The 160 from Colorado Springs to the Grand Canyon?

[obbiemay]

My husband and I are spending our vacation in your great state this summer! I'm so excited but could use some help to finalize my plans. Which route is most scenic 24 or 91 heading to Leadville? Also is Mesa Verde handicap accessible? Husband can't walk far. Any help would be much appreciated.

[Idunn]

Your route into Leadville may be dictated more by geography than scenery, as the approaches are so different.

I cannot speak to US 24 between Leadville and I-70, but depending on direction one route would make more sense than the other. CO 91 between I-70 and Leadville is perfectly scenic, and an easy if uphill drive in Summer. If thinking of US 24 from south of Leadville, as from Buena Vista, then an entirely different region, but scenic as well. If seeking something truly scenic, try CO 82 over Independence Pass between Twin Lakes and Aspen.

At least some of the facilities at Mesa Verde National Park should be handicap accessible. Not all the trails will be. But many points of interest can be viewed at a distance from a vehicle at certain overlooks. If the interest, it would be worth the visit. More detailed information can be gleaned directly from the national park service. The website of Mesa Verde NP provides a good deal of information, but a phone call directly to the Park may help as well.

[obbiemay]

thank you I'm really excited about vacationing in Colorado.

[Melanzana92]

Between taking 24 or 91 into Leadville from the north? That is a close call. 24 winds through gorgeous mountain scenery well below treeline, and follows a nice canyon for much of the drive.

91 goes up and over a pass, the top of which is closer to treeline, and the views from that road are more of bare mountain peaks and big sky than of forested canyons.

If I were driving through and had to pick one, for an out-of-stater, probably 91. But they're both such great drives it's hard to choose!

[captain_hug99]

Bumping this up. We're considering this in the last week of March 2012. I know the weather can be very hit or miss, but is it suicidal then? 160 to Mesa Verde then on to the Grand Canyon.

[Mike from back east]

Originally Posted by captain_hug99

Bumping this up. We're considering this in the last week of March 2012. I know the weather can be very hit or miss, but is it suicidal then? 160 to Mesa Verde then on to the Grand Canyon.

Only suicidal if you attempt it in a raging blizzard, or if it's iced over for some unknown reason. Just check the weather reports and check the CDOT site for road conditions.

[DOUBLE H]

I've been on those roads several times in late March/early April from the Four Corners to Flagstaff. Keep in mind you're on reservation lands and probably the most reliable (and more traveled) road is U.S. 160 which goes all the way past Tuba City and dead ends at U.S. 89, about 60 miles north of Flagstaff. And the weather can get nasty fairly quick, especially while you're getting close to Flagtown as the elevation is near 7000 ft.