Colorado Highway 50 Bridge Shut Down
 

Saw that Colorado Highway 50 heading west out of Gunnison (towards Momtrose) was shut down due to a bridge issue along the Gunnison River/Blue Mesa Reservoir. I'm going to have to re-route a portion of our trip later this summer. Coming from the west on Colorado Highway 50, I would take Colorado Highway 26 south and then Colorado Highway 149 south towards Southfork, Colorado. Has anyone taken Colorado Highways 26/149 south from Highway 50 to Southfork, Colorado? We're towing a 40' Montana 3950BR.

Native Coloradoan (I actually googled Coloradoan vs Coloradan= both correct) and travel SH149 yearly. SH149 through Lake City on to Creede is some of the prettiest country in CO. Southern CO is much less traveled than I70; therefore, not so busy. But, it's a two lane highway in good shape with quite a bit of vertical. A gasser will be holding up traffic; so, be prepared to pull over and let backed up traffic by- I've done it with our last rig. So, don't be in a hurry and stop for ice cream in Lake City and visit Creede's old silver mines.

The highwaymay be open by the time you are travelling.Check here https://apps.apple.com/app/id404705123 for,updates. Cdot is usually pretty good about fixing highways around the state.

I have driven 149 from South Fork to Lake City and back several times but it has been several years. Slumgullion Pass just south of Lake City is an 11,500' pass. Pretty good highway (or at least used to be) with one tight switch back and some steep grades. But a really beautiful drive. If you have a diesel I don't think you would have a problem over it being very careful on the grades. And if you don't have a problem on high mountain roads and passes. Don't let the dangerous roads name in the link below scare you. I have seen worse. And Creede is worth a stop along the way.

https://www.dangerousroads.org/north...lion-pass.html

If you have a gasoline powered truck you will be down on power by about 40% at 11,500 feet of elevation.
Lynwood

Looking at google maps street view, CO 26 appears to be a seasonal narrow gravel road that is closed in the winter. Shows it currently closed and opening July. But that is probably based on normal expected snow melt and road maintenance.

Being a major east/west route I expect getting 50 back open will be high priority. Maybe be open or partially open by “later this summer”.

Cdot is running escorted vehicle convoys on 26, and are developing a plan to fix 50. By the time you need it this summer, it should be fixed.

Suggestions
 

Where are you coming from on US-50 going west?

If they don't get the bridge fixed, I would consider using CO-141 if you are coming through Grand Junction. Then continue south to Cortez where you pickup US-160 that goes through to South Fork.

Another option and a pretty drive, take US-550 south out of Montrose then CO-62 to CO-145. Driving through on US-550 wouldn't be good with a large rig.


Western Colorado native.

We'll be leaving from Ouray, trying to avoid CO 550 south towards Durango due to the issues you mention. Heading back to Texas and wanted to head more east instead of backtracking west (my opinion) through Cortez. Thought about taking 62/145 towards Dolores and then back towards Durango and Pagosa Springs. What would you recommend?

This CBS Colorado news clip was posted yesterday. It’s not very encouraging that it will be a quick fix.

https://youtu.be/5AZk4NLXa1M?si=ltIXHekDApaL4qyg

From Ouray that would certainly work. Nice drive past Ophir over Lizard Head. Can be quite a pull though! I do not know about the road from Delores to Mancos. Hope you have good travels!

We live in the area. I would take 550 to Durango; pulled my rig on it many times, no problems. If you don't want to do that you can take 62/145 over Lizard Head but it is more than an hour out of your way. It is still a mountainous road, but not as spectacular as 550. I have no problems with either route. 184 between Dolores and Mancos is a good highway (goes right past our house); no need to go to Cortez.

If mountains really bother you, take 62/145 to Naturita, then 141 to Dove Creek where you will pick up 160. That is at least 2 hours more than the 550 route.