Western Express alternative in Colorado

[cfenton83]

I've been doing a lot of Google street view research on the Western Express route. I really don't like the looks of HWY 50 from Montrose to Cotopaxi. I'm considering this alternative using Kebler's pass and going through Crested Butte. I'll be traveling in early October and realize there is some risk of snow, but the road through Kebler's pass looks stunning in the October photos I can find online.

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/40777423

Anyone know these roads and have any advice? Or does anyone have other ideas for an alternate route between Montrose and Cotopaxi? I have no problem with gravel, but I'm familiar with the terrain outside of Ouray on the Alpine Loop and I'm not interested in taking a loaded bike through those mountains in October.

Thanks in advance!

[John Nettles]

Welcome to the ACA Forums! 

I think you did a pretty good route actually and unless you wanted to do some serious reroutes adding probably 4-6 days, I would use this route.  While Engineer Pass is a nice (but hard) route, I would probably avoid it in October (mud month in Colorado).  Regardless what route you take, note that Coloradans are generally pretty good to bikers.  Note that you might has just missed the peak of colors as it was in late September when I lived in Vail.

Tailwinds, John

[cfenton83]

Thanks for the welcome, John, and for the advice. Maybe I’ll push a little faster through Nevada in hopes of catching That peak color!