Hamiltonbelk
11-21-09, 11:32 AM
I am planning a short tour from Colorado Springs to Telluride in mid December. Anyone interested?
Mountain - Plains - Colorado Springs to Telluride
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sniz
11-22-09, 12:00 AM
What's the mileage and # of days planned?
Hamiltonbelk
11-22-09, 04:17 AM
What's the mileage and # of days planned?
Its 298 miles from Colorado Springs and I'm planning on a 4 to 5 day trip. I'm leaving around the 17th of december but it's flexible, and I'm planning on stealth camping but that is flexible as well.
Its 298 miles from Colorado Springs and I'm planning on a 4 to 5 day trip. I'm leaving around the 17th of december but it's flexible, and I'm planning on stealth camping but that is flexible as well.
valygrl
11-22-09, 06:00 PM
That sounds so cold! What's your route?
Hamiltonbelk
11-23-09, 12:30 AM
That sounds so cold! What's your route?
CO 115 to CO 50 to CO 550 to CO 62 to CO 145. I believe its part of the ACA Western Express and goes through Canon City, Salida, Gunnison, Montrose, and Ridgway.
CO 115 to CO 50 to CO 550 to CO 62 to CO 145. I believe its part of the ACA Western Express and goes through Canon City, Salida, Gunnison, Montrose, and Ridgway.
ccd rider
11-23-09, 06:52 AM
CO 115 to CO 50 to CO 550 to CO 62 to CO 145. I believe its part of the ACA Western Express and goes through Canon City, Salida, Gunnison, Montrose, and Ridgway.
It wouldn't be the cold as much as road conditions. On this route you have to go over Monarch Pass.....and then Dallas Divide. Snow/ice on shoulder areas is very much a reality even if it's not snowing during your trip. Not to mention narrow (or non-existent) shoulders in many places and a LOT of winding canyon roads (from Canon City to Salida and Blue Mesa Reservoir to Montrose especially....and then from the top of Dallas Divide to Telluride as well). I would not want to travel those roads in December. But then, I admire anyone who does. Good for you if you have the gumption. :thumb:
It wouldn't be the cold as much as road conditions. On this route you have to go over Monarch Pass.....and then Dallas Divide. Snow/ice on shoulder areas is very much a reality even if it's not snowing during your trip. Not to mention narrow (or non-existent) shoulders in many places and a LOT of winding canyon roads (from Canon City to Salida and Blue Mesa Reservoir to Montrose especially....and then from the top of Dallas Divide to Telluride as well). I would not want to travel those roads in December. But then, I admire anyone who does. Good for you if you have the gumption. :thumb:
valygrl
11-23-09, 07:43 AM
Yeah, the road conditions were really what I was thinking about too. Hwy 145 definitely does not have a shoulder, I road it as part of the Bike Tour of CO a couple of years ago - and with snow, ice, and ski traffic - take care!!!
I hope you are very prepared for what you are getting yourself in for, and have a great time.
I hope you are very prepared for what you are getting yourself in for, and have a great time.
DnvrFox
11-24-09, 05:45 AM
I shudder at the thought!
What would motivate such a venture in December?
What would motivate such a venture in December?
colorado dale
11-24-09, 09:31 AM
Monarch ski area opens tomorrow season to date snowfall 63.5 inches
settled base 27 inches high of 15
I found Monarch pass to be nail biteing in a car at least 1/2 of the time I traveled in winter
expect shoulders to be full of gravel and snow
settled base 27 inches high of 15
I found Monarch pass to be nail biteing in a car at least 1/2 of the time I traveled in winter
expect shoulders to be full of gravel and snow
mikeybikes
11-24-09, 02:57 PM
Here's the live picture of Monarch Pass:
http://www.cotrip.org/images/ws/camera?imageURL=29
If you do take that, be careful.
Enjoy your trip.
http://www.cotrip.org/images/ws/camera?imageURL=29
If you do take that, be careful.
Enjoy your trip.
mikeybikes
11-24-09, 03:05 PM
CO 115 to US 50 to US 550 to CO 62 to CO 145. I believe its part of the ACA Western Express and goes through Canon City, Salida, Gunnison, Montrose, and Ridgway.
Assuming you meant US 50 and US 550... not too big of a deal none of the state highways numbers overlap US highways running through Colorado. I'm a road geek, so these things matter to me.
Assuming you meant US 50 and US 550... not too big of a deal none of the state highways numbers overlap US highways running through Colorado. I'm a road geek, so these things matter to me.
DnvrFox
12-09-09, 07:52 PM
How is the trip planning coming? When do you plan to start (if you haven't already)?