So I posted 2 days ago about leaving Aurora,Co. & traveling down to Gunnison then taking 149 to Lake City,Creede & on to Durango. Next heading up the million dollar hwy.(550) to Ridgway then 62/145 to Cortez. Problem is that's 1 day to many for my schedule.
So unfortunately I have to choose between Hwy. 149 or the Million Doller Hwy. I've heard great things about both so which route should I take? I will be leaving Aurora on Sunday morning the 19th. of August & plan on staying the night in Gunnison. On Monday I have to decide what route to take to get down to Durango or Cortez. I need to leave Colorado sometime Tuesday because I want to see the Grand Canyon(North Rim) then be in Carlsbad,Ca. by Friday afternoon.
It sucks when you have to choose between one or the other,especially when you travel so far to get there.

 

As much as I enjoy 149, if I had to choose, I would go with 550. I'm sure others who have traveled both would tend to agree. SJ Ron

 

I have traveled both and can offer some insight. Many people have heard of the Million$highway, so ride it. But on the bright side, either choice will be wonderful. Local weather could impact your decision.

 

IMHO if you ride them both you will come away remembering 550 from Durango to Ridgeway.....especially Silverton to Ouray. I ride them both frequently.

 

Thanks guys...wish I had time to do both but looks like the million dollar highway.I'll be going south to Durango & I heard going this direction can be treacherous due to being on the outside lane. One of those a** puker highways but I've been on those type before.Now that I have my schedule set I'll be in the area on Sunday/Monday the 20th of August.

 

Get 149/160 next year. SJ Ron

 

SJ Ron....now that I think about it next year I want to travel down along the Mississippi,through Louisiana,across the hill country of Texas,then up into Colorado & back to Wisc. in a round about way. That was my original plan for this year until I was asked to come out to Cal.-again.

 

tourman, you have a good plan. A big plus to 149 versus 555 is its lack of traffic, but by leaving early in the morning on 550 this is alleviated somewhat, plus possible afternoon t-storms are avoided. Late in the day, if no storms are around, is another good time to ride 550. The low setting sun can put on quite the light show on the Million Dollar. But if traffic is no big deal, ride 550 when you want, but still preferably in the morning before rising heat and moisture, funneled by the big peaks, combine to develop those rising clouds! Sounds like you will be able to enjoy 149 next year.

You note the outside lane heading south on 550, coming up from Ouray. Here are some glimpses of that very special section . A clip from the helmet cam from a late day ascent...


Looking back at the same section. Always thought it would be interesting to be a snow plow driver here...


And before there were those of us on two wheeled horses, it was the four footed we trusted...

 

Million Dollar is one of my favorite roads.

BTW, awesome pics sfarson!

 

AWSOME pictures!!! I'll have my Nikon dslr with several lenes along with me. Are there any safe turn outs in this area? I'll be heading out plenty early(6-7a.m.) depending on where I layover the night before. Are there Motels in Sapinero or Cimarron? Otherwise I'll stop over in Montrose. Once again thanks for the tips-Al