Fastest Albuquerque to Telluride Route?

[Glowworm Bill]

Anybody know whether going through Gallup and up HWY 491 is faster than HWY 550?  Thanks

[Bevin]

I've done the drive about 200 times over 23 years and in my opinion it's all about the same.  I generally drive 550 and go through Durango (then to Mancos, then to Dolores, and up Hwy165 from there), since Durango has a nice liquor store.  Some folks argue that the La Plata highway from Aztec, NM, to Hesperus, CO, offers a short cut, but I've driven it, timed it and mapped it and the La Plata highway is about 1 mile shorter and about 3 minutes longer than going through Durango, and you loose the chance to buy your booze along the way, stop for lunch, take a leak, gas up, etc. 

I've also driven through Farmington/Shiprock from 550, then up through Cortez when I needed to stop and get friends in Cortez.  I've also gone through Grants/Gallup/Tohatchi up 491 to Cortez.  And I really think it's all about the same.

If you were driving a fast, sporty car, and traveling alone, you might be able to wring some advantage from one route or another, but I'm always driving a loaded van, or pulling a trailer or whatever, and no matter what, it always takes me about the same amount of time to get there from Albuquerque.

 I've never been able to get there fast enough and I always wish I'd gotten there earlier, no matter which route I take. 

[oddfired]

I've done the drive about 200 times over 23 years and in my opinion it's all about the same.  I generally drive 550 and go through Durango (then to Mancos, then to Dolores, and up Hwy165 from there), since Durango has a nice liquor store.  Some folks argue that the La Plata highway from Aztec, NM, to Hesperus, CO, offers a short cut, but I've driven it, timed it and mapped it and the La Plata highway is about 1 mile shorter and about 3 minutes longer than going through Durango, and you loose the chance to buy your booze along the way, stop for lunch, take a leak, gas up, etc. 

x2 on that route.  550 is pretty darn scenic in some areas.  I take this route on my motorcycle and it's a niiice ride.  A little faster if you're staying in Mountain Village too.  In 2010 I went a different way AND made a wrong turn and ended up going through Ouray and Silverton.  Probably added an hour to the trip, but honestly, when I'm going to Tride you couldn't smack the smile off my face with one of those giant foam hands and I really could care less about the route or how long it takes! 

[Glowworm Bill]

Thanks for the response.  I unfortunately booked a nonrefundable room in Telluride and then booked a flight to ABQ that arrives at 7pm that evening, so we're going to try to make good time with a couple exhausted kids.... Should make for a heck of a surprise when they wake up in the morning, at least!

 Listening to: John Prine ... "naked as the eyes of a clown"

[aaronacp15]

Bevin,

We are flying into Durango late and will probably leave too early to buy booze in Durango. Are there any places to do so on the way to Telluride from Durango? Any info would be appreciated. Thanks a lot! 

[Debbiefromtucson]

Bill- If you are gonna be driving that late- make sure you watch out for ELK once you get going in the mountains!

[carrington9]

whats the big deal about buying booze in durango?  is it cheaper there?

[Glowworm Bill]

Bill- If you are gonna be driving that late- make sure you watch out for ELK once you get going in the mountains!

I had heard that the Environmental Liberation Klan was active in that area.  I'll be sure to drive with my headlights off! 

 Listening to: "sheep go to heaven, goats go to hell"

[Mandhoe]

whats the big deal about buying booze in durango?  is it cheaper there?

She probably thinks they don't sell booze in T-Ride.

 Listening to: A liquor order being placed in Telluride

[zack_adcock]

In my experience, Liquor World (I think? -- kind of near the 160?) in Durango has a better selection than anywhere in Telluride, but I haven't done too much exploring either place.

[completejohn]

I've done the drive in 5 hours, but as Bevin points out, that's when it's just me.  Multiple passengers, especially kids, can really add to the time.

For stopping places, anywhere in Bernalillo, Cuba, Bloomfield, Aztec, Durango and Dolores should work for ya (there IS a little gas station in Mancos but I don't know if it's 24hrs or not).  After Dolores, it's T-ride, so make sure you and your passengers are ready for the drive from there.

I usually do the Farmington cut off cuz I like the scenery and the lack of traffic, but don't usually do it at night.  I've done 550 at night a LOT  - it's an easy drive and there will be more traffic in case you run into car trouble.

[Bevin]

Liquor world has a huge selection, sure, but Bottle Works and other liquor stores in Telluride also have a good selection and I don't think the price is that different in Telluride vs buying your booze in Durango or somewhere else.  But sometimes I just feel like picking up something extra along the way, or stopping for food or whatever.  Stopping at the liquor store in Farmington just doesn't have the same appeal. 

But I think maybe the difference between buying a bottle of Sailor Jerry in Durango vs Telluride is about the same as the difference between going Albuquerque to Telluride on 550 through Durango or via 491 through Gallup.

[Davein VA]

Any advice from Durango?

 -- 550 through Silverton and Ouray, or
 -- 145 through Dolores an up.

[HuckinFappy]

Any advice from Durango?

 -- 550 through Silverton and Ouray, or
 -- 145 through Dolores an up.

Depends on priorities.   I'd so 550, because the final Ridgway->Telluride stretch is as pretty as anything gets

[AnythingAtAll]

Thanks for the response.  I unfortunately booked a nonrefundable room in Telluride and then booked a flight to ABQ that arrives at 7pm that evening, so we're going to try to make good time with a couple exhausted kids.... Should make for a heck of a surprise when they wake up in the morning, at least!

Night of the week matters, but generally, I would not drive 491 (the old 666) at night if it could be avoided, and it's not based on superstition.  I think you'll be happier 550 thru Durango since you won't be leaving ABQ until close to 8 pm. 

Some places in Durango will still be open when you go thru. 
Do not speed in or anywhere near Cuba, NM. 
Dolores, CO. is last call for anywhere close to reasonably priced gas, I would fill up at Bloomfield/Aztec and top off in Mancos/Dolores.