Million Dollar Highway
San Juan Scenic Byway
The Million Dollar Highway, also known as U.S. Route 550, is a scenic and treacherous mountain road that runs through the heart of the San Juan Mountains in southwestern Colorado. With stunning views of towering peaks, deep gorges, and alpine meadows, the highway is a popular destination for adventure seekers, road trippers, and outdoor enthusiasts alike. However, the road's narrow lanes, hairpin turns, and steep cliffs have also earned it a reputation as one of the most dangerous roads in America.
Learn the history of the highway
What is the Route?
The Million Dollar Highway, also known as U.S. Route 550, is a 25-mile stretch of highway that runs from Ouray to Silverton in southwestern Colorado. The highway was originally constructed in the late 19th century as a wagon trail to transport miners and supplies to the area's rich gold and silver mines. Today, the Million Dollar Highway is a popular scenic byway that winds its way through the San Juan Mountains, offering breathtaking views of jagged peaks, steep canyons, and cascading waterfalls.
If you start in Silverton the highway climbs up and over Red Mountain Pass, reaching an elevation of over 11,000 feet. The road is narrow and winding, with sharp curves and steep drop-offs, making it a challenging drive for even the most experienced drivers. As the road descends towards the town of Ouray, it passes through a series of switchbacks known as the Million Dollar Highway.
The highway passes through several historic mining towns, including Silverton, known for its well-preserved Victorian architecture, and the ghost town of Animas Forks, which was once a bustling mining community. Along the way, visitors can stop at scenic overlooks to take in the stunning mountain views, hike to waterfalls and alpine lakes, or go skiing and snowboarding at nearby ski resorts.
Despite its scenic beauty, the Million Dollar Highway is also notorious for its hair-raising twists and turns, narrow lanes, and steep drop-offs. Drivers are advised to use caution and be aware of changing weather conditions, as the road can become treacherous during winter storms. Nevertheless, for those who are up for the challenge, the Million Dollar Highway offers a thrilling and unforgettable driving experience through some of Colorado's most spectacular scenery.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Why is it called the Million Dollar Highway?
Well, it depends on who you ask…
1) They say that is what it cost to build the highway back in the 1880s.
2) They say it was a toll road and that it cost a million dollars to use it.
3) The million dollar views, of course!
In the 1920’s when automobiles were becoming popular, Highway 550 between Ouray and Silverton had a major upgrade. Three road contractors hired for the job were each given a specific section of road to work on, and the first time they got together they compared bids and realized that the three bids totaled exactly one million dollars. One of them exclaimed, “Well, I guess we have ourselves a million dollar highway.” And the name stuck! The highway actually did not cost a million dollars to build, only about $125,000.
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Is It Dangerous?
Though it is labeled as one of the most dangerous roads in the United States, if you stick to the speed limit, stay within the lines, and be aware of your surroundings you will travel just fine. Campers, Semi-Trucks, and trucks with trailers travel this road frequently.
In the winter months, be sure to stay on top of what the weather will be. It is common for the Colorado Department of Transportation to close down the road for safety reasons.
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Why Are There No Guardrails?
In the winter, they simply plow the snow off the side of the highway.
What a job!
Notable Stops Along the Million Dollar Highway
Hailed as one of the most majestically scenic drives in the US, the 24-mile route between Ouray and Silverton, Colorado is repeatedly described as ‘unforgettable.’
You will be craning your neck for the views and oohing and aaahing the entire way. In anticipation of some of the spots you will want to stop and get out of your vehicle to take it all in, considering the following points of beauty and historic significance. (Directions are assuming you headed south from Ouray to Silverton.)
Box Cañon Falls, take the first right onto CR361 just around the first switchback as you leave town
That right turn onto CR 361 will allow you to check out the Uncompahgre Gorge as you head across the first bridge. Location of the Ouray International Ice Festival and winter and the city’s Ouray Via Ferrata in the summer
Back on to the Million Dollar after the next switchback you will see the sign for the Amphitheater Campground on the left; a short drive up into the Campground will take you to the top of the campground a great view of the city from the east
The Switzerland of America lookout is just around the next corner. A big space for parking allows you to exit your vehicle and capture some pictures of the city as it first comes into view from the south
Another 2.3 miles up the highway is the must see, Bear Creek Falls. You must walk out onto the viewing platform to see its 205 descent below the highway and the informational kiosks along the walk give great insight into the history of this undertaking.
Traveling another 3 miles further up the highway at just before the next major switchbacks come to the memorial honoring some of those whose lives ended on this beautiful but treacherous highway. Take time to read a bit about their stories and you’ll gain even more appreciation for the people who settled in these rugged mountains.
Evidence of the more than 60 avalanches that perch restlessly above our heads in winter and spring can be seen in the narrow, treeless ravines and the deep snow piles and debris that rest in the river canyons below.
Eight miles up at the beginning of the only straightaway, Crystal Lake awaits you at the base of Mt Hayden. It’s a iconic spot and backdrop for many a mountain wedding photo shoot.
Be observant on both sides of the highway as you head toward Ironton Park; moose, elk, and deer abound in this stretch due to its marshy vegetation.
The ghost towns of Guston, Red Mountain, and Ironton await your pedestrian exploration at the end of this straightaway. Joker Tunnel and boardinghouse are on the right and on the left you can drive a short ways toward the few remaining structures of these towns that once were home to 1500 -2000 inhabitants.