Hwy 550 from Montrose, CO to Durango, CO

S-n-L wrote:
Hello Everyone,

My husband and I are planning to drive from Montrose Colorado stopping in Ouray for a few nights and then on to Durango on Hwy 550 (the Million Dollar Hwy). I know there is at least one tunnel but it is definitely a truckers route. We are driving a 45' motorhome towing a small Jeep.

We are accustomed to driving some curvy and mountainous roads but this one sounds like a challenge.

For those of you who have driven this road please let us know if we can drive it safely. All thoughts and suggestions are welcomed.

Thank you so much.

Leslie & Stuart

The road is fine - the Speed limit is 15 - 25 in any area that is an issue - so you will not hold up traffic.

I Love these drives - but that's me - I'm comfortable, owned my own Contracting Company and had a CDL for 40 years - Map - Zoom in on the Hairpins - you will see if you are good or not - The CDOT is really good the roads are IMHO really well done - if not they will be restricted (RT 82 Independence pass - Less than 30') So it will depend on you - Good thing is that you are loaded with options.

During your stop in Ouray - take the drive in the Jeep it's only 85 miles, and it is a beautiful - drive you will love every time you can take it - Lizard Head is Also Beautiful and if not taken in the Coach should be Taken in the Toad.

One more Option that is not often mentioned is to head over/around to Lake City and around - little more adventure but again truly Spectacular.

Hoping you have scheduled time to Take the Jeep over the Alpine Loop - when we did it my DW said it was the "MOST SPECTACULAR DRIVE" I had ever taken her on - So much to see - might want to add another week here - as IMHO I have more fun/adventure/sites to see, in the San Juan's as YNP.

Can you drive it safely - all I can say is Many do it every day, Year round as it is open all Winter.

Take Pictures of all you do and get back with an Update.

Best of Luck