OT - Anyone driven Rt. 70 through Colorado? - Page 1

I'm heading west soon and would like advice on a route to take.  I'm thinking Rt. 70 would be pretty cool and I'd like suggestions from those who have driven through the state of Colorado.  Any particular places to stop?  Any to avoid?  Is this the best route to take?  I'm heading to Nevada and would like to leave there in 4 weeks so what can I see on the way there in three, coming from Florida?  And what shouldn't I waste my time on?  Would love suggestions from westerners and others who have been there?  Thanks!!

 Well, coming from Kansas in winter, it is the reason why I insist on flying. This was a while back, but I do remember it being very flat and boring, until you get to Denver and the Rockies. There were absolutely atrocious gas stations that would curl your teeth. I think it was Limon, CO that had the first drive-thru liquor store I ever saw.  Have a safe trip!

Thanks Beetree, I appreciate the input.  I'll be sure to avoid the bathrooms in the tooth-curling gas stations! LOL

I've never driven through Colorado but if you paint a big white X on the roof of your car maybe I can see you on my Google Earth program.

Have a safe journey traveler.

Email me privately. I live in Colorado and am well familiar with I-70. It is a beautiful drive, assuming you do NOT travel during heavy snow storms. We are experiencing heavy snow off and on in the mountains, and blizzards on the plains this time of year, as is usual. But, depending on when you are coming through, you may make it if you have a decent vehicle. One of my hobbies is meteorology, so I am pretty well versed when it comes to what the weather is going to be like.

I will tell you don't stop to try to see the "World's Largest Prairie Dog" in western KS (or E CO not sure which)--  it's a total crock. lol. It is my opinion that Kansas- going into eastern CO- is the most painfully boring drive you will ever make! 

Colorado is a state to savour.

Traveling by interstate is the best way to get through Colorado and not see a darnd thing, try traveling the "blue" roads, the state highways. You will see so many more beautiful sites and meet so many beautiful people.

Westcliffe is a really nice little town - located south of I-70 and West of Pubelo at the intersection of 96 & 69. The north/south drive throught the wet mountain valey is very nice.

If in Crawford at sunset, look to the east, watch the reflection on Needlerock, amazing sight. locate in western part of state and south of I-70

Cripple Creek (like the song) is a dissapointment. Too much gambling, and nothing else. We couldn't even find a grocery store when passing through. The donkeys roaming in town were a bit funny though.

The long tunnel on I-70 backs up sometimes - be prepared to spend some time there - or better yet, take the long way around - sights are fantastic - the road less traveled.

If you're not in a really big hurry, might I suggest...........

Hwy 50 is an alternative to I-70, and is beautiful............goes past Black Canyon National Park

or

Highway 12 just outside of Trinadad all the way to LaVeta  it intersects with Hwy 160 and absolutely fantastic -
Hwy 160 is also very nice and goes by Pagosa Springs, and Durango, stop by Masa Verdi National Park , then to North on Hwy 550 through Ouray and eventually meet up with I-70 at the west edge of the state.

There are many other wonderful routes in Colorado to take, depending on where one is going. However, in the Spring, one must be very careful because the mountains can get hammered. This is such a year. My favorite route is going down 285 SW through the state and to Pagosa Springs. But I would probably not do it this time of year. Been there, done that, and it was not fun because of heavy snow. The skiing this year is fabulous according to many people I know who have been up.

mystere,

come on, everyone has to see the 2000 lb prairie dog.  

i live in eastern kansas and have driven the 8 hours to denver a few times.   great scenes if you like flat ground.  

john

jfletcher, I was born in Hays, KS. My favorite tee-shirt in College said, "SKI KANSAS", with sunflowers on it. Our family owns a condo in Silverthorne, CO.  I had to go to a famiiy reunion in Pfieffer Kansas, population 23, where there is one of those amazing, Cathedrals on the Plains.  That might be something to look into, GSDtravels.