Breckenridge to Durango CO

[ronandsue74]

We are planning to travel from Breckenridge to Durango CO this summer. My Google map routes us South on hwy 285 to 160 West. 160 West to Durango looks challenging. I will be in a 40ft class A pulling toad for a total length of about 60 ft.

I'm looking for feedback from those that have gone before on this route.

Thank you.

RJ

2005 Inspire #51264

[hermanmullins]

Ron,

The country side is beautiful on 160. However just west of South Fork is Wolf Creek Pass 10,850 ft. There is a tunnel and some tight turns. We have been through it several times and it can be daunting but can be done.

Make sure your exhaust brake is working go slow and you can do it.

Hope you have a good trip.

Herman

[wolfe10]

It is always difficult to know what advice to give on serious mountain drives. If an old hand at mountain driving and your rig is properly maintained, a beautiful route.

But (big but) this is not a route for those just learning mountain driving in a heavy vehicle. It is not the "beginners slope"!

Remember, your service brakes (brake pedal) should NEVER be used for controlling your speed of descent. If use of exhaust brake/engine brake and transmission gears is not enough to keep your speed in check, get on the service brakes firmly and long enough to drop to another gear. Repeat until your speed is in equilibrium. Physics dictates that your equilibrium speed will be faster than a loaded 18 wheeler, slower than an empty one.