North of Durango, US 550 climbs the San Juans over Coal Bank and Molas

The drive north out of Durango on US 550 is one of the great Colorado roads, part of the famous San Juan Skyway. Heading toward Silverton, the highway climbs over high mountain passes, including Coal Bank and Molas, before reaching even higher country beyond. The views open up fast, and the scenery is the reason people make the trip.

It is also a road to plan around in winter. In big storms, the Colorado Department of Transportation can close this stretch for safety. When that happens, the closure can cover a long run of highway across several passes at once, not just a single short segment. For people who live up the valley or near Purgatory, a closure can mean the route north is not open for a while.

This is normal mountain-road life, not a sign something has gone wrong. Snow, avalanche control, and storm timing all factor in, and a closure can change quickly with the weather.

The easy habit, especially in winter, is to check conditions before you leave rather than finding a closed gate partway up. Status changes often, so it is worth looking up fresh each time.

For current US 550 conditions and any closures, check CDOT and COtrip before you drive.