The Million Dollar Highway - 13 Things to Know Before Visiting

Viewpoints

Outdoors- Other

About The Million Dollar Highway

The Million Dollar Highway is a name given to a section of U.S. Highway 550 that runs through Ouray County. The highway is considered to be one of the most scenic and dangerous roads in the country. The road was built in the early 1900s and is famous for its hairpin turns and steep grades. It is also known for being treacherous in the winter months, when ice and snow make the road extremely slick. Despite these efforts, the Million Dollar Highway remains an exciting and challenging drive.

Interior of a hotel

Hotels near The Million Dollar Highway

Checkout accommodations closest to The Million Dollar Highway

Things to Do at The Million Dollar Highway

One of the best ways to experience the Million Dollar Highway is by taking a scenic drive. This is one of the most popular activities in Ouray County, and for good reason. The views from the road are simply breathtaking, and there are plenty of pull-offs along the way where you can stop and enjoy them. If you really want to get off the beaten path, there are also numerous hiking trails in the area that offer even more spectacular views.

If you're looking for a more adrenaline-filled adventure, Ouray County is also home to some of the best mountain biking in Colorado. There are trails to suit all levels of ability, and you're sure to find one that challenges you. For something truly unique, Ouray is also home to the Ouray Ice Park - a man-made ice climbing park that's open year-round. 

Activities Around

History of The Million Dollar Highway

The Million Dollar Highway is one of the most iconic and well-known roads in the United States. Spanning over 100 miles, this stretch of highway winds its way through the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, offering breathtaking views and a wild adventure. But the Million Dollar Highway is more than just a pretty drive - it also has a rich history dating back to the early days of the West.

Construction on the Million Dollar Highway began in 1883, and it was completed just two years later. At that time, it was the highest highway in the world, topping out at an impressive 12,000 feet above sea level. The road quickly became popular with tourists, who came from all over to experience its stunning views. However, the high altitude also made it treacherous to drive, and there were many accidents over the years. In fact, it wasn't until 1940 that the road was finally paved, making it safer for travelers.

Today, the Million Dollar Highway is still a popular destination for road trips and is considered one of the most scenic drives in America. So next time you're looking for an adventure, be sure to put this historic highway on your list!

Best Time to Visit The Million Dollar Highway

The best time to visit is from late May to early October, when the weather is warm and dry. During this time, you can enjoy hiking, camping, and fishing in the area. 

Tips for Visiting The Million Dollar Highway

  1. Plan your visit in advance. The Million Dollar Highway is a popular tourist destination, so it's important to plan your trip in advance. This will help you avoid crowds and make the most of your time in the area.
  2. Take your time. There's no need to rush when you're driving along the Million Dollar Highway. This is a road meant to be enjoyed, so take your time and savor the experience.
  3. Drive cautiously. The Million Dollar Highway can be a dangerous road, so make sure you drive carefully and obey all traffic laws. This is especially important if you're not familiar with mountain driving.
  4. Plan your route beforehand and know your turnaround point. It's easy to get caught up in the moment and keep driving, but make sure you know when it's time to turn around. Once you're past Ouray, there are few places to turn around until you reach Silverton.

Interesting Facts and Trivias About The Million Dollar Highway

  1. The Million Dollar Highway got its name from its construction cost. In the early 1920s, it cost nearly $1 million to build – an astonishing sum at that time.

  2. The highway is also known as the San Juan Skyway because it winds its way through the San Juan Mountains.

  3. It is designated as a National Scenic Byway and an All-American Road due to its stunning scenery.

  4. The highway reaches an elevation of 11,158 feet at its highest point – near the town of Silverton.

  5.  Wildlife such as deer, elk, and bighorn sheep are often seen along the highway.

  6. The Million Dollar Highway is considered one of the most dangerous roads in America due to its steep cliffs and lack of guardrails in some sections.

How Much Time Did Visitors Spend at The Million Dollar Highway

Ideally, you should plan on spending at least a full day driving the route. That will give you enough time to enjoy the incredible views, make a few stops along the way, and even hike or bike one of the many trails that intersect the highway. If you're short on time, though, you can still get a taste of the area by taking a shorter section of the drive.
 

How to Reach The Million Dollar Highway

to reach The Million Dollar Highway, Ouray County, Colorado, simply drive south on US 550 from Montrose. The highway is well-marked and easy to find. It takes about an hour to reach Ouray from Montrose. Once in Ouray, take a right onto 6th Avenue and drive for about half a mile. The Million Dollar Highway will be on your left. Take the highway south for about 25 miles until you reach the town of Silverton. From Silverton, you can either continue south on the highway to Durango or take the scenic route back to Montrose by taking the Needles Highway. 

Entrance Fee of The Million Dollar Highway

There is an entrance fee  of $5 to use the highway, and the proceeds go towards maintenance and upkeep. 

Opening Hours of The Million Dollar Highway

The road is open year-round, but the exact hours vary depending on the season. In the winter, the road is typically open from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. During the summer months, the road is open from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

Attractions Near The Million Dollar Highway

Yankee Girl Mine

Yankee Girl Mine

0.37km from The Million Dollar Highway

This is a former silver, lead, and zinc mine in Ouray County. The mine operated from 1869 to 1991 and produced silver, lead, and zinc ore. During its operating years, the mine employed hundreds of workers and was an important source of income for the local community. The Yankee Girl Mine is now a National Historic Landmark and is open to the public. Visitors can explore the underground tunnels and see first-hand the equipment used by miners during the heyday of silver mining in Colorado.

Red Mountain

Red Mountain

1.52km from The Million Dollar Highway

Red Mountain is a summit in the San Juan Mountains of Ouray County. The mountain is notable for its ruby-red color, which is caused by the presence of high levels of iron oxide in the rock. The area around Red Mountain is popular for hiking, camping, and rock climbing. It is also home to a number of mines, including the Idarado Mine, which was once one of the largest producers of silver and gold in Colorado. Today, the mountain is a popular destination for tourists and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Red Mountain Pass

Red Mountain Pass

2.08km from The Million Dollar Highway

Red Mountain Pass is one of the most scenic mountain passes in Colorado. The pass lies between two mountain ranges, the San Juans to the west and the Cimarron range to the east. It is popular with tourists for its spectacular views and for its some 11,000 acres of alpine meadows, which are home to a variety of wildlife including bighorn sheep, elk, and deer. The pass is also popular with hikers and campers due to its close proximity to several fourteeners, or peaks that rise over 14,000 feet.

Corkscrew Gulch

Corkscrew Gulch

2.54km from The Million Dollar Highway

Corkscrew Gulch is a high-mountain valley located in Ouray County. The valley is home to a creek of the same name, which flows through a winding ravine lined with cliffs and boulders. The valley is a popular destination for hiking and camping, and offers stunning views of the San Juan Mountains. Corkscrew Gulch is also well-known for its abundance of wildflowers, which bloom in early summer. The trailhead for the Corkscrew Gulch trail is located at the end of a four-wheel drive road.

Imogene Pass

Imogene Pass

3.65km from The Million Dollar Highway

Imogene Pass is a high mountain pass located in the San Miguel County of Colorado. The pass is situated between the towns of Ouray and Telluride, and it provides stunning views of the surrounding area. At an elevation of over 13,000 feet, Imogene Pass is one of the highest mountain passes in the state, and it is one of the most popular hiking destinations in Colorado. The trail to the top of the pass is relatively challenging, but it is well worth the effort for the incredible views.

Hayden Mountain

Hayden Mountain

4.36km from The Million Dollar Highway

Hayden Mountain is one of the tallest peaks in the Ouray County, Colorado. It is a popular destination for hikers and climbers due to its challenging trails and stunning views. Hayden Mountain is also home to a variety of wildlife, including elk, deer, and bighorn sheep. The mountain is named after Ferdinand V. Hayden, who was the first to survey the area in 1874. Today, Hayden Mountain is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts from all over the world.

Discover More Attractions in Ouray County, Home of The Million Dollar Highway

Ouray County

Ouray County

31 attractions

Ouray County is a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts, offering something for everyone regardless of their preferred activity. In the winter, skiers and snowboarders flock to the county's slopes, while in the summer months hikers and climbers take to the mountains. There are also ample opportunities for jeeping, fishing, horseback riding, and more.

Location of The Million Dollar Highway

Comments