HWY 160 Durango to I 25

[psomers]

Early planning on trip this fall to Colorado. First to Durango and then over to Colorado Springs. Looks like Hwy 160 to I25 and then north. Is that OK pulling a 38' 5th wheel. Is there a better way?

[BB_TX]

Depends on your comfort level towing in the mountains. But 160 is like an RV pipeline across southern Colorado. East of Pagosa Springs is Wolf Creek pass. It is a long steep climb to the top. But good highway and two lanes going up so you can stay in the right lane and take your time without holding up traffic. And several pull offs if you need to cool down. Going down the east side is not as steep, but be sure to mind the speed limit thru the snow shed. A sharp turn as you go thru. From there it is pretty easy drive across San Luis valley until you reach La Veta pass between Ft Garland and Walsenburg. La Veta pass is not as high as Wolf Creek. Easy climb traveling east bound, a little steep going down.

If you are averse to high passes you can go south at Pagosa Springs and make a southerly loop back up to Alamosa and bypass Wolf Creek pass. But quite a few miles longer.

And you can avoid La Veta pass by going north from either Monte Vista or Alamosa to Poncha Springs and then US50 to I-25 at Pueblo.

Curious how you are getting to Durango in the first place.

[pineranch]

We summer in the Durango area and have taken that route the past 3 years, no problem. Take it easy on the down grades and enjoy some of the most beautiful scenery ever. Spent a night in La Veta two years ago, quaint little place. Headed that way in late September.
Mike

[psomers]

quote:Originally posted by BB_TX

Depends on your comfort level towing in the mountains. But 160 is like an RV pipeline across southern Colorado. East of Pagosa Springs is Wolf Creek pass. It is a long steep climb to the top. But good highway and two lanes going up so you can stay in the right lane and take your time without holding up traffic. And several pull offs if you need to cool down. Going down the east side is not as steep, but be sure to mind the speed limit thru the snow shed. A sharp turn as you go thru. From there it is pretty easy drive across San Luis valley until you reach La Veta pass between Ft Garland and Walsenburg. La Veta pass is not as high as Wolf Creek. Easy climb traveling east bound, a little steep going down.

If you are averse to high passes you can go south at Pagosa Springs and make a southerly loop back up to Alamosa and bypass Wolf Creek pass. But quite a few miles longer.

And you can avoid La Veta pass by going north from either Monte Vista or Alamosa to Poncha Springs and then US50 to I-25 at Pueblo.

Curious how you are getting to Durango in the first place.

Thanks to you and pineranch for the replies.
From Tuscaloosa, AL up to I40. West to Albuquerque then north on 84 and 160.

[pineranch]

Unless you plan to visit Santa Fe and Chama, 550 is the best route from Abq to Durango.
Mike

[psomers]

quote:Originally posted by pineranch

Unless you plan to visit Santa Fe and Chama, 550 is the best route from Abq to Durango.
Mike

Thanks for that information. Will take your advice.
My main concern is not me making it, it's my truck. On long hard pulls it tends to get hot. In West Virginia I actually had SES light to come on for over heating. I think I have a fan clutch problem as my fan doesn't lock up until it's too late. I think I will replace fan clutch before I leave. Truck had this problem from day one before any dirt got in radiator stack.

[BB_TX]

As I mentioned above, there are several pull offs going up Wolf Creek pass long enough for your Monte. And two lanes all the way up so you can take it as slow as you want. And the air temp will likely be around 70 degrees starting up and 60 or lower by the time you reach the top. Two years ago in early August we were in a heavy sleet for a while on top of Wolf Creek pass! But not cold enough to stick to roadways.

[Carole]

I am psomers' DW and I would like some info on campground in Durango. This may not be the place to post but I'm sure some of you responding will know. Thanks for all the help.

[BB_TX]

Carole - I would recommend you start a new post. Look under HAVE MOC WILL TRAVEL and there are two forums there about campgrounds. Start a new thread there as some will probably pass over this thread since it has already been discussed a bit.

[tooth ferry]

Hi PSOMERS. In that area in May. See my reply dated tonite in Campgrounds State, Fed.and Prov.--Topic- Campgrounds Advice out west. Mesa Verde NP near Durango is great and a nice cg across the road.

[Carole]

Thanks BB TX, I did repost in another place.