Aspen to Durango via Moab

Thank you all - we definitely need to make more than one trip!

Thom02099 wrote:
You'll likely get a variety of responses, some urging you to take US 550 and others who say don't do it. YOU know your own capabilities, and if you have doubts about winding mountain roads, then you've answered your own question. Personally, I would not take the Million Dollar Highway in the rig that you've described, and I'm an experienced mountain driver for many years. But that's just me.

IF it were me, I would go from Carbondale on CO 133 over McClure Pass and on to Hotchkiss where I'd pick up CO 92 in to the Delta area and US 50. US 50 south to Montrose where I'd pick up US 550 (yes part of it is perfectly flat), to Ridgway. There, I'd take CO 62 over to CO 145, which will go south toward Telluride. Up and over Lizard Head Pass and down to Dolores. From there, I'd either stay on CO 145 to Cortez, or take CO 184 down to Mancos. In both cases, the goal is US 160 east to Durango.

I'm dealing with the mechanics of the drive, what the roads are. None are difficult. Yes there will be curves. Yes there will be ups and downs. You'll be in Colorado, so in that part of the state, it' unavoidable. The question is, how high up and how low down do you want to go? What's your comfort level? The route I'd stated is a beautiful drive and there is a lot to see and do along the way, and at waysides off the route. Others here can and probably will give you more details. But there's really no reason to go all the way to Moab...unless you want to. And if you do, that's also not a difficult drive. Pick whatever feels right for YOU and your comfort level.

No Argument with Thom ^^^^^ He has the right info and KNOWS the ROADs as does 4runnerguy.

Couple things I'd say to try to see in the TV - Maroon Bells - Marble - Crystal Mills - Redstone - Black Canyon - Ouray - Telluride - Trout Lake - Dunton - Silverton - Lake City - Mesa Verde. Well, more than just a couple, but I easily could have added more.

Enjoy the trip - IMHO the roads in Colorado, if Paved or not Restricted are all good to drive.

Best of Luck,

Thoms route is the way to stay in the mountains of Colorado. The drive up the Crystal is beautiful. (In fact, if you're staying around Carbondale, it's worth a day trip up to Marble just to explore this area at leisure. Keep an eye out for Hayes Creek falls on the west side of the highway and do make the loop into Redstone.) Once you get past the Marble turnoff, the climb to McClure Pass is steep (8%) but only three miles long. The decent is generally gentle, but use your gears rather than your brakes.

On the other hand, if you haven't been through red rock county, your route is a good way to get a quick look at it on the way through. I would note in your description, you need to turn off of US 191 onto US 491 at Monticello to get down to the turn for CO 184. Don't miss the jog in the road just past the Anasazi Heritage center before Dolores. Left on CO CO 145, right on CO 184 a mile later. CO 184 winds through pretty farm land, while US 160 between Mancos and Cortez is more arid.

Either route works fine. Do you want mountains or red rocks as your main scenic attraction for the day?

Thank you so much - we will definitely look into that route!

You'll likely get a variety of responses, some urging you to take US 550 and others who say don't do it. YOU know your own capabilities, and if you have doubts about winding mountain roads, then you've answered your own question. Personally, I would not take the Million Dollar Highway in the rig that you've described, and I'm an experienced mountain driver for many years. But that's just me.

IF it were me, I would go from Carbondale on CO 133 over McClure Pass and on to Hotchkiss where I'd pick up CO 92 in to the Delta area and US 50. US 50 south to Montrose where I'd pick up US 550 (yes part of it is perfectly flat), to Ridgway. There, I'd take CO 62 over to CO 145, which will go south toward Telluride. Up and over Lizard Head Pass and down to Dolores. From there, I'd either stay on CO 145 to Cortez, or take CO 184 down to Mancos. In both cases, the goal is US 160 east to Durango.

I'm dealing with the mechanics of the drive, what the roads are. None are difficult. Yes there will be curves. Yes there will be ups and downs. You'll be in Colorado, so in that part of the state, it' unavoidable. The question is, how high up and how low down do you want to go? What's your comfort level? The route I'd stated is a beautiful drive and there is a lot to see and do along the way, and at waysides off the route. Others here can and probably will give you more details. But there's really no reason to go all the way to Moab...unless you want to. And if you do, that's also not a difficult drive. Pick whatever feels right for YOU and your comfort level.