07-03-2018, 08:28 AM
We always took US 85 south from Spearfish to I-25 just north of Cheyenne. First part is Hwy 14 through Spearfish Canyon. Kind of slow going & winding but beautiful drive. US 85 is mostly 2 lane but good road & no bad grades. Watch for deer & antelope if driving at night. I would take 2nd route across to Pagosa Springs. Be sure to gear way down at top of grades before starting down. Use jake brakes to save on service breaks for a "have to" stop. Keep a close eye on temp going uphill & downshift accordingly.