{"id":5608,"date":"2021-04-20T12:02:00","date_gmt":"2021-04-20T12:02:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/familytravelfever.com\/?p=5608"},"modified":"2023-03-31T03:09:45","modified_gmt":"2023-03-31T03:09:45","slug":"scary-roads-avoid-rv-colorado","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/familytravelfever.com\/scary-roads-avoid-rv-colorado\/","title":{"rendered":"Roads to Avoid in Colorado with an RV (and Which to Drive Instead)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
NOTE*** The content on this page may contain affiliate links, we may make a commission. And, as an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.<\/em>\u00a0\u00a0More information: disclosure page<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n If you’re planning to go on an RV trip in Colorado, you should know about the roads. With the challenges of both cities and mountains, you need to know how to drive safely before you set out. Let me help you have the best and safest trip with this helpful list of routes you should avoid and which RV-friendly roads to take when RVing in Colorado.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I have lived in Colorado my whole life and have driven almost every road in this beautiful state. I have my fair share of RV trips myself with my family. Based on our experiences, here are 8 scary roads you should avoid with an RV and 3 routes you should take an RV drive instead. <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Before we get started – if you want to avoid the possibility of driving any of these scary roads in Colorado, you can have an RV delivered. Read how to do that on our article here Have an RV delivered and set up at your campsite<\/a><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re not a local or you don’t have much driving experience on mountain passes, better steer clear of Oh My God Road in Idaho Springs. This route got its name for its drop-offs and switchbacks. And despite being a two-way road, it is only about 1 1\/2 cars wide. That leaves very little room for maneuvering an RV. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Shelf Road is a part of the byway going through the Fourmile Canyon. It is an unpaved path carved out of the side of cliffs. Even though it is a two-way road, in many places it can only be just as wide as a single vehicle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When traveling with an RV in Colorado, you can\u2019t miss the popular Rocky Mountain National Park<\/a>. But, it\u2019s best not to take your RV up the Old Fall River Road. This gravel road was built in 1921 and has narrow lanes with no guardrails. It is also a one-way uphill and has a lot of switchbacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to the National Park Service<\/a>, Trail Ridge Road<\/a> is a heavily traveled highway of Rocky Mountain National Park. It is also the highest paved road in Colorado.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Though it offers exceptional scenic views, it can be a dangerous route to take on your RV, especially if you’re a beginner in driving to steep mountain passes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ok, so I admit, this isn’t really fair since if you plan to go anywhere east to west in Colorado you will likely be in the interstate. However, I think it is worth noting the dangers of I-70 in an RV. <\/p>\n\n\n\n While it has exceptional mountain views, I-70 can also be steep and rough in many places. It also has several places where you\u2019ll find 5 \u2013 6% grades of mountain passes that stretch for many miles. There are turnouts for run-away trucks (and RVs) but you never want to have to use this, so make sure to stay in low gear and keep your brakes cool. Make sure to read our tips at the end of the post for driving safely on these roads. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you go on a road trip along with Colorado, you will likely be on this road as it is the main highway through the state. When you pass by here, just make sure to proceed with caution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pro tip: Winter brings chain laws. You may be required to carry chains with you in case a storm begins. Check COtrip.org for details before heading out. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Below are two mountain passes at I-70:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Highway 550 also known as the Million Dollar Highway was built in the late 1800s as part of the San Juan Skyway. Dangerous Roads<\/a> listed it as one of the spectacular drives in America with scenic and jaw-dropping views.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As much as it is beautiful, it can also be dangerous for an RV drive, encompassing three steep mountain passes with hairpin curves and narrow lanes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here are the three mountain passes at the Hwy 550 route:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Much like any other roads with mountain passes and cliff drives, the State Highway 149 isn\u2019t advisable for RVers who have little experience maneuvering steep and narrow mountain passes. It has hairpin curves at several places, narrow lanes, and switchbacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You will likely drive this highway to get to Creede, one of our favorite places in the state. We wrote about our favorite things to do in Creede here.<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Here are two known mountain passes at SH 149:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Independence Pass is formerly known as Hunter Pass. It is a high mountain pass just south of Aspen in Central Colorado. While some may argue that it is safe to pass by this road, it is not advisable for beginners who are just learning to drive an RV.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The steep and narrow road is not for the faint of heart. Especially that the highest elevation for this road is 12,095 ft. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Note that vehicles over 35 feet are not allowed on this road as it twists around and is narrow at some point.<\/em> Only small campervans and tiny travel trailers can pass this length limit. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you do pass by here, make sure to bask in the view of the aspen trees and stunning groves along the Roaring River Fork. Check out our favorite things to do in Aspen here. <\/p>\n\n\n\nDangerous Roads You Should Avoid When RVing<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Oh My God Road near Idaho Springs, Colorado<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Shelf Road between Canon City to Cripple Creek, Colorado<\/h3>\n\n\n
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Old Fall River Road near Estes Park, Colorado<\/h3>\n\n\n
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Trail Ridge Road through Grand County and \u200eLarimer County, Colorado<\/h3>\n\n\n
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Interstate 70 from Cove Fort, Utah, to Baltimore, Maryland<\/h3>\n\n\n
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Million Dollar Highway between Silverton and Ouray, Colorado<\/h3>\n\n\n
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State Highway 149 in southwestern Colorado<\/h3>\n\n\n
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Independence Pass south of Aspen, Colorado<\/h3>\n\n\n
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Grades and Elevation on Mountain Passes in Colorado<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n