Denver to Moab - 1 Day

[Liquid]

Hi Guys,

I'm contemplating taking a trip out to the Needles with a group of friends. To get there, I would conceivably fly into Denver and meet the group the following day in Moab, prior to our expedition. One of my favorite things is to take a scenic drive, and this area looks to be phenomenal in that regard. I have a few questions:

This is the route I am thinking of taking, based solely on what "looks good" from Google maps.

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&hl=....151363,-107.904968&spn=1.891341,3.433228&z=9

Here are my questions. Would you recommend any changes to the route, either because I am missing something worth seeing or I am taking a needlessly boring road? The 2 reasons I selected this route are to drive thru Aspen (just to see it) and to drive through the Black Canyon of Gunnison National Park (which looks like it is going to have some stunning views, at least as well as you can tell from a map). That also looks like a great place to take the NSX when the weather is right. Sadly I'll be in some rental piece of crap, but the views will still be the same.

My second concern is I realize this is through the mountains. The trip would be on April 2. What is the likelihood that weather would be an issue? I assume I would keep an eye on it in Denver and if it looked bad, skip the scenic route for I-70. Is it possible that I would get caught in unexpected bad weather halfway thru the trip? What are the odds of this or just general bad weather happening at this time of year?

Lastly Google maps indicates this as about an 11 hour trip. Does that seem about right? What are the odds that recent snowfall could make the trip much longer? Anything else I am missing?

Thanks guys!

 

[01blacks4]

IMO that will take much longer than the 11-12 hours....last summer i took 70 from denver, and took the last exit before needles (to get some back roads in) and that took 8-9 hours....

looks like a cool road trip, have fun.....

you *could* get some bad weather then also....only cause its early april...late you would prolly be OK

 

[latzke]

Your overall route does look very good. If it's going to take you more/less time than what Google says depends a bit on your driving style, if you have a V1, and how much you stop for pics, type of vehicle, etc.

I'll start with one major gotcha: Between Twin Lakes and Aspen is Independence Pass. According to CDOT...

Independence Pass is generally open from Memorial Day until snow falls in earnest, usually in late October to early November.

Memorial Day is late May, May is after April, you get my point.

I did a similar trip this past November (week in Moab stopping by Black Canyon on way home). Oddly, on our way into Moab an NSX passed us. I went a slightly-faster route in two ways...

1. Through Gunnison, Buena Vista, and Fairplay (285 to Denver) after Montrose (Aspen wasn't on our to-see list). I very much enjoyed the drive along the Blue Mesa Reservoir and between there and Poncha Springs (on 50) because of the light traffic and scenery. 133 and 92 (on your route) might also be pretty nice in that respect. This might be an alternative to your route with Independence Pass closed...if you're willing to skip Aspen (Monarch Pass on 50 is open year round, unless weather forces a temporary closure). Otherwise it'll probably have to be I-70 to Glenwood Springs to Aspen, backtracking to Carbondale.

You should know that none of highways go along the Black Canyon of the Gunnison itself, at least the steep/tall part that's in the park. You can get off and go into the park via a pretty short out-and-back off 50, and I'd definately suggest such if you're already in the area. A couple overlooks off the south rim (north rim likely closed that time of year) and you'll have seen the canyon...in short order (small park).

2. Between Montrose and Moab we took I-70 (that part is very boring) getting off at Cisco (taking 128 into Moab) on the way back. On the way there the map software took us down I-70 to 191. 191 is really boring basically until right before it intersects with 128 at Arches (unless you're looking for a stretch to do some top-speed runs, I'd avoid 191 north of Arches). 128 is very beautiful...much better. Your route between Montrose and Moab looks better (though longer) on paper but I haven't driven that area myself. Anyway, my point is that if you go back a different route (via 70), make sure you take 128 to get there, not 191.

 

[latzke]

Road conditions in CO:
http://www.cotrip.org/atis/web.Travel_ConditionsMarshal?Travel_Conditions=0&mode=html
Look for instances of "closed for season" to help you plan your trip.
Good site to check conditions before you leave.

 

[mskrotzki]

Having lived in the Roaring Fork Valley (Where Aspen is located) for 15 years, I can ASSURE you Independence Pass WILL BE CLOSED on April 2nd. I can ASSURE you it WILL BE CLOSED on May 2nd, and it MAY be closed on June 2nd. There has been a record amount of snow this year, so it could be until the middle of June before it opens. FWIW, it has been known to close for the year in October. That part of your route is out. That is not necessarily a bad thing, because it can be very slow -- parts of the road are only 17.5 feet wide.

Colorado 133 is gorgeous! I have been in all 50 states and 60 +/- countries, and I consider the Aspen to Telluride trip, on 133, 550, 62 and 145 to be one of the best in the world. Be warned it can take 7 hours, though.

You may want to consider grabbing 285 out of Denver, through Fairplay and Buena Vista, to 50 and through Gunnison, as Latzke mentioned. It is high and South Park (The REAL South Park) is unique in all the world. Even 2-lane 285 has a 75 mph speed limit on it much of the way, but beware of ice pack in the shadows. The Collegiate Range is spectacular. Latzke is right on about Black Canyon of the Gunnison -- one of the newest National Parks.

Another alternative is to take I-70 to Glenwood Springs and then go south the 12 miles to Carbondale and the beginning of SH 133. You have a plethora of choices -- but 12 hours may be a bit optimistic on such a route.

email or call me if you want any other thoughts

Mark

 

[Liquid]

Thanks for the excellent feedback, it is very much appreciated. Unfortunately, the trip got booked before I got in so I won't be making it. Fortunately, this is one area that I am looking at possibly having my bachelor party at, so I may be able to spend some more time out there than just one day. Any other ideas on must see places are welcome.

 

[pierceman]

+1 for this route
"Another alternative is to take I-70 to Glenwood Springs and then go south the 12 miles to Carbondale and the beginning of SH 133. You have a plethora of choices -- but 12 hours may be a bit optimistic on such a route."


IMO, even the drive along 70 is kind of nice. The weather will be adverse and will play a big roll at that time of the year. The views are great along 70, vail pass, glenwood into grand junction along the river. The road along Glenwood won some sort of award for its integration with the mountain.
Matt