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FirstTracks's avatar
FirstTracks
Explorer
Oct 17, 2018

Video TR: Million Dollar Highway, CO

There's a lot of talk here, and elsewhere on other RV forums, about the advisability of driving US-550 (a.k.a. the Million Dollar Highway) through Colorado's San Juan Mountains in an RV. I figured that I'd give you a video glimpse of the road so that you can make these decisions for yourself.

Travel it with us from end to end, from Durango to Ouray. We'll camp in the historic town of Silverton and check our its famed steam railway, take a 4x4 trip across Engineer Pass to Lake City that makes the Million Dollar Highway seem like a Sunday drive, and learn about Silverton's rich mining heritage at the fabulous San Juan County Historical Society Museum:

https://youtu.be/wte47AEZzwA
Roads and Routes

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  • Clarryhill's avatar
    Clarryhill
    Explorer
    Oct 27, 2018
    Fabulous video and commentary on an absolutely stunning area. Really appreciate you bringing us along.
  • FirstTracks's avatar
    FirstTracks
    Explorer
    Oct 27, 2018
    texasjayco wrote:
    Great video!!


    Thank you!

    texasjayco wrote:
    We spent a week up in this area in July.

    Stayed at Ridgway SP, did the train, rented a Jeep and did the Engineer Pass (unbelievable!!), etc. What an amazing part of our country!!


    It is indeed. I've been a mountain geek my whole life, and seriously the San Juans are as beautiful as they get. It's such a different Colorado than, say, the Front Range. The towns aren't overdeveloped and still possess some genuine charm, and the mountains are truly imposing.

    texasjayco wrote:
    it's not for anyone scared of mountain driving, but certainly do-able of you take it easy and watch for others on the switch-backs.


    Well said, Mark.
  • texasjayco's avatar
    texasjayco
    Explorer
    Oct 27, 2018
    Great video!!

    We spent a week up in this area in July.

    Stayed at Ridgway SP, did the train, rented a Jeep and did the Engineer Pass (unbelievable!!), etc. What an amazing part of our country!!

    I heeded the advice of many that said "don't do the MDH with an RV" and came in to Ouray from Montrose. We drove the pickup to Durango and back for the train and agree...it's not for anyone scared of mountain driving, but certainly do-able of you take it easy and watch for others on the switch-backs.

    I have a 42ft 5th wheel and wouldn't hesitate to tow across the MDH now that I have driven it a couple times.

    Mark
  • FirstTracks's avatar
    FirstTracks
    Explorer
    Oct 27, 2018
    F-TROUP wrote:
    Great video glad you posted it as so many folks on here are scared off from a easy drive with great views.


    Thank you! I certainly agree.
  • F-TROUP's avatar
    F-TROUP
    Explorer
    Oct 27, 2018
    Great video glad you posted it as so many folks on here are scared off from a easy drive with great views.
  • FirstTracks's avatar
    FirstTracks
    Explorer
    Oct 18, 2018
    lots2seeinmyrv wrote:
    Outstanding...enjoyed every minute of it! :)


    Thank you very much!

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