Need some Colorado help

I just brought a trailer in Utah and I'm towing it back to Colorado Springs tomorrow. I was planning on taking in through 50 because it was supposed to be sunny while i70 is snowing around Vail.

I just checked the weather and now they're calling for 4-8 inches tomorrow around monarch so i-70 is looking like the better choice.

I'm on the fence. Should I drive through or find a hotel in grand junction? it's i70 so the road should be pretty good.

I welcome any advice.

Picture is for Vail, CO tomorrow (Monday 17 fet, 2025)

 

I would just be extra careful. It really depends on your confidence pulling a trailer. I did see where an avalanche carried a man in a pickup off Loveland pass. Be careful get a room if you are worried

 

I think I’d rather brave I70 vs Monarch pass in the snow with a trailer. Vail Pass has been closed off and on the last few days though. I think either will be a bit of a gamble.

 

I’d stay on I-70, but I wouldn’t hesitate to get a room (closer to Vail Pass than Junction) if the weather starts to get hairy.

 

I live 1 mile North off 50 in Salida if you need anything; washer fluid, lunch, etc'

 

I did. It was rough!

About five miles from Monarch Ski Resort, heading east, the snow hit hard. Visibility dropped to around 50 feet, and there were no snow plows in sight. The road had about two inches of fresh snow—at least it was consistent instead of ice. Progress was slow, and occasional gusts completely obscured my hood from vision. Since I have no experience towing in snow, I took it extra slow (15mph) and set the brake controller to zero.

I had all my recovery gear with me—chains, traction boards, tow straps, a shovel, and more—but thankfully, I never had to use any of it. The truck stayed steady, and I never felt like I was losing control.

My 2018 Tacoma handled it like a champ. For most of the 500-mile trip, it stayed in 4th gear at 2,500–3,000 RPM. Fuel economy took a hit with the load—about 10 MPG at 70 mph and 13 MPG at 55 mph—but considering the conditions, I’ll take it.

Also, a big thanks to everyone who gave me advice. Your responses really helped me make a decision, and everything worked out in the end. I appreciate it!

 

What size / kind / weight of trailer?

 

That’s kind of incredible. Well done!

 

The East side of Monarch does not get the solid winter weather as the western side. A few weeks ago I went to Gunnison in the morning and the East side was 33*f and the West side at Seargents, the bottom, was -4*f!

 

E-Pro 16TH. The TH stands for toy hauler. 2842lbs empty, 1688lbs cargo capacity but it was empty for this trip.

 

Oh, got it. I didn't see the picture, so didn't realize it was a camper.

In that case, double impressive (and the gas mileage isn't bad either).