Need advice- driving into Breckenridge, Colorado

[TexasVine]

We are wanting to travel to Breckenridge, Co from Salida/Buena Vista.

I was wondering if highway 9 is managable pulling a 27" Airstream (3/4 TV). I remember years ago (in a car) being some tight twisties on the way there. There is an alternative route going thru Leadville which is a little longer. Wanting to travel the easiest route.

Any feedback will be helpful.

Thanks.

[mrdes8]

Hello... so, if you were to ask me how to get there, I would say Hwy 9 from Fairplay over Hoosier pass to Breck. Haven't driven it for several years but don't remember anything unusual about it. Buena Vista to Leadville via 24 and then either Tennessee or Fremont pass will be very similar as all cross the continental divide. All are year 'round roads and well (for Colorado, the weather does wreak havoc on roads) maintained and driveable. Advice for passes in Colorado - diesel truck with exhaust brake, best thing ever. Don't remember anything bad on any of these but I am used to Colorado mountain driving. Maybe try running it through one of the driving apps?
Good luck, Mark D

[Dennis C]

Personally, I wouldn't have any problem taking an Airstream over Hoosier Pass from FairPlay to Breck. Highway 9 definitely has some switch backs as you come over the pass and head down towards Breck, but nothing that's unmanageable. It's a low speed pass, so you're not really fighting things like brakes overheating, etc. The route through Leadville is a little bit easier to drive and it's really not that much longer. I think you'll be fine either way.

If you take the back way, stop at K's Hamburgers. Awesome burgers if you're into that.

[TexasVine]

Originally Posted by mrdes8

Hello... so, if you were to ask me how to get there, I would say Hwy 9 from Fairplay over Hoosier pass to Breck. Haven't driven it for several years but don't remember anything unusual about it. Buena Vista to Leadville via 24 and then either Tennessee or Fremont pass will be very similar as all cross the continental divide. All are year 'round roads and well (for Colorado, the weather does wreak havoc on roads) maintained and driveable. Advice for passes in Colorado - diesel truck with exhaust brake, best thing ever. Don't remember anything bad on any of these but I am used to Colorado mountain driving. Maybe try running it through one of the driving apps?
Good luck, Mark D

Thanks for the reply!

[TexasVine]

Originally Posted by Dennis C

Personally, I wouldn't have any problem taking an Airstream over Hoosier Pass from FairPlay to Breck. Highway 9 definitely has some switch backs as you come over the pass and head down towards Breck, but nothing that's unmanageable. It's a low speed pass, so you're not really fighting things like brakes overheating, etc. The route through Leadville is a little bit easier to drive and it's really not that much longer. I think you'll be fine either way.

If you take the back way, stop at K's Hamburgers. Awesome burgers if you're into that.

Thanks for the reply. K's in BV is awesome.

[InsideOut]

Originally Posted by TexasVine

We are wanting to travel to Breckenridge, Co from Salida/Buena Vista.

I was wondering if highway 9 is managable pulling a 27" Airstream (3/4 TV). I remember years ago (in a car) being some tight twisties on the way there.

Absolutely, no problem! It’s a beautiful drive. There are a couple big turns, but nothing your truck/trailer should have any problems with. Enjoy!

We drive it several times a year - towing our Airstream, on our motorcycles & in our sports car. Never felt it was a “white knuckle” road…now, “The Million Dollar Highway” between Ouray & Silverton is a different story! That one scares the bejesus out of me no matter how many times we’ve been on it!

Shari

[englishw]

Originally Posted by TexasVine

We are wanting to travel to Breckenridge, Co from Salida/Buena Vista.

I was wondering if highway 9 is managable pulling a 27" Airstream (3/4 TV). I remember years ago (in a car) being some tight twisties on the way there. There is an alternative route going thru Leadville which is a little longer. Wanting to travel the easiest route.

Any feedback will be helpful.

Thanks.

I've done this drive several times. It's not bad at all. Would not take the Leadville route.

[Ken G]

We towed over Hoosier pass early in the summer during significant snow storm, not difficult or scary at all. We then camped @ Prospector CG by Dillon Reservoir, very nice. There several CGs around Dillon reservoir bookable thru Recreation.gov but they fill early this days especially on weekends.

[Gene]

I've been driving around Colorsdo with every type of vehicle for more than 40 years and have a very different attitude about it than people with little or no experience in the mountains. Hoosier pass has quite a few tight switchbacks on the north side that could be a challenge with a long trailer and you may well have to take up the entire road. If that makes you nervous, take a different route. Fremont Pass (Colo 9 I think) has fewer switchbacks I think.

Remember to downshift going down grades, some of which go on for many miles.

[TexasVine]

Thanks to all who have replied.

Michael

[davidrrand]

We've done it in the other direction and it was not a problem. Beautiful country!