Looking at possibly going to a ride near Jefferson, Colorado off Hwy 285 in July. What is the best way to get to Jefferson, CO pulling a horse trailer from the area of Amarillo, Texas? Looking at 87 to Raton, NM then Hwy 64 across to Taos, NM and get on 285 near there. Says I cross the Palo Flechado Pass @ 9000 ft.
Or from Raton, NM going up I-25 to Pueblo, CO and across Hwy 50 to Hwy 285, but I think that takes me over Monarch Pass @ 11,000 ft. Other idea was to go farther west by staying south on I-40 to hit US 285 out of Santa Rosa and go on up through Santa Fe, NM into Colorado.
Or on up I-25 to south Denver and around the western loop but that end of 285 looks a little wild. Anyone live or travel in these area's know the best route when pulling a trailer?
Thanks,
Patti
Posted 2012-05-10 8:08 PM (#143861 - in reply to #143855) Subject: RE: Colorado directions
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 326 Location: central IL
Can't really answer your question; however, we trailered over Wolf Creek Pass (right under 11,000 ft.) numerous times pulling our 2H SL w/LQ with our little 1/2 ton Ford. It's maximum grade is higher than Monarch Pass in spots. I'm of the opinion that I'd look into the grade as much as the elevation.
Posted 2012-05-11 10:06 AM (#143877 - in reply to #143855) Subject: RE: Colorado directions
New User
Posts: 2
Less mnt roads and more interstate save time and gas. Whatever route is best for you to hit I25 I'd suggest that. Then head north here are two good options:1.Head up to C Springs and take Hwy 24 across to 285. All good roads and no big deal to pull. Some pretty stuff and nice riding along the way.2.I25, to C470, to Hwy 285, maybe longer via the I25 but way less mnt roads. Easy pull very populated area, lots of gas, etc.. Curious just where you are headed in Jefferson?
Posted 2012-05-11 10:24 AM (#143878 - in reply to #143855) Subject: RE: Colorado directions
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 330 Location: northeast Texas
Thanks. I was looking at the 24 route out from Colorado Springs. I just dont know those roads because I have never been to Colorado and dont want to get on a really bad mountain road. Is C470 on up at Denver, around the southern tip? I dont have the map in front of me. That stretch of 285 going south looked rough, but hey, thats just looking at the map. I am not sure exactly where. I have directions to camp but havent studied them alot yet. If I go I will be attending a riding competition, not just pleasure riding. From Jefferson I turn east a few miles, then back north and camp is on Lost Lake Road (I think that was the name).
Posted 2012-05-12 9:57 AM (#143893 - in reply to #143855) Subject: RE: Colorado directions
Expert
Posts: 2453 Location: Northern Utah
470 is the outside loop around Denver, It's part of the interstate, So it will be easy driving.
24 out of Colorado Spring is a good road. I haven't driven 285 So Ican't speak for that section of road.
I have towed horse trailers over a lot of roads in Utah and some of Colorado. Often over 10,000 foot passes here in Utah at 60 mph, I just don't think twice about the elevation. Roads that have problems will usually prohibit trucks over certain weights, So if you see signs prohibiting trucks over 12 tons or some number, Then stop and ask.
From Gunnison West on 50 is very doable. I've been up on the Grand Mesa for Competitive Trail Rides, Also near Purgatory near Durango. And never felt that I was in a bad place for a trailer.
Just slow down and use caution. Stop at a gas station and ask about sections of the road if it narrows more than you are comfortable with.
Posted 2012-05-12 12:23 PM (#143894 - in reply to #143855) Subject: RE: Colorado directions
New User
Posts: 2
Looking at your destination probably easiest to take I25 all the way to C470 which heads north and west and intersects with 285. 285 is 4 lane for a lot of your drive, great roads, easy travel with a rig. I'd love to know your exact location when you find it out. We came on the other side of those mnts but do not know of an access for rigs in that area. So if you don't mind sharing that info I's sure appreciate it. Or give me a web site for whoever is organizing your ride.thanks..
Posted 2012-06-05 11:48 AM (#144558 - in reply to #143855) Subject: RE: Colorado directions
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 330 Location: northeast Texas
Carrie,
The ride is sanctioned by NATRC and is in their Region 3. Directions I have to camp are from the south, at Jefferson turn right (east) on CR 77, go 8 miles then left (north) on CR 39, go 5 miles to a T and go right on CR 56 (Lost Park Rd) for 0.6 miles then right on FS road 190 and follow to camp.
Posted 2012-06-14 4:47 PM (#144818 - in reply to #143855) Subject: RE: Colorado directions
Location: Colorado
87 across to I-25 at Raton, then north on up to Denver is probably your best bet. The other good way is 287 all the way up to Limon, then west on I-70 to Denver. There is eternal road construction that way, though. And, as Carrie said, 470 to 285 then south on 285 is fine, even when pulling a trailer. Where you are going is nice country- enjoy!
Posted 2012-06-16 11:36 AM (#144880 - in reply to #143855) Subject: RE: Colorado directions
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 504
Oh, I'd go up 25 to Walsenburg.
At Walsenburg, go west on 160 to Alamosa/Monte Vista
At Monte Vista, go north on 285.
If you leave 25 at Pueblo, it's a little shorter, but I haven't done that in a long time so, I'd go the route I just suggested. In fact, I drove the complete Walsenburg to Denver route via 285 two weeks ago and it's a great route for a trailer. Good roads and very scenic.
Posted 2012-06-16 11:45 AM (#144882 - in reply to #143855) Subject: RE: Colorado directions
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 504
Oh, I thought I'd add my thoughts on the Amarillo to Raton portion. I've driven to and from Denver through Amarillo very, very many times. The Amarillo to Dumas to Dalhart to Raton is the way to go. (287-87-25). This is a nice trip from Amarillo to Jefferson - scenic, good roads, and good amenities along the way. There are some places between Amarillo and Raton that are a little remote, but not too bad and between Raton and Jefferson, there are a lot of conveniences. (This, of course, is by my standards:)).
Colorado directions
