I heard once you enter Colorado on rt 70 you can take rt 50(?) which takes you in a more southerly direction and can save 2 hours on the trip? Does this sound right? The person did say it was a one lane highway with passing zones but the traffic was light and moved fairly well. Any help...advice?

You have a few options depending on which way you come into Colorado.

If you enter Colorado on I-70, then you can turn in Limon, and take 24 to Colorado Springs. Then take 115 to just outside Canon City. Take 50 West from there to Montrose.

The only section that is slow is from Canon City to Salida, which follows the Arkansas River in a canyon, and doesn't have much passing. Traffic should be lighter that far South though, compared to roads leaving Denver.

If you're coming in on I-76, I would recommend I-70 from Denver to Grand Junction, then 550 South to Montrose.

Thanks Ian, going through the mountains on rt 70 while no fun for the truck last year sure was scenic...but after 30 hours of driving any time saved would be worth the change in route.

I took the Limon, Colorado Springs, Canon City route last year and it was very scenic with many different types of terrain. I believe the route (from I-70 east) through Grand Junction is about 80 miles longer than taking the Limon exit.

AAA has told me that there are a few construction areas between Denver & Grand Junction along I-70 with possible delays. There's nothing like sitting in traffic where two lanes bottle-neck into one on an interstate packed with holiday travelers. I think I'll be taking the Limon exit.

Don