Travelling to Moab, UT on I-70

[retiredintexas]

We have a Forester 3171DS and will be heading through Denver in a few weeks. We are taking a more northern, cooler route from Texas.
How are the mountains on I-70 with V10, 32 foot Class C, pulling a Jeep Wrangler JL?

[dblr]

I know you said in a few weeks but there is a wildfire going on off of I-70 right now that could possibly affect your travel plans, I heard they might have to check all the bridges and overpasses for structural damage so they have no idea how long I-70 could be closed. Good luck and safe travels.

https://www.denverpost.com/2020/08/1...ate-70-closed/

[retiredintexas]

Thanks for the news, we will watch that now

[ehlerts01]

Thanks for the information. We're supposed to be in that area two weeks from yesterday.

Found this Facebook page for the fire: https://www.facebook.com/GrizzlyCreekFireCO
Here's the Incident page from U.S. Forest Service:
https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6942/

We'll have to look at alternatives if they don't open up I-70 through to Moab.

[ADOR]

We took the Northern Route from Colorado Springs, back to Las Vegas few weeks ago. We have a 2015 Forest River Class C (2861DS), 32 ft, towing a Mini Copper on a dolly.

I-70 wasn't too bad. But don't expect to be driving fast going uphill. Not much winding road.

From Colorado Junction, if you are planning on taking Hwy 50 going to Denver, that is a different story. I remember driving through 3 mountain passes, winding roads. Not scary. Just take your time. My speed dropped to 15-20 MPH. I had to pull over sometimes to let the cars behind me pass. Scenery was beautiful though. I used Tow Haul Mode all the time. Helped with downhill driving.

[HangDiver]

There are several very large fires burning afecting road closures. Check CDOT website for more info. https://www.cotrip.org/home.htm

[lewisra]

When you get into Utah take exit 214 and follow UT 128 to Moab. Awesome drive along Colorado River.

[Rick g]

We are also planning on driving I 70 from Denver to Grand Junction the first week of Sept. What are most people using as a detour in case out isn’t open yet? We are driving a DS 30 with a Nissan Rogue on a dolly.

[ehlerts01]

Here's some information on a detour.

https://www.cotrip.org/map.htm#/defa...AlertId=338581

[corocky1998]

The main detours are either the southern route on Hwy 285 to Hwy 50 to I- 70 or the northern route on Hwy 40 to Route 13. Either route is easily doubling or even tripling the time it should take to get from Denver to Grand Junction. Both routes are gorgeous.

You cannot take Hwy 82 from Leadville to Aspen with a trailer or really any vehicle larger than a pickup IMO.

Hopefully I-70 will be open soon.

[Less is More]

Governor says I-70 will reopen in a few days. Good luck in finding a campsite near Moab. I sure haven't.

[Jakieboy]

We have stayed several times at Shady Acres RV Park in Green River. Easy day drives to Moab and you will miss the crowds in that town. You can easily spend a half day at Arches NP, then have lunch in Moab, and then a half day at Canyonlands. There is a terrific Museum in Green River celebrating the John Wesley Powell expedition through the Grand Canyon. Also some really fine restaurants.

X@ on the drive on SR 128 along the Colorado River east of Moab.

[Less is More]

Have you been in Green River this year? I haven't been there, but campgrounds in Colorado have been filled to overflow levels even in out of the way places. Year of the Covid has turned everyone into campers

[Jakieboy]

Originally Posted by Less is More

Have you been in Green River this year? I haven't been there, but campgrounds in Colorado have been filled to overflow levels even in out of the way places. Year of the Covid has turned everyone into campers

We have not been out of state (California) since the pandemic hit us earlier this year. Even our local campgrounds here are very busy, especially on weekends. Fortunately, being retired, we are able to book sites during the week.

The several times we have been to Green River, Shady Acres usually has lots of vacant sites. Worth checking with them directly to see what's available.

[Comanchecreek]

If you can get over to Interstate 25 headed north, Highway 50 breaks off in Pueblo, Colorado. You can take 50 over Monarch Pass down to Montrose, CO and up to Grand Junction. That will get you past Glenwood Canyon where the fire is, just be prepared for increased traffic on that route as I 70 is completely closed as of today, 08/16/2020 and the fire is at zero containment. That drive is beautiful in it's own way, and while Monarch is no slouch of a pass, you avoid 2 passes, Loveland/Eisenhower, and Vail which are long pulls. Just a lot more 2 lane stuff that way. Watch the fire reports as I'm sure they will open 70 as soon as they can.

[Rick g]

Thanks for the info

[elchilero53]

Of course, if Monarch is too steep of a climb or too high, swing south on US 285 to Saguache and take SR-114 over North Cochetopa Pass (10,000 ft elevation vs 11300 ft elevation). SR-114 rejoins US 50 just east of Gunnison. Been over both passes a number of times and definitely prefer North Cochetopa over Monarch; Cochetopa is an easier climb and gentler down grade to US 50.

[HangDiver]

Originally Posted by elchilero53

Of course, if Monarch is too steep of a climb or too high, swing south on US 285 to Saguache and take SR-114 over North Cochetopa Pass (10,000 ft elevation vs 11300 ft elevation). SR-114 rejoins US 50 just east of Gunnison. Been over both passes a number of times and definitely prefer North Cochetopa over Monarch; Cochetopa is an easier climb and gentler down grade to US 50.

This^^^^^ What elchilero53 said. I've pulled my TT over Monarch a dozen times and have also used SR-114 just as many. SR-114 is a MUCH more easier drive.

[Rick g]

Originally Posted by HangDiver

This^^^^^ What elchilero53 said. I've pulled my TT over Monarch a dozen times and have also used SR-114 just as many. SR-114 is a MUCH more easier drive.

What about Rt 25

[HangDiver]

Originally Posted by Rick g

What about Rt 25

That works too.