Riding the Million Dollar Highway in Colorado

The Million Dollar Highway is the 40 km (25 mi) of US 550 between Ouray and Silverton, in Colorado's San Juan Mountains. It climbs to 3,358 m (11,018 ft) on Red Mountain Pass, on narrow lanes with steep drops and long stretches without a guardrail. Ride it in summer, take it slower than you think you need to, and keep going south over Molas Pass if you have the day.

Where the name comes from

Otto Mears built the first toll road out of Ouray in 1883, to serve the mining camps in the mountains. It was rebuilt in the early 1920s and finished as today's highway in 1924.

Nobody agrees on the name. One story says the road cost a million dollars a mile to build; another says its fill dirt holds a million dollars in gold ore.

What the riding is like

For the first 19 km (12 mi) south of Ouray, the road clings to the side of the Uncompahgre Gorge, then climbs to the top of Red Mountain Pass. The switchbacks are tight, the lanes are narrow and much of the edge has no guardrail.

Your direction changes the ride. Riding south from Ouray puts you on the outside of the curves, right at the drop; riding north keeps you against the rock. Leave room in the bends for RVs and trucks that swing wide.

It's cooler up high: summer days at the passes are typically 10 to 21°C (50 to 70°F), so bring a warm layer. Snow often closes the road in winter, and chains may be required, so check COtrip for road conditions before you set out.

Where to stop

From north to south:

• Ouray: a mountain town in a narrow valley, known as the "Switzerland of America", with hot springs and historic buildings. Box Canyon Falls Park has a waterfall dropping through a narrow gorge.
• Red Mountain Pass: the high point, at 3,358 m (11,018 ft). The Red Mountains are named for the iron-rich rock that colors their slopes. Stop at the pull-offs for the view back over the road.
• Silverton: the old mining town at the south end, with well-preserved buildings. The Mining Heritage Center covers the area's mining past, and the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad runs from here through the mountains.

If you carry on south toward Durango, two more stops are worth it:

• Molas Pass: at 3,344 m (10,970 ft), with overlooks across alpine forest and hiking trails. A good place to stretch your legs.
• Purgatory Resort: further down US 550, with mountain biking, hiking and scenic chairlift rides in summer.