Route in colorado

smlranger wrote:
Ran across this thread and since we are heading to that area for the first time this September, will ask about best/most scenic routes that are suitable for my 43' coach towing a F150.

We plan to travel from Colorado Springs down to Pueblo, then take 50 west to Montrose. From Montrose had planned to head down to Silverton, then Durango, then over to Mesa Verde before moving on to Moab and several places in Utah. Is 550 south from Silverton to Durango not a great idea?

Keep in mind I drove over the Beartooth highway several years ago East to West into Yellowstone driving a 36' DP towing a Ford Explorer. I had no issues with that drive....it was a challenge at places but we did fine.

Bob & Ann is not being dramatic at all about the stretch of 550 from Ouray to Silverton. My suggestion would be to go to youtube and see some of the many videos people have posted about that drive.

I would do it with my 54' combo 1 ton truck with TT in tow. My truck is modern, properly maintained and I would have no issue doing that drive. That does not mean the drive is for everyone... even with dry roads. I quite enjoy heights and living on the edge and love that type of adventure so take that for what it is worth. I'm sure my wife would not fully agree about taking that route though.

Just came that way last week. Some construction and one Lane areas that are controlled by lights that may delay you up to 20 min. Just outside of Silverton if I remember.

We just had the jeep but was a couple of DP tandems towing.

Ran across this thread and since we are heading to that area for the first time this September, will ask about best/most scenic routes that are suitable for my 43' coach towing a F150.

We plan to travel from Colorado Springs down to Pueblo, then take 50 west to Montrose. From Montrose had planned to head down to Silverton, then Durango, then over to Mesa Verde before moving on to Moab and several places in Utah. Is 550 south from Silverton to Durango not a great idea?

Keep in mind I drove over the Beartooth highway several years ago East to West into Yellowstone driving a 36' DP towing a Ford Explorer. I had no issues with that drive....it was a challenge at places but we did fine.

RedRocket204 wrote:
That route Busskipper posted not only comes in as the best, but realistically the only route for most people with RVs. One could consider the Durango to Silverton and the Million Dollar Hwy but for those not accustomed to high country travel, twisty narrow roads with minimal shoulders and severe drop-offs, best to take the other route and not take the MDH in your RV.

Once in Ridgway, do take a toad or rental car on the MDH to see it. Stop at the water fall overlook for a couple pictures then head up further to see the old mining sites.

Red Rocket has stated the ride on Hwy 550 well but I have to say that he has understated it. I am comfortable in the mountains but 550 gets more then challenging between Silverton and Ourray. I would be comfortable between Durango and Silverton but after that there are no guard rails, narrow road and straight drop offs of over 1,000 feet. But it is beautiful country.

That route Busskipper posted not only comes in as the best, but realistically the only route for most people with RVs. One could consider the Durango to Silverton and the Million Dollar Hwy but for those not accustomed to high country travel, twisty narrow roads with minimal shoulders and severe drop-offs, best to take the other route and not take the MDH in your RV.

Once in Ridgway, do take a toad or rental car on the MDH to see it. Stop at the water fall overlook for a couple pictures then head up further to see the old mining sites.

johnf wrote:
Hi, best route from cortez co. To ridgway co. Thanks earlier post will help also

John,

Easy and Beautiful - Easy and Beautiful - Dunton - Trout Lake - Lizard Head Pass - Telluride then Last Dollar Ranch to Ridgway.

Wish I was there.

Best of Luck,