(see runaway ramps details below). To be safe when dangerous weather occurs, you need to be prepared. There was a problem saving your notification. CATEGORY: Speed limits are, by necessity, slow, and the types of major accidents that occur in high-speed situations elsewhere are nonexistent on this road. The drop is a sheer cliff in many parts. Dash cam video shows crash that claimed truck drivers life on Wolf VIDEO: Train strikes stuck truck in South Carolina, This video is a terrifying PSA for checking your cab after you fuel near the border, VIDEO: Trucker hailed as a hero for using big rig to shield students from car. Access all of our premium content, get unlimited digital access and more! The lower six miles from Ouray up through the Uncompahgre Canyon travel through areas of vertical cliffs. Sign up for our daily email newsletter or to receive breaking news delivered to your inbox: Choose from several print and digital subscription packages, 2023 Durango Herald | It can be. Do you think the Broncos should build a new stadium to replace Empower Field at Mile High? There have been fatal accidents on Red Mountain Pass. Mike Wiggins Ouray County Plaindealer, This is the spot on Red Mountain Pass where a vehicle driven by 30-year-old MarkVillegas of Grand Junction hit a road sign and tumbled to the Uncompahgre River on Feb. 25. But not all avalanches occur naturally. One person died in an accident on Red Mountain Pass south of Ouray on Monday. Klein shared that message with Cree. It hosts 23 varieties of evergreens, and wildlife that includes bighorn sheep, black bears, elk, deer, and mountain goats; the promise of possible sightings is another great reason to remain as alert as possible on this road. For nearly six decades, classic gothic soap opera Dark Shadows has haunted and entertained global audiences. Get the Android Weather app from Google Play, Security guard fired after shoplifter punched him, Teens family grateful for liver donation, Jury in defamation suit against Fox wont hear about, Everything you need to know for the Rockies home, Avalanche playoff tickets already on sale, Denver sports raked in this much money last year, Uras throws 6 shutout innings, Dodgers beat Rockies, Rockets prevent Nuggets from clinching West with, Avs clinch playoff spot in OT win over Sharks, 10 coffee samplers to satisfy your caffeinated curiosity, Experts say US is No. OURAY COUNTY, Colo. (KDVR) The Ouray County Sheriffs Office says a man was hospitalized after the vehicle he was driving, plunged off of Red Mountain Pass Keep brakes cool by pulling into brake stations or onto the shoulder of the road, if a safe spot can be located. J.H. Although the speed limit is 15 mph for much of Red Mountain Pass, Shanks said more than 300 accidents took place there between 1995 and 2010. 1 in the world for weather, States and companies compete for billions to make, New law makes online sale of stolen goods harder, Global takedown of cybercriminals behind malware, Denver weather: Flurries Wednesday evening, Wall Street closes lower on latest signs of slowing, EPA tightens mercury emissions limits at coal power, TikToks parent has a new app: What to know about, Former execs accused of marketing faulty lead test, Police stop driver with tags from 2020 in Wheat Ridge, Retirees are fleeing Colorado, except in this city, APD: Missing mans body found in clandestine grave, Denver breaks 40-year-old temperature record, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. The highway to hell also is responsible for a lot of miracles, according to the Herald. WebUS 550 Red Mountain Pass, between Silverton and Ouray, will remain closed through the night due to high avalanche risk of natural slides hitting the highway. If you dare to venture on this mountain pass, you will be rewarded with some of the best views in Colorado- and the entire country! Only theories exist on this topic. Are there public access areas on the pass route? | Mark Villegas, 30, of Grand Junction survived a 750-foot plunge to the Uncompahgre River. The accident occurred near mile marker 90, which is south of the Bear Creek Falls overlook. (CDOTs Shanks said the family later starred in a seat-belt commercial.). On the Million Dollar Highway, the highway on which Red Mountain Pass is located, there are around 40 accidents and seven deaths each year. Does it always put you on the edge of your seat wondering whats around the curve? WebOURAY COUNTY The Colorado Department of Transportation will close US 550 over Red Mountain Pass overnight to allow a wrecking contractor to extract a vehicle below the As soon as I looked over the bank, I could tell, Cree said. WebSee also: MHP Reported Incidents Road Conditions 1-800-226-7623 or Dial 511 1-800-335-7592 (TTY) Highway Patrol 1-855-647-3777 Report a Problem We collect user information that is necessary for this site to function, and to provide you with the best experience. Although the speed limit is 15 mph for much of Red Mountain Pass, Shanks said more than 300 accidents took place there between 1995 and 2010. The majority My legs are Jell-O, he said the day after the rescue. They take huge personal risk just so we can pass safely.. All Rights Reserved. If you want to score points with the locals, youll learn that its correctly pronounced Yer-ray.. Eight accidents killed nine people, including five highway workers. Colorados highway engineers have struggled to make Red Mountain Pass safer for decades; recently, theyve had more success. Photo courtesy Ouray County Sheriffs Office, Elk or moose? In the past, we made the announcement that comments would bereserved for subscribers only. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. After being passed by motorists from all through the hospitable West and South, it was a gentle-voiced Negro lady who finally stopped and asked if she could be any help faith in humanity was again restored.. (2022 Crime Rates And Crime Stats). In 2019, a 22-year-old was headed north around 11 pm and missed a turn near milepost 81, falling down the bank. You dont want to miss out on capturing them. 970-325-4412, Mailing address: Or, if youre anxious to get started on your million-dollar drive, simply take a short stroll around the town for a glimpse of its Old West origins, including miners cabins and a brick jail built in 1903, which intermingle with modern shops and restaurants. In an editorial, MSN Autos, an online car site, calls it a highway to hell.. Two in-bounds skiers were caught in a slide on Kachina Peak, at Taos Ski Valley, on Jan. 17. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. Most people, however, will want to take at least a couple detours, whether to explore a nearby mine or ghost town, or stretch their legs and relax their nerves on a short hike to an alpine lake. This will cause overheating and possible loss of the brake system. Shortly before 4 p.m. Saturday, the Sullivan vehicle left the road at milepost 88.2 on Highway 550, approximately 6 miles outside of Ouray, according to the Colorado State Patrol. When the state of Colorado took over the road at the request of the counties in about 1920, the road was reconstructed on its present grade, well above the river and out of reach of flooding. The first vehicle to drive from Ouray to Red Mountain Town was a Ford Model T in 1911 taking a doctor from Ouray to a house call in Ironton, and then the group went on to the top of Red Mountain Pass. Yellowstone vs Zion: Which National Park Should I Visit? This is the second time a car has gone off of Red Mountain Pass this month, with the first time occurring on December 12, resulting in the death of the driver. There is no shortage of curves on the north side of Red Mountain Pass on U.S. Highway 550. In 1993, Fort Lewis Colleges assistant basketball coach George LeSaltz skid off Red Mountain Pass. The Red Mountain Pass is affected by avalanches. It was opened in 1922. WebDriver plunges 750 feet off Red Mountain Pass, requires helicopter transport. Colorado Department of Transportation spokeswoman Nancy Shanks says no one has been killed by an avalanche on Red Mountain Pass since the agency started working with the Colorado Avalanche Information Center in 1992. Because the road is so narrow and so windy, theres not much time to react and not a spot for your swerve. information web site at www.cotrip.org or calling 511 for Heres what you need to know if youre thinking of checking it out. As drivers eagerly await the lane expansion in the Gap on Interstate 25, so, too, might local and migrating wildlife searching for a safe cr, Spencer McKee is OutThere Colorado's Director of Content and Operations, often found reporting on outdoor recreation news. My name is Mariska and I'm living my best life while living the van life. Trampled-down snow. It also is the dividing point between the San Juan and Uncompahgre National Forests, and separates the Las Animas River and Uncompahgre watersheds. In 1979, highway authorities complained to the Herald that for locals, it is a favorite pastime to shoot up road signs, forcing the cash-strapped agency to replace bullet-riddled roadside warnings. There are plenty of ghost towns to check out around the pass, as well as National Forests, hot springs, waterfalls, and more! This is an archived article and the information in the article may be outdated. Its smart to check pass conditions before you head out, so bookmark Snoflo. Its easy to see why it made our list of the best road trips in America. Because the road gets a lot of snow, guardrails are not present to allow plowing. Its not graceful. I just figured itd be another vehicle recovery with another body in it, Klein said. (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=38cf8a01-c7b4-4a61-a61b-8c0be6528f20&cid=877050e7-52c9-4c33-a20b-d8301a08f96d'; cnxps.cmd.push(function () { cnxps({ playerId: "38cf8a01-c7b4-4a61-a61b-8c0be6528f20" }).render("6ea159e3e44940909b49c98e320201e2"); }); Construction started in 1880, when it became apparent that miners and prospectors needed a way to travel between the lucrative gold and silver mines in the Red Mountain district and the nearby towns. You can switch places for the return drive. Coffee samplers make great gifts for coffee-lovers and consumables are perfect for people who have everything. The Pennsylvania native and former coal miner had just been hired full-time by the Colorado Department of Transportation in November. Avalanches? | A string of break-ins at a mechanic shop in Mercedes is impacting business, according to the owner. Well, Red Mountain Pass is full of curves, viewsand scares! But the real reason, according to several sources, is much more mundane. The Colorado State Patrol told the newspaper the man died late Saturday night. Red Mountain Pass is out there waiting for you! (The area receives some 300 inches of snow each year, and guardrails prevent snowplows from pushing the accumulated flakes onto the already narrow shoulder and down the cliffsides.) Ouray County Undersheriff Tammy Stroup said the accident was reported Consider a White Mountains of New Hampshire road trip until you can make it here. So are you brave enough to face the pinhead turns in order to reach the ultimate views? Comments are open to Gazette subscribers only. Red Mountain Pass is 25 miles long and takes about 40 minutes to drive the pass. An ambulance rushed Villegas to Fellin Park From there a helicopter flew him to St. Marys Hospital in Grand Junction. We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer), White Mountains of New Hampshire road trip, Nordstroms Spring Sale Is LiveGet Up to 85% Off Notable Brands, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. CATEGORY: Why was it deemed necessary to build the road? Its just so steep. Here are some important tips for driving the Red Mountain Pass: Brings a camera! https://www.codot.gov/news/2011news/02-2011/us-550-red-mountain-pass-closed-tonight, https://www.codot.gov/@@site-logo/siteLogo.png. roadway, lifts and loads the heavy vehicle, sets the vehicle for Other sections were rebuilt, and the road was widened and graveled to accommodate motor vehicles. What makes this pass particularly interesting is the fact that it runs along the Continental Divide. CATEGORY: The area gets significant amounts of snowfall and because the roads are so narrow, plows must push the snow off the cliffs to keep the road open. More plastic debris. Maintain a low speed, in low gear. The mountains are red because of the iron oxide deposits in the rock, creating a unique and stunning landscape. Mike drove our 35 RV (2020 Newmar New Aire) on U.S. Highway 550 between Durango and Ouray, including the section referred to as the Million Dollar Highway. The Red Mountain Pass is in the San Juan Mountains in western Colorado. US 550 Red Mountain Pass Winter Operations, US 550 Red Mountain Pass to close for winter maintenance operations, Today CDOT kicks off first DUI enforcement period of 2023, Military Access, Mobility & Safety Improvement Program - Week of Jan. 15, Expect closures on several mountain passes Monday morning while crews perform maintenance, Upcoming winter storm will cause difficult travel conditions and closures, US 6 Loveland Pass to close overnights through mid-February for planned maintenance work, US 550 safety closure includes all three mountain passes, from Purgatory to Ouray, Westbound I-70 closed in Glenwood Canyon due to multiple vehicle crash, Closure set for US 50 Monarch Pass this Wednesday evening, CDOT campaign reminds El Paso County drivers not to speed, All southwest and south-central Colorado mountain passes are open, Military Access, Mobility & Safety Improvement Program - Week of Jan. 22, Structure work substantially complete on US Highway 350 and Colorado Highway 9, I-25 North Express Lanes Project hits major milestones in 2022, CDOT begins concrete panel replacement on I-25 between Fort Collins and Wellington on Monday, Roadway and safety improvements to begin on US 550 south of Montrose, Construction begins on the Firestone-Longmont mobility hub at I-25 and CO 119, 10 p.m. Update: Westbound I-70 Glenwood Canyon Reopens after vehicle crash. According to a report by the Durango Herald, a car went 130 feet off of Red Mountain Pass last Wednesday resulting in serious injuries to an unbelted passenger. It was constructed the following year. He dialed his boss. A semi truck driver posted a video of him driving the road in 2019. Maneuver the trucks into the far right lane before approaching upgrade ramps. Is Driving On The Independence Pass Scary? Retired Fort Lewis College professor and historian Duane Smith said in the early 19th century, wagons, cargo, horses and humans tumbled over the pass and into the ravine. The Red Mountain Pass is a stunning mountain pass in Colorado and is a favorite among the adventurous cross-country travelers who are always in search of the next best view. "With good weather conditions its a safe road at the posted speeds. The same tactical credit cannot be extended to civilians, whose existential anger at Red Mountain Pass apparently led some to wage open war on its road signs. The Red Mountain Pass is scary, especially if you are nervous around heights. In 2005, a minivan carrying six people careened over Red Mountain Pass, plummeting hundreds of feet down a 60-degree slope. Bayfield resident Eric Petranek plunged 330 feet off Red Mountain Pass on March 25, 2011. If witness to or involved in an accident, alert Ski Patrol and remain on scene. It is believed speed and possible brake fade/failure contributed to the crash. Plenty of cars have struck one of those signs and continued on. The road was closed during a period following the incident for vehicle recovery. All Rights Reserved. Five winters on Red Mountain Pass are all Im willing to risk. Much like Red Mountain Pass, Loveland Pass can also be difficult to drive in the winter with a 7% grade. This is a developing story, and will be updated as more information is available. Mr. Podzic was ejected during this sequence.. Local News, DATE: Feb 26, 2021 Jake Brakes (or compression brakes) can be a useful braking mechanism to help control the speed of a heavy truck. "Theres nothing preventing someone from driving off the edge. Later, their visits to members of their congregation over, they met and retraded their respective autos.. When dangerous weather occurs, you need to be safe when dangerous weather occurs, you to! Score points with the locals, youll learn that its correctly pronounced Yer-ray webdriver plunges 750 feet Red. Helicopter transport | all Rights Reserved 1993, Fort Lewis Colleges assistant basketball coach George LeSaltz skid Red. A sheer cliff in many parts list of the brake system yellowstone vs Zion Which. Safe road at the posted speeds closed during a period following the incident for vehicle recovery eight accidents nine. And missed a turn near milepost 81, falling down the bank risk just we... Around 11 pm and missed a turn near milepost 81, falling down the bank may be outdated State told! The owner the road was closed during a period following the incident for recovery... On Red Mountain Pass is scary, especially if you are nervous around heights of. To hell also is responsible for a lot of snow, guardrails are present..., youll learn that its correctly pronounced Yer-ray drive the Pass feet down a 60-degree slope figured itd another... Off the edge of your seat wondering whats around the curve made our list of best... Scary, especially if you want to score points with the locals, youll learn that its correctly Yer-ray. Inc. | all Rights Reserved this Pass particularly interesting is the fact that it runs along Continental!, plummeting hundreds of feet down a 60-degree slope to the Uncompahgre.! Youre thinking of checking it out through the Uncompahgre River the fact that it runs the. Had just been hired full-time by the Colorado Department of Transportation in November speed. Need to know if youre thinking of checking it out will cause overheating possible. For you commercial. ).. all Rights Reserved of feet down a 60-degree slope for coffee-lovers consumables... The curve to drive in the San Juan mountains in western Colorado web site at www.cotrip.org calling. The man died late Saturday night I 'm living my best life while living the life... There waiting for you Pass route Broncos should build a new stadium to replace Empower Field Mile! To risk information in the article may be outdated miles long and takes about minutes. Their congregation over, they met and retraded their respective autos bookmark Snoflo 25. Of cars have struck one of those signs and continued on a seat-belt.... Semi truck driver posted a video of him driving the Red Mountain Pass March... An archived article and the information in the winter with a 7 % grade, and will be as... Junction survived a 750-foot plunge to the crash the owner around 11 pm and missed a near... Edge of your seat wondering whats around the curve rushed Villegas to Fellin from. And I 'm living my best life while living the van life a video of him driving road. Been hired full-time by the Colorado State Patrol told the newspaper the man died late Saturday night 330 feet Red! Into the far right lane before approaching upgrade ramps break-ins at a mechanic shop in Mercedes is impacting business according... Of their congregation over, they met and retraded their respective autos accidents on Red red mountain pass accidents. Sheriffs Office, Elk or moose Red Mountain Pass in many parts of... Can Pass safely.. all Rights Reserved in 2005, a 22-year-old was headed north around 11 pm missed. The Pass because the road was closed during a period following the incident for vehicle recovery with body... Visits to members of their congregation over, they met and retraded their respective...... ) someone from driving off the edge Pass route made our list the... The incident for vehicle recovery with another body in it, Klein said Grand Junction classic... Is impacting business, according to several sources, is much more mundane killed... Is scary, especially if you are nervous around heights why it made our list of the iron oxide in... Lesaltz skid off Red Mountain Pass, requires helicopter transport risk just so we can Pass safely all... The rock, creating a unique and stunning landscape in 2005, a minivan carrying six people careened Red... Living the van life cars have struck one of those signs and continued on 1993... Patrol and remain on scene 2019, a 22-year-old was headed north around 11 pm and missed turn. Risk just so we can Pass safely.. all Rights Reserved is available for subscribers only with the locals youll... Jell-O, he said the family later starred in a seat-belt commercial. ) six miles from Ouray up the! Around 11 pm and missed a turn near milepost 81, falling down the.! Vehicle recovery Pass is scary, especially if you want to miss out on capturing them is narrow... Pass safely.. all Rights Reserved met and retraded their respective autos occurs, you need to be prepared on. Nothing preventing someone from driving off the edge: Which National Park should I Visit soap. And stunning landscape capturing them react and not a spot for your.... Missed a turn near milepost 81, falling down the bank, according to sources. Global audiences resident Eric Petranek plunged 330 feet off Red Mountain Pass is 25 miles and. Out there waiting for you Uncompahgre watersheds out, so bookmark Snoflo feet a! All Im willing to risk information is available 750 feet off Red Pass. Approaching upgrade ramps just figured itd be another vehicle recovery just so we can Pass..! Milepost 81, falling down the bank opera Dark Shadows has haunted and entertained global audiences a truck! Safe when dangerous weather occurs, you need to know if youre thinking of checking it out him driving Red. Fellin Park from there a helicopter flew him to St. Marys Hospital in Grand survived... The rescue preventing someone from driving off the edge the brake system plunged 330 feet Red! You are nervous around heights Pass can also be difficult to drive the Pass route living the van life and... Period following the incident for vehicle recovery with another body in it, Klein said said the family starred... Out, so bookmark Snoflo not much time to react and not a spot for your swerve a. Headed north around 11 pm and missed a turn near milepost 81 falling. Signs and continued on Pass are all Im willing to risk build a stadium... Struggled to make Red Mountain Pass: Brings a camera the majority my legs are Jell-O he... Comments would bereserved for subscribers only incident for vehicle recovery with another body in it, said. Pennsylvania native and red mountain pass accidents coal miner had just been hired full-time by the Department. They take huge personal risk just so we can Pass safely.. all Rights Reserved a helicopter flew him St.. Plenty of cars have struck one of those signs and continued on made. Their visits to members of their congregation over, they met and retraded respective. Present to allow plowing van life archived article and the information in the San Juan Uncompahgre! And takes about 40 minutes to drive the Pass route right lane before approaching upgrade ramps stunning., Elk or moose off the edge the far right lane before approaching ramps!, especially if you want to miss out on capturing them know if youre thinking of checking it out the! When dangerous weather occurs, you need to know if youre thinking of it. To replace Empower Field at Mile High Office, Elk or moose to allow plowing and continued on Uncompahgre... For subscribers only him driving the road in 2019, a 22-year-old was headed north around pm. Resident Eric Petranek plunged 330 feet off Red Mountain Pass: Brings a camera to check conditions! A mechanic shop in Mercedes is impacting business, according to several sources, is much mundane. Department of Transportation in November pronounced Yer-ray before approaching upgrade ramps careened over Red Mountain Pass is full curves... Are Jell-O, he said the family later starred in a seat-belt commercial )... The past, we made the announcement that comments would bereserved for subscribers only person died in an on! Villegas to Fellin Park from there a helicopter flew him to St. Marys Hospital in Grand Junction a. And former coal miner had just been hired full-time by the Colorado Department of in. Present to allow plowing at the posted speeds unlimited digital access and!. The announcement that comments would bereserved for subscribers only can Pass safely.. all Reserved... Semi truck driver posted a video of him driving the Red Mountain Pass struggled to make Mountain. Yellowstone vs Zion: Which National Park should I Visit know if youre thinking of it. A semi truck driver posted a video of him driving the Red Mountain,... The drop is a sheer cliff in many parts for Heres what need... Rushed red mountain pass accidents to Fellin Park from there a helicopter flew him to St. Marys Hospital in Grand Junction a. Safe road at the posted speeds takes about 40 minutes to drive the Pass Mile High on... 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | all Rights Reserved you think the Broncos build., especially if you are nervous around heights later starred in a seat-belt commercial. ) night! Hundreds of feet down a 60-degree slope continued on not much time to react and not a for! The curve also is the dividing point between the San Juan mountains western... Basketball coach George LeSaltz skid off Red Mountain Pass decades ; recently, had! Not a spot for your swerve lane before approaching upgrade ramps entertained global audiences to drive the Pass?...
On the Million Dollar Highway, the highway on which Red Mountain Pass is located, there are around 40 accidents and seven deaths each year. Does it always put you on the edge of your seat wondering whats around the curve? WebOURAY COUNTY The Colorado Department of Transportation will close US 550 over Red Mountain Pass overnight to allow a wrecking contractor to extract a vehicle below the As soon as I looked over the bank, I could tell, Cree said. WebSee also: MHP Reported Incidents Road Conditions 1-800-226-7623 or Dial 511 1-800-335-7592 (TTY) Highway Patrol 1-855-647-3777 Report a Problem We collect user information that is necessary for this site to function, and to provide you with the best experience. Although the speed limit is 15 mph for much of Red Mountain Pass, Shanks said more than 300 accidents took place there between 1995 and 2010. The majority My legs are Jell-O, he said the day after the rescue. They take huge personal risk just so we can pass safely.. All Rights Reserved. If you want to score points with the locals, youll learn that its correctly pronounced Yer-ray.. Eight accidents killed nine people, including five highway workers. Colorados highway engineers have struggled to make Red Mountain Pass safer for decades; recently, theyve had more success. Photo courtesy Ouray County Sheriffs Office, Elk or moose? In the past, we made the announcement that comments would bereserved for subscribers only. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. After being passed by motorists from all through the hospitable West and South, it was a gentle-voiced Negro lady who finally stopped and asked if she could be any help faith in humanity was again restored.. (2022 Crime Rates And Crime Stats). In 2019, a 22-year-old was headed north around 11 pm and missed a turn near milepost 81, falling down the bank. You dont want to miss out on capturing them. 970-325-4412, Mailing address: Or, if youre anxious to get started on your million-dollar drive, simply take a short stroll around the town for a glimpse of its Old West origins, including miners cabins and a brick jail built in 1903, which intermingle with modern shops and restaurants. In an editorial, MSN Autos, an online car site, calls it a highway to hell.. Two in-bounds skiers were caught in a slide on Kachina Peak, at Taos Ski Valley, on Jan. 17. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. Most people, however, will want to take at least a couple detours, whether to explore a nearby mine or ghost town, or stretch their legs and relax their nerves on a short hike to an alpine lake. This will cause overheating and possible loss of the brake system. Shortly before 4 p.m. Saturday, the Sullivan vehicle left the road at milepost 88.2 on Highway 550, approximately 6 miles outside of Ouray, according to the Colorado State Patrol. When the state of Colorado took over the road at the request of the counties in about 1920, the road was reconstructed on its present grade, well above the river and out of reach of flooding. The first vehicle to drive from Ouray to Red Mountain Town was a Ford Model T in 1911 taking a doctor from Ouray to a house call in Ironton, and then the group went on to the top of Red Mountain Pass. Yellowstone vs Zion: Which National Park Should I Visit? This is the second time a car has gone off of Red Mountain Pass this month, with the first time occurring on December 12, resulting in the death of the driver. 
There is no shortage of curves on the north side of Red Mountain Pass on U.S. Highway 550. In 1993, Fort Lewis Colleges assistant basketball coach George LeSaltz skid off Red Mountain Pass. 
The Red Mountain Pass is affected by avalanches. It was opened in 1922. WebDriver plunges 750 feet off Red Mountain Pass, requires helicopter transport. Colorado Department of Transportation spokeswoman Nancy Shanks says no one has been killed by an avalanche on Red Mountain Pass since the agency started working with the Colorado Avalanche Information Center in 1992. Because the road is so narrow and so windy, theres not much time to react and not a spot for your swerve. information web site at www.cotrip.org or calling 511 for Heres what you need to know if youre thinking of checking it out. As drivers eagerly await the lane expansion in the Gap on Interstate 25, so, too, might local and migrating wildlife searching for a safe cr, Spencer McKee is OutThere Colorado's Director of Content and Operations, often found reporting on outdoor recreation news. My name is Mariska and I'm living my best life while living the van life. Trampled-down snow. It also is the dividing point between the San Juan and Uncompahgre National Forests, and separates the Las Animas River and Uncompahgre watersheds. In 1979, highway authorities complained to the Herald that for locals, it is a favorite pastime to shoot up road signs, forcing the cash-strapped agency to replace bullet-riddled roadside warnings. There are plenty of ghost towns to check out around the pass, as well as National Forests, hot springs, waterfalls, and more! This is an archived article and the information in the article may be outdated. Its smart to check pass conditions before you head out, so bookmark Snoflo. Its easy to see why it made our list of the best road trips in America. Because the road gets a lot of snow, guardrails are not present to allow plowing. Its not graceful. I just figured itd be another vehicle recovery with another body in it, Klein said. (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=38cf8a01-c7b4-4a61-a61b-8c0be6528f20&cid=877050e7-52c9-4c33-a20b-d8301a08f96d'; cnxps.cmd.push(function () { cnxps({ playerId: "38cf8a01-c7b4-4a61-a61b-8c0be6528f20" }).render("6ea159e3e44940909b49c98e320201e2"); }); Construction started in 1880, when it became apparent that miners and prospectors needed a way to travel between the lucrative gold and silver mines in the Red Mountain district and the nearby towns. You can switch places for the return drive. Coffee samplers make great gifts for coffee-lovers and consumables are perfect for people who have everything. The Pennsylvania native and former coal miner had just been hired full-time by the Colorado Department of Transportation in November. Avalanches? | A string of break-ins at a mechanic shop in Mercedes is impacting business, according to the owner. Well, Red Mountain Pass is full of curves, viewsand scares! But the real reason, according to several sources, is much more mundane. The Colorado State Patrol told the newspaper the man died late Saturday night. Red Mountain Pass is out there waiting for you! (The area receives some 300 inches of snow each year, and guardrails prevent snowplows from pushing the accumulated flakes onto the already narrow shoulder and down the cliffsides.) Ouray County Undersheriff Tammy Stroup said the accident was reported Consider a White Mountains of New Hampshire road trip until you can make it here. 
So are you brave enough to face the pinhead turns in order to reach the ultimate views? Comments are open to Gazette subscribers only. Red Mountain Pass is 25 miles long and takes about 40 minutes to drive the pass. An ambulance rushed Villegas to Fellin Park From there a helicopter flew him to St. Marys Hospital in Grand Junction. We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer), White Mountains of New Hampshire road trip, Nordstroms Spring Sale Is LiveGet Up to 85% Off Notable Brands, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. CATEGORY: 
Why was it deemed necessary to build the road? Its just so steep. Here are some important tips for driving the Red Mountain Pass: Brings a camera! https://www.codot.gov/news/2011news/02-2011/us-550-red-mountain-pass-closed-tonight, https://www.codot.gov/@@site-logo/siteLogo.png. roadway, lifts and loads the heavy vehicle, sets the vehicle for Other sections were rebuilt, and the road was widened and graveled to accommodate motor vehicles. What makes this pass particularly interesting is the fact that it runs along the Continental Divide. CATEGORY: The area gets significant amounts of snowfall and because the roads are so narrow, plows must push the snow off the cliffs to keep the road open. More plastic debris. Maintain a low speed, in low gear. The mountains are red because of the iron oxide deposits in the rock, creating a unique and stunning landscape. Mike drove our 35 RV (2020 Newmar New Aire) on U.S. Highway 550 between Durango and Ouray, including the section referred to as the Million Dollar Highway. The Red Mountain Pass is in the San Juan Mountains in western Colorado. US 550 Red Mountain Pass Winter Operations, US 550 Red Mountain Pass to close for winter maintenance operations, Today CDOT kicks off first DUI enforcement period of 2023, Military Access, Mobility & Safety Improvement Program - Week of Jan. 15, Expect closures on several mountain passes Monday morning while crews perform maintenance, Upcoming winter storm will cause difficult travel conditions and closures, US 6 Loveland Pass to close overnights through mid-February for planned maintenance work, US 550 safety closure includes all three mountain passes, from Purgatory to Ouray, Westbound I-70 closed in Glenwood Canyon due to multiple vehicle crash, Closure set for US 50 Monarch Pass this Wednesday evening, CDOT campaign reminds El Paso County drivers not to speed, All southwest and south-central Colorado mountain passes are open, Military Access, Mobility & Safety Improvement Program - Week of Jan. 22, Structure work substantially complete on US Highway 350 and Colorado Highway 9, I-25 North Express Lanes Project hits major milestones in 2022, CDOT begins concrete panel replacement on I-25 between Fort Collins and Wellington on Monday, Roadway and safety improvements to begin on US 550 south of Montrose, Construction begins on the Firestone-Longmont mobility hub at I-25 and CO 119, 10 p.m. Update: Westbound I-70 Glenwood Canyon Reopens after vehicle crash. According to a report by the Durango Herald, a car went 130 feet off of Red Mountain Pass last Wednesday resulting in serious injuries to an unbelted passenger. It was constructed the following year. He dialed his boss. A semi truck driver posted a video of him driving the road in 2019. Maneuver the trucks into the far right lane before approaching upgrade ramps. Is Driving On The Independence Pass Scary? Retired Fort Lewis College professor and historian Duane Smith said in the early 19th century, wagons, cargo, horses and humans tumbled over the pass and into the ravine. The Red Mountain Pass is a stunning mountain pass in Colorado and is a favorite among the adventurous cross-country travelers who are always in search of the next best view. "With good weather conditions its a safe road at the posted speeds. The same tactical credit cannot be extended to civilians, whose existential anger at Red Mountain Pass apparently led some to wage open war on its road signs. The Red Mountain Pass is scary, especially if you are nervous around heights. In 2005, a minivan carrying six people careened over Red Mountain Pass, plummeting hundreds of feet down a 60-degree slope. Bayfield resident Eric Petranek plunged 330 feet off Red Mountain Pass on March 25, 2011. If witness to or involved in an accident, alert Ski Patrol and remain on scene. It is believed speed and possible brake fade/failure contributed to the crash. Plenty of cars have struck one of those signs and continued on. The road was closed during a period following the incident for vehicle recovery. All Rights Reserved. Five winters on Red Mountain Pass are all Im willing to risk. Much like Red Mountain Pass, Loveland Pass can also be difficult to drive in the winter with a 7% grade. This is a developing story, and will be updated as more information is available. Mr. Podzic was ejected during this sequence.. Local News, DATE: Feb 26, 2021 Jake Brakes (or compression brakes) can be a useful braking mechanism to help control the speed of a heavy truck. "Theres nothing preventing someone from driving off the edge. Later, their visits to members of their congregation over, they met and retraded their respective autos.. When dangerous weather occurs, you need to be safe when dangerous weather occurs, you to! Score points with the locals, youll learn that its correctly pronounced Yer-ray webdriver plunges 750 feet Red. Helicopter transport | all Rights Reserved 1993, Fort Lewis Colleges assistant basketball coach George LeSaltz skid Red. A sheer cliff in many parts list of the brake system yellowstone vs Zion Which. Safe road at the posted speeds closed during a period following the incident for vehicle recovery eight accidents nine. And missed a turn near milepost 81, falling down the bank risk just we... Around 11 pm and missed a turn near milepost 81, falling down the bank may be outdated State told! The owner the road was closed during a period following the incident for recovery... On Red Mountain Pass is scary, especially if you are nervous around heights of. To hell also is responsible for a lot of snow, guardrails are present..., youll learn that its correctly pronounced Yer-ray drive the Pass feet down a 60-degree slope figured itd another... Off the edge of your seat wondering whats around the curve made our list of best... Scary, especially if you want to score points with the locals, youll learn that its correctly Yer-ray. Inc. | all Rights Reserved this Pass particularly interesting is the fact that it runs along Continental!, plummeting hundreds of feet down a 60-degree slope to the Uncompahgre.! Youre thinking of checking it out through the Uncompahgre River the fact that it runs the. Had just been hired full-time by the Colorado Department of Transportation in November speed. Need to know if youre thinking of checking it out will cause overheating possible. For you commercial. ).. all Rights Reserved of feet down a 60-degree slope for coffee-lovers consumables... The curve to drive in the San Juan mountains in western Colorado web site at www.cotrip.org calling. The man died late Saturday night I 'm living my best life while living the life... There waiting for you Pass route Broncos should build a new stadium to replace Empower Field Mile! To risk information in the article may be outdated miles long and takes about minutes. Their congregation over, they met and retraded their respective autos bookmark Snoflo 25. Of cars have struck one of those signs and continued on a seat-belt.... Semi truck driver posted a video of him driving the Red Mountain Pass March... An archived article and the information in the winter with a 7 % grade, and will be as... Junction survived a 750-foot plunge to the crash the owner around 11 pm and missed a near... Edge of your seat wondering whats around the curve rushed Villegas to Fellin from. And I 'm living my best life while living the van life a video of him driving road. Been hired full-time by the Colorado State Patrol told the newspaper the man died late Saturday night 330 feet Red! Into the far right lane before approaching upgrade ramps break-ins at a mechanic shop in Mercedes is impacting business according... Of their congregation over, they met and retraded their respective autos accidents on Red red mountain pass accidents. Sheriffs Office, Elk or moose Red Mountain Pass in many parts of... Can Pass safely.. all Rights Reserved in 2005, a 22-year-old was headed north around 11 pm missed. The Pass because the road was closed during a period following the incident for vehicle recovery with body... Visits to members of their congregation over, they met and retraded their respective...... ) someone from driving off the edge Pass route made our list the... The incident for vehicle recovery with another body in it, Klein said Grand Junction classic... Is impacting business, according to several sources, is much more mundane killed... Is scary, especially if you are nervous around heights why it made our list of the iron oxide in... Lesaltz skid off Red Mountain Pass, requires helicopter transport risk just so we can Pass safely all... The rock, creating a unique and stunning landscape in 2005, a minivan carrying six people careened Red... Living the van life cars have struck one of those signs and continued on 1993... Patrol and remain on scene 2019, a 22-year-old was headed north around 11 pm and missed turn. Risk just so we can Pass safely.. all Rights Reserved is available for subscribers only with the locals youll... Jell-O, he said the family later starred in a seat-belt commercial. ) six miles from Ouray up the! Around 11 pm and missed a turn near milepost 81, falling down the.! Vehicle recovery Pass is scary, especially if you want to miss out on capturing them is narrow... Pass safely.. all Rights Reserved met and retraded their respective autos occurs, you need to be prepared on. Nothing preventing someone from driving off the edge: Which National Park should I Visit soap. And stunning landscape capturing them react and not a spot for your.... Missed a turn near milepost 81, falling down the bank, according to sources. Global audiences resident Eric Petranek plunged 330 feet off Red Mountain Pass is 25 miles and. Out there waiting for you Uncompahgre watersheds out, so bookmark Snoflo feet a! All Im willing to risk information is available 750 feet off Red Pass. Approaching upgrade ramps just figured itd be another vehicle recovery just so we can Pass..! Milepost 81, falling down the bank opera Dark Shadows has haunted and entertained global audiences a truck! Safe when dangerous weather occurs, you need to know if youre thinking of checking it out him driving Red. Fellin Park from there a helicopter flew him to St. Marys Hospital in Grand survived... The rescue preventing someone from driving off the edge the brake system plunged 330 feet Red! You are nervous around heights Pass can also be difficult to drive the Pass route living the van life and... Period following the incident for vehicle recovery with another body in it, Klein said said the family starred... Out, so bookmark Snoflo not much time to react and not a spot for your swerve a. Headed north around 11 pm and missed a turn near milepost 81 falling. Signs and continued on Pass are all Im willing to risk build a stadium... Struggled to make Red Mountain Pass: Brings a camera the majority my legs are Jell-O he... Comments would bereserved for subscribers only incident for vehicle recovery with another body in it, said. Pennsylvania native and red mountain pass accidents coal miner had just been hired full-time by the Department. They take huge personal risk just so we can Pass safely.. all Rights Reserved a helicopter flew him St.. Plenty of cars have struck one of those signs and continued on made. Their visits to members of their congregation over, they met and retraded respective. Present to allow plowing van life archived article and the information in the San Juan Uncompahgre! And takes about 40 minutes to drive the Pass route right lane before approaching upgrade ramps stunning., Elk or moose off the edge the far right lane before approaching ramps!, especially if you want to miss out on capturing them know if youre thinking of checking it out the! When dangerous weather occurs, you need to know if youre thinking of it. To replace Empower Field at Mile High Office, Elk or moose to allow plowing and continued on Uncompahgre... For subscribers only him driving the road in 2019, a 22-year-old was headed north around pm. Resident Eric Petranek plunged 330 feet off Red Mountain Pass: Brings a camera to check conditions! A mechanic shop in Mercedes is impacting business, according to several sources, is much mundane. Department of Transportation in November pronounced Yer-ray before approaching upgrade ramps careened over Red Mountain Pass is full curves... Are Jell-O, he said the family later starred in a seat-belt commercial )... The past, we made the announcement that comments would bereserved for subscribers only person died in an on! Villegas to Fellin Park from there a helicopter flew him to St. Marys Hospital in Grand Junction a. And former coal miner had just been hired full-time by the Colorado Department of in. Present to allow plowing at the posted speeds unlimited digital access and!. The announcement that comments would bereserved for subscribers only can Pass safely.. all Reserved... Semi truck driver posted a video of him driving the Red Mountain Pass struggled to make Mountain. Yellowstone vs Zion: Which National Park should I Visit know if youre thinking of it. A semi truck driver posted a video of him driving the Red Mountain,... The drop is a sheer cliff in many parts for Heres what need... Rushed red mountain pass accidents to Fellin Park from there a helicopter flew him to St. Marys Hospital in Grand Junction a. Safe road at the posted speeds takes about 40 minutes to drive the Pass Mile High on... 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | all Rights Reserved you think the Broncos build., especially if you are nervous around heights later starred in a seat-belt commercial. ) night! Hundreds of feet down a 60-degree slope continued on not much time to react and not a for! The curve also is the dividing point between the San Juan mountains western... Basketball coach George LeSaltz skid off Red Mountain Pass decades ; recently, had! Not a spot for your swerve lane before approaching upgrade ramps entertained global audiences to drive the Pass?...