Driving directions

[BanjoMatt]

First timers coming in from Jackson, MS.  What are some route suggestions from Albuquerque?  I'm in the transportation business and my route planner says 550 to Route 39 to 145 N. 

[Bevin]

Easiest way from ABQ is take 550 all the way to Durango, then head west from Durango on 160 to Mancos, and then take the cut-off from Mancos to Dolores on 184.  That puts you onto 145 at Dolores, and that road goes all the way to Paradise.

Some folks like to try a cut-off from Aztec NM to Hesperus (574 to 140 to the 160) which I've timed and mapped in both directions and I don't think it justifies itself.  Plus going through Durango allows you to go through Durango, get lunch, gas up, stop at a major grocery or liquor store, etc, all of which you miss if you go from Aztec NM to Hesperus. 

So, Albuquerque to Durango, Durango to Mancos, Mancos to Dolores, then Dolores to Telluride.  Don't go through Silverton unless you just want to take the scenic route.  I don't know about this Hwy 39 you mention...

[alrghtgy]

First timers coming from Memphis!  I'll also be coming thru Albuquerque too but I'm considering a diversion to drive thru the Ophir Pass.  Maybe.  That is, if the Day1 drive doesn't kick our ass too bad.  Ha
Where you guys camping for your first TBF BanjoMatt?  We'll be in Mary E.  Can't wait!

 Listening to: Guy Clark

[Hippie]

  Wow Ophir pass? Are you serious?

Might I suggest you find a more trustworthy Festivarian buddy? Or at least look up Ophir pass on the mapbook.

Bevin is right Grab 145 north just before you get to Cortez. Wally world is very close by and the liquor store at the top of the hill before Dolores has reasonable prices.

Safe travels

[Cindy Lou]

  Bevin is having you turn at Mancos, which is 28 miles west of Durango.  Hippie is sending you on over to Cortez which is another 17 miles west of Mancos.  Either way will get you to Hwy 145.  By Wally World he means Walmart, which is in Cortez just a little more west of the light at 145. There is a liquor store on the right there in Cortez which is MUCH cheaper than the one Hippie mentions. It is called West Slope Liquors, sits off in a little shopping center behind KFC. They give free ice!
But, if you don't need to go into Cortez, then definitely turn off of 160 at Mancos, onto 184. It is called Summit Highway, and is a cutoff to get you to 145 a bit quicker.
Gas is cheaper in Durango right now than Mancos or Cortez, and definitely cheaper than in Telluride.
And Ophir Pass in not something you want to take as an alternate route. I'm not even sure if it's open yet.

[BanjoMatt]

First timers coming from Memphis!  I'll also be coming thru Albuquerque too but I'm considering a diversion to drive thru the Ophir Pass.  Maybe.  That is, if the Day1 drive doesn't kick our ass too bad.  Ha
Where you guys camping for your first TBF BanjoMatt?  We'll be in Mary E.  Can't wait!

We are in Town Park.  I've been trying to get Town Park for three years.  First time my wife enters the lottery she gets it.

[alrghtgy]

Thanks guys for all of the tips!  They are genuinely appreciated!!

 Listening to: Snarky Puppy

[Hooch]

First timers coming from Memphis!  I'll also be coming thru Albuquerque too but I'm considering a diversion to drive thru the Ophir Pass.  Maybe.  That is, if the Day1 drive doesn't kick our ass too bad.  Ha
Where you guys camping for your first TBF BanjoMatt?  We'll be in Mary E.  Can't wait!

Yeahhhh...Ophir Pass is a 4-wheel drive road.  At the summit it's all large rocks and barely wide enough for a single car.  Do it if you've got high-clearance, 4WD, and time on your hands because it's beautiful.  But it's not a "short cut".

[completejohn]

Like Bevin, I've taken just about every road to T-ride.  His plan is the easiest, plus there are LOTS of motels in Durango if you need a break.

I always have to add this:  If you're in Dolores after 4 pm, check out their brewery.  I really like their beer!

[Bevin]

I always have to add this:  If you're in Dolores after 4 pm, check out their brewery.  I really like their beer!

Indeed!  Dolores River Brewing is one of the best things in Dolores 

BanjoMatt, what day are you arriving in Telluride?

[BanjoMatt]

I always have to add this:  If you're in Dolores after 4 pm, check out their brewery.  I really like their beer!

Indeed!  Dolores River Brewing is one of the best things in Dolores 

BanjoMatt, what day are you arriving in Telluride?

We are going to go all out on the first day and try to make Albuquerque.  That will have us in Telluride on Sun afternoon, 1st thing MON worst case.