Researching a trip to Gunnison next month. Highway 50 over Monarch Pass is looking pretty intense. Anyone pulling a large 5er have first hand experience with this pass??

I have never been over Monarch Pass but I have been over some of the passes in Colorado. I will say that going over any mountain pass here in May is a bit iffy because of the weather. I have seen snow storms here in May and Monarch Pass is over 11000 feet in elevation.

Intense is the correct word for Monarch Pass. From Poncha Springs it will be a long grind up the hill. Plan on taking your time (as if there was a choice). I don't know the weight of your trailer, but at 39', it has got to be heavy. The F350 is a towing beast, but watch your exhaust temp closely. My rig weighs out at about 14,400 (and it is all my wife's stuff) and I made it OK. Just slow. The last mile or so is rather steep. Just remember the rule, pulling a heavy 5er is not too hard, stopping one might be problematic. Let the Torqueshift do it's job, jump on the brakes hard, reduce speed well below your personal "target" and let the brakes cool between applications. the repeat the hard braking application, let speed build slowly, then brake hard again.

I used drive an 18 wheeler around the country. The year before last I went up to Salida to pick up a load. I decided to do the hwy 50 trip into Montrose, since I had not been that way in many years. The previous trip was indeed a real white knuckle experience, but this a completely new hwy now. Most of it is 4 lanes wide with passing lanes where it may not be. They have moved the route to easier terrain and removed a lot of the sharp curves. I actually had to stop and check my map to make sure I was on the right road. This is still a mountain pass route, but the "new and improved" version is not anywhere near as difficult as it was in years past. There are still some hard pulls but it is definitely "user friendly". While in Salida in conversation with the folks where I was loading, they said this is area was to be marketed as the "new" Aspen. Accessible was the key word. At the top of Monarch Pass where there used to be just a sign designating the summit, there is a large modern ski facility on both sides of the highway. Enjoy the trip and the scenery.

I only live about 90 minutes north of Salida so I might try Monarch Pass myself.

Thanks to those who responded! Now I know what to expect!

RonandJacki wrote:

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I used drive an 18 wheeler around the country. The year before last I went up to Salida to pick up a load. Enjoy the trip and the scenery.

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And I have been avoiding Monarch for years.  Now I don't need to select other routes.  Makes it easier for me now.  Thanks for late and first hand information.