Roads to Avoid in Colorado With an RV (And Which to Drive Instead)

Like Hannibal crossing the Alps, you’ll need a solid strategy to navigate Colorado’s challenging mountain roads in your RV. You’ve probably heard stories about white-knuckle drives up steep passes or watched videos of RVs struggling around hairpin turns. While Colorado’s dramatic landscapes make it a prime destination for RV travel, choosing the wrong route can quickly turn your dream vacation into a nightmare. Let’s explore which roads you’ll want to avoid and the safer alternatives that’ll keep your adventure on track.

The Most Dangerous Mountain Passes for RVs

When planning your RV adventure through Colorado, certain mountain passes demand extra caution or complete avoidance.

The Mount Evans Scenic Byway and Pikes Peak Highway, both reaching over 14,000 feet, present extreme challenges with their steep grades and high elevations that can strain your RV’s engine. Experienced drivers recommend using engine braking techniques to maintain control during the long descents.

Rabbit Ears Pass, while lower at 9,426 feet, combines steep inclines with unpredictable weather that can catch you off guard. During winter months, snow chain requirements are strictly enforced for all vehicles including RVs.

Imogene Pass’s rough roads and sharp turns make it particularly treacherous for larger vehicles.

Loveland Pass on Highway 6 adds strong winds to its steep 11,991-foot climb, creating hazardous conditions for RVs.

These passes share common dangers: narrow roads, rapid weather changes, and challenging turns that can push your RV’s handling capabilities beyond safe limits.

Safer Alternative Routes for Your Colorado RV Trip

While Colorado’s challenging mountain passes pose risks, plenty of safer alternatives exist for RV travelers.

Colorado’s dramatic high-country routes may intimidate RVers, but numerous accessible alternatives deliver Rocky Mountain majesty without white-knuckle driving.

You’ll find multiple routes that offer both safety and scenery without compromising your vehicle’s capabilities. Using RV-specific GPS devices and planning tools like RV Life Trip Wizard will help you identify the best options for your journey. Remember to follow the slowpoke law when driving your RV to avoid causing traffic backups. The Colorado Rockies offer breathtaking views along well-maintained highways perfect for RV travel.

• Take US-50 east from Montrose for a scenic drive with manageable grades
• Use CO-115 to reach Colorado Springs safely from US-50
• Consider CO-90 to I-70 for a northern approach to Denver through Grand Junction
• Follow CO-69 through Garner when heading to Salida or Buena Vista
• Explore designated scenic byways that accommodate RVs while avoiding hazardous mountain passes

Stay informed about road conditions, construction updates, and weather forecasts to guarantee a smooth trip.

Local advice and travel forums can provide valuable insights for route planning.

High-Traffic Areas and When to Avoid Them

Maneuvering Colorado’s busiest roads in an RV requires strategic timing to avoid major traffic headaches.

You’ll want to steer clear of I-70 and I-25 during rush hours, which typically run from 6:30-9:00 AM and 3:30-6:30 PM on weekdays. These highways become particularly challenging near Denver and Colorado Springs.

Plan your travel to avoid Fridays and Sundays, when weekend warriors flood routes to popular destinations like Rocky Mountain National Park and Garden of the Gods. Be aware that driving an RV can create long lines of vehicles on mountain roads when you can’t maintain regular traffic speeds.

You’ll also face heavy traffic during holiday weekends, especially Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day.

If you’re heading to ski areas like Aspen or Steamboat Springs, expect increased congestion during winter and early spring.

Consider mid-morning or early afternoon travel times when traffic tends to be lighter.

Best Times of Year to Navigate Colorado’s Highways

As you plan your RV adventures through Colorado, late June through early September offers the most reliable travel conditions on the state’s highways. During this window, you’ll avoid seasonal closures and have access to major mountain passes that are typically closed half the year.

Winter conditions can start as early as September and last through May, making RV travel challenging or impossible on many routes.

Extended winter weather severely limits Colorado’s RV-accessible routes from early fall through late spring, requiring careful seasonal planning.

• Check COtrip.org before departure for real-time road conditions and closures
• Plan around peak summer crowds by traveling mid-week or early morning
• Consider alternative routes like US 285 when major passes are closed
• Sign up for SC Alert if traveling through Summit County for instant updates
• Download weather apps to track conditions, especially at higher elevations

Watch for scheduled road maintenance even during summer months, and always carry emergency supplies regardless of season. When encountering strong crosswinds, maintain a firm grip on the steering wheel and reduce your speed to maintain better control of your RV.

Understanding Road Grade Ratings and RV Safety

Beyond knowing the best times to travel, understanding road grade ratings forms the foundation of safe RV driving in Colorado. A road’s grade percentage tells you how steep it’s – a 6% grade means a 6-foot rise over 100 feet of horizontal distance. This matters because steep grades greatly impact your RV’s performance and safety.

You’ll need to pay close attention to warning signs that show both grade steepness and length. If you’re driving a gas-powered RV, you’re at higher risk since these models typically have less power for climbing and fewer brake assist features for descents. Surge brakes on dollies can be particularly problematic when navigating steep descents.

Watch for alternate routes and truck lanes, especially on mountain passes like Wolf Creek with its challenging 8-mile, 6% grade stretch. Always choose routes with gentler grades when possible to protect your RV’s brakes and engine.

Essential Tips for Mountain Driving With an RV

When driving an RV through Colorado’s mountains, proper preparation and technique can mean the difference between a smooth journey and a costly mishap.

You’ll need to adapt your driving style and maintain constant awareness of your vehicle’s capabilities and road conditions.

• Keep your RV well-maintained with special attention to brakes, cooling system, and transmission.
• Monitor weather forecasts and road conditions before and during your trip.
• Drive in lower gears on steep grades and maintain steady speeds.
• Use turnouts frequently to let faster traffic pass and avoid overheating.
• Carry emergency supplies including a satellite communicator, basic tools, and first aid kit.

Remember to position your RV in the center of the lane, watch for falling rocks and wildlife, and always yield to uphill traffic on narrow mountain roads. Tap brakes gently when descending steep slopes rather than applying continuous pressure to prevent brake overheating.

Stay alert for warning signs and exercise extra caution at night.

Recap

You’ll save time, money, and stress by sticking to Colorado’s RV-friendly routes. Rather than testing your luck on treacherous mountain passes, choose established highways like US-50 and CO-115. These roads offer the same stunning views without the white-knuckle driving. Plan your trips during summer months, avoid rush hours near major cities, and always check road conditions before heading out. Your RV adventure should be memorable for the right reasons.