Community Forums

newmar 3341 · 03-22-2021, 06:26 PM

Has anyone traveled the Million Dollar Highway heading South from Montrose to Durango? Is it recommended in a Newmar New Aire or any RV? Read many articles that don't recommend it due to climbs, brakes, road with no guard rails etc, but the view is reported to be spectacular. Any advise, ideas, recommendations etc would be appreciated. Headed to Mesa Verde from Montrose with not much experience in these mountains.

Old Scout · 03-22-2021, 06:34 PM

...go around to the west, enjoy the scenery there...come back over the Million$$$$ in the towed. Frankly, neither the driver nor the passenger will have time to see much scenery--they'll be busy watching the blind curves in the road and watching for on-coming traffic--been there, done that, but don't have the t-shirt.

Busskipper · 03-22-2021, 06:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by newmar 3341

Has anyone traveled the Million Dollar Highway heading South from Montrose to Durango? Is it recommended in a Newmar New Aire or any RV? Read many articles that don't recommend it due to climbs, brakes, road with no guard rails etc, but the view is reported to be spectacular. Any advise, ideas, recommendations etc would be appreciated. Headed to Mesa Verde from Montrose with not much experience in these mountains.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Old Scout

...go around to the west, enjoy the scenery there...come back over the Million$$$$ in the towed. Frankly, neither the driver nor the passenger will have time to see much scenery--they'll be busy watching the blind curves in the road and watching for on-coming traffic--been there, done that, but don't have the t-shirt.

As said drive it in the Toad - Last summer on three days on RT 550 most of the RV'er where taking their HALF out of the Middle - smack dab in the Middle with the double yellow line in the Center of the front Bumper!!!!!

As said drive it in the Toad - it deserves at least two trips if not three or more,

Beautiful is and understatement - Awesome - is still not enough.

Take your time enjoy the drive - then be sure to see the Memorial Rock on the RT 145 Side - it's a beautiful drive - with public hot tub in Rico. -

Best of Luck,

Kajun Kahuna · 03-22-2021, 06:54 PM

Did it several times in the MH. Take your time and its a drive of a life time.

Unplanned Tourist · 03-22-2021, 07:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kajun Kahuna

Did it several times in the MH. Take your time and its a drive of a life time.

Several lifetimes? I am sure more than a few have seen there lives pass before their eyes as they drove it.

Even more fun if you are pulling a toad!

But if you are used to narrow mountain roads with no gaurd rail, tight corners and long drop-offs, go for it.

Unplanned Tourist · 03-22-2021, 07:27 PM

Just for fun, check out this YouTube video. Skip ahead to 7 min. , then 15 min.

The tunnel at 16 min. is interesting also. A little low? 13' 9"

Just duck, you'll make it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gbuy1Aw-fdQ

momdoc · 03-22-2021, 07:31 PM

Drive it in your toad. I have driven it many times but would not do it with my 40ft DP and attached toad.

vanmark · 03-22-2021, 07:40 PM

I have driven it several times in the motor home. Yes there are several curves but the bad ones are slow speed limits with wide shoulders. There are areas without guard rails but in those areas you will be going slow anyway. The views are very nice. It is well worth the drive. Trucks drive it all the time.

**Lt Dan** · 03-22-2021, 07:49 PM

I have been driving the MDH for 40+ years in car, Jeep, and motorcycle but I wouldn't do it in the motor home. Not because I couldn't, but there would be an incessant whine from the right side of the cockpit.

It is the most beautiful, spectacular drive in Colorado, but you won't have time to enjoy it in the motor home.

F4Gary · 03-22-2021, 09:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lt Dan

I have been driving the MDH for 40+ years in car, Jeep, and motorcycle but I wouldn't do it in the motor home. Not because I couldn't, but there would be an incessant whine from the right side of the cockpit.

It is the most beautiful, spectacular drive in Colorado, but you won't have time to enjoy it in the motor home.

This times 100!

twogypsies · 03-22-2021, 10:07 PM

We've driven it both directions quite a few times but then, we're always in the western mountains with our 40' MH towing the Jeep so it's OK for us. We boondocked in Silverton many times for a base for the awesome 4x4 trails. Silverton also has a terrific July 4 fireworks display and a fun parade.

From Montrose to Ouray is just about flat. From Ouray to Durango it's downhill so you need to know how to gear down and not stay on your brakes. The area without a guardrail & the one written about all the time is from Ouray to Silverton. A guardrail will not keep you from falling off.... just stay inside the white line.

There's no shoulder in that area. There are some pull-offs as you're heading down. Silverton to Durango is a lot easier.

If you're not comfortable with mountain driving I'd suggest taking Hwy 62/145 from Ridgeway to Cortez especially since you're heading to Mesa Verde anyway. It's still a mountain downhill drive but easier than 550.

If you're staying in Montrose, Ridgeway or Ouray definitely take the tow vehicle for a ride down to Silverton as it's a very unique authentic mining town.

Old-Biscuit · 03-22-2021, 10:13 PM

Quad Cab/Long Bed towing 14K 34" 5th wheel
Done both directions several times
Great Views ----- Lanes are not narrower then Hwy lanes---just narrow/no shoulders

Exhaust brake is your friend and makes for an easy drive

Saw many truckers going both ways during our trips

yeloduster · 03-23-2021, 08:04 AM

I see this subject often here on the forum. I live in Colorado and have driven US 550 to and from Silverton many times. Most of them before I knew there was a forum. It was a US highway with no warning signs for large vehicles. So I drove it in my '88 Bounder on a P30 towing a Buick or something on a tow dolly. I guess ignorance is bliss!

I never found it challenging or intimidating. Just went what seemed a prudent speed and used engine braking instead of the service brakes. I never had a problem. I find Independence Pass in a car more intimidating the the Million Dollar Highway.

Large numbers of 18 wheel trucks and large RV's travel this road safely everyday. It is matter of confidence and learned/practiced skill.

Maybe this one of those roads that if you ask the question...you should consider an alternate route

Unplanned Tourist · 03-23-2021, 05:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yeloduster

Large numbers of 18 wheel trucks and large RV's travel this road safely everyday. It is matter of confidence and learned/practiced skill.

Maybe this one of those roads that if you ask the question...you should consider an alternate route

Right on.