Tucson to Breckenridge, need help on route planning.

[Fergie]

I already have my idea for my route, but want to make sure this sounds safe enough.

Tucson to Durango is the easy part.

From Durango, I'll head up to Montrose, then to Salida through Gunnison. From Salida, head north on the 285 into Breck.

I'll be in a Subaru Forester, so I dont want Jeep trails, just nice roads that wont be closed due to snow and such.

So, does this route sound good?

Thanks

Fergie

 

[Kittrell]

Thats how I'd go. Though I might be inclined to take 160 to 112 to 285. It'd save you like an hour.

 

[riverfever]

One of my favorite drives is Durango up to Montrose and then over to Gunny. The drive from Gunny over Monarch Pass and into Salida is cool as well. This time of year...I think you'll be good where ever. One suggestion I'd make is to head North on 135 out of Gunny (through Almont...like you're heading to Crested Butte). Right at about Almont you will turn right onto 742. It's a paved road that runs right along the river. It's a beautiful drive and there's even camping spots right along the road. This will take you up to the Taylor River catch and release area. The CO state record was caught out of there a few years back (in the range of 25ish pounds). If you stop where you see a bunch of people fishing and look down from the bridge (just down from the dam) you will see huge fish in there. Keep going and you'll pass Taylor Reservoir a bit more up the road. Very soon after that you will turn right onto Cottonwood Pass (209 IIRC). This is dirt but I've done it in an RV before and in my old Audi which was lowered about 2". At the top it will turn to pavement for the trip down into Buena Vista. I think this is the only thing I'd change about your plans Fergie. How long will you be in Breck? Should be an excellent trip man.

 

[riverfever]

Ooooooohhhhhh.....I gottsta disagree DJ. From Durango to Gunnison, over Cottonwood to Buena is 239 kick ass miles. 160 to 112 to 285 is 219 miles but I don't think it's as scenic. Plus you wouldn't be able to see those burly Taylor Browns.

 

[Kittrell]

Ooooooohhhhhh.....I gottsta disagree DJ. From Durango to Gunnison, over Cottonwood to Buena is 239 kick ass miles. 160 to 112 to 285 is 219 miles but I don't think it's as scenic. Plus you wouldn't be able to see those burly Taylor Browns.

Didn't say anything about the scenery.........

 

[Fergie]

Made it to Breck alright, now a question:

Any folks around here that have an extra rod and reel for some VERY recreational fishing?

Just talking a day, two at most, and am more than willing to provide tasty adult beverages for the kind help.

Fergie