Video TR: Million Dollar Highway, CO

[FirstTracks]

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

[FirstTracks]

jbc28 wrote:
Hey Marc,

Been following you for a long time on youtube. Good to see you over here too. Keep up the good work.

I'll be in Phoneix for work in May, then taking a few days to explore Sedona and points north toward the GC. Any tips for that area? Shoot me a DM, if so.

Thanks,

Blake

Thanks so much Blake! DM just sent.

[jbc28]

FirstTracks wrote:
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

Hey Marc,

Been following you for a long time on youtube. Good to see you over here too. Keep up the good work.

I'll be in Phoneix for work in May, then taking a few days to explore Sedona and points north toward the GC. Any tips for that area? Shoot me a DM, if so.

Thanks,

Blake

[FirstTracks]

jensenst wrote:
We did it in 2013 from Durango to Ouray pulling a 37ft fifth wheel. Thanks for the video I had to concentrate on the road

I'm sure you did! With the right gear, we were able to do that and film at the same time. 😉

[jensenst]

We did it in 2013 from Durango to Ouray pulling a 37ft fifth wheel. Thanks for the video I had to concentrate on the road

[hotpepperkid]

We did that in 08 I think from Durango to Oury with a week in Silverton. Took a jeep to Lake City via the Alpine Loop. We were there in the last week of June and that was the year they had gotten a record snow fall. They had just plowed the road to Lake City

[FirstTracks]

welove2drive wrote:
I watched this video on YouTube this morning then came across this thread. Wow, what a great video! I can't wait to watch more! Thank you!

Thank you so much! Glad you enjoyed, there's lots more available.

[welove2drive]

I watched this video on YouTube this morning then came across this thread. Wow, what a great video! I can't wait to watch more! Thank you!

[FirstTracks]

Thank you so much, JK! We're thrilled to have you along for the ride.

[JKJavelin]

We've been watching your videos for a couple months now Mark--always look forward to them as they come out. Great content and very good quality.
JK

[FirstTracks]

Clarryhill wrote:
Fabulous video and commentary on an absolutely stunning area. Really appreciate you bringing us along.

And I appreciate you watching -- thank you!

[Clarryhill]

Fabulous video and commentary on an absolutely stunning area. Really appreciate you bringing us along.

[FirstTracks]

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]

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]

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.