TheRealTaxman
Jacksonville, FL
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I'm already planning next summer's Road Trip, and need some advice re: driving I-70 between Colorado Springs and Grand Juncton, CO in an Airstream 33' Land Yacht w/toad in mid-June.
Basically, I'd like to hear from those of you who have driven this route in an equivalent gasser. I'm interested in grades and the degree of difficulty they present, both up and downhill.
Thanks in advance.
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NGRRFan
Colo. Spgs., CO
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Well, since you are out here to see the scenery, I'd take Hwy 24 west from the Springs, through Woodland Park, across South Park, to Leadville and then on to Minturn and I-70.
It is a nice drive, has 4 easy passes, and isn't that bad.
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joe b.
Florida
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Taxman, as you no doubt know, I-70 doesn't run between the Springs and GJ. You will either have to go on north to Denver to pick up I-70 there and go across the state. Or go west out of the Springs as NGRRFan mentioned but I would pick up highway 50 at Poncha Springs and continue west on it to Montrose and then north to GJ. We much prefer this route over messing with the Denver traffic and prefer Monarch Pass over the I-70 passes. Unless you are comming up from the south and just want to go to Colorado Springs, cut off at Pueblo, on Hwy 50 to Montrose and then north. Beautiful drive along side the Arkansas River for many miles.
Most of the years we lived in Ouray Colorado, we ran a Class A gasser and Monarch was our first choice, east/west bound, by far. Many times we would disconnect our tow, normally a Jeep Grand Cherokee, and my wife would drive it over and down the far side. Makes for a easier trip on the driver, the MoHo (especially the brakes), and on the tow vehicle brakes.
* This post was
edited 10/13/08 08:12am by joe b. *
joe b.
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Busskipper
Arnold,Md
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NGRRFan wrote:Well, since you are out here to see the scenery, I'd take Hwy 24 west from the Springs, through Woodland Park, across South Park, to Leadville and then on to Minturn and I-70.
It is a nice drive, has 4 easy passes, and isn't that bad.
Perfect route -- should take a week or so, so you can enjoy a few of the sights along the way.
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dobbler98
Ohio
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I agree with joe b. about Monarch Pass and that route. Drove it three years ago with no problems and there's plenty to see too. Staying away from Denver's mess is always high on our list..lol 
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cm
Dillon, CO USA
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TheRealTaxman
You need to give some information about the type of roads you want to drive.
Going up the metro Denver area you will take I-25 and then take C-470 to connect to I-70 westbound. Four hill/mountain grades. Virginia Canyon/Genesse, Floyd Hill, Eisenhower/Johnson Memorial Tunnels, and Vail Pass. But four lane interstate all of the way.
Going through Leadville and Highway 24 you go over Tennessee Pass which is not bad. But north of Tennessee Pass and north of Red Cliff you will have several sharp turns and it is a two lane road with some steep grades on the curves.
In mid June the summer traffic will still be somewhat light. That is compared with July and August. And mid week traffic will always better than the weekends no matter what route you take.
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TheRealTaxman
Jacksonville, FL
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All,
Thanks for the responses and the suggestions to avoid Denver. I'll take a hard look at that one -- I have no reason to go there. Just curious about the drive west of Denver, actually.
We'll be staying at the Air Force Academy CG for a few days prior to heading west again, and avoiding the Interstate appeals to me, if the roads and up/downgrades are acceptable.
Thanks again.
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TheRealTaxman
Jacksonville, FL
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All,
OKEYDOKEY. I've been looking at my Atlas, and it appears that 24 to Buena Vista then South on 285 to Poncha Springs pick up 50 and then West to Grand Junction might be the ticket we're looking for (Thanks to joe b.).
Other ideas or helpful hints, those of you who are familiar with that route?
I note that there are two KOA Kampgrounds along that route. DW and I like KOAs, but we'd prefer to use our Golden Eagle passport, when we can. Are there any National Forest CGs on that route?
Thanks in advance.
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NGRRFan
Colo. Spgs., CO
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MANY NFS campgrounds along that route, but most are several miles off the main highway.
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cruiserjs
Aurora, CO, USA/ Mesa AZ/ openroad
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Your Golden Age pass will work for Black Canyon of the Gunnison Nat. park. You should see that Canyon anyway and there is a 'reservable' cg in the Park.. West of Gunnison just a ways east of Montrose. An easy day from AFA.
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