We are driving from Durango to Ouray in September. When we leave Silverton should we go on the million dollar highway to Ouray or take 110 out of Silverton through Howardsville to Animas Forks to Ouray. Which is the most scenic way. We are driving a 4x4 stock SUV. Thanks.

It depends on how much time you have; the drive via Animas Forks is the most scenic, but if it is the same as the Alpine Loop, I think it will take all day. Both routes will be beautiful.

I just looked at a map of the Alpine Loop, and realized that you don't have to cross Cinnamon or Engineer passes if you go straight from Silverton to Ouray. You could proably do this part of the loop in just a few hours, less than a half day.

We drove from Ouray to Silverton via Corkscrew Gulch & Animas Forks in June. We had a rental Mitsubishi Montero, and there were definetely some very hairy swithbacks for that size vehicle. Of course, the snow-melt run-off also created some problems with the road conditions. We passed thru California Pass ans Lake Como. It took several hours and was quite beautiful. The follwing day, we drove from Ouray to Mesa Verde via the Million Dollar Highway. This is also a gorgeous ride, and it is MUCH faster.
Enjoy! Rose

For clarification, the Million Dollar Highway (Hwy 550) is a normally paved highway. The other roads not paved and some require four wheel drive.

We recently rented Jeeps in Ouray and did the Ophir Pass to Telluride and then Imogine Pass back to Ouray. These are not to be taken lightly. You need to know a little about driving a 4WD and have nerves of steel. My husband enjoyed it but it was full time work for him and it took most of the day.

The last reply is a almost a good one. I would take Ophir Pass from just North of Silverton over to Ophir (this is dirt and an easy 4WD). Very scenic. Stop over in T-ride and then take the paved hi-way along the San Miguel River, over Dallas Divide to Ridgeway and then back S. a short distance to Ouray. The aspens will be spectacular on Dallas Divide. Have fun.

I must be a wussy, because at times I thought the Million Dollar Highway was kinda hairy. It was beautiful tho and I would just love to be back in the Telluride area. you will love it!

Oh, but eduardo, you would miss being at over 13,000 in elevation and being able to see in every direction--totally exhilierating.

HEY CONNIE!!!

You
Go
Girl!
ANne and Noah

We were thinking of going to this area in September and I was wondering if the mountains will be snow capped at that time or will the snow be melted. We went to Estes Park about the same time last year and there was no snow at all in the RMNP.

All the snow will be gone, and there won't be any new snow by then, unless something very unusual happens weather-wise.
It's a great time to see the area.

September is my favorite time of year in SW Colorado. The weather is usually great, there are fewer tourists, and the aspen are
turning. September snow is unusual.

Thanks to all. If we have time, we would do the Ophir pass trip in our vehicle. Instead we will probably go from Silverton to Animas Forks and back then on the million dollar highway to Ouray. We decided to take a jeept tour over Black Bear pass from Ouray to Telluride to experience the adventure and leave the driving to someone else.

Anyone go to the Folk Festival in Pagosa Springs on Labor Day weekend? Is it worth a drive from Durango?

I would consider checking with the national forest service to see what kind of condition Ophir Pass is in and make sure your car has high enough clearance for rocks and low enough 4WD gear. The forest service can tell you what you might need. (We have a cabin on a 4WD road, and the all wheel 4WD do not have enough clearance or low enough gears)
Also, last year's snow will be gone. But, I recall (it's been a long time since I was there) there are some areas above Telluride and in the Chicago Pass area that have a snow field year round. Another place that might have snow is at the top of Mt. Evans that has an easy to drive road (near Denver) or St. Mary's Glacier (also near Denver) has snow year round. But year round snowfields will only be at the highest of altitudes.

I haven't been to the Folk Festival in Pagosa, but I have friends who wouldn't miss it for the world. They go every year and camp at the festival.

If you'll be in the area during the full moon, it's definitely worth doing the full moon program at Chimney Rock, between Durango and Pagosa.

gb - I've seen someone drive Ophir Pass east to west in a Neon (!!!)