Million Dollar Highway, CO OK mid May?
 

My DH and I are hoping to drive Durango to Ouray and beyond in mid May. We did this many yrs ago in July and remember snow on the roadside. Can we count on the road being open at that time of year?

ttt

Anyone? Thanks.

I am not familiar with that particular road, but May is still likely snow at the higher elevations. We have seen snow on July 4th in the Rockies. Better have a Plan B.

The road - SR 550 -- should be fine for driving. That is the main through road for that area and is kept open at all costs, even during the winter.

May should be no problem. There are roads [for 4 wheel driving] that can have snow into the early summer, but 550 isn't one of them.

I have a home in that area; if I can answer any other questions, please feel free to ask.

re: PeaceOut, see above. :)

Thanks for the specifics, DebitNM.

Thanks DebitNM. That's good to know. We will be coming from Durango and are thinking of stopping in Ouray for a nt. It's a bit lower than Silverton and DH has a bit of trouble with altitude. Hope to see all the sights along the way.

Is Animus Forks worth the trip out of the way? Will restaurants and things be open that time of yr? Any "must see's" you can recommend?

Everything will be open, these are regular towns that folks live in all year long.

Animas Forks requires a Jeep and knowledge of 4wheeling and off roading. At that time of year, there could be snow there [see my original post]. If you have never driven those kind of roads, don't take a chance, even if you have a 4WD. Take a tour if you want to see what its like and leave the driving to pros.

Must see - where- Ouray or Durango? Silverton doesn't have much in my book: gift shops and a few places to eat that cater to those taking the train. Speaking of the train{Durango Silverton Narrow Guage} you might like doing that if you have the time, but only take the train 1 way and then take the bus back.

There are a couple of pull outs where you can park and see some great views.

There is some good info, some of the links don't work anymore but you can get some good ideas:
http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...suggestion.cfm

These are specifically about the drive:
http://www.roadtripamerica.com/places/million.htm

http://www.theculturedtraveler.com/A...on_Highway.htm

Here is a trip report I did a while back on Ouray
http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...rip-report.cfm

Box Canyon Falls is very nice to do when you get into Ouray.

For places to eat in Durango:

http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...by-debitnm.cfm

Thanks again, DebitNM. We will stay in Durango 1 nt after doing Mesa Verde that day and next nt in Ouray at the Black Bear Inn, I think. Not sure if we want 1 or 2 nts in Ouray. We also want to drive around Telluride - know it will be off season but just want to see it; ditto Crested Butte. May do Black Canyon of Gunnison on the way by. Want to spend a nt or 2 in Breck and then last nt at DIA. We will have spent the previous week in northern AZ doing Sedona, Grand Canyon, Canyon de Chelley and Monument Valley. Obviously, we don't mind driving long distances. We live in New England and own 4wds but maybe snow is different from gravel. I did read somewhere that the rd to Animus Forks wasn't bad but then you had to turn around and retrace back to Silverton. DH would really like to see a ghost town. Sure appreciate your suggestions.
isy

The drive to Telluride from Ouray is nice, but you will basically have to double back to head back to your route.

It's not the snow or gravel. The 4 wd drive roads here are unbelievable narrow, twisty, lots of turns and have sheer dropoffs. Gravel would be an improvment. I am from back east, I don't think the roads there are anything like the ones up this way.

Got it. Thanks, DebitNM.