Planning to explore this area the last 2 weeks of August. Will be driving my 34' Class'A' pulling TOAD. Planned route is RT.550 from Durango to RidgeWay...Rt.62 to PlacerVille & Rt.145 down to Doloras. Is this plan ok in my Rig setup? We have done plenty of Mtn driving all over the country for the pass 40 years of RV'ing.
Hoping to find camsite near Ouray/Silverton area to do some of the back country 4 wheel drive roads.
Woodsy Private park w/electric would be ok, but we also like Nat'l Forest CGs with Water & dump station. Any suggestions? Thanks
Joe&Charlotte, Nat'l SurfSide DE34D Ford 362HP 5speed
Rusty, Rosie, Snuffy Dogs
Leroy's a Conure
If a 'Little' is good, 'Alot' ain't better.
The "Million Dollar Highway" (Route 550) has long been one of our favorites and we take that route every chance we get. Three mountain passes between Durango and Ridgway and the scenery is fantastic. As long as you're comfortable with mountain driving you'll love it.
Good luck / Skip
2011 F-150 HD Ecoboost 3.5 V6. 2550 payload, 17,100 GCVWR - 2004 F-150 HD (Traded after 80,000 towing miles) 2007 Rockwood 8314SS 34' travel trailer
US Govt survey shows three out of four people make up 75% of the total population
One of the most beautiful drives in CO. Before you do it with an RV you might go to Search on here for Red Mountain Pass or Hwy 550 or Million Dollar Highway. It just depends on your comfort level with curves, steep dropoffs, no guard rails, etc. And, like any road, there is always the other guy. Go to Search and then make up your own mind - some guy even posted a video here a while back.
DW of 50 great years, Barbara
2nd Best Friend-"Aussie" Terrier, Sadie
2006 Mobile Suites 32TK3
2006.5 Chev 3500 3LT XCab 4x4 Dmax Allie
We took Hwy 550 last summer from Durango to Ridgway. We camped at Ridgway State Park (about 4 miles north of the town of Ridgway). The road north of Durango to Oray is definitely a beautiful trip. There are plenty of ups & downs along with plenty of curves. I heated up my brakes pretty good, but I'm glad I took that route just for the beauty. In fact, you can go onto Youtube.com and search Hwy 550 and you'll get some great videos of what it's like to travel that road.
To look for a campground in either Silverton or Ouray try RV Park Reviews.com (hit the clicky for Colorado). We liked the state park, but you may find something that fits your needs right in Silverton or Ouray.
I'll agree with Skip and Mike; definitely a beautiful drive if you're not concerned about mountain driving. Switchbacks, drop offs, steep climbs and descents, but just a beautiful drive.
Red Mountain Pass is just over 11,000' elevation. It's a beautiful drive, and I'd do it again without reservation. We pulled a 30' bumper pull behind our Dmax Chebby.
Just watch out for the flatland drivers that want their half from your side of the road, and watch for rocks on the roadway. Loved Ridgeway State Park, hope to go back this year.
You'll get your "Mountain Driving" merit badge too.
If you stay in Silverton, there is the Alpine Loop. It's about 85 miles long. Not sure about riding 4 wheelers thru Lake City.... You could to Engineer Pass, turn around and go to the other one...or not.
Popular place, people around. For vehicle access, you need 4 wheel and high clearance. 4 Wheelers are perfect. Take rain gear & warm clothes. Last August, it was raining and sleeting on Engineer Pass the day we went thru.
You can find maps on the internet for Alpine Loop.
Also, I think there is access from Ouray to Engineer Pass.
Have Fun!!
Pat
We make that drive every year with our MH & Jeep. Like others have said it is great if you are OK with mountain driving. Here is a link that will show you most of the 4x4 trails. I have driven on most of them and they are great. Ouray Area 4x4 trails We usually stay at the the Ouray KOA as we like FHU's. It is not the normal KOA as it sits in the woods and has a good campground feel.
* This post was
edited 04/30/12 07:41am by JnJnKatiebug *
Its not as scary driving North (no guardrails and very vertical drops in Southbound lane). Little village of Marble has a great bbq joint and a scenic campsite on the river right off 550. You won't see much prettier scenery than 550, but the driver doesn't get to enjoy it as much. If you love high mountain passes drive over Independence Pass between Aspen and Leadville. The scenic overlook at the top is just over 11,000 ft. And lots of tight hairpins. I'm a sucker for these kind of roads!
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