How Long To Travel The Million Dollar Highway Colorado?

Take in stunning views and a trip through mining history on one of Colorado’s most thrilling and dangerous roads. A

25-mile

stretch of paved highway nestled high in Colorado’s San Juan Mountains is considered one of the most dangerous roads in America—and one of the most eye-poppingly scenic.

Is the Million Dollar Highway worth it?

Still,

the Million Dollar Highway is a tourist favorite and is almost considered a rite of passage for Colorado roadtrippers looking for an amazing day trip

. It feels like time-traveling, following roads originally built for stagecoaches and horses. For a longer journey, take U.S. 550 from Montrose.

Where does the Million Dollar Highway start and end in Colorado?

Highway 550 runs from northern New Mexico all the way up to southern Colorado. But the section from

Silverton, Colorado, to Ouray, Colorado

— the section high in the mountains — has been dubbed the Million Dollar Highway.

Is Colorado Million Dollar Highway open?

The road is kept open year-round

. Summer temperatures can range from 70–90 °F highs at the ends of the highway to 50–70 °F in the mountain passes. The snow season starts in October, and snow will often close the road in winter. Chains may be required to drive.

Which way do you drive a Million Dollar Highway?

You have two options when driving the Million Dollar Highway loop.

South to North or North to South

. If you’re taking the North to Southern route, you’ll more than likely start in Montrose or Ridgway and end somewhere along the way, like in Durango. For us, we took the Million Dollar Highway North to South.

How much did it cost to build the Million Dollar Highway in Colorado?

The Million Dollar Highway was originally built as a narrow wagon road in 1882 by two men, Otto Mears and Fred Walsen. This road cost approximately

$10,000 per square mile

at the time. That’s approximately $250,000 adjusted for inflation.

Why is it called Million Dollar Highway?

The canyon-clinging stretch of spectacular roadway between Silverton, Durango and Ouray is called “The Million Dollar Highway” either

because it cost so much to build, the amount of gold ore that remained in the roadway’s fill or the figurative price for those amazing San Juan Mountain views

.

Is Million Dollar Highway open year round?

The road is kept open year-round

. Summer temperatures can range from 70-90 degree highs at the ends of the highway to 50-70 degrees in the mountain passes. The snow season starts in October, and snow will often close the road in winter.

Is the Million Dollar Highway scary to drive?

According to both Dangerous Roads and USA Today, U.S. Route 550, which more commonly known as the Million Dollar Highway (because you’d have to pay the locals $1M to drive it during or after a snowstorm) is

extremely dangerous

, even claiming numerous lives and vehicles due to its steep, unprotected cliffs.

Why are there no guard rails on the Million Dollar Highway?

When drivers enter the Uncompahgre Gorge on the north side of Red Mountain Pass on U.S. Highway 550 near Ouray, there is danger above with falling rocks and ice, and the road narrows with no guardrails or shoulder in some sections

to help keep vehicles from plunging 1,000 feet over the side of the road

.

Can you pull a camper on the Million Dollar Highway?

How scary is Red Mountain Pass?

Those few who are daring enough to venture on this treacherous and daunting road will experience some of the most stunning views in the entire country. The narrow road is in fact very steep in various places and without any guardrails and other protection at some points, making it

very dangerous to travel on

.

What is the pass between Durango and Ouray?

Red Mountain Pass is the stunning 11,018-foot summit of the Million Dollar Highway in Southwest Colorado. Although the road may be both treacherous and intimidating, adventurous drivers are rewarded with breathtaking views from the top.

Is the road from Ouray to Silverton open?

Road open: noon-1 p.m.

What is the scariest mountain pass in Colorado?

Red Mountain Pass

is notoriously tough to drive during the winter and features tricky 8 % grade sections. Named after the price some say it’d take them to willingly drive it, the Million Dollar Highway often tops lists for most dangerous drives in the world.

Where does the Million Dollar Highway stop?

Durango, often considered one of America’s best outdoor towns, is the most popular destination on the Million Dollar Highway partially due its famous Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. This makes it a common place for travelers to stay for a few days.

Where does the Million Dollar Highway begin and end?

U.S. Route 550 (US 550) is a spur of U.S. Highway 50 that runs from

Bernalillo, New Mexico to Montrose, Colorado

in the western United States. The section from Silverton to Ouray is frequently called the Million Dollar Highway.

Is it better to drive the Million Dollar Highway north or south?

Thus,

south to north

is advised for nervous drivers on the Million Dollar Highway.

What is the highest elevation on the Million Dollar Highway?

Red Mountain Pass is the highest point, at a shade over

11,000 feet

, on the Million Dollar Highway. Views are terrific along the entire stretch.

Which is better Telluride or Ouray?

As towns,

Telluride is more upscale than Ouray

. Classier restaurants, night life, etc. Ouray is still a “real town” despite its location (probably because no ski resort). Don’t miss the free gondola to Telluride Mountain Village.

When was the Million Dollar Highway paved?

While the nickname originally pertained only to the 12 miles south of Ouray, the entire 70-mile stretch to Durango is today considered to be the Million Dollar Highway. The first motorcar climbed the road in

1911

. By 1935, said Shanks, the Million Dollar Highway was completely paved and opened for year-round use.

Where is Red Mountain Pass Colorado?

Red Mountain Pass elevation 11,018 ft (3,358 m) is a mountain pass in the

San Juan Mountains of western Colorado

in the United States. The pass straddles a divide that separates Ouray and San Juan counties. The pass is named for the nearby Red Mountain on the northeast side of the pass.

When was the Million Dollar Highway built?

The winding US highway 550 is also known as The Million Dollar Highway, running all the way from New Mexico to Colorado. Part of the San Juan Skyway, this highway was built in the

late 1880’s

, and it is one of the most spectacular drives in the USA.

What is the scariest road in America?

1. Highway 666 (Now U.S. Route 491)
2. Clinton Road- West Milford, New Jersey. …
3. Route 2A- Haynesville, Maine. …
4. The Devil’s Promenade near Hornet, Missouri. …
5. Prospector’s Road- Georgetown, California. …

What is the most scenic drive in Colorado?

1. Trail Ridge Road. Trail Ridge Road is one of the most spectacular drives in all of Colorado, and ranks up there as one of the top in the world. …
2. Mount Evans Road. …
3. Pike’s Peak Highway. …
4. The Million Dollar Highway. …
5. Top of the Rockies. …
6. Collegiate Peaks Scenic Byway. …
7. Poudre Canyon. …
8. Dinosaur Diamond Scenic and Historic Byway.

What is the highest pass in the United States?