Moonstone1

I'm using Microsoft Streets and Trips and it's telling me I can drive from Durange to CB via Lake City, on seconadary roads.

Basically, US550 -> SR110 -> CR2 -> CR5 -> CR4 -> CR30 -> SR149 to Gunnison.

We'll be there towards the end of September, driving a non-4WD car.

Is this true? Is it difficult? We don't mind slow.

TIA

tekwriter

Wow, under no circumstances should you take that route without a 4WD vehicle and an experienced driver! It's mostly dirt roads and given the time of year, completely risky and foolhardy. I couldn't even find half the trip on the very detailed Colorado back road atlas I have. Was that the only route this program recommended? I've encountered other travelers on travel boards who got very bad directions from providers like Mapquest, but this is a doozy!

All you need to do is go north on Hwy 550, which is a slow, but gorgeous drive on the San Juan Skyway, then east on Hwy 50 to Gunnison. And be aware of the weather forecasts because snow, although not likely, is still possible from early September on.

Moonstone1

Thanks for the speedy reply.

It was the "default" route if you selected Durango as your start and CB as your end. I've driven the other way (you mentioned) before and it was fine... I just thought that a different way would be nice if it wasn't dangerous. Doesn't sound like it, though! It did look a little fishy...

GJLinda

Hi Moonstone,

Or take 160 east from Durango over Wolf Creek Pass to South Fork, north on 149 through Lake City to Hiway 50 and Gunnison, then north to Crested Butte to 135-gorgeous scenery most of the time and good roads. Snow is a possibility, but no more than anywhere else in the mountainous parts of the state.


If you plan to return to Durango, take Hiway 50 west to Montrose(you might want to visit Black Canyon of the Gunnison on the way). From Montrose go south on 550 to Durango. Or head to Ridgway and take 62 over Dallas Divide and 145 to Telluride and over Lizard Head Pass back to the Durango area. Dallas Divide is one of our favorite fall rides with the aspen colors and the often snow-capped peaks of the San Juans in the distance. WONDERFUL.

Linda

Moonstone1

Thanks GJLinda. We might try that route through Lake City. We've been up and down the roads to Telluride and, even though it wasn't Fall, it WAS very pretty!