Route to Mesa Verde

[mpsgolf]

Going to be traveling Colorado Springs to Mesa Verde. Nissan Armada towing 28’ AS. Great tow combo so far (>20k miles) with some mountain and high altitude towing, but this trip will be more than others for us.

I’m looking at taking I25 south then highway 160 across CO.

Any comments on route, road, mountain passes, etc appreciated!

[Alumaholic]

Wolf Creek Pass is the only major grade on your trip.
Use low gears to save your brakes going down into Pagosa Springs. Going down is more challenging and dangerous for many than climbing up. Be attentive for drivers who have burned up their brakes. They will usually be laying on the horn and flashing their lights. Let 'em by, and wish 'em the best.
The Dolores River Campground and Cabins would be a memorable place to camp.
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Re..._Colorado.html
There are closer RV parks to Mesa Verde, but none as nice that I have found.
Happy travels!

[PKI]

Everyone we have talked to about Wolf Creek Pass says, no problem. We've done much of the East and West Colorado routes, but have yet to take 160 into Pagosa Springs. Some day we'll give it a try.

My Wolf Creek Pass story is my Dad's. He was driving a Boy Scout bus on a Colorado trip out of Wichita in the late 60's. The bus was loaded with about 30 Scouts, all their gear on top, and a kitchen trailer in tow. Group RVing at its best. As they crawled up WCP, the old GMC six was screaming in compound low to keep climbing. The Scout Master, leaned over and shouted to my dad "slow down a bit and let the boys get a better look at the scenery." Now my dad had a deaf right ear, so he just kept the hammer down on that GMC. The boys had to make do with what scenery they could see at 5 mph or so.

When you get your towing legs, the trip West on 50 and South to Durango on 550 is a great scenic trip. The million dollar highway they call it. However, it's tight and twisty out of Ouray into Silverton.

You should really like Mesa Verde. It's a very unique NP. The campground there has only 12 FHU RV sites. You might try to get a reservation as there are sometimes cancelations. Lots of dry camp sites and several commercial parks close at hand. We like the KOA in Cortez, but all are good.

Note, you can not tow your trailer in the park. There is a drop lot on the left after the entry gate. Also, cell coverage in the park is limited to non-existent. You need to find a spot with line of sight to Cortez to get a signal. There is a lookout about two miles above the Morefield Campground that works.

Have a great trip. Pat

[DaveP]

We live in Monument, CO just north of the Springs. We did the exact same trip last year with the grand kids. No problem with Wolf Creek Pass (Classic 28 and F150 EcoBoost). Stayed at the Ancient Cedars campground at the entrance to the park because we wanted a pool, etc for the kids. Stay in the park if you can. It is beautiful.

[Ken J]

I live here in Durango - just take it easy over wolf creek and you are good to go

[DougHart]

You have gotten plenty of great advice about traveling over Wolf Creek Pass. What you have not gotten is a link to this novelty song from 1975 about Wolf Creek Pass.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X6LzWZYWpOU

[ttrout]

We were there a couple of weeks ago. The park lot was full so we stayed at Ancient Cedars, right outside the gate. Went from there to BV. Easy drive once you get out of Durango traffic. Cortez is handy for supplies

[Alumaholic]

Originally Posted by DougHart

You have gotten plenty of great advice about traveling over Wolf Creek Pass. What you have not gotten is a link to this novelty song from 1975 about Wolf Creek Pass.

Now you know everything you need to know about your trip to Mesa Verde over Wolf Creek Pass.

[OutbackUSA]

Be careful on 160. West of Wolf Creek pass it becomes busy, windy and tiring. The later compounded by the 70 mph traffic in both directions on this two lane road. Be extra careful around Cortez Colorado. We avoided a serious accident with the help of our Hensley hitch which let me drive aggressively as if the AS was not attached to avoid a suspect insurance fraud attempt. In fact, Cortez is off our normal route list from SoNevada to Silverton.

[Ken J]

Wow must have been a bad day - have traveled that highway for years and have not experienced this at all - it is a lot of two lane but it is a wide road with a number of passing lanes - and sorry that happened over in Cortez - that for sure is not the norm

[OTRA15]

Originally Posted by PKI

. . .
Have a great trip. Pat

Great story about your Dad, Pat, and an informative post overall.

Thanks,

Peter

[PKI]

That story was actually a way to remember a very special Scoutmaster. He introduced a lot of kids to camping that might never have had the opportunity to spend time in a tent, start a fire, or hike up a mountain.

Thank you for your kind words of acknowledgment. Pat