Driving up from Durango and Google maps has me headed north from Durango and turning West at Hermosa Park road which seems to be just on the edge of Purgatory Ski resort. This connects to CR 578 and then to 145 somewhere north of Rico past Ophir and into town.
Is this connection (Hermosa park road/ CR 578) paved and passable?
I remember always having to drive through Mancos or up through Silverton etc?
Anyone know about these roads.
Thanks
First off, anyone from Colorado will tell you to never trust MapQuest!
From Durango to T-ride:
Hwy 160 West to Mancos, Hwy 184 West to Dolores, Hwy 145 North through Rico, past the Ophir turn-off, past the Mountain Village turn-off, down Lawson Hill, take a right at the stop sign and 3 miles into town. I’s just that easy, and takes 2-2 1/2 hours.
Hope that helps.
Or if you are brave (not scared of heights) go up through Silverton, Ouray, turn at Ridgeway and in from that direction. That whole drive is awesome!!!
Very true! However, going that way adds at least an hour or more to the drive, depending on how many RV’s you get stuck behind. 
“Is this connection (Hermosa park road/ CR 578) paved and passable?”
No and sometimes (but not now) are the short answers.
I think this describes Bolam Pass Road. Because of the large snowpack in the San Juans this year, back road passes will be open later than usual.
This site http://bushducks.com/tripreps/passopen.htm#bolam (and there are many others) gives a little idea.
bobbin posted the quickest and easiest (thru Mancos) and, while this way is nice, Hooch posted the most scenic and diverse, up and over 2 high passes (thru Silverton) plus over Dallas divide, paved all the way.
Happy trails-
for a really exciting time, one could make a left after Silverton onto Ophir Pass… Done it in my air cooled bus. That was quite exciting.
I agree, John! It’s especially exciting when there is oncoming “traffic”. :eek
Gorgeous drive, though! :thumbsup