Colorado Monarch Pass Winter 

The best drivers in the world are not Indy or Nascar drivers...it is our truckers that work hard every day to haul goods where they need to be so life keeps going as normal. Great video!

Winter, 1973, I was headed West carrying a load of bedbugs to Salida. Got up to that hairpin turn at about the 6 mile marker, [ it's been widend and got a pullover now], so, about 200 yards up past that turn and looked out the passenger side glass and the side of the mountain was going backwards. WTF, I looked out the drivers side and down into the valley and started turning the wheel. The doors were froze shut, locked, no way out. I turned the wheel more to get the drivers to hit the right side of the road, and just as my trailer wheels went over the edge in a jack knife, my driver slammed into a piece of rock and stopped me, I had both lanes blocked. I got the window rolled down and kicked the door open and got out, just as a huge snowplow came up behind me and the driver jumped out yelling at me to get in and set the brakes. He was pulling a long chain and wrapped it around my trailer wheels, hanging out over the drop off to do it. Somehow he got it tied up, ran back to the plow and yanked that trailer back onto the road and opened up the left lane, just as a logging truck pulling 2 full trailers came roaring past. The driver was hanging out his window, shaking his fist at me. The snow plow pulled me to the top of the pass where that big rest area is and unhooked me and loaded his chain and just left. It took me a couple hours to stop shaking. I try not to think of that day. I'm 73 and glad I'm off the road.

I thought I was taking a short cut on one of my first trips out west. I was about 23 in 1980. once you get started there's no turning back. NO Jake brake, no mountain experience. To say the least. I WAS TERRIFIED!!!! Now 3 million miles later, still wonder how I made it across that highway that night. Had to be God watching out for me. PERIOD!!!!!!!

hats off to all the 18 wheelers that travel these passes. drive safe..

I truly wonder what has happened to the wonderful relationship truckers used to have with smaller vehicle drivers. We car drivers used to RESPECT truckers due to the extra responsibility they all have. When a trucker passed me I would tap my high beams as an indication to him/her that it was safe to move in front of me. The truckers would do the same to me as a courtesy. It actually made me feel GOOD by treating a trucker with courtesy and respect and get it in return. Truckers are human too, just extra qualified to be on the road. We OWE them additional respect and in most cases I am sure it puts a smile on the trucker's face. Show MORE respect for each other people and it will benefit everyone! Just my humble opinion.

Born and raised in Colorado and I still clench my butt cheeks going over some of these passes.

Now that’s how you should drive a truck,by using caution and having patience! Great and awesome video! God bless!

Nice to *see a professional driver such as yourself. Thanks.*

40 plus years out here and I can still remember early I my career commin outta grand junction with 44,00 lbs of onions no jake brake and driving over this pass at night.. talkin to a local trucker on the radio and he was in front of me and he said ok I'm at the top and I asked. Is it snowing up there?.....yeah just a little......., I'll wait for ya he said ......nah you go ahead cause if it takes me a week to get to the bottom so be it .......so here I am a rookie driver with a heavy load......no jake brake.....night time ......never been there before and snowing...... I can still remember to this very day my feet were actually soaking wet by the time I made it down .... so here it is 40 years a few million miles later ...... the first AND last time I trucked across good ole monarch pass !!!!

Might want to suction mount that thing to the windshield...,probably safer

Anyone notice that whenever he looked over the side of the mountain the dog kept looking at him like will you please keep your eyes on the road lol. Poor doggie.

“ let them do the Rambo Stuff”. Love it! 😜

"no guard rails, cant snooze on this road. Lookit that view" so he's moving the camera to the side windows, obviously looking at the side to make sure he gets the view on the video. I dont care how experienced you are. Not the best option to be playing with a camera on those mountain roads, especially when you're the one driving. Beautiful scenery but will definitely scare the crap out of you when you can look straight down on your side and see nothing but dropoff for a long way down.

Everything Goes into The Tires And How Well They Hold Grip Onto A Wet Slippery Surface Of The Road Come Rain Sleet Snow OR ice

First time I went over monarch was pulling a load of 70 foot long I beams from CFI headed for salt lake I think it was 77 or 78 long time ago. More snow than one YOUNG driver was ready for. Heck I was still learning how to shift two sticks.

your voice reminds me very much of an airplane pilots...very calming and soothing. good driving

I did Monarch once....Just once. When this guy says "drop off" he isn't kidding. The camera doesn't come close to showing the true picture. There are vertical cliffs on this road unlike anything you will see anywhere else. Car drivers can learn something about why a truck driver might do what he does. Listen to this guy. Notice the attention he is paying to his speed, lane position, and rpm. He does care about what the cars are doing and he is looking to accommodate their needs as best as he can. Nevertheless, you can bet the cars behind him are unaware of this and they are cussing. One of the reasons he has to run slower is that he cannot use engine braking on a slippery road. That would easily cause the drive wheels to lock up and cause a jack knife. When the road improved, he engaged the Jakes and picked up some speed, having reduced the heat buildup on his brakes. This is a total pro. If this seems boring to you, pay closer attention.

BLOODY GOOD LAD! I enjoyed your video trendously! I applaud your professionalism by driving to the conditions, your video should be used as a training tool for tractor trailer students. You Sir are truly a KNIGHT of the ROAD!!! Cheers from Canada!

I really enjoyed watching this. Only was scared when you were showing the cliffs. It made me feel like you were falling down them lol weird but awesome. I would love to live there. I wouldn't never leave. Very beautiful

I'm not afraid of driving on mountain roads but every time you shifted that camera to view the side IT MADE ME A NERVOUS WRECK! (lol)

I've been driving 2 years. My husband has for 15. I wish he had your calming effect. I would be ok in this, but a little nervous. I'm a patient courteous driver...he is a worry wart and freaks me the hell out. Lol. I love your attitude. I can learn from people like you. I'm subscribing! Lol

First, there is way more Monarch then that. Second, I thank you for your respect for safety and other people on the road. I live in Gunnison, the town at the western base of Monarch, and there are times we get 15 accidents in 24 hours. I admire your caution. Monarch is such a dangerous and intimidating road, though after a while you get used to it. Drive safely!

My husband can’t look away from the road for 2 seconds or he is off to the right side of the road. If he were driving, and saying “straight down, look, that is straight down, that little lady taking to you would be saying. “Straight down , going straight down.”

I made this drive in a fall snowstorm in a car, it was a white knuckle drive. I started sliding sideways when coming over the pass at 5mph and drove straight into the visitor center parking lot. I made sure I followed a big rig down. Thanks truckers : you guys are great drivers.

Monarch pass is the EZ Pass try the million dollar Highway also known as Highway 550 between Durango Colorado to Silverton Colorado that's the ultimate test.

I drove I-80 W in Utah and for some reason they had closed westbound traffic at the merger with I-15. Detour diverted me north on I-15 which is about a 6% grade uphill. There was 4" on the road with ice patches (4am). I locked in the differential and crawled up a few miles to the turn around. Bad part was I was loaded light (>20,000 lbs load). Made for a slip and slide on the way up (untreated road) and I crawled down at about 8 mph in 3rd with the engine brake on medium (no jake). Had to use the trolley brake a couple times to keep me going straight. That was the roughest 30 minutes of my trucking life. Everything else is gravy.

Amazing...I live near the Peak District in England, going eastwards you cross the mountains via the Snake Pass, elevation (roll on the drums)....2000' ...and that's bad enough in winter (it's frequently closed because of snow) but 11000 feet???? The highest point in the whole of the British Isles is not much more than 4000'... hats off to you bro...

gps. Damn I remember a laminated atlas and a phone card with minutes and a payphone calling for directions to dock, hoping and praying either they weren't going to mess with you or at least somewhat knew wtf they were talking about.

Amazing how quickly the weather conditions change in higher elevations.

Like on Rain Man, you're an excellent driver, but truly so. Please note this driver's continued updating awareness of his surroundings; as well his professional thoughtfulness of other big trucks and four-wheelers (cars). Also, his calmness and ease in knowing his equipment and experience in all whether environments. It sure can get harry when your tandems come around wanting to kiss your flat mirrors.. fethering the trailer brakes and upshifting hoping to disallow either trailer or tractor jackknifes. If successful in reaching the bottom, one may need their ass surgically removed from the seat; that is, in order to truck on. Truck on big truck and thank you.. great video!!!

Wolf Creek pass in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado gets way worse. My wife and I were running teams in our Semi Truck when we went through it in the winter of 2006 when in our ascent we ran across cars and trucks bogged down on the left and the right of the road as we continued upwards at a 20 mph rate of speed. My wife became so bothered by the amount of vehicles that she jumped in the bunk as I continued forward, then she told me to let her know when it was over, LOL. We finally made it over the hump and when we began our descent the roads weren’t icy or snow packed...just wet, and once we got on flat land again it was smooth sailing with nothing but dry roads ahead of us. Quite the trip that day, but a memorable experience for both of us. Happy trails.

Seriously, you're driving a rig in the snow holding a camera in your right hand?

I'm freaking out, sweaty hands and holding my breath, I can imagine how this driver feels. This is nut's. OMG😳😳😳😳

Thanks for the ride along. Good stuff.

Thanks for the ride. Beautiful country. Your co-pilot looks relaxed. Take care.👍🇨🇦

This morning my son drove his Freightliner there on his way from Salt Lake City to Pueblo. I'd rather he took I-80, but I understand his choice.

Im from Gunnison, been over monarch many times headed for home time. great video! Stay safe out there

Would rather take a truck over the pass than pull a 36' travel trailer with a pickup and automatic transmission over it.

What a great winter driving lesson! Lovely video, loved the sound of that motor and with the company of the dog, what could be better? Thanks so much for sharing a pretty hair raising drive, IF you don't know what you are doing, fantastic! Lovely commentry....

Great ride driver. You can be my co-driver anytime !...Drove Hwy 50 through Monarch only once in the winter, at night.....The full moon was breaking through the snow clouds. A sight I ll never forget. Did not see the big drop offs because It was night. Frankly, I don't know why I took 50 from Pueblo CO I guess I was trying to get to I 40 some how. Oh well, now retired off the road...Great driving video

Mister, I gotta tell you, I’ve been trucking for 45 years. No way would I knowingly go across that mountain like you just did. No snow, yeah, but not with those conditions. You’re braver than I am. I’ve trucked up in Pa.,NY, in snow, but nothing like this. My ass was drawn up just watching. More power to ya brother. Just pray no rookie tries that. He’ll never make it.

When I see videos like this I can't help but wonder how pioneers done it way long ago. The first ones to go west didn't have trails to follow,they had to make their own.

These truckers deserve all the respect in the world!!!!

Oh my lands. Much respect to this guy.

Damn good job, driver!!!

That was a beautiful scenery but scary. I'd trust you driving my family down that route, great driving Sir.

This trucker gives excellent commentary, he teaches us as he drives. I've enjoyed his commentary on why, and how, and what gear he is in and why? Excellent. Give us more of this type of teaching please.

NEVER worry about any traffic behind you.

I used to live in the "Springs". I have family on the western slopes and would go visit quite often. Monarch was about the only way over. I remember going over in the middle of a snowstorm passing all the truckers that were pulled over. Not a fun experience. Family in Montrose, Hotchkiss, Paonia, and all over that area.

Excellent narration! Now non tuckers may understand why truckers can't be concerned about traffic behind them.

No thanks lol. I'll stay on the clear roads closer to earth 😂

Wow! This guy needs to stabilize his camera! My god!!

are you driving a ProStar? Anyways, I've driven Vail Pass (I-70) twice, but in the summer. I refuse with a capital R to cross the Rockies in Colorado outside of summer.

Good instructional video. Flat land truckers just freak out when they see snow in the mountains. I think it's easier to do than driving in a downpour in a big city. Well, I guess there are the whiteouts on Rabbit Ears and Loveland Passes. haha I was a mountain tanker yanker for 3 years delivering to Montrose, Delta and Grand Junction. Also up north to Kremmling, Steamboat and Craig. Some beautiful country to drive through. Didn't go up 50 to often, at least past Bueno(deliveries to Gunsmoke) and Salida. and got lucky, only throwing chains on twice, plus one time going downhill westbound. To bad the folks can't really get a feeling for the steepness of the road. Stay safe out there, driver.

This drive would make me nervous in summer. You have nerves of steel driver. It is hard to believe there are so few guard rails. I live at the North Carolina coast so we have nothing like this that I drive on in a regular basis. The Blue Ridge Mountain roads are nothing compared to this road you just traveled. Thanks for sharing driver the scenery is extremely awesome.

Wow. As a Canadian who has driven in some bad conditions, great video. This looks more dangerous than both I-15 in Montana, and the Rockies between Vancouver and Calgary

Thanks for the ride along! Beautiful country out there but I could feel myself getting anxious. No room for even a slight mistake without guide rail in some of those spots. You're a very skilled driver and courteous too. Thanks again!

I think you might want to use both hands driving! For everyone's sake. Just my opinion. Beautiful scenery.

Thanks for the video. Great learning experience. We just bought our first 40ft. RV with exhaust brakes and this video is sure going to help us manage this type of climbing and going down hill. Just take your time and play it safe. Thanks

Wish everyone would watch these videos and gain appreciation for the service truckers provide and learn to share the road. Thank you for your service and all that you do to get us all the luxuries we enjoy daily. Bless you and your families.

AWESOME BROTHER! NICE JOB! THANKS FOR LETTING US IN ON HOW YOU DO YOUR JOB...GREAT SCENERY! YOUR DOG IS THE BEST!! GOD BLESS!

I’ve really gotta pee. We should have stopped at 1:10.

Hey driver , thank you for "taking it easy".... and thanks for the wonderful sights !!!

I did monarch on my 1st solo run ever.. not TOO bad WHEN NOT SNOWY. Red mountain us 550 from ouray Colorado over to Durango is a rush. and Vail pass is deceiving as all hell and I was one that learned the hard way.

Hey all, please give this professional a break. He is following all the rules of the road, observing all signs and narrating everything he is doing to be safe. We owe a LOT to truck drivers and I would have been happy to follow this pro up or down Monarch Pass. It would have been much different if he were driving on ice in heavy snow and heavy traffic but it is obvious to see that this driver is a pro that KNOWS what he is doing and is very considerate for others on the road. The last time I went over Monarch I was in a Citroen 2CV6 car with only 29 horsepower. The truckers were the most considerate of all the drivers knowing that I could not drive any faster than I was travelling. We owe a LOT to these Pro Truckers. Maybe not be so critical. Thanks!

I'm white knuckled going eastbound in the summer over Monarch.

No need for gard rails when you have plenty of trees to catch ya.

Been there done that MANY times in 38 years! I'm soooo happy to be retired now since 2015. My hat's off to all those old timers, like me, that are still pounding the pavement. Now, I 'will' be going back on the road soon, but, THIS time it'll be in a Roadtrek 190 RV (high-top Chevrolet van). I'm looking forward to living full time on the road...on MY terms, NO schedules, NO boss, and, NONE of the crap I dealt with as a truck driver for so many years! Travel safe, stay happy, and, God bless! (6/12/2018 Tuesday 5:15pmCST Houston, Texas)

Monarch is beautiful any time of the year. Love it in Gunnison, though has changed alot in the last 20 years.

Never did this pass, but did the one south of it on CO 114 once (North Pass) when I was pulling a Coca Cola load from Draper, UT to Alamosa, CO. Fortunately, I did it in late June, so no snow

Learned how to drive on this pass and Loveland Pass before the tunnel.

I like your videos, I subscribed to the channel God bless.

Beautiful country, reminds me of Western Montana, where I live, going up to Lolo Pass or Lookout Pass. Elk and deer galore.

I'd say this man is a very experienced trucker. Very calm and he knows what he's talking about....Still...I gotta say...what a wonderful landscape. Thanks a lot for posting-stay safe out there all you truck drivers!

Dinners pass 1" ice and 4" of snow. Had 8 chains on. And at a standstill on level ground the truck broke traction just to build up some speed. 10-15 feet high snow drifts, visitor center covered in snow. Never been more scared, never will I do it again. Called dispatch to get details on driving condition. She said all was clear. 10 miles in and no turnaround later hit ice. Then started snowing. Never ever again!! Just wished the dispatch was in truck with me!

I'm going to be driving it a lot June to October. F 350 and a load of rock.

Beautiful! Kudos to the brave truckers who travel this route every winter!

I Broke Traction On WOLF CREEK PASS, (US 160, South Fork--Pagosa Springs) In My GEO METRO, On Packed Snow And Running On 4 BALD TIRES!! And At NIGHTTIME!! Talk About Fun! South Fork Was A SKATING RINK And A Prelude Of Things To Come! Pagosa Springs Was A GODSEND And A WELCOME SIGHT If There Ever Was Any! Wow!

I drove this several times in the very early 80's. Eastbound on this pass was dangerous as part way down the east side the road leveled briefly making you think you were off the pass and then it would get steep again. I remember coming in westbound and maybe an inch or two of snow at the chain up area. I was pulling great and the snow was sticking to my tires so I kept going. I never thought of it at the time but I met no one after that. I got clear down to the other side and they had blocked the road eastbound because of the snow. The CB lit up. HOW DID YOU GET OVER HERE ?????????? Evidently they had closed the road right behind me. I didn't think it was really that bad. I've seen far worse here in Western Montana.

I love how you practus defensive driving. You need to send this to all the driving schools and tall the trucking companies to use as an example. Maybe do a RU-vid channel that talks about all this stuff who knows

Thank you so much for a gorgeous ride over the pass....what a good video and narration....you have good nerves and obviously a good driver.

Well, this is doing absolutely nothing for my fear of heights. I can hardly watch the video. My stomach is heaving. I'm sweating profusely. My mouth is dryer than a popcorn fart and I'm shaking!! Oh mercy!!! Wish me luck! I'm going back in. Just need to take a momentary break.

Yikes that scares me glad we don't have mountains where I live..🤤

IMAGINE RUSSIANS DRIVING THIS ROUTE, THERE WOULD BE 30 CARS OVER THE SIDE

Don't they believe in guardrails. I would be scared, if I was driving on that winding, hilly, and snowy road. Great driving :-)

Im from gloucester mass. It used to be a booming seaport, lots of fish,trucks moved 24/7 and it all stunk like fish from the " dehy" plant. Them drivers used to back them trailers around llike it was a giant barn dance ! Truly lmpressive driving skills some of them places are wicked tight and it didnt even slow them guys down.. Remember if your behind a tractor trailer and you cant see its mirrors he cant see you so back off. Always cut them a wide berth the driver wants to get home too ✌🏻️

reply to ladytrucker67: Very happy to have shared it and thanks for viewing!

Sounds like Norm MacDonald :) Gotta love our mountain passes out here in CO...winter, summer, spring or fall.

Been there done that! Glad I'm retired now.

Followed a big rig up this thing last night in a damn blizzard. Thank God he was there and beautifully navigated this sucker with at least an inch an hour of snow. Only good thing at night is you can't see down, just the road. Also, going down is scarier than up. Plus I don't fear my driving, just the oncoming idiots who could wreck you over the side.

damn you're a great man! I don't know how I would drive there

That little bit of snow will close Memphis , TN. I mean CLOSE. The Airport will be open, FED EX will fly.

Lovely driving. I love how when the roads grow Iffy, Colorado drivers speed up. :) I have aggravated a number of them this winter!

Does anyone know if this guy is still alive?? It’s been 6 years since he posted. This was his next to last video on this channel.

Drove this pass back in 86. For a real pass experience, drive Independence Pass. Of course you can't do it in a Big rig.

I have a kid in college (western in Gunnison) and one who’s graduated from there. I always tell my wife absolutely will NOT drive Monarch pass during the winter. The closest I came to driving in snow through Monarch was mid spring and that was enough for me. This route will not only test your character, it also test your confidence. Kudos for the drivers who drive through this for a living. Not a pass your want to drive like your in a hurry during the winter..

that's near gunnison Colorado I ventured up that pass my ass was pucked to the seat like a plunger

This is the *only* pass that made me nervous. Beautiful country but I'll take Wolf Creek pass over Monarch!

Looks like the perfect spot for distracted driving.

Has 'SurviveTheTime' stopped posting? Maybe stopped driving or retired???