Treacherous Beauty of the Million Dollar Highway in Colorado:A Truck Camper Adventure

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  • Опубліковано 13 січ 2025

КОМЕНТАРІ • 126

  • @keving4081
    @keving4081 Рік тому +2

    You two always make me smile. In 1978 while working at a Sod farm in Kalispell Mt. I was driving up a switchback road in a 1978 F350 flatbed pulling a 40'gooseneck trailer with a skid steer and a full load of sod (2,0000lbs.) . The hill was on the right and the abiss on my left. Creeping along in first gear with the peddle to the floor the transmission self destructed. My passenger said ,"what was that?! "The transmission just went and now we are going back down" I said,as the brakes began to slip. I spun the wheel steering the truck towards the abiss and the trailer towards the hill. We slammed into the hill and everything on the trailer slid 2 feet back. No one was injured and they finally bought a bigger truck. Remember it like it was yesterday.😊

  • @donaldbailey5576
    @donaldbailey5576 Рік тому +1

    Thanks. Now I miss Colorado and I was just there six months ago.

  • @homebuiltcamperdave5226
    @homebuiltcamperdave5226 Рік тому +1

    One of the most awesome stretches of road in the country.

  • @arvitrekking
    @arvitrekking Рік тому +1

    We love that drive, and also took it with our truck camper.

  • @carolyncolinhogarth8732
    @carolyncolinhogarth8732 Рік тому +1

    What a highway. Those switchbacks look so dangerous. Take care. Loving you All...carolyn

  • @BeckyLL
    @BeckyLL Рік тому +1

    Lived in Co for 25 years. Always home to me!❤️🐾

  • @humbledsparrows4687
    @humbledsparrows4687 Рік тому +2

    Imagine driving that road when it's covered in snow.

  • @corwynhoward269
    @corwynhoward269 Рік тому +1

    I have been on that stretch of 550 several times. It is absolutely breathtaking the first time you drive it. Ouray is the most quaint little mountain town. The entire San Juan area of Colorado just blew this flatlander from Ohio away.

  • @vickielane7387
    @vickielane7387 Рік тому +2

    Wow! I would be scared if driving and car sick if not. A car actually passed you on that road😲. Nice little towns you passed through. Thanks for sharing😃

  • @cruzzincoyote5614
    @cruzzincoyote5614 Рік тому +1

    Enjoy your attitudes and videos. God bless you both.

  • @greygooseadventures5212
    @greygooseadventures5212 Рік тому +1

    We have done that highway in our transit van. White knuckles all the way but so beautiful we will do it again. So incredible!

  • @philiptarnaski1667
    @philiptarnaski1667 Рік тому +1

    Hi to you all! Love the driving Views Beautiful. 👍

  • @2Skytime
    @2Skytime Рік тому +1

    We have traveled that highway with a 26ft travel trailer and we enjoyed it, fall was a beautiful time to travel it. We took the highway from north to south. Now we got to do it again in our new Leisure travel van 👍🏼👍🏼

  • @HogTide_Rising
    @HogTide_Rising Рік тому +1

    In summer of 2018, I rode that highway on my Harley Davidson Fat Boy Lo. An epic ride! And the pucker rating on a motorcycle is over the top.

  • @tawoo
    @tawoo Рік тому +1

    Best video yet!!

  • @carolbrucecollett
    @carolbrucecollett Рік тому +1

    Wow!! What a drive. Y'all did great!!

  • @karlhauer618
    @karlhauer618 Рік тому +2

    Great video! Always love that drive through the mountains. Rule of thumb for us is, everyone gets to enjoy the view except the driver! Plenty of pull outs though to stop and enjoy the view.

    • @CareyOnVagabond
      @CareyOnVagabond  Рік тому +1

      Dave waited to watch the video to enjoy the views;)

  • @sydneylandry2630
    @sydneylandry2630 Рік тому +1

    We just love the Durango to Silverton to Ouray road. We have driven it twice in our 25’ RV. We went a few weeks after y’all went so less snow and more greenery. Totally different look!

  • @BentNotBroken1970
    @BentNotBroken1970 Рік тому +1

    I lived in Durango for several years and always enjoyed driving from there to Ouray (pronounced "Yer/Your-ay"). Also made that trip in a 2wd car at night in a snowstorm :)
    There is or was a bicycle race from Durango to Silverton that I also did many years later. It was the most fun, and pain, I ever had on a bike.
    Thanks for sharing the video...brings back lots of memories!

    • @CareyOnVagabond
      @CareyOnVagabond  Рік тому +1

      We saw quite a few cyclists between Durango to Silverton. Dave was jealous:)

  • @rogerbrekas8239
    @rogerbrekas8239 Рік тому +1

    Yes we have been on the million dollar highway from North to South and we traveled most of Colorados highways in the Rockies. And they all are very scenic. We also have driven to the top of 14,000 foot Pikes Peak

  • @barbaraventura2732
    @barbaraventura2732 Рік тому +2

    It’s been quite a few years since I was on the million dollar highway. We drove it in a class C RV from Durango and although it was a beautiful drive, it was the scariest l have ever experienced.

  • @jmichaelmalone
    @jmichaelmalone Рік тому +1

    Just watching that, especially when the big rig turned the corner coming towards you gave me sweaty palms and a puckered up ………

  • @RV_Chef_Life
    @RV_Chef_Life Рік тому +2

    Beautiful.! We made that trip last Summer and I remember saying Colorado was being skimpy with the guardrails on that road, I couldn’t imagine pulling our Arab on that road. It’s definitely a pucker factor of 8

  • @Mysmichelle69
    @Mysmichelle69 Рік тому +1

    I'm scared on roads like that too. Heads up,Ecuador is scenic and scary times 10 😂 ❤❤❤❤❤

  • @tammycruz8189
    @tammycruz8189 Рік тому +1

    It looked scary to me . Becareful guys . Safe Travels Always. God Bless Y'all. Mucho Love From Your Friend In Michigan Tam 💜💜

  • @dsa5394
    @dsa5394 Рік тому +1

    We did the million dollar highway in the summer. It was gorgeous as there were red mountains. Love it. Colorado is full of terrifying roads. The road to the top of Mount Evans has to be the scariest. If you do it, make sure you do it really early as it gets busy in the afternoon. The switchbacks near the top are tight enough that I had to use both lanes, and I was driving a CRV.

    • @FoxRivers778
      @FoxRivers778 Рік тому

      Can you get a guide to drive you to top of Mount Evans? Aren't there are jeep tours for that one? I don't think I would drive it or Skyline Drive in my car, much less any of the other pass roads that are narrow and have no markings. I haven't made up my mind about the drive featured in this video. Biking would be scary as well because you never know what the drivers are going to do.

    • @dsa5394
      @dsa5394 Рік тому

      @@FoxRivers778 Skyline Drive in Virginia isn't that scary. It has speed limits and railings. However, I did drive up Mt. Evans and would do it again.

    • @FoxRivers778
      @FoxRivers778 Рік тому

      ​@@dsa5394 I was talking about Skyline Drive near Canon City. As you probably know, it's one lane and one way with dropoffs on either side so you're pretty much driving up the center of the peak. You'd want a jeep for that. I've been focused most of the day on watching drives on Million Dollar Highway. I think it's best I don't try to drive it, since I have no mountain driving experience, though I'm curious what it's like.

    • @dsa5394
      @dsa5394 Рік тому

      @FoxRivers778 northbound on the million dollar is better than southbound, in my opinion, as you are on the side next to the mountain for more of the trip. It is a gorgeous drive.

  • @margysfavourites8444
    @margysfavourites8444 6 місяців тому

    Most stunning drive , the Canadian Yukon Territory.
    Indescribable

  • @timsmith7625
    @timsmith7625 Рік тому +2

    Last time in 2019 I went through Durango and so much traffic and so different than in the decade before. Million Dollar Highway is a cool ride and definitely a two hands on the wheel and have to miss some of the views as you drive. Car sickness does happen on it.

  • @JohnandRos
    @JohnandRos 3 місяці тому +1

    Catching up on past videos. Laughing at Dave when he said he was white knuckling the drive on the Million Dollar Highway. We did that drive with a truck and a 40ft fifth wheel and was very scary. I spent my time as the passenger taking pictures, trying not to scream at the drops inches from the tires and looking ahead at the S bends to see if anyone was coming around them and if we could get more swing. Husband did amazing though we were both exhausted after. We're bummed we couldn't stop at the towns along the way, downside of hauling a big rig. Enjoying all your content, great editing.

  • @blessedveteran
    @blessedveteran Рік тому +1

    I took that drive in my truck camper. It didnt seen that bad when I did it, definitely very beautiful. I have a taco and a pop up camper, though so its a smaller footprint. It was also during the summer and the traffic was intense. There are some great boondocking sites up there. Thanks for sharing, Safe travels.

  • @trtrtrtttt
    @trtrtrtttt Рік тому +1

    from mrs: great vid, beautiful scenery. What a nail biter!!

  • @kathyhepler382
    @kathyhepler382 Рік тому +2

    I do like all your videos 📸. Safe travels!¡!!

  • @tose917
    @tose917 Рік тому +1

    Wow what an awesome video, one of my favorites!!!
    Pistol handled that road like a Pro!!😍❤️😍

  • @lr7993
    @lr7993 Рік тому +1

    My old stomping ground’s (Colorado) 😎

  • @travelingwithjoe216
    @travelingwithjoe216 Рік тому +2

    I drove it a couple years ago and agree, it’s amazing, yet terrifying at times.
    What made it worse for me was altitude sickness. That usually hits me between about 9,500’-11,500’, but I’m fine below and above those altitudes. Unfortunately, the road is almost entirely within that range.
    That being said, I’m going to do it again, eventually.

    • @CareyOnVagabond
      @CareyOnVagabond  Рік тому +1

      Haven’t experienced altitude sickness but a few years ago driving monarch pass in Colorado I got lightheaded at 9k feet but was fine at the top🤷‍♂️😁

    • @travelingwithjoe216
      @travelingwithjoe216 Рік тому

      @@CareyOnVagabond Yeah, it seems to hit people at different altitudes with different symptoms. I’m glad it wasn’t a factor for you.

  • @TheSkiseeks
    @TheSkiseeks Рік тому +1

    Thanks again. I saw an image of a Colorado town on the opening credits of the Netflix Series The Ranch. I was intrigued with that image of the town they called Garrison. I had no luck searching for Garrison. Come to find out that image of the fictional town of Garrison is Ouray, also known as Switzerland of America. Thanks for taking us on the road to Ouray

  • @sasquatch885
    @sasquatch885 Рік тому +2

    Love Colorado. Magnificent country.👍🏻

  • @EarthRoamingAdventures
    @EarthRoamingAdventures Рік тому +1

    The Mexican 175 mountain road between Oaxaca to Huatulco is a bit of a white knuckled drive after that all USA roads are a dream.
    Many down farther in central America will get your heart pupping.

  • @petemarron6677
    @petemarron6677 Рік тому +1

    Hey Dave, I lived in Durango briefly when I was in second grade ( long story). Rode the train, kinda fun.

    • @CareyOnVagabond
      @CareyOnVagabond  Рік тому

      We definitely want to go back and ride the train.

    • @jsutherland1043
      @jsutherland1043 Рік тому +1

      @@CareyOnVagabond The train ride is well worth another visit. Loved the open sides of the cars. Mind you...there are cinders from the engine. Take eye drops! Love your videos. Always look forward to seeing them.

    • @CareyOnVagabond
      @CareyOnVagabond  Рік тому

      @@jsutherland1043 thanks:)

  • @lindahurley5642
    @lindahurley5642 Рік тому +1

    Rode that road on my Yamaha FJR 1300 motorcycle. Definitely on of the top scenic rides I’ve taken. But I was white knuckle too, I’m very afraid of heights. I plan on doing it again in my promaster 1500. Might be a challenge up that mountain!

  • @patrickmolzahn9380
    @patrickmolzahn9380 Рік тому +1

    Nice journey. We did the MDH 2 years ago in our Sprinter. It wasn’t as scary as we expected. Independence Pass is much worse - esp on the downhill leading into Aspen when it becomes single lane and you are playing chicken with oncoming traffic. BTW, it’s pronounced “yer -ray”. Very cool town worth visiting.

  • @Peak_a_Boomer1963
    @Peak_a_Boomer1963 Рік тому +2

    I'm on the verge of a panic attack just watching you drive! And then someone passed you!? Intense was definitely the right word. Definitely beautiful views. Thanks for doing it so I won't have to.

    • @CareyOnVagabond
      @CareyOnVagabond  Рік тому +1

      You’re welcome:)

    • @Deborah986
      @Deborah986 Рік тому

      That’s why I’m driving million dollar hwy from New Mexico to Ouray so I will be in the mountain side not the outside- spectacular scenery. Have you taken beartooth highway drive?

    • @FoxRivers778
      @FoxRivers778 Рік тому +1

      My thought is the car that passed has probably driven that road many times if not all the time. First timers would have to be slow and steady and those that drive it all the time would just have to be understanding. It looks scary on video. Al the videos I have watched seem to make those shelf type roads look more narrow than they probably are. Someone said the land was 8-feet wide and it feels like less to me when you watch the video

  • @toddramsay977
    @toddramsay977 Рік тому +1

    Get the book… “ Drives of a Lifetime” We have drove several of them. You won’t regret.

  • @stoneyvanwie6042
    @stoneyvanwie6042 Рік тому +1

    Did that same trip and that road truly makes you butt pucker to the seat !😂 truly amazing.

  • @davervatx8814
    @davervatx8814 Рік тому +7

    Durango is one of my happy places....was there last winter to ski Purgatory. Dave & Irene, if you really want a white-knuckle experience, drive the Million Dollar Highway in the dead of winter with ice and snow! Pucker factor is off the charts! One of the things that makes it a nervous drive is the fact that there aren't any guardrails for most of it. I agree with Dave's description: "beautiful but stressful". Still gorgeous country and I can't wait to visit the area again. Happy travels, y'all :)

    • @CareyOnVagabond
      @CareyOnVagabond  Рік тому +2

      😳 nope, couldn’t do it in the winter! Thanks!

  • @Lracnolip
    @Lracnolip Рік тому +2

    It's been 4 months can you do a comparison, van, vs truck camping?

    • @CareyOnVagabond
      @CareyOnVagabond  Рік тому +1

      We’ll likely do a video in the near future about this;)

    • @Lracnolip
      @Lracnolip Рік тому +1

      @@CareyOnVagabond the truck looks very top heavy and not as nice to drive as a van. To me it seems to be a one trick pony for those who want to explore nature and tow a boat. Seems very different from everything we enjoyed in our 2019 RT Zion SRT.

    • @CareyOnVagabond
      @CareyOnVagabond  Рік тому +2

      @@Lracnolip it looks top heavy but all the weight is very low. It drives so much nicer than our Zion SRT and our custom 3500 Promaster. So smooth and so much power. We’ve been in some 30 -40 mph crosswinds and you feel it but it is actually better than the van. I think it’s that we are heavier and have a better suspension. Sometimes in heavy wind the van would really get jerked around. Both have their pluses and minuses but we are really enjoying it. Stay tuned for next weeks video where we drive someplace we could never go in our vans;)

  • @justaroundthebend6679
    @justaroundthebend6679 Рік тому +1

    WOW!! That was Awesome..... I loved it!! Awwww Pistol did Mama painted your toenails? you look so pretty.....

    • @CareyOnVagabond
      @CareyOnVagabond  Рік тому

      Thanks! She has some arthritis and drags her toenails when she walks on pavement. We glue these covers on them to keep her from scraping them to deep 🙌😁

  • @rajanikumari3672
    @rajanikumari3672 Рік тому +1

    I was getting car sick just watching. Talk about white knuckle drive, at least it was nice scenery.

  • @_GntlStone_
    @_GntlStone_ Рік тому +1

    The Verde Valley Railroad near Sedona is awesome. They also have one of those open cars.
    I highly suggest it if you're in the area.
    Then stop at the Haunted Hamburger in Jerome for dinner on a cliffside. Wednesdays are $5 off each burger =)
    Happy Travels.
    Carry on, Vagabonds! =)

  • @jancarly4
    @jancarly4 Рік тому +2

    I just drove that same route a week ago in my 1500 Ram Promaster. I told everyone I know it was the most beautiful road I’ve ever been on. I felt I was the right size for the road in a van so just enjoyed the ride and the scenery. Beautiful photography Irene. Thanks for sharing your journeys.

  • @mickylawless1941
    @mickylawless1941 Рік тому +1

    Ya, the MDH is very sketchy! And we drove it in a little Plymouth Neon. Nicole gets car sick easily, so she drove most of the time on that particular trip from Bozeman to Mesa Verde NP and back. I was on the outside edge (of the MDH) as we went up out of Ouray. Nicole was very nervous driving that section. I was trying not to hyperventilate. I too, have a fear of heights. It is spectacular scenery, but the Beartooth Pass in Montana is incredible, as is the North Cascade Highway. Neither highway puts one on edge (pun intended) like the MDH. Looking forward to your next video. Cheers and Carey On!

    • @CareyOnVagabond
      @CareyOnVagabond  Рік тому

      Vertigo is no joke when your on some of those roads!

  • @alphatruckhouse8223
    @alphatruckhouse8223 Рік тому +1

    Yup ! , drove it & Rode it it when i did the ride the Rockies 2yrs ago , an event you might like ! ~peace~ PS , Ouray is pronounced "You ray"

  • @danamarshall4502
    @danamarshall4502 Рік тому +2

    Drove that highway many years ago. Scenery is stunning . I think what makes it stressful is the absence of guard rails. Will drive it again !

  • @roadtriplover.
    @roadtriplover. Рік тому +1

    That highway is one I have yet to drive. I would love to, but it's a long distance from where I live and I'll need to plan my trip to make it happen. I think the cliffs would make me equally squeamish. I also have issues with sharp cliffs and heights, so I'm sure I'd also be white-knuckling the drive and taking every pull-over stop to gather my nerves.

  • @kimmccormick314
    @kimmccormick314 Рік тому +1

    We were just over the pass about a month ago. Saw ice climbers on the waterfalls. It was different with the ice hanging from the sides from the road. And this is my favorite pass in Colorado. We also motorcycled over that road at night in the fog. Speed was 10 miles an hour. In some places. Very interesting night.

  • @jimrodda
    @jimrodda Рік тому +1

    If you want more scary roads, you need to drive some of the roads in Europe especially the Alps and the roads are narrower than in the USA but our vehicles are smaller 😨😰🇬🇧

  • @toddramsay977
    @toddramsay977 Рік тому

    Less Junk, More Journey channel did a video on the train from Silverton to Durango on the train and by travel trailer a couple years ago. I like Ouray CO.

  • @RetiredInMotion
    @RetiredInMotion Рік тому +1

    So glad you two enjoyed yourselves in that scenic area. I spent two weeks in Durango and two in Silverton last summer and just loved it. Great places run, ride, and eat!

  • @davidbuchanan327
    @davidbuchanan327 Рік тому +1

    Nice video again. I was in that area as a kid, around 13 or 14 years old so 1973 or 74. My parents for whatever reason chose not to do the train also. So the train ride has been on my bucket list for 50 years now. lol. Anyway, we camped near Silverton in a campground called south mineral. Beautiful area from what I remember. Hopefully make it back there soon in my truck camper.

    • @CareyOnVagabond
      @CareyOnVagabond  Рік тому

      We definitely want to come back and ride the train!

  • @marcywebb7254
    @marcywebb7254 Рік тому +1

    Seems to be quite a bit of white around, when were you there? Looks like gorgeous but nerve-racking drive.

  • @outandaboutrving9913
    @outandaboutrving9913 Рік тому +1

    Great video. Ouray is actually pronounced U Ray…..

  • @jc18512
    @jc18512 Рік тому +2

    Been on that road a few times. You described it well. The road up Pikes Peak in in Colo Springs is equally beautiful and scary. Why were you two so stressed??? Pistol didn’t seem to mind 😂

  • @dlg5485
    @dlg5485 Рік тому +2

    I can't believe truckers even drive those tight roads. There must be better routes for them than this type of road.

    • @CareyOnVagabond
      @CareyOnVagabond  Рік тому +1

      I sure wouldn’t want to but I bet all the towns in the San Juan’s are glad they deliver their supplies. It’s the only “real”road through that part of Colorado:)

    • @homebuiltcamperdave5226
      @homebuiltcamperdave5226 Рік тому

      In that area it’s a major route. I’ve driven it in modern semi. It’s actually not bad. It never exceeds 6%. In the old days pre engine brakes, that must have been scary.

  • @A_World_Full_of_Lies
    @A_World_Full_of_Lies Рік тому +2

    I love watching you guys!! Both of you are too cute. Wish I could try that bread you made that time in your truck camper! It looked so delicious. Happy adventures and blessings!

  • @vrp406
    @vrp406 Рік тому +1

    Not the worst road, was over it 25 years ago in a S10. Most scenic I would say is Going to the Sun or the Beartooth Highway. Sorry this Montana girl is a little bias. Love Pistol living her best life.

    • @CareyOnVagabond
      @CareyOnVagabond  Рік тому +1

      Dave’s from Montana and has ridden his bike to Logan pass on the going to the sun road. He would have rather ridden this road than driven it:)

  • @mortenthenorwegian2875
    @mortenthenorwegian2875 Рік тому +1

    Nice to see you again! And wow what a spectacular scenery. And would have liked to have cycled up there. When it comes to roads, this is more normal in Norway. Here there are almost only narrow roads with mountains and valleys. But I understand that it's a bit unfamiliar at first.

  • @rickdejean4649
    @rickdejean4649 Рік тому +2

    Maybe Durango has a dog walking service for Pistol while your on the train 😊

  • @ChristophPuetz
    @ChristophPuetz Рік тому

    You guys are just amazing with what you do. And the journey is just breath-taking. I hope this is not too personal to ask, but what is the age difference between the two of you? I just go into a relationship with a woman (47) that is 8 years younger than me. I have a truck camper on order and I am planning for full-time travel. What have you learned that keeps your relationship alive and happy? DM is fine if you do not want to answer in public.

    • @CareyOnVagabond
      @CareyOnVagabond  Рік тому

      Well our relationship is such that we don’t have to “make it work”. No matter where we are or what we are doing we are a seamless team. We are lucky in that way and our relationship is effortless. Wishing you two the best as you embark on this next adventure! Maybe we’ll see you down the road somewhere. 😃

  • @melaniecarlisle4771
    @melaniecarlisle4771 Рік тому +1

    Great videography Irene! It definitely brings back memories when we were there. I do remember all of the cyclists on the MDH! Amazing feat.. Pistol girl was totally relaxed, so sweet! I was more concerned about falling rocks than going over the edge. I was driving and Wane was sightseeing..lol It was definitely nerve wracking 😮 The train is also on our bucket list

  • @rem1762
    @rem1762 Рік тому

    Colorado is a weird place with a bad spirit. Never my interest since my youth. Everyone I've ever dealt with including relatives just gives off bad vibes. Hopefully you'll find it more pleasant