Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » [GMCnet] Durango, CO to Grand Junction, CO
| [GMCnet] Durango, CO to Grand Junction, CO [message #179798] |
Sat, 11 August 2012 00:00  |
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USAussie
Messages: 15912
Registered: July 2007
Location: Sydney, Australia
Karma: 6
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G'day,
Spent a pleasant day taking the bus up to Silverton and the train back to Durango, seriously SPECTACULAR scenery!
Did notice that the climb from Durango to Silverton was a doozie! Helen was looking at the maps and noted instead of driving:
Durango - Silverton - Ouray - Ridgway - Montrose - Delta - Grand Junction via Route 550 and Route 50
We could drive;
Durango - Cortez - Dove Creek - Naturita - Gateway - Orchard Mesa - Grand Junction via Route 160 - Route 491 - Route 141
The second route appears to be through valleys at lower altitudes.
Suggestions / comments?
Regards,
Rob M.
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Regards,
Rob M. (USAussie)
The Pedantic Mechanic
Sydney, Australia
'75 Avion - AUS - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
'75 Avion - USA - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
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| Re: [GMCnet] Durango, CO to Grand Junction, CO [message #179800 is a reply to message #179798] |
Sat, 11 August 2012 00:45  |
Gary Berry
Messages: 1002
Registered: May 2005
Karma: -1
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Hey Rob;
We took the Million Dollar Highway (the first route you mentioned)
with the Stretch towing the Scion xB on a dolly. Did just fine. A
little slow in some areas, but a beautiful trip. Stop at the hot
springs in Ouray if you get a chance.
--
Gary and Diana Berry
73 CL Stretch in Wa.
On Fri, Aug 10, 2012 at 10:00 PM, Rob Mueller <robmueller@iinet.net.au> wrote:
> G'day,
>
> Spent a pleasant day taking the bus up to Silverton and the train back to Durango, seriously SPECTACULAR scenery!
>
> Did notice that the climb from Durango to Silverton was a doozie! Helen was looking at the maps and noted instead of driving:
>
> Durango - Silverton - Ouray - Ridgway - Montrose - Delta - Grand Junction via Route 550 and Route 50
>
> We could drive;
>
> Durango - Cortez - Dove Creek - Naturita - Gateway - Orchard Mesa - Grand Junction via Route 160 - Route 491 - Route 141
>
> The second route appears to be through valleys at lower altitudes.
>
> Suggestions / comments?
>
> Regards,
> Rob M.
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| Re: [GMCnet] Durango, CO to Grand Junction, CO [message #179801 is a reply to message #179798] |
Sat, 11 August 2012 01:16 |
Ken Burton
Messages: 10030
Registered: January 2004
Location: Hebron, Indiana
Karma: 10
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I have run parts of both routes. The Durango - Silverton route was not in a coach so I do not remember much about the elevations. If you take the other route towards Cortez, you can stop at Mesa Verde. Also I suggest on that route that you forget the Dove Creek to Naturita part and go to Moab to see Arches National Park. Both parks have camping and are easily accessed with a GMC. At Arches the campground is all the way near the end of the park road which is worth the drive and you will get to see why Utah put the arches on their license plates.
When you come out of Arches you can go Northeast on 128 to I-70 and save a few miles.
Also camp Walmart in Cortez has "no overnight parking" signs out. If you ask inside you will find that they do not enforce the signs and you can stay there. Also they will give you an alternative of going down the street a couple of blocks to the old Walmart where there are no signs. That was a couple of years ago and things might have changed. Also the AutoZone in town said I could park there.
Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
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| Re: [GMCnet] Durango, CO to Grand Junction, CO [message #179802 is a reply to message #179801] |
Sat, 11 August 2012 01:21 |
Ken Burton
Messages: 10030
Registered: January 2004
Location: Hebron, Indiana
Karma: 10
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Also Camp Walmart in Grand Junction has enforced "No overnight parking" BUT... the Sam's Club a block down the street will let you park and there is a good restaurant next door. Also the Sam's Club had the cheapest gas in town when I was there. Park away from the loading dock area as they unload trucks there in the middle of the night and need room for truck access. I never heard or saw them as I was sleeping whenever they arrived.
Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
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| Re: [GMCnet] Durango, CO to Grand Junction, CO [message #179809 is a reply to message #179798] |
Sat, 11 August 2012 06:34 |
Steven Ferguson
Messages: 3447
Registered: May 2006
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I'm with Gary Berry on tis one Rob.
On Fri, Aug 10, 2012 at 10:00 PM, Rob Mueller <robmueller@iinet.net.au>wrote:
> G'day,
>
> Spent a pleasant day taking the bus up to Silverton and the train back to
> Durango, seriously SPECTACULAR scenery!
>
> Did notice that the climb from Durango to Silverton was a doozie! Helen
> was looking at the maps and noted instead of driving:
>
> Durango - Silverton - Ouray - Ridgway - Montrose - Delta - Grand Junction
> via Route 550 and Route 50
>
> We could drive;
>
> Durango - Cortez - Dove Creek - Naturita - Gateway - Orchard Mesa - Grand
> Junction via Route 160 - Route 491 - Route 141
>
> The second route appears to be through valleys at lower altitudes.
>
> Suggestions / comments?
>
> Regards,
> Rob M.
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
--
Fathom the hypocrisy of a nation where every citizen must prove they have
health insurance......but not everyone has to prove they're a citizen.
Steve Ferguson
Sierra Vista, AZ
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| Re: [GMCnet] Durango, CO to Grand Junction, CO [message #179813 is a reply to message #179809] |
Sat, 11 August 2012 09:05 |
Bruce Hart
Messages: 1501
Registered: October 2011
Location: La Grange, Wyoming
Karma: 5
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There is another option and that would be to take 145 at Dolores. Follow
the Dolores river and end up at Telluride, than on to 62 to Ridgeway
All paved roads, and nice scenery.
On Sat, Aug 11, 2012 at 5:34 AM, Steven Ferguson <botiemad11@gmail.com>wrote:
> I'm with Gary Berry on tis one Rob.
>
> On Fri, Aug 10, 2012 at 10:00 PM, Rob Mueller <robmueller@iinet.net.au
> >wrote:
>
> > G'day,
> >
> > Spent a pleasant day taking the bus up to Silverton and the train back to
> > Durango, seriously SPECTACULAR scenery!
> >
> > Did notice that the climb from Durango to Silverton was a doozie! Helen
> > was looking at the maps and noted instead of driving:
> >
> > Durango - Silverton - Ouray - Ridgway - Montrose - Delta - Grand Junction
> > via Route 550 and Route 50
> >
> > We could drive;
> >
> > Durango - Cortez - Dove Creek - Naturita - Gateway - Orchard Mesa - Grand
> > Junction via Route 160 - Route 491 - Route 141
> >
> > The second route appears to be through valleys at lower altitudes.
> >
> > Suggestions / comments?
> >
> > Regards,
> > Rob M.
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > GMCnet mailing list
> > Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> > http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
> >
>
>
>
> --
> Fathom the hypocrisy of a nation where every citizen must prove they have
> health insurance......but not everyone has to prove they're a citizen.
> Steve Ferguson
> Sierra Vista, AZ
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
--
Bruce Hart
1976 Palm Beach
Milliken, Co
GMC=Got More Class
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Bruce Hart
1976 Palm Beach
1977 28' Kingsley
La Grange, Wyoming
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| Re: [GMCnet] Durango, CO to Grand Junction, CO [message #179816 is a reply to message #179798] |
Sat, 11 August 2012 09:44 |
Gary Mau
Messages: 152
Registered: February 2004
Location: Davenport, Iowa
Karma: 0
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Rob,
I would recommend what Bruce suggested. Telluride and Ouray are both very much worth visiting. That route is much less challenging than the Million Dollar Highway (550). I have driven both routes more than once but never in the coach. There are some very narrow and scary spots south of Ouray on 550, especially traveling south, even in a car. The ascent into Ouray is also challenging with steep switchbacks. Saw a SOB with the brakes on fire in Ouray after he came down that. At Ridgway turn south to Ouray, it's not that far. After visiting there head back north to Montrose and beyond.
Gary Mau
Former 76 Royale owner
Davenport, IA
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| Re: [GMCnet] Durango, CO to Grand Junction, CO [message #179820 is a reply to message #179818] |
Sat, 11 August 2012 10:15 |
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USAussie
Messages: 15912
Registered: July 2007
Location: Sydney, Australia
Karma: 6
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Senior Member |
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G'day,
Thanks for all the suggestions!
Well the die is cast! "WE" decided to take the following route:
Durango, CO - Dove Creek, CO - Monticello, UT - Moab, UT - Crescent Junction, UT - Grand Junction, CO.
Since we've told my Cousin that we'll be there Saturday we'll take notes as to where to stop in UT for next year's tour.
Plus we get to put a sticker for the state of Utah on our States Visited Map!
Regards,
Rob M.
PS - The lack of performance out of this engine at altitude has made me decide that the Paterson engine I have in Houston will be
fitted with EFI.
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Regards,
Rob M. (USAussie)
The Pedantic Mechanic
Sydney, Australia
'75 Avion - AUS - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
'75 Avion - USA - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
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| Re: [GMCnet] Durango, CO to Grand Junction, CO [message #179828 is a reply to message #179798] |
Sat, 11 August 2012 11:06 |
KB
Messages: 1262
Registered: September 2009
Karma: 0
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My better half is a Durango native. He points out that
Dove Creek is the pinto bean capital of the world.
It's very, very flat (boring) through there. 550 is prettier
and with the new(ish) "million dollar highway", much more
drivable than it used to be. Beautiful area.
I always start to really miss the southwest in the fall.
Karen
1973 23'
1975 26'
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Karen
1975 26'
San Jose, CA
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| Re: [GMCnet] Durango, CO to Grand Junction, CO [message #179833 is a reply to message #179798] |
Sat, 11 August 2012 11:22 |
Gary Mau
Messages: 152
Registered: February 2004
Location: Davenport, Iowa
Karma: 0
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Karen,
How new is "newish?" What changes have they made and where? Rob's final route sure misses some beautiful and interesting country, some of our favorite places! Too bad!
Gary Mau
Former 76 Royale owner
Davenport, IA
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| Re: [GMCnet] Durango, CO to Grand Junction, CO [message #179841 is a reply to message #179833] |
Sat, 11 August 2012 11:58 |
Bruce Hart
Messages: 1501
Registered: October 2011
Location: La Grange, Wyoming
Karma: 5
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Still a good choice Rob. On your way between Cortez and Dove Creek look
for a farm house on the north side of the road with 1950 vintage cars
scattered among the field. There are some very interesting rock formations
on trip thru Utah. I made several trips to Dove Creek from my residence
north of Denver last winter and it is the most direct route. The Maverick
station in Monticello had the cheapest gas until Grand Junction.
Look for another Mystery Machine!
Sat, Aug 11, 2012 at 10:22 AM, Gary Mau <garyemau@aol.com> wrote:
>
>
> Karen,
>
> How new is "newish?" What changes have they made and where? Rob's
> final route sure misses some beautiful and interesting country, some of our
> favorite places! Too bad!
> --
> Gary Mau
> 76 Royale
> Davenport, IA
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
--
Bruce Hart
1976 Palm Beach
Milliken, Co
GMC=Got More Class
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Bruce Hart
1976 Palm Beach
1977 28' Kingsley
La Grange, Wyoming
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| Re: [GMCnet] Durango, CO to Grand Junction, CO [message #179842 is a reply to message #179828] |
Sat, 11 August 2012 12:18 |
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ljdavick
Messages: 3548
Registered: March 2007
Location: Fremont, CA
Karma: -3
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Dove Creek sounds like a natural “Must See” spot for Robin Hood once he gets his Royale road worthy.
Larry Davick
A Mystery Machine
1976(ish) Palm Beach
Fremont, CA
On Aug 11, 2012, at 9:06 AM, KB wrote:
> My better half is a Durango native. He points out that
> Dove Creek is the pinto bean capital of the world.
> It's very, very flat (boring) through there. 550 is prettier
> and with the new(ish) "million dollar highway", much more
> drivable than it used to be. Beautiful area.
>
> I always start to really miss the southwest in the fall.
>
> Karen
> 1973 23'
> 1975 26'
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Larry Davick
A Mystery Machine
1976(ish) Palm Beach
Fremont, Ca
Howell EFI + EBL + Electronic Dizzy
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| Re: [GMCnet] Durango, CO to Grand Junction, CO [message #179855 is a reply to message #179798] |
Sat, 11 August 2012 13:43 |
KB
Messages: 1262
Registered: September 2009
Karma: 0
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> How new is "newish?" What changes have they made and where? Rob's final route sure misses some beautiful and interesting country, some of our favorite places! Too bad!
Not that new; just compared to when he grew up there and it
used to be REALLY twisty, steep, narrow, and scary. It was a big
deal when the upgraded 550 highway went in, and people scoffed at the
expense.
Since we're kinda cowardly with our GMC, we'd probably
take the easier those less scenic route through Grand Junction, etc.
Arches is beautiful, but very hot this time of year.
Mesa Verde is worth seeing too.
Karen
1973 23'
1975 26'
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Karen
1975 26'
San Jose, CA
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| Re: [GMCnet] Durango, CO to Grand Junction, CO [message #179902 is a reply to message #179855] |
Sat, 11 August 2012 21:10 |
Ken Burton
Messages: 10030
Registered: January 2004
Location: Hebron, Indiana
Karma: 10
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| KB wrote on Sat, 11 August 2012 13:43 |
> How new is "newish?" What changes have they made and where? Rob's final route sure misses some beautiful and interesting country, some of our favorite places! Too bad!
Not that new; just compared to when he grew up there and it
used to be REALLY twisty, steep, narrow, and scary. It was a big
deal when the upgraded 550 highway went in, and people scoffed at the
expense.
Since we're kinda cowardly with our GMC, we'd probably
take the easier those less scenic route through Grand Junction, etc.
Arches is beautiful, but very hot this time of year.
Mesa Verde is worth seeing too.
Karen
1973 23'
1975 26'
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I did not think of the temperature when I suggested Arches. I have only been there in November and December. One morning in November I woke up in the Arches campground to 18 degrees F.
Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
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| Re: [GMCnet] Durango, CO to Grand Junction, CO [message #179920 is a reply to message #179916] |
Sun, 12 August 2012 06:52 |
Bruce Hart
Messages: 1501
Registered: October 2011
Location: La Grange, Wyoming
Karma: 5
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Senior Member |
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Is your next stop today Laramie Wy. Like everywhere else there is more than
one way to get there.
On Sat, Aug 11, 2012 at 10:14 PM, Rob Mueller <robmueller@iinet.net.au>wrote:
> G'day,
>
> We just got back from dinner with Cousin Howard and I'm sitting Double
> Trouble and I figger'd I'd update the tour status's .
>
> First of all I wanted to thank everybody for their comments and
> suggestions.
>
> At the end of the day I just didn't want to risk problems with vapor lock
> at those elevations so I took the "low road."
>
> The scenery in parts of the route was blah but in other sections it was
> beautiful.
>
> We stopped at Arches National Park to pickup a brochure for next year's
> tour.
>
> By then the Patterson 455 (with EFI) will be in Double Trouble along with
> Manny's Power Drive Switch Pitch trans and I'll be
> able to take it anywhere without having to worry about vapor lock (says he
> with trepidation).
>
> Regards,
> Rob M.
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
--
Bruce Hart
1976 Palm Beach
Milliken, Co
GMC=Got More Class
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Bruce Hart
1976 Palm Beach
1977 28' Kingsley
La Grange, Wyoming
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| Re: [GMCnet] Durango, CO to Grand Junction, CO [message #179921 is a reply to message #179833] |
Sun, 12 August 2012 07:41 |
Steven Ferguson
Messages: 3447
Registered: May 2006
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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Indeed it does. Your suggestion was excellent and the route I took earlier
this year on our GL1800.
On Sat, Aug 11, 2012 at 9:22 AM, Gary Mau <garyemau@aol.com> wrote:
>
>
> Karen,
>
> How new is "newish?" What changes have they made and where? Rob's
> final route sure misses some beautiful and interesting country, some of our
> favorite places! Too bad!
> --
> Gary Mau
> 76 Royale
> Davenport, IA
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
--
Fathom the hypocrisy of a nation where every citizen must prove they have
health insurance......but not everyone has to prove they're a citizen.
Steve Ferguson
Sierra Vista, AZ
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
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| Re: [GMCnet] Durango, CO to Grand Junction, CO [message #179922 is a reply to message #179798] |
Sun, 12 August 2012 07:45 |
Steven Ferguson
Messages: 3447
Registered: May 2006
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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Take a good look at the new MSD Atomic Fuel Injection Rob. NO return line
required, darn near sailor proof and can be installed in 4 hours. Program
in the engine particulars, disconnect the suppied input device, the thing
learns how to operate from there. Simple, easy, and a long time coming.
On Fri, Aug 10, 2012 at 10:00 PM, Rob Mueller <robmueller@iinet.net.au>wrote:
> G'day,
>
> Spent a pleasant day taking the bus up to Silverton and the train back to
> Durango, seriously SPECTACULAR scenery!
>
> Did notice that the climb from Durango to Silverton was a doozie! Helen
> was looking at the maps and noted instead of driving:
>
> Durango - Silverton - Ouray - Ridgway - Montrose - Delta - Grand Junction
> via Route 550 and Route 50
>
> We could drive;
>
> Durango - Cortez - Dove Creek - Naturita - Gateway - Orchard Mesa - Grand
> Junction via Route 160 - Route 491 - Route 141
>
> The second route appears to be through valleys at lower altitudes.
>
> Suggestions / comments?
>
> Regards,
> Rob M.
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
--
Fathom the hypocrisy of a nation where every citizen must prove they have
health insurance......but not everyone has to prove they're a citizen.
Steve Ferguson
Sierra Vista, AZ
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