WI "Flatlanders" to Gunnison CO

[Tucker]

Traveling to Gunnison CO with a stop in the Black Hills. Looking at all the maps and Google Earth elevation, it is still unclear the best route traveling south on 25 through Denver. What should we expect driving in the mountains? Not worried about the mechanical of my Chev dually or 42' Raptor. We have been to CO before but never pulled any passes. :confused:

[bsmith0404]

Not sure if you are going through the black hills for a reason or not. If not, I'd drop down 35 and bring 70 across NE and take 76 to Denver. That's the route my parents always took from Rice Lake when I lived in Cheyenne (except the 76 part). It's been a few years since I've gone across 50 to Gunnison, but if I remember correctly, there isn't much to worry about as far as passes go. You would probably hit more/worse grades in SD.

I've towed across Eisenhower Pass several times with my 3500 and 40' Alpine, it handles it very well and I don't get concerned this time of year. You can get snow/ice anytime Sep-May. You won't hit anything that bad on 50.

[hankaye]

Tucker, Howdy;

In the first place I think bsmith0404 may have hit the wrong number key,
instead of 70 across NE it is 80 to 76 to Denver. 70 traverses KS. Will still
get ya to Denver just having to deal with both St. Louis and Kansas City
instead of only OMAHA!!! hut, hut, hut! :rolleyes:
Someone closer to the Denver can provide better and more up to date info
for proceeding through there. Which way you choose to go from there is
your choice. I know it's about 6 to 8 hours to Grand Junction by way of
I-70 and you can pick up US-50 shortly before Grand Junction. About an
hour South and you'll be in Delta then a short drive to Gunnison. The same
6 to 8 hours will get you to US-50 and you'll have Pueblo in your rear view
mirror. All depends on how much of a hurry you find yourself in I guess.
Then you can either backtrack (:(), or take the other route to get home ...

hankaye

[bsmith0404]

Yep, I hit the wrong number, yes I meant 80. They PMed me though and they are going across SD for another reason so that is out. It's basically a shot straight down 25. I'd take it all the way to Pueblo and go across 50. Their TV is a 2011 Duramax 3500, so the combination of the diesel, Allison, and exhaust brake will make for a pretty easy trip regardless of route they choose.

[denverpilot]

You'll be fine on that route with that rig. Watch temperatures going uphill, and when the signs say "trucks stay in low gear", those are a big hint you shouldn't ignore, going downhill.

The diesel and exhaust brake make the job of keeping things at a reasonable speed, relatively easy.