Travel experience Littleton to Ouray, CO

[dwhit]

Hello experienced Colorado travelers!

We've been to Durango/Silverton numerous times...not yet to Ouray where we'll be for two weeks in June.
But this time we're dragging an 18,000lb 42' TH pulled by an F350 Diesel. Searching previous posts doesn't tell us the what the northern route is like which we've never done. We don't care about mileage...we're looking for the calmest drive possible with this heavy and lengthy rig.

Is #50 south from Grand Junction the least blood pressure experience?

Thanks much for any advice.

[lbrjet]

Grand Junction to Ouray is one of the easiest drives in Colorado.


2010 F250 5.4L 3.73
2011 Flagstaff 831FKBSS
Equal-i-zer 4pt 12K

[flymhi]

If you are looking for the least stressful route, I-70 west to Grand Junction, then south on SH50 /550 is the way to go. Not much to look at in the way of scenery until you get past Montrose. It's 4 lane open highway from GJ to Delta. If you are driving at dusk, be especially careful south out of Montrose as this is the heaviest deer population in the state and you will see no less than 50 deer along the side of the hwy.

Hwy 50 from Canon City by Blue Mesa reservoir to Montrose is the most scenic route, however it is two-lane 90% of the way and lots of dangerous passing by impatient motorists. There are lots of places (scenic pullouts) to stop if you are not in a rush and well worth the travel.

Ouray is one of the most beautiful small towns in the state. We also took a tour of the Bachelor Syracuse Mine (5 minutes north of Ouray city limits) where they take you a mile into the mountain on motorized mine cars. Cascade Falls Park in Ouray is a nice short walk in the city limits. The Box Canyon is a must (south end of Ouray) and if you have time, Telluride is a 45 minute drive and well worth it. Ralph Lauren's Double RL ranch is on the way (SH 62 out of Ridgeway) and the views are spectacular! County Rd 9 is a public land access Rd and allows you to pass through a portion of the Double RL. County Rd 9 is a dirt road and not suitable while towing but an excellent excursion just in the TV. While in Telluride, you can take the free gondola ride up over the mountain to Mountain Village. Lots of neat shops there.

We go to the Telluride Film Festival every Labor Day weekend to check out the Hollywood faces in the crowd.

I'm certain you will have a great trip and create a lifetime of memories!

[dwhit]

lbrjet-Sonds like I can leave the VALIUM at home! Thanks for the advice!
flymhi-And thank you for your input! I'm sure this won't be our only trip there. Our underpowered class A gasser pulling a car was marginal at best. With this getup we hope to get much deeper into the state.

[jeepman71]

While you are there don't forget to visit Black Canyon between Montrose and Gunnison.

[mdstudey]

Originally Posted by jeepman71

While you are there don't forget to visit Black Canyon between Montrose and Gunnison.

Just don't plan on camping down by the river. Talk about switch backs. I don't like heights and went down on my Harley. My husband was waiting for me on the bottom and even had time to set up a tripod to get a pic of my terrorized face.

[txredfish]

I would never pull anything from Durango to Ouray. I get terrorized thoughts just thinking about the switchbacks and drops. I have driven it twice in a car. But as a South Texan, I am used to flat driving. So it is probably just me. But great scenary, if can take my eyes off the road.

[jeepman71]

It is a nice drive from Cortez to Teluride over Lizard head Pass and then on to Ouray.

[dwhit]

Thanks everyone for all the help!

[garbonz]

There is a great campground right in downtown Ourey, might need registrations well in advance. VERY cute little town. Well recommended. We may swing by their next week on our first trip of the season; planning to visit Colo Nat Monumant, Black Canyon, maybe Mesa Verde and the dunes on a big loop BEFORE the season starts and things get crazy.

Using our smallish truck camper we can do it easily and cheaply.