hwy 550 in CO

[markb5900]

We are heading west in late August this year.
Wondering about hwy 550 in CO traveling with a chevy 3/4 ton hauling a 5th wheel.
Never do it? No problem doing it?
Have been over he pass at Vail with NO issues on 70.

Thanks in advance

[La Plata View]

The only issue on Hwy 550 between the CO state line and Grand Junction is where it passes through the San Juan Mountains (Durango to Ouray). I live just outside Durango and drive that route pretty frequently.

Can it be done with your rig? Sure. Do you want to try it? That depends on how comfortable you feel about driving a route that's steep has significant drop offs. While I-70 can be steep in places it's not a two lane highway that twists over three passes (Coal Bank, Molas, and Red Mountain).

For most folks the short section just south of Ouray is the biggest challenge. It's a shelf road really just two lanes wide with a sheer rock wall on the east -
northbound side and a drop off on the west - south bound side. Other challenges are some tight switch back turns between Red Mountain and Silverton. Google Red Mountain pass for photos.

Are you planning to stay in the area while you're here? You should as we have some great scenery. Plus if say you stay in Durango a day or two you could drive just your tow vehicle over the route and decide for yourself if it's something you want to do with the 5th wheel. PM me for suggestions if you'll be in the area.

An alternative would be to shift west to go over Lizzard Head pass on CO Hwy 145. While you still have a two lane highway with significant grades it doesn't have any of the drop offs that 550 does.

And as always anywhere in the mountains don't ride your brakes! You can catch the distinct scent of burning brake linings every summer day out our way.

[larrytbm]

I agree 100% with Barry. Both 550 and 145 are scenic roads, but on 145 the driver is more likely to enjoy some of that scenery. I've driven both, but only solo. And those few miles south of Ouray will definately get your attention.

[markb5900]

Thank you both for the response, gave me what I needed.
I traveled 550 about 40 years ago, but memory is fading now. LOL
We are coming out of Flagstaff area, think we will head north then come back down south to Ouray.
Thanks again, we appreciate it

[MNtraveler]

We took 145 from Dolores to Placerville then over to 550 on up towards Black Canyon of the Gunnison instead of taking 550 all the way from Durango because of what we heard about 550. 145 was the toughest mountain driving we have ever done, and we have done a good bit of it. Very steep grades and tight corners both up and down. Glad we took it instead of 550, but it was plenty challenging. It is nothing at all like I-70! However it is very scenic along the way.

[fanrgs]

If you need inexpensive campgrounds along US 550, which actually ends at Montrose, not Grand Junction, take a look at my new blog at https://2fanrgs.blogspot.com/.

Personally, when towing my fifth wheel, CO 145 feels like a walk in the park compared to US 550 through the Uncompahgre Gorge between Ouray and Silverton. CO 145 a great road, takes you into Telluride and a view of Bridal Veil Falls, passes by scenic Trout Lake and Lizard Head Peak, and has three Forest Service campgrounds with electric hookups. And best of all, it takes you right into Dolores-Cortez-Mesa Verde NP.

[MNtraveler]

Originally Posted by fanrgs

Personally, when towing my fifth wheel, CO 145 feels like a walk in the park compared to US 550 through the Uncompahgre Gorge between Ouray and Silverton. CO 145 a great road, takes you into Telluride and a view of Bridal Veil Falls, passes by scenic Trout Lake and Lizard Head Peak, and has three Forest Service campgrounds with electric hookups. And best of all, it takes you right into Dolores-Cortez-Mesa Verde NP.

Yeah, we stayed off 550 for that reason...

[markb5900]

Originally Posted by fanrgs

If you need inexpensive campgrounds along US 550, which actually ends at Montrose, not Grand Junction, take a look at my new blog at https://2fanrgs.blogspot.com/.

Personally, when towing my fifth wheel, CO 145 feels like a walk in the park compared to US 550 through the Uncompahgre Gorge between Ouray and Silverton. CO 145 a great road, takes you into Telluride and a view of Bridal Veil Falls, passes by scenic Trout Lake and Lizard Head Peak, and has three Forest Service campgrounds with electric hookups. And best of all, it takes you right into Dolores-Cortez-Mesa Verde NP.

Thanks
Our current plan is to take 145 to 62 over to 550 and then south on 550 into Ouray for a couple of nights.
Leave the 5er and take the truck down 550.

Thanks again

[Sc00ter]

Have a great time! We love that area. Ouray is a blast!

[elchilero53]

An alternative route is to go west thru Cortez to Dove Creek then go north to Naturita on SH 141 then east on SH 145 down Norwood Hill to 62 to Ridgway and 550. Very scenic route and not nearly as harrowing as 550 from Durango to Ouray and not as steep as the north side of Lizard Head pass. And you can still swing up 145 through Placerville to Telluride. We've gone this way many times. We've also gone north on 141 thru Naturita to Gateway then up to US 50 just south of Grand Junction towing a trailer. It was a nice pull through scenic country.

[Chief T]

Originally Posted by markb5900

Thanks
Our current plan is to take 145 to 62 over to 550 and then south on 550 into Ouray for a couple of nights.
Leave the 5er and take the truck down 550.

Thanks again

Good idea. The other day I was talking to my RV Resort neighbor who's from Montrose, 15-years experience, and 55ft total with 5er and TV combined. He said he will never take his 5er through the pass.

Safe travels!

[wannabeowner]

Originally Posted by fanrgs

If you need inexpensive campgrounds along US 550, which actually ends at Montrose, not Grand Junction, take a look at my new blog at https://2fanrgs.blogspot.com/.

Personally, when towing my fifth wheel, CO 145 feels like a walk in the park compared to US 550 through the Uncompahgre Gorge between Ouray and Silverton. CO 145 a great road, takes you into Telluride and a view of Bridal Veil Falls, passes by scenic Trout Lake and Lizard Head Peak, and has three Forest Service campgrounds with electric hookups. And best of all, it takes you right into Dolores-Cortez-Mesa Verde NP.

fangs - That is a wonderful blog! Thank you so much for doing the research and providing all of that great info.

[markb5900]

Originally Posted by Chief T

Good idea. The other day I was talking to my RV Resort neighbor who's from Montrose, 15-years experience, and 55ft total with 5er and TV combined. He said he will never take his 5er through the pass.

Safe travels!

Thanks, we are leaving in a few days and can't wait to get on the road again.
Willie Nelson comes to mind. LOL