Aha! Say Hi to Keith for me. No snow problems, forecast is for clear, but hot (for here - maybe a high of 80 Friday). There is road construction just south of Silverton - one lane traffic, could hold you up for up to 20 minutes. You'll love 550 but hate the traffic, most likely. Three passes over 10,000 feet, lots of switchbacks, no guardrails (we have to shove the snow someplace in the winter) Stop a couple of minutes at Bear Creek falls, just a couple of miles south of Ouray after you go through the tunnel - we're just getting into serious meltout, and the waterfalls are roaring. If you stop briefly at the Ridgway visitor center and Railroad Museum (you can't miss it, look for the railroad cars at the only stop light in Ouray County. I won't be there on Friday, unfortunately) pick up a copy of the brochure on the San Juan Skyway, which is what we call the loop that includes Ridgway, Ouray, Durango, Dolores, Telluride. It's a great map with local history of the towns and area - sure to bring you back to spend some time. Enjoy the scenery.
I live halfway between Ridgway and Ouray, on the mesa to the west (your right) at 9000 feet at the end of a 7-mile long dirt road. Tough duty, but someone has to do it.
Enjoy your trip.
