At a Glance
- Highway: US-550 South
- Distance: Ouray to Silverton: 25 mi
- Highest Point: Red Mountain Pass, 11,018 ft
- Drive Time: 45–60 min one-way
What Makes the Million Dollar Highway
The name has multiple origin stories — some say it refers to the ore value of the tailings used in the road base, others to the per-mile construction cost. The highway earns its name with sheer canyon walls, no guardrails on certain sections, and a road carved directly into the mountainside.
Red Mountain Pass looms over abandoned mine structures rust-stained orange and red from iron-rich tailings — one of the most otherworldly landscapes in Colorado. Plan photo stops at the pullouts; they're worth every minute.
Extending the Drive — The San Juan Skyway
The Million Dollar Highway is one leg of the full 236-mile San Juan Skyway loop — a designated All-American Road connecting Ouray, Silverton, Durango, Cortez, Telluride, and back to Ouray. Allow two to three days to drive the complete circuit.
Silverton, about 24 miles south, is a well-preserved Victorian mining town worth a two-hour wander. Durango, 50 miles further south, offers a historic narrow-gauge railway and a vibrant downtown.
Start Your Drive from The Lumberyard
The Lumberyard Condos sits at the southern end of Ouray — you're on the Million Dollar Highway within 60 seconds of leaving your parking spot. Head south in the morning before RV traffic peaks for the best driving experience.
Book at ouraycondos.com for the ideal scenic byway base camp.