Best Route to Golden, Co.

[Wardog]

We leaving from San Diego to the Denver area soon. The most direct way is through Grand Jct. and I 70. Or. . I could go the southern route. . Flagstaff, Albuquerque and up I 25. This would avoid the "up the gut" route over the rockies, but add a few more hundred miles to the trip. I'm pulling a 10. 5K 5ver. What say you guys who travel these routes? Thanks for any advice.

 

[BarryG]

I personally would take the I 70 route. You only have 2 passes to go up Vail and the Eisenhower tunnel. Both are good size passes but the road is good. The southern route you have to go over Raton Pass on I 25 and it is no piece of cake. Not that bad but the road is not that great, more narrow, tighter turns etc than the passes on I-70. Not to mention the scenery is much better on the I-70 route. I 70 in Utah is much better than 40 through New Mexico. I-70 you wont have to mess with Pueblo traffic (not really bad) and Colorado Springs traffic which imho really sucks.

 

[mlockner]

Take I70 as it is no problem towing that way. I would say roads are better also, but that ain't saying much for CO. I think there are a lot of roads that need major improvement.

Mike L.

 

[klenger]

I would take (and have taken) the I-70 route, but you could also consider the US 160 route through southern Colorado. The passes are a bit easier, and the scenery is nice, but is all (very good) two lane highway.

 

[John - K5AWO]

I have lived in New Mexico (Alburqueque) area for 13 years and now the Phoenix area for 12 years and Dumas, Texas (yeah Texas!!!!) for 12 years.



I-70 beats the you know what out of I-40. I-40 is the worst imitation of "good road" I have seen anywhere. Raton pass is as represented, lots of vehicles get to test their radiators/thermostats on that grade.



And the scenery along I-40 is gray, more gray, little green around Flagstaff, then brown and brown and shades of red.



Go the northern route. You will be much happier.



Just a tired old one's opinion... I go to Utah and Colorado for vacations... . hint, hint

 

[fkovalski]

Exhaust brake?

Maintain control coming down the passes. Along I-70, there are places (near Denver) where it appears to be leveling out, but you are still in the hills. Stay at the speed limit and let the other guy pass. Keep an eye on your temp gauges. I would dissuade against driving it at night. I have seen a lot of deer killed lately so keep a keen eye too. Do you have an exhaust brake?

 

[Wardog]

I've got the 48RE so no exhaust brake 9 (as yet!). I'm planning on going down very cautiously, using the gears and trailer brakes to keep from going to fast down the long grades.

 

[jwdeeming]

I'd also vote I-70. If you have time, slow down and enjoy the view (and cool highway engineering) in Glennwood Canyon. Or even better, hit the hotsprings pool. It's one of our favorite weekend getaways... .

 

[OTRPU]

Nuther vote for I-70E, I run it lots out of Rialto, CA. Glenwood Canyon they'll slow you to 50, and when I do it. . . I'm the only one. Take your time. . . enjoy the scenery. Shagging trailers over mountains, I replaced two sets of front rotors before I got an exhaust brake. You'll have a great time.

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Steve J

 

[PatrickCampbell]

Originally posted by Wardog

We leaving from San Diego to the Denver area soon. The most direct way is through Grand Jct. and I 70. Or. . I could go the southern route. . Flagstaff, Albuquerque and up I 25. This would avoid the "up the gut" route over the rockies, but add a few more hundred miles to the trip. I'm pulling a 10. 5K 5ver. What say you guys who travel these routes? Thanks for any advice.

if you take I-70 you get to see big orange signs that say



"TRUCKERS BIG DOWNHILL! ONLY 5 MORE MILES!" (or something, it's been a while)

 

[NPloysa]

Originally posted by PatrickCampbell

if you take I-70 you get to see big orange signs that say



"TRUCKERS BIG DOWNHILL! ONLY 5 MORE MILES!" (or something, it's been a while)

I love that sign "Truckers, you are not down yet. 6 more miles of 6-7% grade!"

 

[LaxCummins]

Yeah...

You forgot the one that says, "Truckers... Don't be fooled! You are not down yet!"



Rule of thumb - take the southern route only when there's likely to be major snow (winter). Otherwise, I-70 is the best option.

PC

 

[frankb12345]

I thought 6% was tough until I found a 16% grade in Canada.



Weird expressions on the faces of those coming down.