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Old 06-24-2013, 04:14 AM   #1
cgaskins
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double checking my route....

Good morning all... We are about to leave on our 2 week summer RV Trip. We live in Austin, Texas and are going to Carlsbad, NM -> Santa Fe, NM -> Durango, CO -> Montrose, CO -> Breckenridge, CO -> then back to Austin.

If you have a minute look over my route and provide any last minute input. I am mainly concerned about poor road conditions or road construction as well as if I have selected a road that is not good for a 40 foot 5th wheel trailer. (2011 F250 diesel & 2007 Montana 3400RL)

Austin to Carlsbad - I10 West to US 285 to Pecos and then Carlsbad.

Carlsbad to Santa Fe - US 285 all the way to Santa Fe.

Santa Fe to Durango - US 285 north to US 84 to Pagosa Springs, CO. US 160 from Pagosa Springs to Durango.

Durango to Montrose - definitely NOT traveling US 550 between Durango and Ouray. Going the alternate to the west. US 160 to Mancos then CO 184 to Delores and CO 145. CO 145 through Lizard Head Pass to Placerville. In Placerville get on CO 62 to Ridgeway and then get on US 550 North to Montrose.

Montrose to Breckenridge - US 50 north to Grand Junction / Clifton then get on I70 East. I 70 East to Frisco. From Frisco CO 9 to Breckenridge.

Breckenridge to Denver - I70 East.

Denver to Amarillo - I70 East to to Limon to US 287. Then US 287 all the way to Amarillo.

I am a little nervous about the I70 portion through the mountains of Colorado. I have done some mountain driving last year up to Tetons and Yellowstone but I suspect these climbs and descents are much more dramatic. Any advice and warnings are welcomed..

Thanks!
Chris
 
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Old 06-24-2013, 05:16 AM   #2
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Your route at least up to Montrose sounds good. Have not traveled the rest of it except 287 back from Amarillo. I know what you mean about 550. An absolutely beautiful not to be missed drive, but not towing a 5er (in my opinion).
I have not traveled I-70 across there. But that 6.7 will handle the grades with no problem. We just recently crossed over two pretty good passes on our trip to Colorado. Pulled the passes great, and the engine brake kept the speed under control going down the other side barely using the brake.
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Old 06-24-2013, 06:10 AM   #3
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Have done I-70 many times. It is just not a big deal. Carries a ton of the cross country 18 wheeler traffic. Good wide highways. Some really long grades but my 6.7 did fine. Exhaust break and tow haul recommended. Take BB Tx advice and enjoy 550, it is beautiful but with the 5'er you won't enjoy it. Sounds like a great trip. Enjoy, Jim
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Old 06-24-2013, 06:50 AM   #4
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Thanks bill and Jim. Appreciate the feedback.
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Old 06-24-2013, 07:58 AM   #5
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We've been over that section of I-70 several times and never thought of it as difficult. The drive from Chama, NM to Pagosa Springs is one of our favorites--beautiful drive.

Depending on the time of day, your schedule, etc. you might want to drop down to Ouray from Ridgeway. It would be a great place for a lunch break, or even an overnight. Ouray is another favorite of ours.

We always take I-25 all the way south to Raton then pick up US 87 to Dalhart and Dumas before joining US 287 which we follow all the way to Wichita Falls and Henrietta. This is an alternate for you to consider.

This sounds like a great trip. We will be leaving one week from today. We will spend the first night at Goodlett, Texas at the Ole Cotton Gin RV park, then the second night at Cedar Rail RV at the top of Raton Pass, then on to Gunnison/Crested Butte and later Colorado Springs before heading on up to Glacier National Park.

EDIT TO ADD:

Be sure to check for forest fires. The route from Pagosa Springs to the east (Wolf Creek Pass--> South Fork) has been closed. I know that's not your route, but stay on top of the fire situation.
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Old 06-24-2013, 08:53 AM   #6
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Thanks David. I appreciate the information. We are planning on making a day trip down to Ouray from Montrose (with out the C.O.W. - "condo on wheels").

I don't like all the traffic on I-25. 287 is a much easier route in my opinion. The only downside to the 287 route from Limon is the crappy road situation across Oklahoma.

How is 87 from Dalhart to Raton? When I drove that back in June 2011, it was under construction and a horrible mess.

-Chris
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Old 06-24-2013, 09:00 AM   #7
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Just drove the Denver to Ridgeway through Grand Junction and return via Gunnison last week. No issues. Have a nice trip.
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Old 06-24-2013, 09:50 AM   #8
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Chris, I know what you mean about that long stretch between Clayton, NM and Raton, but when we drove it last year it was in pretty good shape. Some construction still going on, but good provisions to keep the traffic flowing. We will surely find out in a few days how it is this year.

As for I-25, we have never had a slowdown that I can recall. We usually turn at Walsenburg to "cut through" to US 50 at Cotipaxi, but the last time we went on up to Colorado Springs with smoothly flowing traffic. Of course most are going the speed limit of 75 mph or faster while we are cruising along at just over 60, but we've never had a problem.

This year we will stay 4 nights in Colorado Springs and then take I-25 all the way up into Wyoming. I don't look forward to driving through Denver, but have to say we've moved right on through without difficulty.

Back to the original question. Clayton to Raton is a much improved route over a few years ago.
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Old 06-24-2013, 11:20 AM   #9
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Sounds like a decent route to us. Be prepared for wind here in NM. Been windier in NM this year than we can remember. Also honk as you go by The Roadrunner RV Park in Pojoaque NM north of Santa Fe. We're the Montana with the tall American Flag flapping in the wind.
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Old 06-24-2013, 12:46 PM   #10
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We just crossed on US 87 from Dalhart to Raton a couple weeks ago. Primary construction is completed and it is 4 lane highway all the way now. There was a short stretch where they were doing some resurfacing but was no problem. Very little traffic across there.
And very little traffic on I-25 as far as Walsenburg. Don't know about farther north.
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Old 06-24-2013, 01:09 PM   #11
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Agree about 550. Not 5ver friendly. It can be done but bring extra underwear!
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Old 06-27-2013, 04:12 AM   #12
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Thanks everyone for the comments and suggestions. I appreciate it!!! We are all loaded up and pulling out today. Can't wait to get on the road.

Bill - thanks for the info on US87.

Alan - we will definitely honk as we go through Pojoaque!!

Safe travels everyone!

-Chris
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Old 06-27-2013, 01:07 PM   #13
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Your leg from Durango to Montrose may be your hardest pull. Montrose on over has a few steep grades but you will be a veteran by then. Where are you staying in Durango?
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Old 06-28-2013, 02:23 PM   #14
cgaskins
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Quote:
quote:Originally posted by pineranch

Your leg from Durango to Montrose may be your hardest pull. Montrose on over has a few steep grades but you will be a veteran by then. Where are you staying in Durango?
Mike
Thanks. We are staying at Cedar Creek RV Park.
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Old 06-28-2013, 05:27 PM   #15
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Chris,
I believe Cedar Creek RV Park is in Montrose not Durango.
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Old 06-29-2013, 01:37 AM   #16
cgaskins
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Quote:
quote:Originally posted by pineranch

Chris,
I believe Cedar Creek RV Park is in Montrose not Durango.
Mike
You are right. Looked at the agenda incorrectly. In Durango we are staying atnAlpen Rose.
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