Durango to Telluride....

[l_grein]

I am Flying in to Durango and trying to figure out the best way up to Telluride.  My parents live in Cortez, and are picking us up at the airport.  I just figured that we would go straight up 550 thru Silverton...but my dad thinks that it would be quicker to go back to Mancos, over to Dolores, then up thru Rico because of all the twists and turns on 550.  Google maps says 550 would take about 2 hrs, and the outher way would take closer to 3.5 hrs. 

What is the best route??

Thanks for any help.

[Ron N Deb]

550 takes longer
I can do the Lizard Head run fully Loaded in 2.5

[l_grein]

Cool...thanks!!!   

[mark2010]

550 takes longer
I can do the Lizard Head run fully Loaded in 2.5

watch out for the Brits at the pass 

[bouzouki]

Better bring a bandana to tie your jaw shut, if you haven't seen the San Juans before

[Cindy Lou]

If you are going to your folks house in Cortez, then just head up to Dolores from Cortez on 145 and then on up.  If you are going straight from the airport in Dgo to Telluride then either way is okay.  Going to Silverton you will hit Coal Bank Pass and Molas Pass, then between Silverton and Ouray you go over Red Mtn. Pass which is gorgeous but slow.  If you have the time I would go that route.  If you have GOOD 4WD you have other options as well that will take you into the mtns, not just around them.

It depends on if your folks are taking you there, or bringing you a car to use. If you will be driving yourselves, you may want to go back to Mancos and that route as it is less intimidating.  Both routes are breathtaking, and from the airport it would be about the same driving time. If you will be going to Cortez after Tride, I would take the Silverton/Ouray/Ridgway route up, then take Lizard Head to Rico and on down to Cortez on the way back.  Feel free to PM me if you want more specific info.
A word of caution though, don't go on any 4WD roads without first checking with the FS to make sure they are open.  Most are, but just the other day I was sliding sideways in the mud in 4WD and barely going on a road I had no problem with just a few days earlier.  Rainy days make a BIG difference.  A FS guy had gone up before me and I caught him coming back down as he too was having problems and he told me there was no way I was gonna make it, so I just turned around and went to see Travis Book and Anders Beck in Durango instead!  So it all worked out just fine.
Happy travels!
P.S. From Dgo airport to Ouray would be at least 2 hours, then probably another hour or more to Telluride.  Dgo airport to Mancos/Dolores/Rico/Telluride is about 3 hours also, maybe just a bit longer.

[Ron N Deb]

550 takes longer
I can do the Lizard Head run fully Loaded in 2.5

watch out for the Brits at the pass 

~~~we fired our guns and the british keep a coming ~~~~~~~

[BillyBeru]

550 takes longer
I can do the Lizard Head run fully Loaded in 2.5

What can't you do fully loaded? Can you dance on your head? 

[Ron N Deb]

A duh ....Truck fully Loaded
Driver not Loaded Yet !
well maybe a little