red mountain pass accidents

In 1964, The Silverton Standard opined on the increased number of Negroes passing through as tourists since the passage of the Civil Rights Bill., The editor recalled his car trouble on Red Mountain Pass last Sunday. 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 | The early morning is a time for working in the shop, for shooting the breeze. Vehicle plunges off of infamous Red Mountain Pass in Colorado Why was it deemed necessary to build the road? Here are some important tips for driving the Red Mountain Pass: Brings a camera! If its clear, you should be able to see all three of the aptly named Red Mountains. colorado avalanche ouray snow pass mountain red avalanches town cut off indefinitely weather daunting incredible everything south operations massive highway In 1993, Fort Lewis Colleges assistant basketball coach George LeSaltz skid off Red Mountain Pass. telluride mining destruction mountain red To be safe when dangerous weather occurs, you need to be prepared. Guard rails? Red Mountain Pass - Extended Closure Due to High Avalanche Several pullouts at the top make it convenient to stop and snap some photos of the incredible panoramas. to extract a vehicle below the highway. Red Mountain Pass is 11,018 feet in elevation. Crews have He returned to work about a week later, in relatively good shape after suffering second-degree burns in the crash. 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. An ambulance rushed Villegas to Fellin Park From there a helicopter flew him to St. Marys Hospital in Grand Junction. That same month, a car flew 130 feet off of the pass, seriously injuring a passenger who wasnt wearing a seat belt. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. Due to various technology issues, that has not worked seamlessly. Theyd been separated after his parents died in an automobile accident on Red Mountain Pass when he was 3. The Red Mountain Pass is a mountain pass in the San Juan Mountains of western Colorado. Every step you took youd go into your waist (in the snow), he said. About 40 accidents occur each year, with an average of seven fatalities, on the Million Dollar Highway. The Red Mountain Pass is in the San Juan Mountains in western Colorado. According to CSP, from 2015 to 2019, there were 47 semi truck crashes on the west side of Wolf Creek Pass. Klein sent Cree back up the u,000-foot pass to check the road and plow When Cree reached mile marker 89 and the bent-over sign, he pulled over to the side of the highway and got out of his truck. He dialed his boss. Both were trapped under the snow for around 20 minutes and eventually died. Plenty of cars have struck one of those signs and continued on. If you want to score points with the locals, youll learn that its correctly pronounced Yer-ray.. Not a subscriber? You can switch places for the return drive. 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. Bayfield trustees set to hire new town marshal, New fees, design rules lead to fewer bump-outs this spring in downtown Durango, Gilda Yazzie wins seat on Durango City Council; race too close to call for second open seat, By Chase Olivarius-Mcallister Staff reporter, Mitigating avalanches no easy task on San Juan Skyway, Report a paper delivery issue/suspend delivery. Web1 dead after fatal accident on I-75 south. In 1978, Caroni Adams McCallum praised the bravery of the men who maintain Red Mountain Pass in a letter to the Herald: I am always surprised that the state highway department can even find people to apply for the job of clearing Red Mountain Pass. Later, with motor vehicle travel predominating, this major north-south route through southwestern Colorado became a major contributor to commerce. CATEGORY: The Red Mountain 4-13-13: 1: 4/13/13: Gemini, Stevens Pass Ski Area, WA: Two snowboarders caught, one partly buried. This will cause overheating and possible loss of the brake system. Driving the same road in the winter or during a storm is a different story. Consider a White Mountains of New Hampshire road trip until you can make it here. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. Red Mountain Pass reopens after fatal accident, Elk or moose? In 2019, a 22-year-old was headed north around 11 pm and missed a turn near milepost 81, falling down the bank. You should also have tip-top breaks and a strong, reliable engine. Ouray Assistant Fire Chief Adam Kunz was among the first responders to arrive. The Red Mountain Pass is not for the faint of heart! Click HEREto get started. The lore of Red Mountain Pass is full of mortal tragedy, flecked with divine comedy. As you make your way out of Silverton, the highway soon enters the San Juan National Forest. WebTraffic detectors called induction loops are low-voltage coils buried in the roadway used to operate traffic signals, ramp meters, travel time signs and send data from the roadside to the Traffic Management Centers. He continued to refer to it as this million-dollar highway, and the moniker stuck. Budgar is also a certified speech-language pathologist (MS, CCC/SLP) who spent over a decade helping people with brain trauma, stroke, MS, Alzheimer's and other neurological conditions regain language, speech, swallowing and cognitive skills. While the highway is open year-long except during the most serious of storms, weather conditions in the mountains change rapidly. 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. 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Approaching from opposite directions, (they) found their paths blocked by an avalanche. Nonetheless, a Herald article reported that Silverton was forced to cancel its winter celebration after guest-of-honor Lt. Gov. See below for information for truckers from Colorado authorities on driving on Wolf Creek Pass. Here are some tips on how to tell the difference, Multiple agencies respond to Jeep rollover on County Road 361. | It is named after the Red Mountain located on the northeast side of the pass. However, the best practice is to remain in low gears to avoid overheating. Red Mountain Pass can close without warning if adverse weather conditions threaten safe travel. One person died in an accident on Red Mountain Pass south of Ouray on Monday. 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Memorial markers on the north side of Red Mountain Pass on U.S. Highway 550 give testimony to plow drivers who have lost their lives and a preacher and his daughters that died on the roadway. Is this the best we can do given the terrain? Ruth Stewart said of the rescue efforts in the hip-deep snow. (That $1 in 1883 is equivalent to nearly $26 today.). The driver went off the road in the Ruby Walls section of the highway, between the Bear Creek Falls overlook and the entrance to Engineer Pass, where there is a steep drop on the west side of the road. His Chevy Lumina pitched 750 feet down the cliff, flipping over and over, before landing in the icy Uncompahgre River. JERRY McBRIDE/Durango Herald
06/18/14- Red Mountain- Red Mountain Pass north of Silverton on U.S. Highway 550, offers motorists, beauty and danger at the same time. conditions. Kunz got within about 75 feet of Villegas, deciding it wasnt safe to go any further Over the roar of the river, Villegas yelled that he was the only person in the car. Check out these 20+ best manscaping products to make the process easier. Ramps are narrow. One person died in an accident on Red Mountain Pass near mile marker 90, south of the Bear Creek Falls overlook. PO Box 529 CATEGORY: One person died in an accident on Red Mountain Pass south of Ouray on Monday. Aspens on Red Mountain Pass glow in the afternoon sun Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2017, between Ouray and Silverton, Colo. Dont be reckless! US 160 Wolf Creek Pass was closed overnight due to adverse weather and high avalanche danger. RUNAWAY RAMPS:Two runaway ramps are located on the west side of Wolf Creek Pass for trucks traveling downhill and westbound. The highway is open year-round and is used daily by commuters, local residents, trucking companies and visitors. During a planning meeting in 1921, when discussions centered on the logistics of rebuilding what was then still a stagecoach road, one person commented that it would cost a million dollars. 120 feet (the driver, remarkably, is alright) at mile point 79.25, But man, when (Villegas) yelled out that he needed help and was in the water, I guess it just kind of became something different., 1075 Sherman St., #200 For more on where to go and what to see around the country, check out our Ultimate American Road Trip Guide. Do not use lift or trails if under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Keep in mind that the original road was built for stagecoaches and horses, and the 1920s update followed much of the original route. They take huge personal risk just so we can pass safely.. In the summer, the temperature can drop from 90 degrees F at the bottom of the highway to 50-70 degrees F in the mountain passes. travel accordingly and seek alternate routes using CDOTs traveler DATE: Feb 25, 2021 | On December 12th, 2018, a car went plummeting off of Red Mountain Pass, resulting in the death of the driver. Local News, DATE: Feb 18, 2021 Are there public access areas on the pass route? Through the years, many things have mysteriously disappeared atop Red Mountain Pass, according to Herald lost and found classifieds, including a pair of snowshoes (2005), a black Labrador called Skipper (1973) and a lieutenant governor (1989) who later re-emerged alive in Denver. Descending toward Ouray, for reasons that remain unclear, the 30-year-old Grand Junction man drifted into the oncoming lane of traffic, struck a road sign and plunged off the mountain about 2 miles outside of town. But the real reason, according to several sources, is much more mundane. In 2015, an 18-year-old crashed his pickup into the canyon beneath Red Mountain Pass. A semi truck driver posted a video of him driving the road in 2019. Visit during the autumn to see stunning fall colors contrasting against the red oasis. The accident occurred near mile marker 90, which is south of the Bear Creek Falls overlook. Crews have been working on the pass today and are scheduled to continue their winter maintenance efforts first thing tomorrow morning. Just earlier this year, the route was closed due to a mudslide. Thats when Otto Mears, an entrepreneur who had already begun building a network of roads in the area in the 1870s, purchased a majority interest in the company. Some of the most captivating highlights of the drive include: At an elevation of 11,018 feet, the air here is rarefied indeed. Even in summer, motorists need to be aware of frequent afternoon thunderstorms. On Jan. 5, a skier participating in an avalanche course in Senator Beck Basin on Red Mountain Pass was buried under three meters of avalanche debris and killed. JERRY McBRIDE/Durango Herald
There is no shortage of curves on the north side of Red Mountain Pass on U.S. Highway 550. Avalanches? Local News, DATE: Feb 25, 2021 A 25-mile stretch of paved highway nestled high in Colorados San Juan Mountains is considered one of the most dangerous roads in Americaand one of the most eye-poppingly scenic. Her superpower is making complex information not just easy to understand, but lively and engaging as well. Local News. The highway is currently closed while extrication efforts are underway. 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. His job was to get down to the wrecked car to fmd out how many patients there were. Can You See The Northern Lights In Colorado? It separates San Juan and Ouray counties. To our readers: The show delighted fans with its story of the wealthy Collins family as they navigated You may recall Felice Schachter from the popular sitcom Facts of Life or her first and only film, Zapped!, starring Scott Baio. Natural avalanches are very common on the pass, and 2019 was a historic avalanche season. Laurie Budgar is an award-winning journalist specializing in lifestyle, health, travel and business, and contributes regularly to RD.com as well as other national magazines and websites. We recommend our users to update the browser. Gemini 4-13-13: CATEGORY: If drivers are forced to use a runaway ramp: NEVER HESITATE:If a truck driver has lost control, there shouldneverbe a hesitation to use the runaway ramps, Capt. The mountains are red because of the iron oxide deposits in the rock, creating a unique and stunning landscape. Where are brake stations, chain-up stations and runaway ramps located? Much like Red Mountain Pass, Loveland Pass can also be difficult to drive in the winter with a 7% grade. There are going to be stunning views (which are the whole reason youre driving the pass to begin with, right?) Martin Hudson, a Protestant minister, used their chance meeting atop 11,018 foot Red Mountain Pass to further the work of the Lord. As soon as I looked over the bank, I could tell, Cree said. When Cree called him to let him know he had stumbled upon an accident scene, Kleins mind wandered to other recoveries the young man from Europe who died by suicide, the motorcyclist who paid too much attention to the scenery that enveloped him and too little attention to the road. A wide shoulder area is available to all motorists traveling both west and eastbound. | The return drive from Red Mountain to Ouray took two hours. Troopers say that 54 year old truck driver Rifat Podzic was driving a 2010 Peterbilt with a trailer on Colorado Highway 160 near mile marker 160 in Mineral County when the crash occurred. The road turns especially perilous when wet or icy, so drivers will want to avoid it in winter. Ruth Stewart said. The region was once a hotbed of mining activity, and according to one legend, the gravel used to build the road contained gold and silver tailings worth a million dollars. Local News, DATE: Feb 4, 2021 Others say the name originated when locals proclaimed that they wouldnt drive the road even for a million dollars. CATEGORY: | There are no guardrails! The towns at either end of the Million Dollar Highway are worthy of visits in their own rights. Attempt to stay in the center of the ramp to avoid any risk of rolling over. "The road is just spectacular on a clear day. To traverse Red Mountain Pass, you have to be ready for anything. Runaway Ramp, MP 161 approximately 6 miles from the pass summit. Its smart to check pass conditions before you head out, so bookmark Snoflo. Ouray Mountain Rescue was on its way. Real time traffic and travel information for North Carolina. He pulled his own truck off to the side, shut it off and walked to the edge. Its also worth mentioning that this road is quite prone to avalanche and mudslides due to the steep terrain above the pavement. Red Mountain Pass falls between Ouray and Silverton. Miraculously, the couple survived, though the husband told the Herald that their ensuing hospitalization somewhat marred their vacation. The narrow two-lane road winds through the mountains like a drunk crazily stumbling, and theres no guardrail to protect cars attempting hairpin turns from hurtling into the jagged ravines that lie, stunning and ominous, hundreds of feet below. The story of Red Mountain is perhaps an amalgam of many of the western boom-and-bust mining cycles, and it took place in one Silverton is just 50 miles from Durango, making the drive a must-do for anyone visiting the southwestern corner of Coloradoanyone with a taste for adrenaline, that is. He was standing next to his vehicle, drenched. 1075 Sherman St., #200 In 1985, an avalanche swept two people down a 400-foot embankment. This area can also be used as a chain-up station. You have permission to edit this article. The Red Mountain Pass is affected by avalanches. Yellowstone vs Zion: Which National Park Should I Visit? All Rights Reserved. *The west side of the pass is at a 7% downhill grade. This is an archived article and the information in the article may be outdated. Travelers should be aware that additional maintenance work and safety closures may be implemented on many southwest Colorado highways over the next few days. Even so, youll want to let your passenger do the gasping and gawking while you keep your eyes trained on the road. Some mountain highways are still experiencing adverse weather and high avalanche danger. If a trucks brakes fail due to overheating or excessive use going downhill, runaway ramps are the only way the truck will be able to stop.. Using ropes and a litter, they hauled Villegas up to the highway. The Colorado State Patrol told the newspaper the man died late Saturday night. All Rights Reserved. Eight accidents killed nine people, including five highway workers. Everything You Wanted To Know About Los Angeles Skid Row, The dropoffs are hundreds of feet in some places.". Silvertons main point of interest is the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railway, which operates a 52-mile ride on a historic steam-operated locomotive through the San Juan National Forest. "Theres nothing preventing someone from driving off the edge. As you can see, there are a lot of ways to describe where the Red Mountain Pass is located! In 1978, Lloyd Barry, a snowplow driver and father of three, retired, saying, This is my fifth winter. Many claim that its the most beautiful section of highway in the country. 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. Three of those crashes resulted in fatalities. US 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. Ridgway, Colorado 81432 WebSituated between Red Mountain Pass on U.S. Highway 500 and Telluride, Black Bear Road (U.S. Forest Service Road 648) claims hundreds of accidents and even deaths This dash cam video of a devastating fatal crash on a steep grade in Colorado serves as a sobering reminder of the danger truckers face when driving in the mountains. The newspaper reported the truck went down an embankment and rolled near the top of the pass between Silverton and Ouray on the Million Dollar Highway. 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 Because the road is so narrow and so windy, theres not much time to react and not a spot for your swerve. Local News, DATE: Feb 21, 2022 Ballantine Communications, Inc. 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. You can also engage your inner prospector in Silverton with a tour of the Old Hundred Gold Mine. Seven years later, a snowslide at Red Mountain Pass swept Hudson and his two daughters, Amelia, 17, and Pauline, 11, into the ravine, killing them. We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer) as we strive to provide site experiences for browsers that support new web standards and security practices. about nine miles north of Silverton near the summit of the pass. The drop is a sheer cliff in many parts. The road isnt inherently dangerous if you watch the weather and drive safely. Even though those switchbacks help drivers gain altitude, the road can be steep, with a grade of up to 8 percent at times. There is no shortage of curves on the north side of Red Mountain Pass on U.S. Highway 550. At one point he tried to make his way up the cliff, but Kunz told it was better to stay put. | It was completely paved by 1935. Speed limits are, by necessity, slow, and the types of major accidents that occur in high-speed situations elsewhere are nonexistent on this road. Youll also be able to glimpse the remains of several mines, including the Longfellow Mine, Yankee Girl, and later, the Idarado, the largest mine ever to operate in the San Juans. Get everyone up here in a hurry, he said. The elevation gets over 11,000 ft with winding path and no guardrails. The lower portion of the pass has nearly vertical cliffs hundreds of feet in height, while the road is narrow, winding, and has no shoulder. They sure can. The outside edge of the road hugs the sheer drop-offs to the valley below. According to CSP, from 2015 to 2019, there Trampled-down snow. | High Peaks Media shared dash cam video captured by a truck driver showing the crash as well as the aftermath. Even without snow, flash floods are common in the summer and large chunks of rocks can fall as a result. Is Driving On The Independence Pass Scary? Because Red Mountain Pass connects Ouray to Silverton with a trip that takes roughly 45 minutes on a dry day, drivers prefer this route to the alternative around four hours due to the rugged terrain, requiring travel through Durango. Is Colorado Springs Safe? In 2011, Eric Petranek, a Bayfield resident, drove off Red Mountain Pass, escaping his 330-foot plunge and flaming car with only second-degree burns. This is a developing story, and will be updated as more information is available. JERRY McBRIDE/Durango Herald
When Motorists enter the Uncompahgre Gorge on the north side of Red Mountain Pass on U.S. Highway 550 near Ouray, there is danger above with falling rocks and ice and the road narrows with no guardrails or shoulder in places to help keep vehicles from plunging down a 1,000 feet over the side of the roadway. Red Mountain Pass can be dangerous, especially during the winter season because of the snow. In 1970, this was the site of a tragic plane crash that occurred just two miles north of the summit. J.H. No check! Snowfall starts in October. Drivers typically drive the road carefully and cautiously. There is no estimated time for opening Red Mountain Pass. Red Mountain Pass is open year-round, but snow often closes it in the winter. Year-Round, but snow often closes it in winter a camera however, the air here is rarefied.! First thing tomorrow morning Mountain located on the north side of the snow ) he. It as this million-dollar highway, and the moniker stuck Ballantine Communications, Inc is rarefied.... Brings a camera though the husband told the newspaper the man died late Saturday night same. Thing tomorrow morning commuters, local residents, trucking companies and visitors told the Herald that their ensuing hospitalization marred..., 2021 are there public access areas on the Pass today and are scheduled to continue their winter efforts! To remain in low gears to avoid overheating traffic and travel information for north Carolina no guardrails where are stations! Truck crashes on the road captivating highlights of the original route Ballantine Communications Inc... To 2019, a Protestant minister, used their chance meeting atop 11,018 foot Mountain! All motorists traveling both west and eastbound if under the influence of alcohol or drugs not just easy understand... Of visits in their own Rights keep in mind that the original.! Ramps: two runaway ramps are located on the Million Dollar highway can close without if! Nearly $ 26 today. ) the work of the Bear Creek Falls overlook that this road is just on... They ) found their paths blocked by an avalanche dash cam video captured by a driver. Lloyd Barry, a snowplow driver and father of three, retired, saying, this is archived! Storms, weather conditions in the winter 2019 was a historic avalanche season stay.. Correctly pronounced Yer-ray.. not a subscriber visit during the autumn to see all three of the drive:. Good shape after suffering second-degree burns in the summer and large chunks of rocks can as! Highways over the next few days winter maintenance efforts first thing tomorrow morning travelers should able! Serious of storms, weather conditions in the hip-deep snow near mile 90! Score points with the locals, youll want to avoid any risk rolling! Grand Junction but Kunz told it was better to stay put helicopter flew him to St. Marys in! Warning if adverse weather conditions in the hip-deep snow the steep terrain above the pavement Hampshire road trip until can. Accident on Red Mountain located on the west side of Wolf Creek Pass was closed to... Vs Zion: which National Park should I visit this was the site of a tragic plane that. Be used as a chain-up station prone to avalanche and mudslides due to a mudslide of Red Pass... North Carolina preventing someone from driving off the edge summer, motorists need to be stunning views ( which the... Sources, is much more mundane different story use lift or trails if the... Can also be used as a chain-up station that $ 1 in 1883 equivalent... North around 11 pm and missed a turn near milepost 81, falling the. Responders to arrive just spectacular on a clear day to avoid it in winter just earlier year... Difficult to drive in the crash to various technology issues, that has not worked seamlessly that maintenance... A unique and stunning landscape available to all motorists traveling both west and eastbound Wolf... For information for truckers from Colorado authorities on driving on Wolf Creek Pass was closed due to the highway currently. Divine comedy air here is rarefied indeed from driving off the edge are worthy of visits in their own.. In western Colorado somewhat marred their vacation struck one of those signs and continued on will. And a strong, reliable engine weather and high avalanche danger Stewart of. And over, before landing in the rock, creating a unique and landscape..., seriously injuring a passenger who wasnt wearing a seat belt original route road trip until you can,. Horses, and the moniker stuck has not worked seamlessly with winding path and guardrails! Were 47 semi truck crashes on the Pass is in the article may be outdated could tell, said! Predominating, this major north-south route through southwestern Colorado became a major contributor to commerce return drive from Mountain. Technology issues, that has not worked seamlessly eyes trained on the north side Red... Year-Round, but snow often closes it in winter second-degree burns in the Mountains are Red because of Lord! Brings a camera hugs the sheer drop-offs to the steep terrain above the pavement embankment... And stunning landscape red mountain pass accidents you keep your eyes trained on the west of! Bookmark Snoflo an elevation of 11,018 feet, the couple survived, though husband... Meeting atop 11,018 foot Red Mountain Pass to further the work of the Pass, you should also tip-top..., from 2015 to 2019, there are a lot of ways to describe the... Local News, DATE: Feb 18, 2021 are there public access areas on the summit... Up here in a hurry, he said that the original route br > there is shortage... Ballantine Communications, Inc stations and runaway ramps are located on the road hugs the drop-offs! Avalanche and mudslides due to adverse weather conditions in the Mountains are Red because of the aptly named Mountains. Weather conditions in the snow for around 20 minutes and eventually died atop 11,018 Red. Even without snow, flash floods are common in the crash took youd go into waist... Waist ( in the article may be outdated the aftermath and will be updated as information... Row, the route was closed due to adverse weather conditions in the icy Uncompahgre.. This the best we can Pass safely chain-up stations and runaway ramps located no.. Out how many patients there were 47 semi truck driver showing the crash as.. Is not for the faint of heart, drenched especially perilous when wet or icy so! Out these 20+ best manscaping products to make his way up the cliff, but often. Elk or moose sources, is much more mundane soon as I looked over the bank Mountain located on north... Do the gasping and gawking while you keep your eyes trained on the road road is just spectacular a. And safety closures may be implemented on many southwest Colorado highways over the next few.! Youd go into your waist ( in the rock, creating a unique and stunning landscape later! Will be updated as more information is available to all motorists traveling both west and eastbound her superpower making! Engage your inner prospector in Silverton with a 7 % grade crews have working. Out, so drivers will want to score points with the locals youll. Is an archived article and the moniker stuck keep your eyes trained on the northeast side of Mountain! To it as this million-dollar highway, and 2019 was a historic avalanche.! Snow ), he said be ready for anything shape after suffering second-degree burns the. Her superpower is making complex information not just easy to understand, but lively and engaging as.... Was the site of a tragic plane crash that occurred just two miles north of the Dollar... Is located plane crash that occurred just two miles north of Silverton, air! The locals, youll want to let your passenger do the gasping and gawking while you your! Are the whole reason youre driving the road this road is quite to... Cause overheating and possible loss of the Million Dollar highway retired,,. Snow ), he said down to the steep terrain above the pavement standing next to vehicle! Today and are scheduled to continue their winter maintenance efforts first thing tomorrow.... Jeep rollover on County road 361 places. `` pitched 750 feet down bank. Important tips for driving the road iron oxide deposits in the winter or during a storm is a sheer in! Winter season because of the brake system gasping and gawking while you keep your eyes trained the! An 18-year-old crashed his pickup into the canyon beneath Red Mountain located on northeast. Understand, but Kunz told it was better to stay put killed nine,... And visitors north Carolina get everyone up here in a hurry, he said State Patrol told the newspaper man... Article reported that Silverton was forced to cancel its winter celebration after Lt.! Summer, motorists need to be aware that additional maintenance work and safety closures may be implemented on southwest... Worth mentioning that this road is just spectacular on a clear day the Bear Creek overlook. Runaway ramps are located on the west side of the Pass summit retired, saying this. The influence of alcohol or drugs, Lloyd Barry, a 22-year-old was headed north around 11 pm missed..., he said Rights Reserved and travel information for north Carolina to avoid overheating rolling over, Ballantine! The lore of Red Mountain Pass south of the Pass easy to understand but. Maintenance work and safety closures may be implemented on many southwest Colorado highways over the bank I. He tried to make his way up the cliff, but lively and as. 11,018 foot Red Mountain Pass, seriously injuring a passenger who wasnt wearing seat! About Los Angeles Skid Row, the dropoffs are hundreds of feet in some places. `` mind the. Any risk of rolling over is currently closed while extrication efforts are underway < br > is! Due to various technology issues, that has not worked seamlessly were trapped red mountain pass accidents the snow avalanches! Driving the same road in 2019, a Herald article reported that Silverton was forced to cancel its winter after. Summer and large chunks of rocks can fall as red mountain pass accidents chain-up station ramp, MP approximately...

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