Coatesbegone Posted December 15, 2015 Report Share Posted December 15, 2015 Planning for next summer. Thinking to take Hwy. 50 all the way across the state of Colorado. Although the Mountain Directory West only has one warning at Monarch Pass (which sounds doable in a motorhome towing), we are concerned about road conditions, curves, winding roads, etc., especially between Canon City and Montrose. Does anyone have experience with this drive? Any suggestions/tips appreciated. Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2gypsies Posted December 15, 2015 Report Share Posted December 15, 2015 We've done it with our 40' MH and many independent chunks of it including Monarch Pass. It's no big deal - good road all the way. Yes, you'll have some curves but after all, you're in the mountains. It's a beautiful drive and lots of places to explore - especially with your Jeep. I hope you're planning to visit Silverton! It's an all-time favorite Jeeping area for us. Have fun planning. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TreyandSusan Posted December 15, 2015 Report Share Posted December 15, 2015 Did the whole thing (Hwy 50) from Grand Junction to Canon City (well almost the whole stretch) with an HDT and 40' Fifth Wheel. The middle of May on dry roads. Beautiful. Would check and be aware of road conditions. Would not try to do Monarch in heavy rain or snow but not a problem on dry roads. It is a bit steep so it will be slower and on the way down it helps to have an engine/exhaust brake. Might also be good to review Controlled (Snub) Braking technique for mountain driving just to be prepared. It is always good to review skills needed for certain situations. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Randyretired Posted December 16, 2015 Report Share Posted December 16, 2015 We have driven it many times. Monarch pass has curves and grades but it is very doable. Just slow down and enjoy the scenery. The rest is a combination of mountain roads and normal highway driving. Very popular with RVers and traveled by semis. Enjoy your drive. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LindaH Posted December 16, 2015 Report Share Posted December 16, 2015 We did US-50 all the way from it's start in California, across country until we had to head north in Indiana for an Escapade. It's been a number of years ago, but I don't remember anything bad about the portion in Colorado. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coatesbegone Posted December 16, 2015 Author Report Share Posted December 16, 2015 Thanks for all the prompt replies! We are still in the planning stages for next summer, but are mapping our way along Hwy. 50 through Kansas, Colorado, Utah and Nevada. Have heard a lot about the San Rafael Swell in Utah (as well as other points of interest along this route) and are looking forward to another exciting adventure! Thanks again for your input. P.S. 2Gypsies, we visited Silverton this past summer in our Jeep and you are right, it is a beautiful place! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chirakawa Posted December 16, 2015 Report Share Posted December 16, 2015 Thanks for all the prompt replies! We are still in the planning stages for next summer, but are mapping our way along Hwy. 50 through Kansas, Colorado, Utah and Nevada. Have heard a lot about the San Rafael Swell in Utah (as well as other points of interest along this route) and are looking forward to another exciting adventure! Thanks again for your input. P.S. 2Gypsies, we visited Silverton this past summer in our Jeep and you are right, it is a beautiful place! I've done the route you're planning. I found it quite good and scenic. The only rough area of road was in Kansas, and not so much of it there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill w/bus Posted December 17, 2015 Report Share Posted December 17, 2015 On your list Black Canyon of the Gunnison NP. Fantastic views. Vistation in one year is about what Grand Canyon has in a week. Campgrounds are good. Bill Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whj469 Posted December 22, 2015 Report Share Posted December 22, 2015 You should be ok all the way. There are some curves but not bad if you slow down. Very nice country and I hope that you enjoy the trip. No smoking pot while you are there. Just kidding! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.