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Old 05-06-2014, 12:42 PM
 
254 posts, read 513,213 times
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Is there any value in taking 285 from Denver to Taos rather than I25? I25 is faster, obviously, but I am wondering if there are other reasons to select one route vs. the other? This will be a summer trip, so I'm expecting snow/road conditions will not be an issue.
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Old 05-06-2014, 01:15 PM
 
Location: Berkeley Neighborhood, Denver, CO USA
17,708 posts, read 29,804,344 times
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285
more interesting
a tad longer
my preferred route
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Old 05-06-2014, 01:40 PM
 
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Gas is 20-30 cents/gal more along parts of 285
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Old 05-06-2014, 01:57 PM
 
Location: Na'alehu Hawaii/Buena Vista Colorado
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If you're in a hurry and want to get there the quickest and easiest way, go I25. If you want to see some beautiful scenery and don't mind driving two lane roads the whole way, go 285.

285 takes you by the Great Sand Dunes National Park, which would be a great side trip if you've never been.
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Old 05-06-2014, 01:59 PM
 
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I used to live down that way while I still had family in Denver so I have driven that route on several occasions. But 25 vs 285 largely depends on how scenic you find the San Luis Valley since that takes up about 50% of the drive.

I cannot stand the stretch on 285 between Bailey and 470 (too congested, too high of a speed limit, and very mountain suburban/exurban). Once you get past Bailey it's usually more relaxing of a drive, but outside of a few mountain passes you are either in South Park or the San Luis valley. So it's not all mountains like you would get on some other routes further west.
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Old 05-06-2014, 02:21 PM
 
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Do both, one each way. I found I wish I had given myself more time to explore the Sand Dunes. I went to Santa Fe on 285 and came back on I25. I enjoyed both trips since it was my first time through. I thought 285 was better if you have the time.

Stop by the UFO Watchtower. It's a hoot, talk to the lady that runs it she is fun and a little out there. It's a tourist trap but still a good time if you are into it. Walk through "the garden".

http://www.ufowatchtower.com

http://www.roadsideamerica.com/story/16782

Last edited by tcbelvis; 05-06-2014 at 02:32 PM..
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Old 05-06-2014, 03:45 PM
 
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Thank you all for your input - I appreciate it!
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Old 05-07-2014, 04:02 PM
 
Location: Sunnyvale, CA
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285 is way more interesting and scenic.
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Old 05-07-2014, 05:02 PM
 
Location: Bend, OR
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I agree with others. If you have the time to take Hwy. 285 it's worth the drive. Take a little extra time and add in a soak in one of several hot springs along the route.

Joyful Journey Hot Springs

Colorado Hot Springs Vacations | Mt. Princeton Hot Springs Resort & Spa

New Mexico Hot Springs | New Mexico Spas | New Mexico Resort | Southwest Spa | Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort & Spa | 800.222.9162
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Old 05-08-2014, 07:00 AM
 
254 posts, read 513,213 times
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Hot springs, good scenery, and UFOs seem like a good reason to take 285.

I've not driven this route so wonder if I should be prepared for quite a slow drive due to the road conditions in some areas? I'm basing this question off of the issue related to the woman who was stuck in her car for 5-6 days after overturning on 285 near Fairplay. I'm guessing that was just a freak accident (very glad she's alive and recovering) and not reflective of an inherent danger in the road? I've driven over mountain passes before so am not a complete novice in that regard. Thanks.
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