Getting to Silverton in winter means watching Red Mountain Pass

Silverton sits high in the San Juan Mountains, and one of the main ways in and out is US Highway 550 over Red Mountain Pass toward Ouray. In winter, that road is not a sure thing on any given day.

The pass climbs through steep terrain with avalanche paths above the highway. When a big storm rolls in, the Colorado Department of Transportation may close the pass — sometimes to clear snow, and sometimes to set off avalanches on purpose, safely, with no cars on the road. Closures can start with little notice and reopening times are hard to predict.

For someone living in or visiting Silverton, this is just part of the rhythm of winter. A drive that takes an hour in summer may not be possible at all during a storm cycle. People here tend to plan around the weather, keep a full tank, and carry warm gear in the car.

Before heading over Red Mountain Pass in the cold months, check the current road status through CDOT and the state’s COtrip travel site rather than assuming it is open.