Drive from Durango to Aspen?
 

We will be going from Taos to Aspen in August, and thought it would be nice to go to Durango and see Mesa Verde National Park. I am concerned about the drive from Durango to Aspen; I get nervous driving with hairpin turns or sheer dropoffs.<BR>The map sites say we would be on Rte.550 for about 100 miles.<BR>Would it be too "scary" for me?<BR>I would appreciate any advice.<BR>Thanks in advance.

I wouldn't miss it for the world.<BR><BR>Only parts of the drive are as you describe. You won't find any scenery in that part of the U.S. as awesome as that drive.

we made that drive 3 years ago and, while it was beautiful, I was very nervous. I kept thinking there wasn't going to be any bad accidents because all accidents would result in death....but I'm glad we did it. <BR><BR>I opted to drive a lot because the idea of my husband driving and keeping up with the other drivers scared me and if he was going to pass I thought I would die...I had to set the cruise control several times to the speed limit to force myself to drive that speed. I was relying on the roads being safe at the speed limit.<BR><BR>I'm from flat south Florida so everthing looked like a sheer dropoff. <BR><BR>Sorry, I wish I could tell you it was a relaxing drive but it wasn't.<BR><BR>I really liked Durango and Mesa Verde is worth visiting so I wouldn't miss the trip because of the drive but ....I'm a pretty wimpy driver.

Thank you. You told me what I need to know.<BR>Sylvia

There's no doubt that the road from Ouray to Durango is one of the most beautiful in the state. The danger is more psychological that real. Although you might find it hard to believe when you are driving along the switchback with no guardrails. Just take your time. Besides if you have just drove from Taos to Aspen, you will have to go 550 or toward Leadville to Independence Pass which has quite a few switchbacks and exposed views. So, don't miss Mesa Verde because of the drive.And remember going north from Durango to Aspen, you will mostly be on the inside lane so the exposed areas will mainly be on the other side of the road. ;-)

psychological than real

The drive up 550 is pretty scary for someone with a fear of dropoffs, but heading north puts you on the inside (away from the dropoff) through the most extreme part of the drive.<BR><BR>If you're heading north directly after Mesa Verde, you might want to consider taking highway 145 over Lizard Head Pass, which feels a lot more protected, without the big cliffs.