Driving from Denver to Lake City in July any tips (Gunnison: renting, live in)

[florida_native]

I will be flying into Denver this July. I'm renting a car and driving down to Lake City to stay. I’ve never been to Colorado before so I am unfamiliar with driving the terrain. Does anyone have driving tips? My concerns are lack of interstate (I’m very used to only traveling on the interstate in the Southeast) and the lack of gas stations in the more rural areas.

As my screen name states, I’m a Florida native, but I current live in Knoxville, Tennessee. I’ve grown used to navigating the hills and curves of the roads here over the past eight years so I'm hoping that will give me an advantage.

[jazzlover]

Any way you go, it's mountain driving. Finding gas stations is no problem, but expect to pay plenty for it I suspect fuel will be over $4.00/per gallon outside of the metro areas by summer. Don't compare driving in the hills (and that is ALL they are) of Tennessee with Colorado mountain driving--it ain't the same.

If you can avoid driving out of Denver on a Friday or Saturday, you will be a lot happier. The traffic going into the mountains for a weekend (and back on Sunday) can be horrendous, no matter what route you take. And please, for the sake of people like me who actually have to drive those roads to get someplace for our work, don't obstruct traffic. If you are driving slower than the prevailing traffic, pull off and let people pass you. And DON'T drive in the uphill passing lane UNLESS you are passing somebody. That is state law, and I'm always amazed how many people ignore it. It snarls up traffic--and that and other "flatlander" driving antics (like speeding like hell on straight-aways and then practically stopping on curves) is what makes Coloradans get so cranky about tourists on the roads.

Also, watch for wildlife. They can be anywhere, but between Gunnison and Lake City--especially from near dusk to dawn--there can be deer everywhere. Nothing can ruin a vacation like winding up with a deer for a hood ornament.

[florida_native]

Thanks for the info jazzlover. Anyone else with more tips are welcome.

[florida_native]

What are gas prices like right now?

Regular is $3.44 here.

[ColoWeb]

I saw a station with a $3.40 for Reg. here. It may be 4 pretty soon and could be higher in the mountains. Just plan for the 'extras'.

[BillRadio]

Actually, the traffic out of Denver won't be that bad. Your best route to Lake City is along rt 285 out of SW Denver and it is only subject to heavier traffic during weekday rush hours. South of Bailey, the driving is easy.

Then, even though your travel is only along 2-lane highways, half of them are through very wide open spaces, light traffic and scenic vistas. There are four areas where you travel up and over mountains, and the roads are curvy and you may find yourself behind a slower driver, but there are some passing lanes. Patience will help, but so will the knowledge that you will be back in the open, soon.

The small challenges of driving are greatly offset by the impressive views. Your cell phone will work for most of the trip and a car with GPS may ease your mind. On some stretches of the route, you will be hard pressed to keep your speed down to 65, so the 2-lane roads aren't going to be that big of a deal...on average.

[florida_native]

Thanks ColoWeb & BillRadio, I really appreciate the information.

[dynimagelv]

and DON'T ride your brakes all the way down the hill.........or they'll find ya in a pile at the bottom.