The Million Dollar Highway is a legendary 25-mile stretch of
U.S. Route 550 in southwestern Colorado, connecting the historic
mining towns of Silverton and Ouray through the rugged San Juan
Mountains. This segment is renowned for its breathtaking alpine
scenery, dramatic elevation changes, and adrenaline-pumping
driving conditions, often ranked among America's most scenic—and
dangerous—drives. The road climbs over high mountain passes,
winds through narrow canyons with sheer cliffs, and offers
panoramic views of snow-capped peaks, cascading waterfalls, and
vibrant forests. It's part of the larger San Juan Skyway scenic
byway, but this core section stands out for its intensity and
historical significance in the region's gold and silver mining
era.
The name "Million Dollar Highway" has multiple
origin stories: one claims it cost a million dollars per mile to
construct in the 1920s due to the challenging terrain; another
suggests the views are worth a million dollars; and a third
posits that the gravel used in the roadbed contained a million
dollars' worth of gold ore. Regardless of the legend, the route
delivers on its promise of unparalleled natural beauty, making
it a bucket-list drive for adventure seekers.
Construction of the Million Dollar Highway began in the late 19th century to support the booming mining industry in the San Juans. Entrepreneur Otto Mears, known as the "Pathfinder of the San Juans," originally built parts of it as a toll road in 1883 to connect Silverton and Ouray, facilitating the transport of ore from remote mines. The route followed ancient Native American trails and was upgraded in the 1920s into a modern highway, though much of the original precarious path remains intact. Mining remnants dot the landscape, including abandoned shafts, tailings piles, and historic sites like the Idarado Mine, which operated until the 1970s and now offers tours showcasing underground tunnels and equipment. The area's mining history is palpable, with ghost towns and interpretive signs providing context to the boom-and-bust cycles that shaped these mountain communities.
The highway spans approximately 25 miles, but the most thrilling
portion is the 12-mile section south of Ouray over Red Mountain Pass.
Starting from Silverton (elevation 9,318 feet) and heading north to
Ouray (7,792 feet), the drive is often recommended in this direction so
that sheer drop-offs are on the passenger side, reducing driver anxiety.
Here's a breakdown of key segments:
Silverton to Molas Pass
(Miles 0-7): Begin in Silverton, a Victorian-era town with preserved
historic buildings, museums, and the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge
Railroad depot. The road ascends gently through aspen groves and open
meadows, reaching Molas Pass (10,910 feet) with stunning overlooks of
Molas Lake and the surrounding peaks. Pullouts here offer picnic spots
and trailheads for hikes like the Colorado Trail.
Molas Pass to Red
Mountain Pass (Miles 7-15): This section intensifies with tighter curves
and exposed ledges. You'll pass through mining ruins and colorful
mineral-stained mountainsides (red from iron ore). The ascent to Red
Mountain Pass (11,018 feet) features hairpin turns and views of jagged
summits like Red Mountain No. 1, 2, and 3. In fall, the aspens turn
brilliant gold and orange, creating a kaleidoscope of color.
Red
Mountain Pass to Ouray (Miles 15-25): The descent is the heart-pounding
highlight, with narrow lanes hugging cliffsides, no guardrails in spots,
and drops exceeding 1,000 feet. Key features include the "Uncompahgre
Gorge" with its vertical walls and Bear Creek Falls tumbling 227 feet
beside the road. The route ends in Ouray, dubbed the "Switzerland of
America" for its encircled peaks and hot springs.
The total drive
takes about 45 minutes non-stop, but plan 2-4 hours with stops for
photos and exploration.
In addition to the drive, the Million Dollar Highway opens up many
chances for outdoor activities and historical spots. Here's a list of
essential stops, arranged from south to north:
Silverton Historic
District: Dive into the origin town's mining legacy with displays,
stores, and taverns. Key features: Blair Street for frontier atmosphere;
tour of the Mayflower Mill. (Approximate Mile Marker from Silverton:
Mile 0)
Molas Lake Overlook: Picturesque stopping point with sights
of a clear mountain lake. Key features: Angling, tenting, and brief
treks; summer blooms. (Approximate Mile Marker from Silverton: Mile 7)
Little Molas Lake Trailhead: Entry to paths in the San Juan National
Forest. Key features: Simple walk to a secluded lake; animal
observations (elk, deer). (Approximate Mile Marker from Silverton: Mile
8)
Red Mountain Pass Summit: Top elevation with explanatory markers
on mining past. Key features: Full-circle panoramic sights; picture
spots of rust-colored peaks. (Approximate Mile Marker from Silverton:
Mile 15)
Idarado Mine: Deserted mining site with self-led
above-ground visits. Key features: Vintage cable structures and tools;
details on extracting gold and silver. (Approximate Mile Marker from
Silverton: Mile 18)
Bear Creek Falls: Cascade viewpoint directly from
the path. Key features: Quick path to the bottom; rainbow effects in
sunlight. (Approximate Mile Marker from Silverton: Mile 22)
Ouray Box
Canyon Falls: Right beyond Ouray, a slim ravine with roaring cascades.
Key features: Hanging walkway and avian refuge; admission required.
(Approximate Mile Marker from Silverton: Mile 25+)
Yankee Girl Mine:
Remains of a renowned silver operation seen from the road. Key features:
Striking tower frame; no access, observe from stopping area.
(Approximate Mile Marker from Silverton: Mile 20)
Extra
excursions involve off-road vehicle trips to deserted towns like Animas
Forks, trekking to Ice Lakes Basin (a 7-mile loop to blue-green lakes),
or relaxing in Ouray's natural thermal pools. For adventure lovers,
secured climbing paths via ferrata in Ouray provide protected routes on
rock faces.
This isn't an easy leisurely trip—the Million Dollar Highway requires
attention because of its abrupt zigzags, steep inclines (up to 8%), and
absence of rails on cliff sides. Speed restrictions fall to 15-25 mph in
winding parts, and the two-lane road seems even tighter with approaching
vehicles like trucks or campers. Skip it if heights scare you or if
you're new to driving; opt for a compact car if renting, since big
campers are not advised and might need extra approvals.
Weather
Prep: Review predictions through CDOT (Colorado Department of
Transportation) applications—unexpected snow, mist, or landslides can
happen anytime. Winter travel needs tire chains or winter tires;
crossings could shut down.
Best Practices: Travel in daylight for
better sight; shift to lower gears downhill to prevent brake failure
from heat.
Amenities: Refuel in Silverton or Ouray—no facilities on
the path. Pack hydration, food, and emergency supplies.
Alternatives:
For a milder option, try organized excursions or the Durango & Silverton
train for similar scenery.
Even with its fame, mishaps are
uncommon for careful operators, and the path is kept in good shape.
The warmer months (June-August) provide open paths and flower
displays, great for walking. Autumn (September-October) is the prime
period for aspen leaves in bright shades, although visitors grow. Spring
delivers thawing ice and full-force cascades, but snowslide dangers
remain. Winter turns it into a frosty paradise for skilled drivers, with
close-by skiing spots like Telluride reachable.
If pursuing fall
shades or summer exploits, the Million Dollar Highway captures the
untamed essence of Colorado, mixing scenic wonders with elements of
pioneer heritage.