Co. highway 550 south

It is a matter of your comfort level with two lane mountain roads that are curvy and hilly with little to no shoulder and no guard rail in of places that drop off several hundred feet. And inexperienced drivers driving down the middle and will not budge with eyes like a deer caught in headlights. You also have some truckers who know they are far bigger and heavier than even you.

This debate has gone on for years and is divided as our wonderful US is on most things.

It is a beautiful drive but for toad or TV IMHO; just stay in your lane, please.

You might check updates on construction - last fall when we were there sections were closed during the week 8-noon and 1-5. Flat out CLOSED - traffic lined up.

Lauren wrote:
I lived in CO and have driven the Million Dollar Hwy (Hwy 550) many times. Never with an RV.

Simple - do NOT do it with an RV! The road (or lack of shoulder for) is testy enough but you have not control over the guy coming the other way who takes his half out of the middle and you have no place to go with your rig.

Do what my friend, Thom, says (we did it 4 times with our rig last summer / fall).

I've watched the videos on you tube I see this road no worse than several we've already been over. If this highway scares you I'd strongly advise you not use US 1 thru the redwoods.

I see a couple sweeping switchbacks but all doable with big trucks, why not a coach?

If this truly is the Highway I see it as no more problem as the north cascade highway. Not a fast road for sure.. but it is better than Highway 2 east out of Wenatchee Wa Curvey and heavy traffic to Waterville. and a whole lot better than Shell Canyon Wy. Or the road to the north rim of the Grand Canyon.

But weather concerns me this early. So we may reserve this for our return trip in late April. and do it going up hill. Lots easier on Brakes.

Our trip will start at home in Oak Harbor do a stop in San Antonio with a you turn in Pensacola and return. With as many interesting sites in route.

But just remember, the prettiest places in this nation are not along the freeway.

kalynzoo wrote:
DON'T DO IT!!! I drove that route once many years ago. It was later listed in the TV program Most Dangerous Highways. Even thinking about that road makes my knuckles turn white and hurt again.

And LA traffic makes me pea my pants. to each his own I guess.

how does it compare to the north Cascades highway #20 ? we do that with ease. 7.5 miles of 6% down grade. no shoulder.

the under construction we wouldn't like.

semi's use it? I'm sure we could. 15 mph hair pin turns?

Weather this early is a concern, I don't like slippery.

North to South has a lot of no guard rails, but the speed limit is 25 stick to it. If you cant stand to look out the window and not see the bottom, then DO NOT take it. There are a few 15mph hair pen turns as you approach Red Mt Pass other than that it is a beautiful drive.

Bottom line is if you're comfortable with mountain driving as described (correctly), there's no reason you shouldn't drive it. Lots of rv's and semis use it. If you're not comfortable, don't. Do try to take the toad at least; gorgeous scenery not to be missed.

Yes, we've driven it multiple times with our 40' motorhome. Of course, we love mountain driving and we love staying in Silverton.

I lived in CO and have driven the Million Dollar Hwy (Hwy 550) many times. Never with an RV.

Simple - do NOT do it with an RV! The road (or lack of shoulder for) is testy enough but you have not control over the guy coming the other way who takes his half out of the middle and you have no place to go with your rig.

Do what my friend, Thom, says (we did it 4 times with our rig last summer / fall).