[Starmaster]

There are two areas of concern from Colorado Springs to Steamboat springs. The info below is from the Mountain Directory:

2. CAMERON PASS elev. 10276'

(on Colorado Highway 14 east of Gould, CO)

The summit of Cameron Pass is about 10 miles east of Gould. The eastbound descent is rolling hills for about 3 miles. At this point there is a truck warning sign-"steep grade next 10 miles" but the sign gives no details. It is a rolling descent with some steep sections but they are not very long.

The westbound descent is about 4 miles of 6% grade with 30 and 35 mph curves.

29. RABBIT EARS PASS elev. 9426'

(on U.S. 40 east of Steamboat Springs, CO)

MUDDY PASS elev. 8772'

(on U.S. 40 east of Rabbit Ears Pass)

Rabbit Ears Pass has an east summit and a west summit. Between the two summits are rolling hills and the road changes back and forth from two lane to three lane.

The eastbound descent from Rabbit Ears east summit is about 3 miles of 6% grade with 30 and 40 mph curves. The grade eases near the junction of U.S. 40 and State 14 highways, which is also the summit of Muddy Pass. If you continue east on U.S. 40 the descent down Muddy Pass is only about 2 miles of 5-6% grade. If you turn east on 14 the descent is short.

The westbound descent from Rabbit Ears west summit begins with a brake check area and warning signs-"Runaway truck ramp 5 miles ahead" and "Trucks use lower gear-7% grade next 7 miles." The escape ramp is actually 4 miles down, near milepost 142.

The grade is very steady at 7% with 45 mph curves. The escape ramp exits to the right and goes uphill. There are 3 miles of 7% grade after the escape ramp. This is a dangerous hill for large or heavy vehicles.


Dave