Didn't want to hijack the CO to AZ post.

I'm hoping to fly into the Denver area late in the month on the way to California. I'm flying an O-300 straight tail 172 that will be well below gross. Is there a pass that I can safely get though in Colorado to get over to Utah and the national parks areas or will I have to fly down the front range to get a pass. I understand that it will need to be an early, good weather passing. In the CO to AZ post Sixtwolemer posted "I'd slip over to Southeast Utah and follow the Colorado to Page, AZ. Scenery can't be beat." I'd love to do this as I kayaked the Grand Canyon a few years ago and would like to get back into that area. I haven't crossed the divide yet so am looking for a newbie friendly pass. I also know about the airspace restrictions around the canyon.

Thanks.

Frank

Lowest pass straight W of Denver is Rollins Pass. A little over 12,000' will get you safely over. There are other options if that is obscured, such as following Interstate-80 in WY then S after you're past the rocks, or down past Colorado Springs & Pueblo following the Arkansas River or over to Alamosa/Wolf Creek Pass. Most options require at least 12,000' to get through. If you follow I-70 you have to go up to 13,500' or so over Loveland Pass. Even if the passes are clear, you must be attentive to high-elevation wind direction. If it's blowing 20+ give yourself at least 1,500' clearance. If it's blowing 30+ don't go--at least that's my rule of thumb. Give me a call if you want to discuss 303 378 4987

Ted, do you mean Milner pass? 12k won't get you over Rollins unless you are comfortable crossing at 330' AGL. I'm usually well north of 13,5k.

Milner or Cameron are the sneak routes that you can get over at 12 or 12.5k. Both are just north of Rollins and marked on the sectional.

You're right Greg. Rollins is 11,671' Milner is 10,758' & Cameron is 10,276' Thank you for catching me! I generally don't think of Milner as from my hiking time up in the Park I always think of it being windier, but another person recently posted that he prefers Milner. This last trip Saturday I went over Kenosha Pass then Boreas Pass then Vail Pass. Stuff to the North was all totally socked in.

Honestly, the easiest and safest route for a newbie who isn't familiar with mountain flying is to follow I-80 in southern Wyoming and cross the Wasatch Mountains at Parley's Canyon. Early in the day is best, whether that route or any of the Colorado passes, before the wind kicks up.

Alternatively, go way south to Albuquerque and then west, skirting the rocks south, or go south as far as Walsenburg and then cross at La Veta Pass, then towards Farmington.

Very definitely, do not attempt to follow I-70 west of Denver--way too dangerous, especially for a newbie in a marginally powered airplane.

Any of these routes and airports are still pretty high altitudes, so you'll need to lean on the ground, and then lean as you climb--don't wait until you're at your highest altitude, because by then you'll be running way too rich and have less power.

Cary