Mapquest shows Montrose to Durango Hwy 550 106 miles 2:30 Miles....is this about right or should I allow more time???

What's the best route from Walsenburg to Montrose???
1- 160 west 149 north to 50 west at gunisson ---360 miles 7 hrs
2 160 west to 17 North to 50 west at salida--- 265 mi 4:45 hrs
3-160 west to 285 North to 114 NW to 50 w at gunnison -252 mi-4:50 hrs
4- 69 North to Texas creek weston 50 ---252 mi 4:55 hrs

Is route #1 worth the extra 2 hours???
Traveling west into Utah

 

Yes. 2:15-2:30 is about right. Depends on construction, rain, sloooow RVs, etc. (could take upwards of 3:00). Take your time & enjoy -- stop in Silverton (Harley store and Handlebars Restaurant) and Ouray. SJ Ron

 

If I was choosing and I had the time I would opt for route 1. US 160 over La Veta Pass is an easy, enjoyable ride. Fort Garland to Del Norte is flat and boring but CO 149 to US 50 looks really interesting. I have not ridden that stretch of road yet but hope to do so soon. Where possible I would avoid US 50 - too many trucks, RVs, and slow tourists. BTW - Google has the route drive time at just under 6 hours.

US 550 from Montrose south is spectacular - I drove that route to Durango last fall and it lives up to it's billing as a truly awesome ride. And, as SanJuanRon said, make time to stop in Silverton.

 

Silverton Harley Davidson only sells clothing but it says on the t-shirt highest Harly store in the world it is over 9000 feet elevation

 

if you have the time, spend a couple of days in ouray. rent a jeep and see the back country.

 

Beautiful country down there. We got thrgh fine. Take your time

 

My son is flying down in two weeks from Indiana. We are headed up to Durango/Silverton/Ouray and do the loop around to Lake City and back thru Pagosa Springs to Al Bu Ker Key. Promised him some of the most scenic riding he has or ever will have. It will be great! Just the two of us with my StreetGlide and my FXR2. Finish up the week at the Red River Rally in Red River NM. Good times!

 

Nice ride! I did that loop three years ago.. too long.. gotta do it again..

I'm heading up through Durango / Silverton / Ouray / Moab about a week after you so if
there are any road issues, please post 'em!

 

I did most of that ride last week and the road is in good condition for this time of year. Snowpack is less than 50% of normal. Watch for gravel on the twistys. SJR Ron

 

thanks guys!

this will be the earliest in the spring that I have made this ride so I hope the weather holds...no rain or sleet/snow. I ususally dont make it up there until early July or so.....expect it will be cold, at best, cool temps. Glad to hear the roads are clear.