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Driving to Beaver Creek/Vail Colorado from TX first time

Discussion in 'General 4Runner Talk' started by Kmd026, Dec 21, 2021.

  1. Dec 21, 2021 at 10:21 PM
    #1
    Kmd026

    Kmd026 [OP] New Member

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    I have a 2019 4 runner. Does anyone have advice on which roads are safer or less dangerous. Going skiing. Never driving in the mountains myself but have been many times as passenger. I need all the tips and advice for this road trip. It will be on the 28 and 29th so just a few days away. The forecast doesn't look bad now.
     
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  2. Dec 21, 2021 at 10:30 PM
    #2
    GrantA

    GrantA Enjoying God’s creation

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    Sounds like a fun trip. If you go down steep hills that cause you to have to consistently hit your breaks to slow dow, then you should drop your gears and do more engine braking. If you don’t you may overheat your brakes and cause a horrible accident. Be safe, watch out for ice on the road also have fun!!!
     
  3. Dec 22, 2021 at 6:04 AM
    #3
    Kilo Papa

    Kilo Papa New Member

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    Welcome to the forum. Texas is kind of large and you didn’t say where in Texas you are departing from. But, generally, in our experience, using the Interstate highways has been our preferred mountain routes in Winter. Better traveled, more services, etc. So, from Amarillo go to Raton, NM and get on Interstate 25 to Denver. In Denver, catch Interstate 70 Westbound toward Vail. Hope that helps. Safe travels.
     
  4. Dec 22, 2021 at 7:24 AM
    #4
    SlvrSlug

    SlvrSlug Slightly bent.

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    Welcome to the forum.
     
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  5. Dec 22, 2021 at 7:52 AM
    #5
    runnerjimmy

    runnerjimmy Wannabe

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    I-70 west out of Denver. Best bet. Highway should be well maintained. You will start climbing in altitude pretty good out on the far reaches of town. If you find the vehicle bouncing in and out of 5th gear on this long climb, I would just drop it down into 4th during the climbs.
    You will also have some good run-a-way downhills, Floyd hill, Eisenhower tunnel, Vail pass. Definitely down shift on these hills, I always downshift at the apex of the hill. You will find yourself in 3rd gear on theses runs. Save your brakes. Don’t let the crazy fast drivers push you go at a safe rate. Instead of I-25 to I-70 in Denver. Take I-25 to C-470 west to I-70.
    Most importantly have some fun.
     
  6. Mar 16, 2022 at 11:30 AM
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    dougfresh

    dougfresh New Member

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    Lived in Summit county, CO for several years in the I-70 corridor (Breck/Copper). Keep provisions in your car like blankets, extra food and water in case you get stuck on I-70 during blizzards/avalanches etc. It’s a beautiful area, enjoy and be safe.
     
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  7. Mar 16, 2022 at 5:43 PM
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    GrantA

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    Doug this was 3 months ago. But I guess it is good for future references
     
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  8. Mar 16, 2022 at 5:49 PM
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    Doubleduty

    Doubleduty Life is better on the mountain

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    Make sure your tires are up to the task!
     
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  9. Mar 16, 2022 at 5:52 PM
    #9
    4Daughters

    4Daughters It’s how I know God has a sense of humor

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    Just got back from a week in Copper Mtn/ Silverthorne CO. They really know how to clear snow off the roads out there. ATL gets shut down with an inch of snow. About 95% of the 5th gen 4Runners we saw (and we saw a lot!) were stock height with stock sized street tires or ATs. Strangely rare to see one lifted with 285s or bigger. You’ll be just fine. Have fun!
     
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  10. Mar 16, 2022 at 8:08 PM
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    dougfresh

    dougfresh New Member

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    I figured, I wanted to post it still because it’s vital info in the winter months. I hope you enjoyed it, it’s a beautiful place.

    They sure do, I always found it impressive how they handled it. Growing up in the Philly area, it was always mayhem days after a storm. They barely miss school days in summit county and get 10x the snow lol.
     
  11. Mar 16, 2022 at 10:00 PM
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    The last breed

    The last breed New Member

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    Luck you! Come to WA too.

    20211117_142604.jpg 20211117_142610.jpg
    FB_IMG_1547882867776.jpg FB_IMG_1547882853300.jpg FB_IMG_1547882871112.jpg FB_IMG_1547882874332.jpg
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    20211031_210852.jpg
     
    Last edited: Mar 16, 2022
  12. Mar 16, 2022 at 10:11 PM
    #12
    The last breed

    The last breed New Member

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    Colorado trails are dry and nice, but Washington trails are wet and muddy :(
     
  13. Mar 17, 2022 at 3:55 AM
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    GrantA

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    @The last breed you finally got a 4Runner? You need to update your status if you did. I must have missed the message where you said you got one.
     
  14. Mar 17, 2022 at 7:35 AM
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    kmeeg

    kmeeg LionRunner

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    This is his old one as far as I can remember. He is going big this time with a 2022 Black TRD Pro. Waiting for delivery soon..
     
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  15. Mar 17, 2022 at 7:43 AM
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    kmeeg

    kmeeg LionRunner

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    I doubt you are checking the correct forecast. Today we probably get about a feet of snow around Vail.
    Again Sunday night to Tuesday morning there's a chance of snow too. So be careful.

    FB_IMG_1647527999495.jpg
     
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  16. Mar 17, 2022 at 7:59 AM
    #16
    dougfresh

    dougfresh New Member

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    Colorado's weather patterns are so interesting. Just when you think it's over.. here's more snow! lol

    Here's a pic of what I tackled the roads and snow in when I lived out there. My '07 STi Limited I sold to a close friend prior to my move to Vegas. Photo is from Loveland pass after a waist deep powder day on my board.

    57578_10100535085780694_7668919_o_80d6a18d4f785fae1eaf94a89d6640898f720b2d.jpg
     
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  17. Mar 17, 2022 at 10:08 AM
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    The last breed

    The last breed New Member

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    Old pictures. Waiting for dealer to get me one another one
     
  18. Mar 17, 2022 at 11:21 AM
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    The last breed

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    Hopefully soon :D
     
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  19. Mar 17, 2022 at 11:35 AM
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    The last breed

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    I will give a virtual party here when I get my TRD Pro :D
     
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