Community Forums

cfowler55 · 08-07-2022, 10:10 PM

I’m looking for the best route to an RV park just south of Purgatory , 36’ fifth wheel behind a 3500DRW. Seems like I remember a low clearance tunnel on 550 , possibly north of Ouray , but I don’t remember how low. Anyone have any good suggestions?
Thanks , Charlie

twogypsies · 08-07-2022, 10:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cfowler55

I’m looking for the best route to an RV park just south of Purgatory , 36’ fifth wheel behind a 3500DRW. Seems like I remember a low clearance tunnel on 550 , possibly north of Ouray , but I don’t remember how low. Anyone have any good suggestions?
Thanks , Charlie

We've driven all of 550 including Durango to Ouray and north to Grand Junction & there are no low tunnels. Our 40' MH fit just fine. All size RVs drive it including semi trucks.

Where are you coming from?

cfowler55 · 08-08-2022, 08:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by twogypsies

We've driven all of 550 including Durango to Ouray and north to Grand Junction & there are no low tunnels. Our 40' MH fit just fine. All size RVs drive it including semi trucks.

Where are you coming from?

Thanks. Coming from Carbondale.
Charlie

twogypsies · 08-08-2022, 12:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cfowler55

Thanks. Coming from Carbondale.
Charlie

Duh! Why didn't I see that? Must have been late!

So, yes, 550 south would be the most direct route but if you're hesitant on the road the only way around it would be added miles if that's OK with you. The tunnel you can do. If you're not comfortable with serious mountain driving I wouldn't go that way.

You could take I-70 to Grand Junction then 550 to Ridgway (easy drive; not mountainous) then 145 to Cortez (mountain downhill from Telluride but not anything like 550 from Ouray) and then 160 east to Durango and come into Purgatory from the south - easy drive on 550 from the south to Purgatory.

If 'iffy' part on 550 for many drivers is only the section from Ouray to Silverton. However, everyone will be driving slow. Stay in your lane. From north to south you'll have steep dropoffs from your lane with no shoulder. Don't ride your brakes. Get into low gear before even starting the drive. There are a couple big pull-off areas before Silverton to catch your breath!

cfowler55 · 08-14-2022, 09:39 PM

Update. I had decided to take the western route thru Dolores / Cortez. Coming up on 550 in Ridgeway there was a sign warning of a 13’7” tunnel , which I should clear. So changed my mind and took 550 all the way. No problem. The low tunnel is actually just south of Ouray. I had previously driven the MDH probably 20 times , just not towing.
Thanks , Charlie