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Durango to Montrose

Maw__Jim___Jake
Explorer
Explorer
Any info on the best route from Durango to Montrose driving our class A gas powered Grand Star MOHO pulling our 4000 pound toad is appreciated.
We went from Grand Junction to Durango via Moab as our Semi Truck GPS suggested (adding 100 miles to the trip) but wondered if there are more direct routes that would be alright and shorter. Our GPS suggests 160 to 145 to 62 to 550. Any steep climbs or descents there?
Thank you.
JMAT
2008 Newmar Grand Star, Brake Buddy, Blue Ox, Explorer Sport Trac 4x4, and (one brilliant Golden Retriever in spirit and memory) Toby our Corgi pup.
18 REPLIES 18

haddy1
Explorer
Explorer
The altitude may make your gas rig "a little weak", but the road is no better or worse than many mountain highways. UPS runs doubles over 550 every day, so the size of your rig shouldn't be a factor.
2019 Tiffin Phaeton 37BH
2018 Grand Cherokee Toad

FIRE_UP
Explorer
Explorer
Maw, Jim and Jake,
As has been said, the direct route from Durango to Montrose is what's known as the "Million dollar highway". Or, also known as the 550. Now, everyone's tolerances for certain situations, especially in mountain driving conditions will vary. Just what a person, (husband or wife etc.) will think is "scary" is all different in all of us. We have done that road, at least a dozen times in various motorhome towing operations and, also riding our Honda Goldwing.

It's an outstanding drive. One of the most scenic in all of Colorado. There are many out there but, this one it top ranked in scenery. Yep, no guard rails. But, who uses guard rails for driving anyway? All kidding aside, there's quite a bit of hills and grades but, without doubt, once you've done it, you'll want to come back. You'll use lots of low gear for both climbing and going down the other side.

It's amazing to me that others TELL people not to go on this road if they've never done it. You should make that decision for yourself. It's something one has to see for themselves. Now, once you've done it and, it does not appeal to you, then you can make an educated decision as to not travel it again.
Scott
Scott and Karla
SDFD RETIRED
2004 Itasca Horizon, 36GD Slate Blue 330 CAT
2011 GMC Sierra 1500 Ext Cab 4x4 Toad
2008 Caliente Red LVL II GL 1800 Goldwing
KI60ND

Busskipper
Explorer
Explorer
Maw, Jim & Jake wrote:
Any info on the best route from Durango to Montrose driving our class A gas powered Grand Star MOHO pulling our 4000 pound toad is appreciated.
We went from Grand Junction to Durango via Moab as our Semi Truck GPS suggested (adding 100 miles to the trip) but wondered if there are more direct routes that would be alright and shorter. Our GPS suggests 160 to 145 to 62 to 550. Any steep climbs or descents there?
Thank you.
JMAT


Lizard Head Pass is one of the more gentile drives in the area -- Beautiful drive you should enjoy -- should be a little cooler than Utah -- lots of great little stops along the way -- When we stopped at Trout Lake I was ready to move in -- Dunton is a neat area and Telluride -- then Ralph Lourain's fences, before you get to Ridgway.

Beautiful area .

BOL,
Busskipper
Maryland/Colorado
Travel Supreme 42DS04
GX470-FMCA - Travel less now - But still love to be on the Road
States traveled in this Coach

The_Texan
Explorer
Explorer
550 from Silverton to Ouray, is an awesome road for the scenery, BUT and that is one BIG BUT, it is NOT a road for the faint of heart. Yes, it can be done in an RV, as we have with ours, but not recommended for any who have NOT done many, many miles of mountain driving. The road is narrow, no guard rails, steep grades both up and down, plus curves from hell. Would I do it again, in a heartbeat, but we drive mountain roads almost daily, so have no problems with them.

Bob & Betsy - USN Aviation Ret'd '78 & LEO Ret'd '03 & "Oath Keeper Forever"


2005 HR Endeavor 40PRQ, '11 Silverado LT, Ex Cab 6.2L NHT 4x4, w/2017 Rzr 4-900 riding in 16+' enclosed trailer in back.
Where the wheels are stopped today