US-550 North of Durango - Pack extra underwear for your trip

[OldBlackWater]

I just drove this route, the "Million Dollar Highway" (which seems like a bargain) yesterday morning. There are a few short sections where you want to take it extra slow so that you don't add to your passengers' laundry (or your own), but it was so worth the drive to see such beautiful scenery.

Heading north out of Durango, the first two mountain passes before Silverton are definitely worth stopping for, and the parking areas were fine for my motorhome with toad. Then the drive through the canyon north of Ouray was incredible. So worth routing your trip through this area if you don't mind the steep drops without guard rails. Just take it slow and follow the speed limits and the suggested speeds on the curves and you'll be fine.

[debraindi]

We made reservations at Ridgeway st park for 5 day in 2 weeks with our new toy hauler im taking the alternate rout to Ouary its centrally located for the Harley rides.

[Gsturner]

A couple of years ago when wolf Creek Pass was closed due to forest fires, I was forced to do US 550 southbound into Durango. This was in a 45' Motor Coach (charter bus), Durango being destination for the group. Loved the scenery despite the glare off my white knuckles. This coach fortunately had reasonable Jake Brake which was very helpful. What I didn't anticipate however was the excessive wear on the tag tires from all the switchbacks. When I did my post trip upon arrival, discovered wire sticking out at least a third of the way around the left tag tire. Yikes!

[PRodacy]

We drive it several times every year. Gorgeous drive! Looks totally different in the winter than it does in the summer.

[Parrothead_Mike]

We did it 4 years ago this month, from Durango to Ouray. Be sure your brakes are in good shape. Mine got a little warm, especially on that last stretch between Silverton and Ouray. Glad we did it though.

[2gypsies1]

It's one of our favorite routes - both directions - with some nights at Silverton - especially if you have a 4x4 to do the trails. Awesome!

[CptnBG]

BB_TX wrote:

OBXcamper wrote:
I think I'll ride the train when I go this fall.

Train only goes to Silverton, which is beautiful. But most magnificent part of the drive is between Silverton and Ouray.

Thanks, I may reconsider my route leaving Durango to Moab. Trying to pack a lot of stops in between......

[BB_TX]

OBXcamper wrote:
I think I'll ride the train when I go this fall.

Train only goes to Silverton, which is beautiful. But most magnificent part of the drive is between Silverton and Ouray.

[kalynzoo]

I drove the Million Dollar Highway some 30 years ago in a 36ft gas coach with a towed. My knuckles are still stiff!!!

[CptnBG]

I think I'll ride the train when I go this fall.

[BB_TX]

Beautiful drive not to be missed. We did it many years ago. But a friend drove it the year after and reported there was a section where the highway had broken off at the center line and slide off the side of the mountain. :E

[3oaks]

Been there, done that. Quite a thrilling route. :E It's definitely not a ride for the squeamish. What's fun is when you meet semis coming down as you are on the outside going up. :B

[brooks379]

I drove that route south bound many years ago (1980) driving a Peterbilt with no Jake brake hauling a 235 Cat Excavator. Other drivers had been telling me to have your head screwed on straight for that trip !!! About 5 mph all the way down. Made it but did put a Jake brake on that motor few weeks after that. The next time over was a lot easier.

[OldBlackWater]

Jay Pat wrote:
Now, you need to drive the same route going south......
Pat

There were plenty of steep drops on my side heading north, but I was so happy to be on the uphill side heading north of Ouray!

[Jay_Pat]

Now, you need to drive the same route going south......
Pat