Wolf Creek Pass

Had to drive from Kayenta to Alamosa yesterday. Normally this is an easy drive, albeit six hours, but the views (see pic above, from when it isn't snowing) and the chance to get off the res generally make it worth while. But not this time.

It started out easy enough; even though it was snowing, the roads were clear and there was no traffic. And it stayed this way till just before Cortez, CO. No big deal, I had made good time and could afford the delay I was now dealing with as I waited with about thirty of my closest friends while a wreck was cleared ahead. After that, all went well. Until I hit Wolf Creek Pass.

Wolf Creek Pass is about a thirty mile stretch of road winding up through the San Juan Mountains in Colorado. It is significantly steep on both sides, and crests about midway at something like 10,900 feet (You gain about 5000 feet coming from Pagosa Springs, about 4000 feet coming from Alamosa). When it gets bad, they close the pass. But, the pass was open, so I figured it wouldn't be a problem.

That is until I hit the first hill. I was in the VW, and for whatever reason, it doesn't get crap for traction on the front wheels (the drive wheels) when they hit ice. So they started to spin. That's when the genius traction control came on and slowed the wheels down to stop them from spinning. This in turn slowed the car down. Which caused me to push the gas pedal further. It became a circular argument in short order. I turned the traction control off, but by then I was only doing about 5 miles an hour and slowing. So I pulled over, it was time to chain up.

Finally thirty-five irritating minutes later, I had the chains on (well, technically cables), and started up the hill. I waited until I hit the bottom of the other side before taking them off.


(Just past WCP, not too long after taking the chains off)

I'm hoping that in 4 days the road will clear enough so I can get home without having to use chains. Also, from now on, if it's supposed to snow, I think I'll take my Yaris, since it gets far better traction in the ice than Stacey's fancy pants VW does.