Independence Pass is no place for any RV except maybe a class B. There are some spots where there are curves only slightly wider than one lane with no space on the upside and lot & lots of space (straight down) on the other side.
Not sure of your schedule but expecting another possible storm starting Tues. rain/snow . be sure and get an up to date road report for Red Mtn. and Lizard Head. And now there can be residule snowpack/ice on roads after storms, just beware. I live in Montrose and have driven both passes many times,stay off Red Mtn this time of year. Both drives have a lot of Beauty.
Chck out CG in Bluff, Utah, neat area....
Here is an update on our Million Dollar Highway. We drove from Edwards down Hwy 50/550 to Durango and thoroughly enjoyed some fine alpine scenery which reminded me of parts of Alaska, Montana, and Switzerland.
There was only one sharp narrowing curve with a too narrow cement guardrail that would be considered a problem. Plus one very impatient sports car that almost got us ..and him..killed when he passed and narrowly avoided a head-on collision with oncoming traffic. But those drivers are always a problem, no matter the location.
The grades at times were a little trying for my engine and tranny. Pullouts were scarce when we needed them and I felt sorry for holding up the parade.
Tranny/brakes. Will check out the burnt smell today...groan. I just had installed new tranny, brakes, and tires about 5000 miles ago.
Glad we took that scenic drive, but would not do so again in a large motorhome. Now..off to see Grand Canyon again, then home to Baja and relax.
Yes, thanks for the info. I kinda thought you might be ok with your rig but left that up to you. Beautiful drive, right? Enjoy the South Rim; it is a very wonderful and special place. Get to the Rim early in the morning and later in the evening for the best colors. If you want, check out our website www.laurenbarbara.com under Wanderings for some pix.
Lauren - -
Best Friend / Longtime DW, Barbara
2nd Best Friend, "Aussie" Terrier, Sadie
2006 Mobile Suites 32TK3
2006.5 Chev 3500 3LT XCab 4x4 Dmax 6 Spd Allie
Pay close attention to what Lauren and John are saying. We spent 2 months in July and Aug. working our way down and across the Rockies in CO this past summer and Lauren knows what he is talking about. I followed his advice about routes for the rig and routes for just using the tow car on.
Million dollar highway we took the car - coming back was behind a semi. A number of curves his outside rear wheel has hanging over the edge of the road and thought his trailer was going to smack the rocks, but he knew where he was. Saw several DP doing the route and I know the driver didn't see anything but the road and he may still be sleeping on the sofa!!
Keep in mind, they are getting snow in those mountains now as well!!
Good luck and enjoy your trip.
Ron & Carolyn
Sadie the Irish Terrier
Happy the Lakeland Terrier
From sailing yacht to land yacht
KE7BZC
M/V Lothlorien GO HUSKIES Our Trip Pictures Ron & Carolyns Travels
Thanks for your concern, mi amigo, but we made it safely over that beautiful drive 2 days ago and we are now camped at Grand Canyon village...looking at some awesome US scenery before heading south to Baja.
Just a comment, the Colorado DOT recently announced that they plan to start replacing the Bear Creek bridge on Hwy 550 between Ouray and Silverton next summer. Next summer, 2010, they will have the bridge down to one lane. The following summer, 2011, they will be removing the bridge to replace it and the highway will be closed for days or weeks. (until the new bridge is in place) Just info for planning for the next two summers for anyone going that route.
joe b.
South Florida, Stuart
Formerly of Colorado and Alaska
Driving a Dodge/Cummins/Lance www.pajbcooper.com web site http://www.picturetrail.com/jbpacooper
Alaska 2004/2006/2009 - Colorado photos
"Without challenge, adventure is impossible".
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