FlyWithTwo wrote:

NJ to Colorado. Climb to 4500 and head west. Once the sectionals
start to turn from green to tan, start climbing in 2000 ft steps. You
can pretty much go over LaVeta pass at 11000 and descend back down once
you get over the valley. Have a safe trip.

The road over LaVeta is at 9000 ft MSL. And the mountain peaks on either
side as you fly thru the pass will be above you. Plus, you'll be
out of radio contact with ATC for about 10-15 min. But stay on
flight following before and after. They'll give you the freqs just
before you lose contact.

ALS is not towered but it's got a great avionics shop.

CHECK THE WEATHER! The valley is known for snow storms. Also, if
there are any forest fires in the area, the visibility gets a bit
murky. You can still see everything but there's a definite haze.

If the weather is bad in the valley, head south to LVS-TAFOY-SAF
then it's the same route Brian described.