Camping in the rocky mtns of Colorado .

[grumpypapa]

We are looking at going to Colorado and Utah when we get back to normal.Are we better to
just drive thru the mountains,from Denver to Grand Junction ,set up camp and site see the
areas between Denver and Grand Junction or to camp part way thru and check it out,We are
not going very far north of Hwy 70,because I want to see the Cortez and Pueblo areas.

[Unlimitedmatt]

We are looking at going to Colorado and Utah when we get back to normal.Are we better to
just drive thru the mountains,from Denver to Grand Junction ,set up camp and site see the
areas between Denver and Grand Junction or to camp part way thru and check it out,We are
not going very far north of Hwy 70,because I want to see the Cortez and Pueblo areas.

I live just northwest of Denver. One thing to keep in mind is that Denver is 5 hours away from Grand Junction, in normal traffic when not pulling a camper. With that being said, I would camp along the way so you don't have to backtrack.

[Dick Noble]

When are you going? It is really cold and snowy now.

[powerscol]

I would skip Denver and the I 70 corridor all together. At Limon grab 24 west to Colorado Springs. Stay on 24 to junction with 285 at Buena Vista. Take 285 south to US 160 then west to Durango and on to Cortez, Much better scenery and lots of places to camp and things to see. All roads are good.

Or
See Pueblo first and grab 50 west. Still all good

On edit 160 out of Walsenburg is also good.

[Unlimitedmatt]

I would skip Denver and the I 70 corridor all together. At Limon grab 24 west to Colorado Springs. Stay on 24 to junction with 285 at Buena Vista. Take 285 south to US 50 then west to Durango and on to Cortez, Much better scenery and lots of places to camp and things to see. All roads are good.

Or
See Pueblo first and grab 50 west. Still all good

WINNER ,WINNER! If I didn't live here, I'd avoid it too!

[grumpypapa]

I would skip Denver and the I 70 corridor all together. At Limon grab 24 west to Colorado Springs. Stay on 24 to junction with 285 at Buena Vista. Take 285 south to US 50 then west to Durango and on to Cortez, Much better scenery and lots of places to camp and things to see. All roads are good.

Or
See Pueblo first and grab 50 west. Still all good

Ok,thank you,good to know,I have never been to colorado ,sure want to see some of it.The question then is why stay away from hwy 70.I respect any travel help I get,I have never driven in mtns like you have there.We are hoping sometime in may, then we want to
check out some of south utah in June.
I do respect the help in planning ,I have never drove thru mtns. of the size you have there.

[grumpypapa]

@Driving Colorado,,Is hwy #160 west user friendly going from Walsenburg on hwy #85 south.

[Second Chance]

I would recommend getting a copy of the Mountain Directory:

https://www.mountaindirectory.com/

I have both the East and West editions (PC version on my laptop) - but you would probably only need the West edition. It gives you all the information on grades as well as bridge, weight, and height limitations. It has really helped me make decisions on routes. I'll also sometimes use Google Street View to look at roads if I have concerns (ever meet an acrophobic pilot?).

Rob

[powerscol]

@Driving Colorado,,Is hwy #160 west user friendly going from Walsenburg on hwy #85 south.

If you mean I 25 south (85/87) than yes 160 it is also a very good road with climbing lanes and plenty of places to stop, Every town has good fuel or gas. Truckers use this all the time to stay away form the I-70 corridor. Also Wolf Creek pass is beautiful to drive over, just take it slow on the down grade. Just play this as you drive over. https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...ExtxpQmBQhTvK-

[grumpypapa]

@Thank you,We are going to plan that route (I 25) and get a mountain directory .