Moab, UT - Ouray, CO

Does the Mtn Directory show anything for UT 46 or CO 90? There's a downgrade at the stateline as the highway drops into Paradox Valley.

The northern route, via I70/US50 and Grand Junction will be flatter (staying in broad valleys). The highways will also be wider. US128 cuts off a corner, saving miles though possibly not time. It is flat but has plenty of gentle curves as it follows the River.

Mountain Directory West may be helpful.

Moab to Ouray isn't all that steep in grades. Yes, there are some now and again, but nothing very daunting. Somewhat steep going up from Ridgway to Ouray.

However, I have not driven the closest route "directly" from US 191 south of Moab to Ridgway (UT 46 to CO 90 to CO 145 to CO 62). I have driven a section of it from where CO 62 joins CO 145 from Telluride to Ridgway then to Ouray.

I have driven part of the longer route (US 191 to I-70 E and US-50 E) from Grand Junction to Ridgway & on to Ouray.

After Ouray to Silverton the route gets more steep & more scenic as well. Depending on ones point of view concerning scenic the whole area is very scenic. IMHO.

209 mi, 3 hours 27 mins on the I-70 E and US-50 E Route. 150 mi, 3 hours 8 mins on the UT 46 to CO 90 to CO 145 to CO 62 Route.

http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/27011097/gotomsg/27011131.cfm
Earlier thread about heading into Colorado around the south side of the LaSal Mtns