This White-Knuckle Drive Has an 11,018-Ft Mountain Pass, No Guard Rails, and Million Dollar Views

One of the Most Dangerous Roads in Colorado

The Million Dollar Highway is a 25-mile stretch of US Route 550 in Colorado’s San Juan Mountains, connecting the historic towns of Silverton and Ouray.

How it got its name is still a debate. Some claim it cost $1 million per mile to build, while others say it was filled with low-grade gold ore.

This is an absolutely beautiful road, but you may want to think twice before attempting it.

The Highway Reaches Over 11,000 Feet at Red Mountain Pass

The road climbs to 11,018 feet at Red Mountain Pass, the highest point on the route. This section sits between Ouray and Silverton and is part of the San Juan Skyway scenic byway. You’ll face steep drops and tight turns here, with no margin for error.

Some Sections Have No Guardrails Due to Snowplows

Guardrails are missing along much of the highway to give snowplows space to push snow over cliffs during winter. The lack of barriers means you’re sheer drops of hundreds of feet. And it doesn’t matter if it makes you panic, because when you’re on the highway, your only choice is to finish it.

There Are Extreme Slopes with Steep 8% Grades

The highway includes slopes as steep as 8%, forcing vehicles to crawl uphill or brake heavily downhill. These grades strain engines and brakes, especially for RVs or trucks. You need to use low gears to avoid overheating your vehicle.

Hairpin Turns Can Force Speeds Below 10 MPH

Sharp bends in the Uncompahgre Gorge require drivers to slow to 10 MPH or less. The turns are so tight that large trucks and RVs often swing into opposing lanes. Signs warn drivers to stay alert and avoid drifting into oncoming traffic.

Cars Are Less Than a Foot Apart in Some Narrow Lanes

The road narrows to just 22 feet wide in places, with lanes barely 10 feet across. Soft spots in the pavement caused by eroded rock force drivers to hug the centerline. Passing oncoming traffic will sometimes leave less than 12 inches between your car and the next.

Sudden Weather Can Create Ice Sheets in Minutes

Temperatures can plummet rapidly in the San Juan mountains. It can literally turn rain into ice on the road within minutes. In 1951, a storm coated the region in a 1-inch-thick ice layer, causing massive traffic jams. Always check forecasts and carry chains in colder months.

Avalanche Paths Cross the Road in Over 120 Locations

Avalanches threaten the highway at 120 known paths, including the deadly East Riverside Slide. In 1992, an avalanche buried two snowplow drivers here, killing one. Today, forecasters monitor snowpack and trigger controlled slides to keep the road open.

Panoramic Views Include Five Major Mountain Peaks

While driving the Million Dollar Highway can be scary, you also get to see some of the most spectacular peaks in Colorado here. You’ll get unobstructed views of Sultan Mountain (13,373 ft), Kendall Mountain (13,066 ft), Storm Peak (13,487 ft), Red Mountain (12,890 ft), and Hayden Mountain (12,987 ft). Lookout Point near Ouray offers a clear view of these peaks and the Uncompahgre Valley.

Wildflower Meadows Bloom in High-Elevation Sections

While the highway isn’t kind to vehicles, the surroundings are wonderful to wildflowers. Molas Pass (10,970 ft) has meadows filled with white and yellow wildflowers in July and August. If you hike around the area, you spot lupines, columbines, and paintbrushes near lily ponds. The blooms contrast with the gray cliffs and evergreen forests around the highway.

Historic Mining Towns Like Silverton Line the Route

The Million Dollar Highway also brings you to some of the most historic towns in the state. Silverton retains its 19th-century mining-town vibe with wooden storefronts and the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. Ouray features Victorian architecture and natural hot springs. They make for great stops during your road trip.

Aspen Groves Become a Golden Corridor During Fall

Fall is particularly stunning on the Million Dollar Highway. Bright yellow aspen trees line the way in late September and October. The groves are densest near Red Mountain Pass, creating a golden tunnel effect.