Suggestions traveling from Grand Lake to Montrose CO

Question

We are driving from Grand Lake to Montrose on our third day exploring Colorado and wondering which route to take. The route through Grand Junction is a bit longer than we're looking for. Is it worth a drive through Vail stopping for lunch and continuing from there or is there a better route/place to stop to break up the drive. Thanks for any recommendations!

Answer

Driving from Grand Lake to Montrose offers several scenic options, and your preferred route will depend on how much time you want to spend on the road and what kind of stops you enjoy along the way. Since you prefer not to go through Grand Junction, there are excellent alternatives that still offer beautiful scenery, mountain towns, and pleasant places to stop for lunch or sightseeing.

The most common route is via I-70 to US-50, which includes the option to stop in Vail or other mountain towns. This route is efficient, beautiful, and easy to navigate. Another alternative is driving over Independence Pass (seasonal), offering dramatic scenery and unique stops, but it depends on the time of year. Below are the best options with descriptions and recommended stopping points.

Here are the main route options to consider:

Route 1: Grand Lake → I-70 → Vail → Montrose (most convenient)
Route 2: Grand Lake → Leadville → US-24/US-50 → Montrose (less interstate, very scenic)
Route 3: Grand Lake → Aspen via Independence Pass → US-50 → Montrose (seasonal, most scenic)

Route 1: Grand Lake → Vail → Montrose

This is the most straightforward and reliable scenic route if you want an easy drive and a nice mountain-town stop. You’ll drive south from Grand Lake on US-34 to Granby, then take US-40 and CO-9 to I-70.

Stop in Vail: A beautiful, walkable alpine village with numerous lunch options. Very easy to access from I-70.
Glenwood Canyon: A stunning stretch of road that makes the drive interesting even without a long stop.
Total driving time: Around 5 hours plus stops.
Why choose it?: Smoothest road conditions, easy pacing, great amenities, and no seasonal closures.

Route 2: Grand Lake → Leadville → US-50 → Montrose

If you want a more “Colorado small-town” route and less time on I-70, consider heading south from Granby toward Leadville. This route takes you through open valleys and high-altitude scenery with quieter roads.

Leadville: A historic mining town with great lunch spots, museums, and dramatic views of Colorado’s tallest peaks.
Buena Vista: Another excellent stop with riverfront dining and mountain views.
US-50 to Montrose: A well-maintained highway with nice views near the Blue Mesa Reservoir.
Total driving time: About 5.5 hours plus stops.
Why choose it?: Avoids the busiest stretch of I-70, offers authentic Colorado towns, and has gorgeous high-alpine scenery.

Route 3: Grand Lake → Aspen via Independence Pass → Montrose (seasonal)

If you are visiting during summer or early fall and want the most dramatic views possible, Independence Pass is a memorable option. Note: the pass is closed in winter and typically only open late May–October.

Aspen: One of Colorado’s most famous mountain towns, perfect for lunch and a stroll.
Independence Pass: A narrow, winding, breathtaking high-mountain road (not for nervous drivers but spectacular).
Total time: Around 6 hours plus stops.
Why choose it?: Unforgettable scenery; excellent for travelers who want the most unique route.

Overall, if you want convenience, amenities, and guaranteed open roads, the Vail route (Route 1) is the best choice. If you'd like a quieter, historic, very scenic experience with less interstate, pick Route 2. If you're visiting during the warm months and love dramatic scenery, Route 3 is the most memorable option.

Any of these routes will make for a beautiful day of driving, but choosing based on your comfort with mountain roads and your interest in particular mountain towns will help ensure the best experience.

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