kent, Vickie, and the sissy dog:

We pulled over Wolf Creek Pass heading East with our 45 ft. MH towing a Honda Element and although we are pretty heavy (since we full time and carry alot of "stuff"), it went fine, but it WAS a pull even for our 500 diesel.

I don't think you'll have a problem getting UP the hill, but the most important concern is coming DOWN !! I'm probably over cautious, but unless you have engine (jake) brakes I'd be most concerned about loosing my brakes on the way down that Western grade heading to Pagosa Springs. As mentioned above, keep it in a low gear and take advantage of pull outs to let the brakes cool down.

It sure is beautiful country however, and you'll probably really enjoy staying in Durango. Be sure to visit Silverton and also DO take a day trip over to Mesa Verde Nat'l. Park just West of Durango.

Steve & Lynette

Old Rocker · 09-08-2012, 01:39 PM

Thanks guys!

I am glad to hear it is 4 lanes, so maybe I wont hold the pros up. And the pull outs are good too. Brakes were (are) my biggest worry, but they will be new before I head out.

Vickie wants to go to Durango for the train ride. She has never ridden a train and has been pestering me for years about it. So I must bite the bullet and get her there.

Thanks for the tip on Mesa Verde, that looks interesting to me.

Kent, Vickie and the sissy dog.