Colorado Highways

[Melbo]

I am planning a trip that includes highway 114 from Saguache to US 50 to Montrose.

I'm just wondering if there is a better way or if this is the best route.

Thanks

Melbo

[gumpy]

I've not personally traveled that particular road, but I've been on similar roads in the general area (69 out of Walsenburg, 96 out of Pueblo). I looked at Google maps and satellite
maps for this road. Looks to be a paved highway. Not too twisty, but there are some curves and minor hairpins. Hard to get a feeling for elevation on the maps. Topo data shows
it reaches at least 10000 ft. at North Pass. Sauguche appears to be at about 7800, so only about a 2000 ft climb. I would expect some hills up to about a 7% grade.

Overall, I would not hesitate to take this route with my bus. It will be slow, but probably very scenic. Stop in at the local hangout and ask some locals about road conditions
before making the final decision. You can always go up to Salida and over Monarch. I've done that one in my bus. It's very steep. 1st gear going down. 18-21 mph.

[TomC]

No matter which way you go, if you're going from the east side of the Rockies to the west side, you have to go over a 10,000+ft pass. I don't know how 114 is, but I've been on 50 in my big rig-good road. Good Luck, TomC

[Seayfam]

I did a trip up from Texas to Alaska a several years ago that took us into Pueblo and then 50 to Montrose. That was a very nice drive with good roads! There is one pass that is really big, (Monarch Pass) I believe it was around 12000ft and was a slow go. It is nice and wide with truck lanes and good pavement, but that was three years ago. The pavement could be a little worse now? But it is a very nice drive and if you have a toad that you can take up to Royal Gorge just outside of Canon City, it is well worth it. 

Good luck

[rusty]

Have been on HWY 50 many times and on 114 once a long time ago, but have not driven ether in the bus. Both good roads and 114 is less traveled and a 1000 ft shorter at the summit. The area around Royal Gorge burnt this spring. The bridge is still there but that is about all that left. Last I heard you can not even drive to the bridge. Enjoy Colorado.

Wayne

[FolkBus]

That will be a fantastic trip, not fast, but spectacular.

[niles500]

That's probably one of the only routes I haven't taken - If you do go that way please tell us how it was (thanks) - Are you going that way for the scenery? Are you planning to do anything in Gunnison/CB area?

[Melbo]

We like to go to Meeker to see the Meeker Classic http://meekersheepdog.com/ and we have stopped in Leadville the last couple of times and then we took US 24 up to I70 but this year we are going to the rodeo in Ridgway. I like the slower roads and out of the way places BUT no need for surprises if they can be avoided.

It seemed like US 50 was a little more mountainous than 114 but might be better road -- that is the reason for my question.

Any hints or input is appreciated.

Melbo

[niles500]

BTW - cheapest fuel in Montrose (about the cheapest anywhere south of I70) is gas station on the southwest side of 550 between 9th and 10th streets - make sure you ask for the cheapest car wash (with a straight face) it's about $4 - with that you get an additional 10 cents of per gallon - I usually hand the car wash ticket to the dirtiest car in line - HTH

[niles500]

You need info on ridgway? I use to park in the rodeo parking area but now I just park right next to the True Grit across from the Post Office. Kate's Place on Clinton for Breakfast/Brunch. They may still have their Thursday concert series. You know the "Silver Eagle Bar" is just up the road in Ouray?