Exquisite. This is one of the most scenic drives I've ever taken. I've lived in Denver for four years now. From the moment I moved, SW Colorado has been top of mind. Well, time gets away from you. And though I've explored more of this beautiful states than many locals have, I finally crossed off the famed Million Dollar Highway off the ole bucket list. Good golly miss molly, this drive is something else. Something magical, something spectacular, something majestic. Something that can actually leave you speechless. For me, that's the Million Dollar Highway. The winding roads through the San Juans, each passing turn as jaw-dropping as the previous. Whether commuting South from Ouray to Silverton, or North from Silverton to Ouray, this stretch of America is simply surreal. You're missing out if you don't stop at Red Mountain Pass, the highest point of the drive. The lookout point gazing over the Red Mountains was something I didn't expect to blow me away. I love driving. And there's a lot of this country I haven't seen. But this, the Million Dollar Highway, is iconic. It must, I repeat, MUST be experienced not once, but many times. Dare I say, a million times? We need to honor those who built this road. They risked their lives in harsh conditions. And we're left with unadulterated beauty. So much beauty. America, the beautiful. To me, that's the Million Dollar Highway. read more

See all

The million dollar highway is one of the most beautiful drives in the country. I'm driving this you'll e counter jaw dropping views of mountains, rivers, lakes, and meadows. This does not disappoint. We did the drive in early September 2023 so there was no snow or icy conditions, even when climbing up to 11,000+ feet. The road is windy in spots and you're right on the edge of the mountain with no guardrail at points but honestly it is not that bad. I am scared of heights and have recurring dreams of plunging off a mountainside in a car and I was totally fine with this drive, only clutching the "oh sh!t" bar in the car once or twice lol. The 12 mile stretch between Silverton and Ouray is the true million dollar highway but the entire thing all the way up to ridgeway is gorgeous. I'd recommend taking it from Durango to Ridgeway (about a 2 hour drive one way) to experience the full splendor. read more

See all

Absolutely amazing drive. So incredibly beautiful. Def drive round trip! We came in the beginning of June and the weather was perfect. Plenty of trails and off roading paths. We found one with a beautiful stream, the views were absolutely breathtaking. read more

Rightly considered one of the most scenic drives in Colorado. And though I'd be nervous driving it in super snowy conditions, it's no problem when the weather is clear. Great views, historic mining structures, and bookended by two of the best towns in Colorado. Although most designations of this route are only from Ouray to Silverton, it's very much worth also going a few miles south of Silverton to Molas Pass for some of the best wide open views in the area. read more

Million Dollar Highway - Ironton town site - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Ouray, Colorado

See all

Bottom Line: A scenic drive that is not nearly as scary the internet claims, at least not in decent weather in a sedan. My husband and I drove the Million Dollar Highway roundtrip from Durango to Ouray in early October and we really enjoyed the beautiful views including the stunning yellow leaves of the aspens and the snow covered peaks of the surrounding mountains. We stopped at Molas Pass and the Switzerland of America Lookout Point to take in the scenery. My husband and I debated if we should drive the Million Dollar Highway because we'd read many articles and watched many videos about how dangerous and scary it is. I drove, with my husband as the passenger, from Durango to Ouray and when we arrived in Ouray I earnestly asked, "What parts of that drive were supposed to be the scary?" I guess because I was focused on driving and not focused on looking over the edge or the hype of the dangers of the road I never noticed the scary parts. Of course I did this in a sedan, with some experience driving mountain switchbacks and in reasonably good weather. Since we made the trip on October 5 I was hoping for a snow-free experience but we did encounter some slushy roads near Red Mountain Pass (elevation 11,018) which admittedly I didn't love. Patience is important on the Million Dollar Highway. I decided to not try to estimate how long the drive would take because one you get stuck behind an RV, tractor trailer, scared driver, etc. or encounter some weather the pace slows down and you just have to be patient until, and if, you have the chance to safely pass. The only other drive I have to compare this to is the Road to Hana on Maui. I found Road to Hana to be much more intense than the Million Dollar Highway. read more

See all

LOVE Million Dollar Highway! It's so pretty and scenic, year around. We been coming to Colorado for 30 years. read more

Million Dollar Highway - Highway - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Ouray, Colorado

See all

Beyond breathtaking!!!! We came in October when the leaves are at full fall bloom with colors....just amazing! Stop off, take the pup out into the trails, and take lots of pictures! read more

See all

Incredible views! We stayed in Ouray and drove the million dollar highway multiple times. The road is well maintained, and well travelled. Be aware of the road conditions and drive accordingly. Watch for wildlife and site seeing tourists who aren't paying attention to the road! read more

Million Dollar Highway - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Ouray, Colorado

See all

One of my FAVORITE DRIVES in all of the Unites States!!! I just can't believe, in total shock, there's only 7 reviews about this incredible, scenic, majestic 25 mile long drive! Million Dollar Highway deserves SIGNIFICANT recognition and I'm here to be it's #1 supporter! The drive technically starts from Silverton, Colorado and winds, curves and twists all the way to Ouray, Colorado. But from my experience, the beautiful scenery and mighty vistas started earlier than that....heading north from Durango, Colorado...the sights begin roughly 15 miles before you reach Silverton. In all, Million Dollar Highway is composed of about 40 miles of wonderful highway driving. It is recognized as one of the 10 best drives in the USA. I also need to mention that not only is Silverton, Colorado a quaint little town worthy of walking around.....but at the end of Million Dollar Highway in Ouray, Colorado.....I am convinced that OURAY is the prettiest city in the country!!! OURAY, COLORADO EVERYONE! It's called the "Switzerland of America" known for the sky scraping mountains that surround and engulf the cozy little town. Right at the end of the highway before entering Ouray, there's a magnificent pullout on the side of the road called, LOOKOUT POINT. This vista is NOT TO BE MISSED! You'll oversee all of Ouray and the mountains and beyond. Amazing!!! Getting back to the start of Million Dollar Highway, I'd like to mention a few pullover and stop off points that should be recognized.... Remember, the scenery and the action starts almost 15 miles before the official start of the highway in Silverton...if you're heading north from Durango. COAL BANK PASS at elevation of 10,640 feet - "breath taking views of Pigeon and Turret Mountains and 3 other peaks including Windom, Eolus and Sunlight Mountains"! MOLAS PASS SUMMIT is an incredible overlook. My time here when I visited in early May was capped with fluffy white snow embedded all over the beautiful mountains in the distance on a clear, blue skied, sunny day. I took some fantastic pictures at this pass. Then I reached Silverton and parked and walked a short distance through town. Silverton is a tiny mountain town where I browsed the streets and stopped to have lunch at the BROWN BEAR CAFE, a simple homely style restaurant serving American food. Continuing on...there'll be plenty of scenic turns where you'll have opportunities to pull over for photos. BTW, I took my time driving the highway and I didn't find any sections of it to be dangerous. As long as you're taking your time and appreciating the sights, there's no threats to be found. RED MOUNTAIN MINING OVERLOOK is a great stop and highly worthwhile! Definitely make time to see the views here! Eventually you'll pass through a tunnel where there'll be space to pull over. Next...UNCOMPAHGRE GORGE! This is one of the BEST SIGHTS AND PULLOVER STOPS that soaks up a scenery of 2 mountains being split in two with a snow capped peak being the centerpiece of the view off in the distance. It's hard to describe, but the sight says it all. The overlook is flat out picturesque!!! Then eventually you reach LOOKOUT POINT (please stop here, lol) before heading down the mountain into Ouray. OURAY is an incredible town to explore. The streets are quaint and it exemplifies COZY to a tee! In Ouray, there's souvenir and gift shops, lots of restaurants and walking around space. Also, don't forget OURAY HOT SPRINGS...absolutely worthwhile taking a dip in the springs for $20 or so with magnificent scenery all around you. And...BOX CANYON FALLS is a cool stop for great scenery along a sky high bridge and overlook and a running little waterfall at the bottom. It only costs $10 or so to stop here. The city of OURAY was one of the best surprises along my 10 day Colorado trip! Finally, if you've come this far, thank you for reading my review. I beg (urgently...lol) please if you're visiting the southwestern portion of Colorado, absolutely drive MILLION DOLLAR HIGHWAY. It was not only one of the most memorable parts of my National Parks journey from Mesa Verde to Black Canyon of the Gunnison, but it will go down as one of the most awe inspiring ventures I will fondly recall for a very, very, very long time!!! read more

Our last trip to Colorado we Rode from Ouray to Durango. When assent at Ouray it's breath taking. You will have no trouble making the trip in couple hours. Silverton a good stop in.i have been on Beartooth Pass, Skyline Drive & Blue Ridge Parkway & this is most breathtaking. This has to a must see when in the area. read more

The 23-mile drive from Ouray to Silverton, CO features absolutely fabulous views on an incredibly nerve-racking road. It's completely worth it, though. My family goes on a lot of scenic drives and this was one of the best I've ever experienced, hands down. Lots of hairpin turns and fairly steep grades, plus big portions of it have no guard rail or shoulder between you and a drop-off. Takes about an hour if you're careful, which you absolutely should be since so much of the road is in shadow and therefore has a tendency to hold ice, but it's a stunning journey both directions. Keep an eye out for deer (possibly elk?) and abandoned mining equipment along the way. [visited 4/25/18] read more

Million Dollar Highway - view from Bear Creek Falls, about 3mi into the drive leaving from Ouray - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Ouray, Colorado

Might be one of the most beautiful drives in Colorado and I thought I'd done them all. However doing this in a 30 foot RV had a side bonus of also elevating my blood pressure by quite a bit. One of the things I hate about driving stretches like this is that I always have questions about things...this was a rare occurrence for me as we actually took a jeep tour up there after we got to Ouray and the guy explained things and answered all my questions. The weird building around Ironton (sp?) that looks like an abandoned fire station? That's an old snow plow location but was shut down when they realized they couldn't get to the plows. The crosses at the bottom? Those are in memorial to the snow plow drivers who have died clearing that pass - 6 so far unfortunately. And apparently a Priest and his two sons as well. The weird house looking thing literally on the side of the mountain - that's some kind of mining thing that I couldn't exactly figure out what he said, but it looked cool and sounded cool and apparently you can hike to it. This highway is not for the faint of heart if you aren't used to driving mountain passes and if you're in a large vehicle....just take it slow and don't take your eyes off the road for anything, it's an unforgiving location. Can't wait to do it again sometime...in my car. :) read more

This drive between Durango and Ouray is better than I expected. The scenery is fantastic. Allow time to stop for photos and just to breathe it all in. read more

Million Dollar Highway - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Ouray, Colorado

See all

Comparable to the California coastal highway, this drive is the most beautiful scenery that I have ever witnessed. Worth your time to drive it, take pics and pull off the road at the vistas for breathtaking views. read more

A rambling paved highway over Red Mountain Pass into Silverton and then over Molas pass into Durango. There is a Colorado State snow plow that went over the side of the road and is still buried complete with the driver under a blanket of ice. It could not be recovered, neither was the driver. I don't drive this pass during the winter and if it is snowing. Ride the train from Durango round trip to Silverton. read more

Stunning views and amazing scenery. Was clenching my fists the whole way but the risks are worth it. Recommend fully.

Having spent six months living in Switzerland, I ho-hummed at the thought of anything coming close to being half as beautiful as the real deal. However, it has been said that the "Switzerland of America"/Million Dollar Highway in southern Colorado is pretty darn close. Annnddd they were right. I've been "Swiss-sick" as I call it for the past two years since my time in Lugano. Yet, this beautiful stretch between Ouray and Durango had the ability to flutter my stubborn heart with its snow-capped mountains, valley "villages", abundant pine trees and serene winding roads. For an estimated 20 miles I was transported to Switzerland. Seriously. I even found one of my new favorite American towns along the way - Silverton, Colorado. I'd guesstimate that less than 1,000 people live in this western town tucked away in a valley along the Million Dollar Highway. If only I could add pictures directly into this review! Imagine the modern Dr.Seuss/Jim Carey version song: fa lo do ra me la te Welcome Christmas .lkldklfsf - forgive me, I can't remember the words, but the point is, this cheerful song would fit perfectly in this festive town during the month of December. Cute as a button, I tell ya. Do yourself a favor and leave plenty of time for stopping along the way for all those Kodak moments, hiking opportunities and picturesque waterfalls and streams. read more

Million Dollar Highway - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Ouray, Colorado

This California girl doesn't often drive the "scenic mountain roads" but I had an opportunity to do just that. As a passenger winding through the San Juan Skyway, I couldn't help but hold my breath several times, the beauty of the mountains was in fact breathtaking but equally so were the roads and rail-less curves that seem to meander forever. White knuckles at times for me, but as you approach Durango you can't help but ponder what you just experienced. Add this drive to your bucket list...it's tempting to stop and take pics but please, please use caution; some of the roads are very narrow, stopping just isn't safe. I don't ever recall seeing anything as beautiful as this Million Dollar Highway...just wish I had more time to stop in the little towns. About 2 hours if you drive straight through, more time of course if you stop for photo opps or visiting towns. read more

Million Dollar Highway - On the 550 drive. - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Ouray, Colorado

Why only a million dollars? That would build about a yard of freeway in Los Angeles, but it's also a million times prettier than an LA freeway. Commonly known as a frightening drive, it wasn't that bad. If there were a lot of other cars (that I don't trust) on the road, then it would have been worse, but the road was nearly empty and not that scary. Have you ever driven into a guard rail? Then not having one wouldn't mean you're going to drive over a cliff (and barriers only block the view). Now turning a hairpin corner to find a bighorn sheep in the middle of the road could be bad which happened to us and we survived without a scratch (and stared a sheep straight into his eyes). Connecting the cute Ouray with the dreary Silverton, the mountain road is particularly pretty with the snowfields, frozen streams, and the red sandstone poking through the white snow. The road is also notable for its high elevation with a 11,017' summit at Red Mountain Pass that goes through the San Juan Mountains. Another fun feature was the slanted metal tunnel that looks like a giant dragster air foil but is really an avalanche chute. read more

Towing a small trailer, I didn't think the drive was too bad and certainly was overcome by the best scenery in Colorado. But if you have anxiety over heights, you should probably think twice about the drive. There are small stretches just outside Ouray where the road is crumbling into the canyon below. read more

5 stars for the views but I was pretty anxious even as a passenger for most of the million dollar hwy drive. There is no way I could ever drive that route with the mountain terrain, lack of guard rails and hair pin turns. read more

Million Dollar Highway - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Ouray, Colorado

See all

Even if you have to go out of your way to drive this road, it's so worth it. There are few guard rails and you can't believe the drop offs! I have not driven anything like it, and I've clocked a few miles. It's only 23 miles, but takes over 40 minutes due to the curves and switchbacks. No recommended at night--too many deer, you'll miss the view, and if you miss a curve, it will be fatal. But if you can make time, drive this road. read more