Durango to Grandby Loveland Pass or long way through Minturne

[powerscol]

I am off to the Colorado Rally in a few months. It has been probably between 20 or 30 years since I have been in the area.

I am planning on 160E out of Durango. I plan to take 160 east to 285 north (gun barrel). Outside Leadville I have a choice. 24 to I70 or 91 to Frisco over Lovland pass and I 70.. Then it is either 9 and 40 to get to Grandby, or I70 to 40 east of Gerogetown to get to Grandby. I am thinking 40 is faster an better road. Thoughts

But what about Loveland pass. Long way to Minturne and then I70 over Vail pass and Eisenhour tunnels (two major grades) . I have driven in the mounters of CO all of my life, but don't know about current conditions. .Time frame is first part of August.

Thanks for any help

Second question
Once in Grandby I need to get to Windsor to get my new puppy. Go through RMNP or go around, backtrack on 40 to I 70 and find a bypass around the west side of Denver/Bolder to get there

If I do go around I need a spot to stay around Windsor for a night

Sorry a lot of questions here, but I appreciate the help.
Keith

 

[Dick Noble]

Last time we went to Denver was two weeks ago and Loveland pass (not I70) was closed for some reason. Might want to check that.