Hwy 550 - Red Mtn Pass - Million Dollar Hwy

Busskipper wrote:
Thinking this is not up Lauren's alley.

Yep. Lauren isn't too much into exposure nowadays. Hence the reason I kind of recommended against Ophir. Trying to pass someone on the section of road shown in the video is less than fun.

2gypsies wrote:
If you want to head south just take your truck on Ophir Pass south of Telluride and cut over! We did it many times in our Jeep. :)

Thinking this is not up Lauren's alley.

But it sure makes me want to be there.

In another 10 days the Aspen will start to really turn, what a trip -

I just think we are all a little Jealous that you are there and we are NOT!

Enjoy..........

I went through Ophir with my truck...no concerns. If your truck is single wheel, I would do it. Last Dollar Road to Telluride and then Ophir back to 550 is a nice route. Of course, it takes more than half a day...

If you aren't interested in being off road, then timing the trip for early and late in the day would work well and you'd hardly notice the road closure. :)

I guess you could get an early start one morning and beat the 8:30 a.m. closure, returning after 5 p.m. I'd hate to get as far as Ouray and not be able to get to Silverton.

For another possibility, how about Owl Creek Pass (CR 8)? An easy graded gravel road over to Silver Jack Reservoir. It does wind in and out of every ravine so it's not a fast road, but good views. Some side roads off of this road but I haven't done much exploring there yet. A little different rocks than those around Ouray and Silverton. Some very ragged looking ridges. A little lower in that area, so the aspen may not be doing much yet.

Hope you get to do some exploring. May be an excuse to go some new places.

However, I don't think your Chevy 3500 has quite the same capabilities as 2gypsies jeep, so maybe Ophir Pass isn't your best option!

Not to worry The National Forest out side Dunton off 145 is Beautiful, and you could work on Lizard Head Pass shots, or Run around to Lake City or Creede and shoot those areas - there is a whole lot more to the San Juan's than just 550 - Think of it as Lemonade, not Lemons.

I can not remember a road in the area that didn't just make more memories.

Enjoy the opportunity to explore new territory.

BOL,

This is a bit late but you could have checked CDOT's web site as the info is posted there. Were you going to travel up 550 for your picture taking or for traveling south? Only reason I ask is you have mentioned many times your aversion to traveling that route with an RV and suggest using 145 out of Ridgway.
We are at Ridgway SP and plan on visiting Silverton on the weekend with our truck.

If you want to head south just take your truck on Ophir Pass south of Telluride and cut over! We did it many times in our Jeep. :)

What's the problem.

You are going to be there for whole week leaving SAT am.
Closure is during week M-F daytime hours.

Sounds like perfect timing.