Utah to Colorado

[hairnet16]

We will be traveling from Bryce Canyon to Durango CO in late May. What route would be the best to avoid narrow Roads, mountain roads and switchbacks? I realize that we will be avoiding beautiful scenery, but as the passenger I do not think my heart could take a trip down Highway 50 pulling a fifth wheel. I have read on forums that it is a pretty scary road.

[twogypsies]

I think you're thinking of Hwy 550 from Durango to Ouray. That's the steep part and we love it! Hwy 550 south from Durango into New Mexico is not scary. You mentioned Hwy 50 - a different highway and is not scary but it goes west to east and it would begin at Montrose, CO.

So... from Bryce to Durango I'd recommend heading south on UT89 to Kanab, UT and on to Page, AZ then pick up AZ 98 to AZ 160 heading east to CO 491 north to Cortez, CO then east on 160 to Durango.... a easy drive.

You could then work in a stop at Monument Valley and Mesa Verde Nat'l Park on this route.

From Bryce you could also take Hwy 12 east but then, you probably wouldn't like it either. - beautiful scenery though.

[gklehner]

I agree with the route suggested by twogypsies. It has nothing too exciting, certainly not like 550 from Ouray to Durango. I did that once and had a frightened RVer worried about hitting rocks who passed me about a foot over into my lane. Still not sure how we didn't bang mirrors. And of course it was on one of those corners with the breath taking drop off view.

Enjoy the ride, sometimes boring is good!

[Busskipper]

Originally Posted by twogypsies

I think you're thinking of Hwy 550 from Durango to Ouray. That's the steep part and we love it! Hwy 550 south from Durango into New Mexico is not scary. You mentioned Hwy 50 - a different highway and is not scary but it goes west to east and it would begin at Montrose, CO.

So... from Bryce to Durango I'd recommend heading south on UT89 to Kanab, UT and on to Page, AZ then pick up AZ 98 to AZ 160 heading east to CO 491 north to Cortez, CO then east on 160 to Durango.... a easy drive.

You could then work in a stop at Monument Valley and Mesa Verde Nat'l Park on this route.

From Bryce you could also take Hwy 12 east but then, you probably wouldn't like it either. - beautiful scenery though.

As is normally the 2Gypsies has all the right info. ^^^^^^^^^^^

Might just add - North Rim might be open (May 15th or Snow) - we loved Page and Lake Powell - you could catch Antelope Canyon - Monument Valley and Mexican Hat - Keep in mind that elevation will make a big difference in temperature this time of year - If the Mountains are Cold or Snowy when you arrive you can always catch Canyon de Chelly then head into Colorado.

Just a few more thing to think about - if you do by chance get to a road that "Scares You" suggest you ...Slow down ... find a pull out .. enjoy the view then slowly.... get to your destination. IMHO the roads suggested are all easy - 550 to Silverton is the only spot you might question.

Enjoy the area - truely one of the most Beautiful in the US,