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.
IMHO, there are few roads in Colorado that are not Suitable for your Rig - (RT 82/Independence Pass is length restricted so.....) Now you have been doing this RV thing for a while - Do you and the DW enjoy/feel fine on the Mountain Roads? If so you will be fine. The piece of road in Question is RT 550 from Ouray to Durango, I drive it. I love IT. I recommend IT, with the understanding, that you need to be comfortable, on Mountain Roads that may concern some. It is easy for me to say this as I have a 43' Travel Supreme and have taken/driven it all over Colorado and never felt anything but excitement. BUT that's ME.
Utube of Ouray to Silverton to Durango
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.
If you drove the Beartooth, you will be fine on the Million Dollar Highway
smlranger wrote:
Busskipper:
OK, your suggestion (for me
traveling from Montrose south
to Silverton
then Durango) would be get off 550 at
Ridgeway, take
62 over to
145 south down to
160, then east
to Durango. So,
is 550 ok north from Durango to Silverton?
My other alternative is to
drop down from Pueblo to
160 and take 160 over to Durango.
Is there any advantage to 160 vs. 50 if I am heading west from Colorado Springs?
Sorry I had to break your post down to Understand it.
You will be Fine in Colorado.
BUT - timing and route will be Critical for the maximum enjoyment/exposure to the Colorado you are looking for.
Last 10 days of September will yield THIS - ASPEN so being in the right spot is critical.
Have you looked at catching another one of my Favorite areas in Colorado - Leadville/Buena Vista/RT 82/Maroon Bells/ Collegiates/Quincy's/Arkansas River/Browns Canyon NM?
Then Coming over to Ouray/Silverton/Telluride/Ridgway/Montrose/Trout Lake/Dunton/Black Canyon of the Gunnison/Lake City.
Let me compliment you on your timing - IMHO you have chosen the BEST time of the year to SEE Colorado, although I have yet to visit it when I did not enjoy the state and the Granddaughters. Try to see as much of this state as possible before heading out in October/November to Utah.
Sort of getting Carried away - just hope this helps and does not confuse anyone.
Best of Luck,
johnf wrote:
Hi, best route from cortez co. To ridgway co. Thanks earlier post will help also
John, from your post last Fall;
2gypsies wrote:
If driving it soon you'll need to monitor the weather for snow in some areas. You could have three choices:
242 miles via Hwy 145 north (steep uphill to Telluride & high elevation for snow) to 550 to I-70
240 miles via 491 to 141 to Delta to 133 or instead of 133 at Delta take 50 to Grand Junction then I-70 east
325 miles via 491/Utah 191 north to I-70 - perhaps best if snow on other routes
Busskipper wrote:
Best route from cortez co. To carbondale co2gypsies wrote:
If driving it soon you'll need to monitor the weather for snow in some areas. You could have three choices:
242 miles via Hwy 145 north (steep uphill to Telluride & high elevation for snow) to 550 to I-70
240 miles via 491 to 141 to Delta to 133 or instead of 133 at Delta take 50 to Grand Junction then I-70 east
325 miles via 491/Utah 191 north to I-70 - perhaps best if snow on other routes
All these routes work - BUT - for me number 1 would be my choice, even in a little snow. Roads are all good and there are so many greats stops/things to see along the way.
My first stop would be Dunton/Lizard Head - A beautiful off road trip on some easy/mild 4x4 trails with some interesting scenery, just a neat /Beautiful little slice of heaven along the way. Followed By Trout Lake, just always makes me wonder why I did not move here? Next is Telluride, just one of those neat little ski towns that have just priced themselves out of reality - but still a fun stop. Next would be Last Dollar Ranch a 392-acre spread that borders a 13,000-acre property owned by clothing magnate Ralph Lauren Ralph Lauren, and is surrounded by the beautiful wooded fences. Then on to Ridgway - you could take a run to Ouray if you had time - just another one of the reason I could move here.
Now on up to North Delta before turning onto Rt 133 - hopping you knew to stop at Black Cannon of the Gunnison NP - Yes when you look down it really appears to be a Black Hole! Rt 133 follows the North Fork of the Gunnison River and is a fun drive, with the River and a Reservoir or two along the way.
Next stop would be to turn off at Marble - if the weather is still good you might even venture off to see Crystal Mill - bt to do this you will need a really Good JEEP. After the fun at Marble the last little stop would be Red Stone - a neat little artist areas/town on the back side of Aspen.
Once you get to Carbondale you MUST take the time to Visit Maroon Bells, which IMHO is just Colorado at it's BEST. - After this long trip a short run to the Hot Springs in Glenwood would be in line.
So, for me, this is the "Best Route" - but - all of the others suggested by 2gypsies are Excellent and there would be no wrong choice.
Watch the weather - in October it can change quickly but that said the sun usually comes right back out, and you can continue your travels on clear roads.
Best of Luck and let us know what choice you make, and share the fun you had.
Here is the answer but it seems the issue is what are you after in Colorado - just a BEAUTIFUL STATE.
Not a road or an area I have traveled that I could not find Adventure - excitement - FUN.
As I've said before - we are all different, so the roads one loves, are not the same, Many of us will seek out the Mountain Drives that other shy away from - so it's to each his/her own.
Give us a little more insight into what you are seeking and we can give you some options that will likely fit the Bill.
Enjoy Colorado, if you are up for Adventure, you are in the right place.
Just a couple of thoughts,
