Fastest Albuquerque to Telluride Route?

[AnythingAtAll]

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

Yep, if you've got time and want adventure, 550 is the way to go, but it's up and over 3 high mountain passes and you go north to come back south to Telluride.

If you're looking to make time, it's Mancos/Dolores/Telluride.

[Debbiefromtucson]

Don't speed anywhere near Delores either.. I think they have a special "festipatrol" too

[completejohn]

But in Dolores DO stop at the Brewery.  It opens at 4pm.  They make THE BEST bock I've ever had, though it's not always available.  I also like their stouts.  Plus I LOVE the logos and their cans.

[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!

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.

Thanks for the heads up on speed traps!

 Listening to: Grouplove

[Cindy Lou]

The fastest way to Telluride from Durango is definitely 160 West to Mancos. right at the (only) light to 184 to Dolores, then right again at the stop sign onto 145, up and over Lizard Head and on to Telluride.
The gas station in Mancos now has 24 hour pumps. Liquor World in Durango has a wonderful selection, open until 11 I think, and if you are over 55 you get a senior discount on your booze. At least some good things come from being an old fart!  If you have kids I doubt you would want to stop at the brewpub, and they are not open on Monday I believe. Can't remember what day you said you are driving.
As far as your non-refundable room, perhaps you could rent it out over this forum and stay somewhere in between, maybe Durango, then be able to make the drive the next morning and actually see the scenery. good luck I live in the area so you can sent me a PM if you need specific info. 

[BrianFoley]

I would highly recommend sub-letting your Telluride room.  Leaving ABQ at 8 PM you will arrive in Telluride something like 3 or 4 AM the next morning if you don't hit a deer or elk on the road between Dolores and Telluride.  That last bit of road over Lizard Head is tough to do in the wee hours of the morning.  Plus it is so incredibly scenic to do the Durango to Telluride drive, it is really a shame to do it in the dark.  All good advice above about the speed traps and gas too. 

 Listening to: Bob Dylan All along the watchtower

[snowchick]

Great post!! I too am flying into NM from San Antonio with a drive to Telluride.