🚨 Stranded Again in Colorado! Lessons Learned from Breaking Down on La Veta Pass 🔧🚐

January 21, 2024

Sometimes, travel throws curveballs you just can’t predict. And for us, La Veta Pass in southern Colorado has officially earned the title of our own personal “Bermuda Triangle.” On our way toward New Mexico, our rig broke down for the second time in five months—in almost the exact same spot.

What followed was a frustrating, expensive, and ultimately eye-opening experience. But as with all travel misadventures, we found ways to make the most of it—this time in the charming little city of Alamosa, Colorado.

Here’s our honest breakdown (pun intended) of the ordeal, the lessons we learned, and how we turned a setback into an unexpected side adventure.

🚙 On the Road Again… Until We Weren’t (0:39)

We set out on what we thought would be a smooth leg of our Colorado to New Mexico road trip, heading south on Highway 160 toward La Veta Pass. The route is scenic, serene, and usually pretty uneventful.

But about halfway up the pass—just like five months ago—something went terribly wrong. The rig started losing power. We knew the signs all too well. Before long, we were completely stranded on the side of the road in an all-too-familiar place.

🛠️ Spoiler: It was a mechanical issue we thought we had already fixed.

😩 Déjà Vu on La Veta Pass: Stranded… Again (2:00)

We couldn't believe it. After spending thousands of dollars just a few months ago fixing what we thought was the root issue, here we were again—stuck, frustrated, and staring at the same view from the shoulder of La Veta Pass.

This time around, though, we were a little more prepared:

• We had tools and spares with us

• We had towed coverage through our RV membership

• And most importantly… we had learned how to stay calm

Getting stranded is never fun, but it’s part of the journey when you travel long-term in an RV or van. Still, it felt like a major setback.

🏙️ Welcome to Alamosa: Making the Best of a Breakdown (2:48)

Once we arranged for a tow and found a temporary spot to land, we headed into Alamosa, a small city in southern Colorado surrounded by high desert and mountain views.

We’d driven through Alamosa before, but now we had the chance to explore it a bit more while waiting on repairs.

🏞️ Alamosa Highlights:

• A laid-back downtown with great coffee and gear shops

• A paved bike path that winds along the Rio Grande River

• Views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains

• Friendly locals who totally understood our RV troubles

While we waited for parts to arrive and mechanics to dig into the problem, we did our best to enjoy the moment and turn our delay into a mini adventure.

🔧 A Time for Modifications, Maintenance & Mental Resets (3:26)

With time on our hands, we took the opportunity to do a few modifications to the rig. If you're going to be stuck somewhere, might as well use the downtime productively!

Some of the things we worked on:

• Reorganizing our tools and gear

• Making minor repairs that had been on the to-do list

• Prepping our bikes for the local trail

• Researching alternative routes and mechanics for the future

🧰 RV Life Tip: Breakdowns are inevitable. Having a “maintenance mindset” instead of a meltdown mindset makes all the difference.

🚴‍♀️ Biking Around Alamosa: Finding Joy in the Small Stuff (3:52)

After a couple of long days waiting on parts and dealing with the repair shop, we took the bikes out and explored Alamosa’s riverfront trails.

It was the perfect way to blow off steam, get fresh air, and shift our perspective. We cruised through shaded paths, waved to locals walking their dogs, and soaked in mountain views that reminded us why we love Colorado—even when it throws a wrench in our plans (literally).

😬 When the Problems Don’t Go Away… Yet (5:50)

Unfortunately, after repairs were made and the engine fired back up, things weren’t 100% fixed. The issue seems to be a larger mechanical problem that will likely require a deeper, more expensive repair in the near future.

Talk about frustrating.

But here’s what we’ve come to accept: This lifestyle isn’t perfect.You’re going to have breakdowns—mechanical, emotional, or both. But it’s all part of the package when you choose freedom on the road over staying stationary.

💡 Lessons We Learned (Again) from Breaking Down

1. 🔧 Always Expect the Unexpected

Even when you’ve “fixed” a problem, it can come back. Stay humble, stay ready, and don’t assume your rig is invincible.

2. 🧭 Carry Spares & Know Your Systems

The more you understand your engine, electrical, and fuel systems, the less scary a breakdown becomes.

3. 💸 Budget for Repairs

Set aside a dedicated emergency repair fund. This breakdown cost us thousands—but it didn’t destroy our trip because we were (somewhat) financially ready.

4. 🧠 Stay Mentally Flexible

The key to not losing your mind during these moments? Flexibility. Whether it’s changing plans, adjusting your expectations, or simply laughing it off—you’ve got to go with the flow.

5. 🌄 There’s Always an Upside

Even in frustrating moments, there’s something to appreciate. For us, it was:

• Exploring Alamosa’s bike trails

• Having time to reflect and reset

• Meeting kind, helpful locals

• Learning more about our rig and its limits

🗺️ Planning Your Route Through Southern Colorado?

If you're heading through La Veta Pass toward New Mexico (or vice versa), here are a few quick travel tips:

• 🛠️ Know your elevation: La Veta Pass reaches 9,400+ feet and can strain older rigs.

• 🗓️ Avoid weekends for repairs: Most shops are closed or backlogged.

• 🏙️ Alamosa is a great pit stop: Good food, easy parking, and basic supplies.

• ☎️ Download offline maps: Cell service is spotty up in the pass.

✨ Final Thoughts: The Road Isn’t Always Smooth… But It’s Worth It

This wasn’t the road trip we had planned—but it was the road trip we got. And sometimes, those are the ones that stick with you the most.

So yes, we were stranded again. Yes, it was expensive and stressful. But it was also another chance to learn, grow, and appreciate the journey—even when it doesn’t go to plan.

💬 Have You Ever Been Stranded While Traveling?

We’d love to hear your story. Drop a comment or message us with your own roadside misadventures—and what they taught you.

📌 Be sure to bookmark this blog for future travel planning through Colorado and beyond. And don’t forget to follow our continuing journey—mechanical issues and all!