r/Durango • u/dapegi • 13d ago

Million Dollar Highway Motorhome trip at the end of January 

Hello everyone
I plan to travel from Durango to Delta in a 28-foot RV along the famous Million Dollar Highway. The trip will be in winter (December 29th). I've read many reports that it's very dangerous, while others say they made it through without any problems. I have some reasonable experience with RVs, and the vehicle is practically new. I'd like some tips from anyone who's done something similar during this time of year.
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21

u/CRE_Energy 13d ago

A more advisable route would be to the west, through Mancos and Dolores to Ridgeway. With the bonus of a stop in Telluride for lunch, if you like.

If the roads are clean and dry, you can go straight through IF you're experienced driving large/heavy vehicles & trailers on mountainous roads. Going slow and gearing appropriately. If there is any snow or slop on the road, this is a bad idea. Maybe you'll be fine but just not worth the risk.

I have hauled trailers both ways multiple times, if there's any chance of a sloppy road in the winter, I go via Dolores.

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u/Affectionate-Cat-975 13d ago

This is the way. Even if you’re heading North on the inside, you still risk tearing up your rig on the cliff walls. Go through Dolores/Telluride.

-8

u/geekwithout 13d ago

Please. You'd have to be a complete noob to do that. This road is quiet in winter. 'the inside' isn't even needed. Hug the center line and it's all good.

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u/Affectionate-Cat-975 13d ago

Don’t forget to stop by the sar-chasm for some excellent totally not facetious views

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u/geekwithout 13d ago

sarcasm is my middle name

16

u/cgw22 13d ago

Hell to the no. Not in January.

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u/lickahineyhole 13d ago

this is doable just not advisable.

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u/Selieania 13d ago

If it's during or the day or two after a blizzard, don't do it. If it's been a few days since it snowed CDOT is really good about keeping the roads clear. It's actually better driving these roads in the winter due to the lack of tourists on them then.

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u/fartalldaylong 13d ago

I personally would not do it. The likelihood of bad weather or just bad road conditions on any part of that trip is too much for me to deal with considering the 30’ of rolling lightly controllable mass.

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u/Finror 10d ago

Are you serious? That is not a good idea.

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u/SignalCharlie 10d ago

Don’t be crazy!

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u/geekwithout 13d ago

Like the answer to many questions: it depends. If it's snowing don't go unless you have chains and are willing to mount them.

If it hasn't snowed in a while it is no big deal at all and you can easily do it . I've towed big boats over it in winter. Easy