Colorado Travel

[WarrenJudy]

I am thinking about traveling HY 50 and 550 south from Moab Utah through Ouray to Durango, CO. I have a 31ft class C and tow a Subaru. What are the road conditions like?

[BFlinn181]

The route is not too bad until you get to Ouray, CO. It's a bit more challenging from there to Silverton. Million Dollar Highway is beautiful, but you'll be watching the road. Just use lower gears for downgrades rather than ride the brakes.

[BarryG20]

As mentioned from Ouray to Silverton and even beyond to Durango though it gets better from Silverton some people freak out no guard rails, thousand foot drops all that stuff swear they will never drive it again. Road is good, has pull outs if needed fairly frequently. Speed limit is between 25 and 40 for the most part. Yes you will need to watch the road but shouldn't you be anyway, you want to gawk at the scenery pull over. All types of trucks and rv's drive it everyday. I personally find it no issue whatsoever outside of its spectacular beauty it is not much different than any other mountain road in Colorado except for its undeserved negative reputation as a dangerous road.

Brakes, exhaust brake and low gear are your friends on the downhills

[BFlinn181]

Originally Posted by BarryG20

As mentioned from Ouray to Silverton and even beyond to Durango though it gets better from Silverton some people freak out no guard rails, thousand foot drops all that stuff swear they will never drive it again. Road is good, has pull outs if needed fairly frequently. Speed limit is between 25 and 40 for the most part. Yes you will need to watch the road but shouldn't you be anyway, you want to gawk at the scenery pull over. All types of trucks and rv's drive it everyday. I personally find it no issue whatsoever outside of its spectacular beauty it is not much different than any other mountain road in Colorado except for its undeserved negative reputation as a dangerous road.

Brakes, exhaust brake and low gear are your friends on the downhills

I agree, the road and drop-offs don't bother me, but I used to drive a 15 passenger van with teachers on Wyoming dirt roads. Some loved it, some had white-knuckle death grips on the grab handles or person next to them. I think we've given plenty of information to the OP, the road is used by many larger vehicles than a Class C, but it's not the vehicle capabilities, but the driver's comfort and his passengers he needs to consider.

[Busskipper]

Originally Posted by WarrenJudy

I am thinking about traveling HY 50 and 550 south from Moab Utah through Ouray to Durango, CO. I have a 31ft class C and tow a Subaru. What are the road conditions like?

Depends - some love it, some hate it

I'm in the LOVE IT Group,

But you need to just be aware that some people are just not up for it - .. - So suggest you drive it in the Toad first to be sure it's for you - The alternate Route (RT 145 is also a beautiful drive through the Mountains just not in the edge of those mountains.

IMHO the San Juan's are one of the Last Wild and Beautiful spots in the US - so set aside enough time to see and Experience it. Hike it _ Bike it - Drive the 4X4 trails, truly one place you will never forget.

Best of Luck,

[twogypsies]

We are also lovers of the Million Dollar Highway 550 from Ouray to Durango. The rest of 50/550 is a piece of cake.

[TonyDi]

Some people love the Million Dollar Hwy. I do when I'm in my Jeep. I'm not fond of it when I'm in the MH.