Co - us 50/us 285

Hi everyone...quick question for you. We're in Ridgway, CO this weekend (beautiful!) and were wondering if we could skip I-70 and the Labor Day traffic on our return to Denver. Does anyone know if US-50/US-285 is a doable alternative? Looking at the map it seems like it would be viable but was wondering if any of you have done that drive in your rig? We have a 30" Trail Runner, TV has no problem with mountain passes. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Hope you're all having a great Labor Day weekend.
Tim
 

danemayer

Well-known member
We recently took our 39' Landmark east from Gunnison on rte 50 as far as Salida and then north on 285, then east on 24 through Woodland Park to Colorado Springs. The roads were in good shape with very little construction underway.

Rte 50 takes you up to the continental divide, so there's a pretty good climb and a long, steep descent. Lots of tight curves, so you'll need to manage your speed.

As we took 24 east, we have not been on the northern portion of 285 going all the way to Denver.
 
Thanks for the reply! We ended up leaving Sunday evening and taking I-70 instead, but sounds like the alternative would have been doable. Look forward to giving that route a try next summer.
 
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