Driving from Fort Worth Texas to Denver (Colorado Springs, Pueblo: food, place)

[TY2012]

Hi, i'm planning a trip to drive to Denver at the end of May and I wanted to know if anyone has ever driven from Texas to Denver and if I will be driving through mountains or not. I have never driven through mountains so I need advice on what to do and what no to do or any information you can give me.

Thanks

[Arrby]

Assuming you go the most direct route - 287 to 87 to I-25 - the only place you encounter anything like mountains is Raton Pass, between Raton N. M. and Trinidad, Co. The pass is on the Interstate, about 7,000 ft., if I recall correctly, and is moderately twisty for five miles or so. Otherwise you are on the plains.

Plenty of lonely country out there, though, so plan your food and fuels stops.

[Dreaming of Hawaii]

Or, you can go straight up I-35 to I-70. No mountains that way, but there are toll roads and it is 100 miles further.

[TY2012]

Ok great. I kinda wanna fly and save me from driving 12 hours but Im afraid to fly lol. Thanks ya'll

[Tim_Barton]

Originally Posted by Dreaming of Hawaii

Or, you can go straight up I-35 to I-70. No mountains that way, but there are toll roads and it is 100 miles further.

This will be quickest way for the OP for sure.

As for the Toll, it's only .50 cents one way and that is on I25 while cruisin through Kansas.
Taking the highway is much better, and faster. I took the raton pass way and even though its a nicer drive, you will be going through a lot of small towns and crap load of State Troopers looking for anyone going over 5 miles over the speed limit. Trust me, do the drive from I-35-I-70 - I25

[Let's Go Here]

If you were going to Pueblo or Colorado Springs, I'd say take the 287-87-I25 route, but since you're going to Denver, the I35-I70 route will be much better.

[bluescreen73]

I've driven both I-35/135/70 and US287/I-70.

The difference in time between both routes is negligible. Yeah you have to slow down for a lot of towns between Wichita Falls and Amarillo, but the 287 route is 120 miles shorter and off-the-beaten-path.

Plus for me there's a psychological factor. When you hit the OK state line on 287 you've knocked out almost 60% of your drive. On I-35, it's less than 10%.

[wanneroo]

Personally I always liked going the way through the panhandle of Texas. Raton Pass isn't really a problem.

Either route you take, in May, it should be no big deal, because the vast majority of driving is on flat prairie.

[TY2012]

Ok that's everyone. That helps me alot.

[DOUBLE H]

Originally Posted by wanneroo

Personally I always liked going the way through the panhandle of Texas. Raton Pass isn't really a problem.

Either route you take, in May, it should be no big deal, because the vast majority of driving is on flat prairie.

I've been over Raton Pass several dozen times! It's a very easy drive. And this route is a NICE drive!