A Question for you Colorado planeteers...

dtebbe · 01-28-2007, 05:35 PM

I'm taking the folks on a road tour of Colorado for a day or two, before we hit the slopes for a few days of skiing (I always do this when we first get out there, to get acclimated to the elevation for a few days before we ski). Anyway, I was planning on taking them up Pikes Peak, to seven falls, and then to the royal gorge, and then leave the Royal Gorge area and drive towards Vail going Hwy 50 - Hwy 285 - Hwy 24. My question is, how long can I expect it to take to get from Salida to Vail? I've learned my lesson to ask these things before planning the trip....

TIA to all who respond...

DT

Halfcan · 01-28-2007, 06:20 PM

check Map Quest

**DaFace** · 01-28-2007, 06:21 PM

As a resident of Colorado, I feel confident in telling you that I have no idea.

dtebbe · 01-28-2007, 06:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Halfcan

check Map Quest

The problem is that mapquest and others like it, don't take in to account typical winter conditons. Someone who knows the area might know if they keep this road clean, and what speed you can actually drive it at.

DT

**DaFace** · 01-28-2007, 06:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dtebbe

The problem is that mapquest and others like it, don't take in to account typical winter conditons. Someone who knows the area might know if they keep this road clean, and what speed you can actually drive it at.

DT

You might PM vailpass if nothing else. If anyone would know, it would be him.

**Bugeater** · 01-28-2007, 06:55 PM

I'm guessing driving times could vary greatly depending on weather conditions.

Cntrygal · 01-28-2007, 06:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dtebbe

I'm taking the folks on a road tour of Colorado for a day or two, before we hit the slopes for a few days of skiing (I always do this when we first get out there, to get acclimated to the elevation for a few days before we ski). Anyway, I was planning on taking them up Pikes Peak, to seven falls, and then to the royal gorge, and then leave the Royal Gorge area and drive towards Vail going Hwy 50 - Hwy 285 - Hwy 24. My question is, how long can I expect it to take to get from Salida to Vail? I've learned my lesson to ask these things before planning the trip....

TIA to all who respond...

DT

Where and when is this roadtrip going to start?

My gear is still packed up and I haven't skiied in Colorado yet.

**Rain Man** · 01-28-2007, 07:14 PM

I've driven those roads before, and for the most part they're pretty typical two-lane highways. I could be wrong, but I don't recall any particularly treacherous mountain roads along that path. I think most of it is high plateau. If you're driving in good weather, they're typical 55 to 65 mph roads.

The key variables are the weather, the traffic, and any particularly high passes.

Weather: In bad weather, it's going to be like any other two-lane road: slow going. I'm sure there are a few scary slopes and stuff, but overall I don't recall it being that bad. Keep in mind, though, that bad weather in a place like Leadville is possible about eight months out of the year. However, the roads are generally pretty good, so it's not an enormous issue unless you happen to drive into a big storm and/or don't know how to drive in snow.

Traffic: I think this road is better than a lot of mountain roads, but at the same time, if you get stuck behind a slow truck, you're screwed. I don't remember if those roads have occasional passing lanes, but it's not uncommon to see a third lane added on long uphill stretches on a lot of these roads.

Passes: The maps show a couple of passes, but they're not particularly high - Tennessee Pass is at 10,400 feet and Battle Hill Summit is at 9,200. Anything above 11,000 can be problematic with snow and slick conditions even in the summer. Tennessee Pass is kind of high, but I don't recall that either of these passes is particularly treacherous, though I think I've only driven Tennessee Pass once or twice, and never in bad weather. I don't remember it scaring me like some other roads, though.

Having said all of this, keep in mind that at 10,000 feet, bad weather can get pretty bad. However, I vaguely think of this as one of the tamest of the mountain highways.

Oh, and as an aside, don't get the bright idea to take the highway from Leadville to Aspen unless it's June. That road goes over a very high pass, and even though it looks like a nice highway, it's closed for a good chunk of the year. I learned that one the hard way once.

If you really want a scary driving experience, go to southwest Colorado and drive from Durango to Silverton. Holy mother of god. I did that once in October when it was snowing. Never again. Imagine trying to pull an outside turn when there's no guardrail, a 12-inch shoulder, and a Wile E. Coyote drop next to it. In the snow. That's some heartpounding adventure right there.

**Rain Man** · 01-28-2007, 07:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaFace

You might PM vailpass if nothing else. If anyone would know, it would be him.

Your lack of faith in me is disappointing, grasshopper.

**Bugeater** · 01-28-2007, 07:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rain Man

If you really want a scary driving experience, go to southwest Colorado and drive from Durango to Silverton. Holy mother of god. I did that once in October when it was snowing. Never again. Imagine trying to pull an outside turn when there's no guardrail, a 12-inch shoulder, and a Wile E. Coyote drop next to it. In the snow. That's some heartpounding adventure right there.

Is that where this is?

**Rain Man** · 01-28-2007, 07:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bugeater

Is that where this is?

That could be it. I know the road is essentially carved into the cliff like in that picture. I have no idea why there are no guardrails, but I must admit that it greatly enhances one's concentration.

Another nice drive is the one up to the top of Mt. Evans. It's the highest paved road in America. It's not a real high-speed road unless you're suicidal.

**DaFace** · 01-28-2007, 08:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rain Man

Your lack of faith in me is disappointing, grasshopper.

Eh, I'd never doubt you, but if I had to choose your opinion or the opinion of someone who lives (or lived) in Vail, I'd probably take theirs.

**Rain Man** · 01-28-2007, 08:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaFace

Eh, I'd never doubt you, but if I had to choose your opinion or the opinion of someone who lives (or lived) in Vail, I'd probably take theirs.

He's a Broncos fan. A BRONCOS FAN!

**DaFace** · 01-28-2007, 08:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rain Man

He's a Broncos fan. A BRONCOS FAN!

Good point.

**Bugeater** · 01-28-2007, 08:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rain Man

That could be it. I know the road is essentially carved into the cliff like in that picture. I have no idea why there are no guardrails, but I must admit that it greatly enhances one's concentration.

Another nice drive is the one up to the top of Mt. Evans. It's the highest paved road in America. It's not a real high-speed road unless you're suicidal.

Yeah, we did that drive when we were out there. The best part was listening to the wife read the health & safety warnings in the brochure on the way up. I also remember a lot of annoying gnat-like bugs at the summit.

01-28-2007, 05:35 PM
dtebbe 3M TA3 Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: SoFlo Casino cash: $9993039	A Question for you Colorado planeteers... I'm taking the folks on a road tour of Colorado for a day or two, before we hit the slopes for a few days of skiing (I always do this when we first get out there, to get acclimated to the elevation for a few days before we ski). Anyway, I was planning on taking them up Pikes Peak, to seven falls, and then to the royal gorge, and then leave the Royal Gorge area and drive towards Vail going Hwy 50 - Hwy 285 - Hwy 24. My question is, how long can I expect it to take to get from Salida to Vail? I've learned my lesson to ask these things before planning the trip.... TIA to all who respond... DT
Posts: 4,305

01-28-2007, 06:20 PM	#2
Halfcan In Search of a Life Join Date: Aug 2005 Casino cash: $7327995	check Map Quest
Posts: 43,200

01-28-2007, 06:21 PM	#3
DaFace Kind of a mod Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Donkey Land Casino cash: $-1663101	As a resident of Colorado, I feel confident in telling you that I have no idea.
Posts: 53,124

01-28-2007, 06:55 PM	#6
Bugeater The Maintenance Guy Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Renovated Bugeater Estate Casino cash: $3992680	I'm guessing driving times could vary greatly depending on weather conditions.
Posts: 70,546

01-28-2007, 07:14 PM	#8
Rain Man Seize life. Be an ermine. Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: My house Casino cash: $-462449 VARSITY	I've driven those roads before, and for the most part they're pretty typical two-lane highways. I could be wrong, but I don't recall any particularly treacherous mountain roads along that path. I think most of it is high plateau. If you're driving in good weather, they're typical 55 to 65 mph roads. The key variables are the weather, the traffic, and any particularly high passes. Weather: In bad weather, it's going to be like any other two-lane road: slow going. I'm sure there are a few scary slopes and stuff, but overall I don't recall it being that bad. Keep in mind, though, that bad weather in a place like Leadville is possible about eight months out of the year. However, the roads are generally pretty good, so it's not an enormous issue unless you happen to drive into a big storm and/or don't know how to drive in snow. Traffic: I think this road is better than a lot of mountain roads, but at the same time, if you get stuck behind a slow truck, you're screwed. I don't remember if those roads have occasional passing lanes, but it's not uncommon to see a third lane added on long uphill stretches on a lot of these roads. Passes: The maps show a couple of passes, but they're not particularly high - Tennessee Pass is at 10,400 feet and Battle Hill Summit is at 9,200. Anything above 11,000 can be problematic with snow and slick conditions even in the summer. Tennessee Pass is kind of high, but I don't recall that either of these passes is particularly treacherous, though I think I've only driven Tennessee Pass once or twice, and never in bad weather. I don't remember it scaring me like some other roads, though. Having said all of this, keep in mind that at 10,000 feet, bad weather can get pretty bad. However, I vaguely think of this as one of the tamest of the mountain highways. Oh, and as an aside, don't get the bright idea to take the highway from Leadville to Aspen unless it's June. That road goes over a very high pass, and even though it looks like a nice highway, it's closed for a good chunk of the year. I learned that one the hard way once. If you really want a scary driving experience, go to southwest Colorado and drive from Durango to Silverton. Holy mother of god. I did that once in October when it was snowing. Never again. Imagine trying to pull an outside turn when there's no guardrail, a 12-inch shoulder, and a Wile E. Coyote drop next to it. In the snow. That's some heartpounding adventure right there. __________________ Active fan of the greatest team in NFL history.
Posts: 145,262