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With the forest fire in retreat (I hope) US 550 has re-opened to all traffic. We took a drive to Silverton, to see what the burned terrain looks like, and to spend some money in a town that has been hit by a dramatic drop in visitors.
BKrantz- Great pics. Not very familiar with S.W. Colorado. Definitely want to explore (Silverton, Ouray, etc.) this summer. Any must see places?
Mike, as other posts on RL have suggested, the best driving in the state is the San Juan Byway: from Durango, north on 550 through Silverton, Ouray, and Ridgway, then west on 62 and south on 145 to Telluride, Rico, Dolores, and Cortez, then east on 160 to Mancos and back to Durango. Most of these towns are worth a stop, some have outstanding eating, drinking, and lodging. And just off the loop is Mesa Verde NP. Let me know if you ever head this way.