Montrose, CO to Durango

chezhead wrote:
Any issues with taking 550 with a 36' DP towing a car? I have quite a bit of experience in mountain driving including a 16% grade in BC Canada. Thx

Experienced mountain drivers had varied opinions about driving this.

"Truckers do it all the time"...because they are truckers, it's their job and they have done it many times. Familiarity with the road is a big factor in driving it safely.

It's not just your driving skills that are at play. There's other folks on the road and there will be very inexperienced drivers along with you, the truckers, and other RV'ers.

There are 3 passes to cross...Red Mountain, Molas, and Coal Bank.

Heading south you will be on the "outside" for a goodly portion of the drive, particularly from Ouray to Silverton. That means drop offs (very significant ones), no guardrails and twists and turns, with hairpins towards the top of Red Mountain Pass. A frequent problem is OTHER DRIVERS that cross over into your lane, something to be very aware of.

"It's a very beautiful drive". Yes, it is. But you (and all drivers) should be paying attention to the road and traffic and not the sights. There will be pulloffs where you can enjoy the views along the way, particularly when you get up and over Red Mountain Pass. You will also be on the "inside" lane going down from Molas and over Coal Bank for a goodly part of that drive.

If you are experienced, aware, and take your time and drive defensively, you will be fine driving it.