Dukecity426 wrote:
rickwellman wrote:
Any steep grades along this rte.
We did this with our older 5th wheel that was 36 ft. So we were at least 40 plus feet long and it was a very enjoyable ride. A few small pulls but nothing like Wolf Creek pass. We did travel over Wolf Creek with a light truck and it is very beautiful as all have mentioned. Bruce
First and foremost I am not trying to convince you to take the route that we did, other than to answer your question as to an alternate route. So to further help you alone I will quote from the "Mountain Directory West" for truckers, RV, and motorhome drivers.
Cumbres Pass elev. 10022, and La Manga pass elev. 10230.
(Both of these passes are on Colorado Hwy. 17 between Antonito, CO and Chama, NM) The summit of La Manga Pass is about 28 miles south of Antonito (West as the crow flies)The descent towards Antonito begins with about a mile of 4% grade. At this point there is a sign- "7% grade next 4 miles" and "trucks use lower gear". The grade is steady 7% except for one very short break in the middle that lasts about 1/4 mile. It is a winding road with 25, 30, and 35 mph curves.
The Southbound descent stairsteps down for about 3 miles with short 4-6% grades and then eases up to the summit of Cumbres Pass. The Southbound descent from the summit of Cumbres Pass is spread out over about 9 miles. The first mile of descent is about 7% followed by about 1 1/2 miles of 3-4% grade. The next 6 1/2 miles are mostly 6% with several short sections of 4% scattered along the descent. It is a good two lane read with 30 to 40 mph curves.
Here is what is says about Wolf Creek Pass.elev. 10850. (On US 160 between South Fork and Pagosa Springs, CO) The eastbound descent from the summit of Wolf Creek Pass begins with warning sign--"6% grade next 8 miles". Most of this is three lane road .Further down the mountain the road alternates between two lane and three lane. Vehicles over 55,000 lbs. 25 mph.speed limit.
The descent begins with a 6% grade and 30 mph curves. About 2 miles down from the summit there is a short tunnel with a 30 mph curve. The grade continues as promised for about 8 miles at 6% from the summit but there are about 2 more miles of 5% before the grade eases enough to call it the end of the pass. There are 30 and 40 mph curves throughout the descent.
Going Westbound from the summit of Wolf Creek Pass we find signs warning --"7% grade-winding road next 9 miles" and "Vehicles over 55,000 lbs. 25 mph". Starting down the mountain westbound the speed limit is 25 mph. and it's four lane road. There are two runaway truck ramps. They are 4 1/2 and 6 miles down from the summit of the pass, at MP 162 1/2 and MP 161. After passing the second escape ramp the 7% grade and 30 mph curves continue for another 2 miles and then ease to a lesser grade for 2 miles before changing to rolling hills.
I hope that is the information you might be looking for to make and informed decision. Have a good trip,enjoy Colorado as it is a beautiful State, and always be safe in your travels.....Bruce
2004 GMC 4X4 D/A CC SB, "Juice/Attitude", 4" SS Exhaust, AFE intake, 2018 Reflection 29RS, two AC's, Reese 16K Slider, Bilstein shocks, 2 Honda EU 2000i generators.
