HWY 50 or US 70

[TomD1]

I am planning a trip for next fall to Yellowstone then back through Tetons, Salt Lake City, Arches then Colorado Springs. Initially I was planning on US 70 then I looked Hwy 50, I believe I would like that better than the interstate time is not a factor but was wondering if one is better that the other for towing the 5th wheel.

[chuckster57]

If I remember right I-70 in Colorado has the Eisenhower tunnel and 13,000 elevation. We specifically avoided it on our trip.

[hankaye]

TomD1, Howdy;

Originally Posted by TomD1

I am planning a trip for next fall to Yellowstone then back through Tetons, Salt Lake City, Arches then Colorado Springs. Initially I was planning on US 70 then I looked Hwy 50, I believe I would like that better than the interstate time is not a factor but was wondering if one is better that the other for towing the 5th wheel.

You'll be doubling back on US 191. and the gas stop at the junction of I-70 and us 191 will vacuum your money faster then electro-lux ever could. top off in Green River, Ut. before heading down 191 to Arches. His rates are at least $1 or $2 more then any place else.
When leaving Arches I'd go South on 191 to the town of Monticello, Ut. turn Left onto East Center street /US 491 that will take you into Co. and through to NM. You'll be close to Ship Rock, NM. and the 4-Corners monument too, or just continue down US 191 through Utah into Az. which also places you near Monument Valley (John Wayne made a lot of his movies there). If you choose to go South on 191 the you'll come to a 'T' intersection, go Left on 160 to Shiprock then on to 64/491 then stay on 64 as it will take you to Farmington and Bloomfield, NM. There you would take US 550 to Albuquerque where you can take I-25 S a few miles to I-40 E thereby you will as Bugs B. said "...shoulda took a Left at Albuquerque." yuc-yuc-yuc.

Hope all that helps and maybe gives ya a few ideas. Unless you are very adept and familiar with steep grade driving with a trailer in tow I think this is a 'Best route'. In the Autumn there can be surprise snow storms at elevation and Co. has strict chain laws.

hank

[77cruiser]

Monarch pass on 50 is 11500, it's a nice scenic ride. 160 down at the bottom is nice too, you have Wolf Creek pass there.

[Canonman]

Hwy 50 is most definitely the more scenic of the two (I-70, Hwy 50). Some of the prettiest country you could drive through. Don't miss the Black Canyon of the Gunnison. Well worth a look see.
Obviously I-70 will be a road more suited to a large 5th wheel. That said, Hwy 50 is a solid 2 lane highway well traveled by heavy trucks and tourists alike. We've traveled in the area with our 5er and and found the highways and even the secondary roads to accommodate our outfit just fine.
As always you'll want to check weather/road conditions before deciding.

[TomD1]

Thanks for the input, right now I am planning on stopping at Blue Mesa Outpost in Gunnison if all works ok. It will be a year from now. The wife thinks I'am crazy for planning this far in advance but what the hell I'm retired.

[Canonman]

Just an FYI. If you are planning to stay at the Gros Venture campground in Teton NP (I highly recommend it) they just transitioned from first come first served to the Recreation.Gov reservation system. We're headed there tomorrow but only because we got lucky and someone cancelled. Great campground with lots of wildlife and scenery close by.

[Balvar24]

We traveled 50 from Dodge City to La Hunta this summer, and it was fine road. Traffic was thin. Had to slow down thru some of the small towns every 30-50 miles. Much less stress than the interstate.

[BandT]

We recently came over I70 from Arches NP to Colorado Springs, it was painful! I will do every thing possible to not travel that road again. Poorly marked, terrible condition.