At a Glance
- Distance to Ouray: 24 miles
- Drive Time: ~45 min
- Best Route: US-550 S (Million Dollar Highway)
- Elevation Difference: Silverton 9,318 ft → Ouray 7,760 ft
- Season Notes: US-550 is plowed year-round; avalanche closures possible in winter
Two Mining Towns, One Unforgettable Road
Silverton and Ouray are connected by US-550 — the 'Million Dollar Highway,' named for the gold ore content in the roadbed fill and widely considered one of the most dramatic paved roads in North America. The 24-mile stretch between the two towns crosses two passes, hugs sheer cliff faces, and delivers non-stop panoramic views of 13,000-foot peaks. Driving it once is a bucket-list experience. Staying in Ouray and driving it both directions over several days is even better.
Both towns were born in the silver and gold boom of the 1870s and 1880s, and both have preserved their Victorian-era commercial cores. But where Silverton operates as a destination in itself — with the famous Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad terminus — Ouray combines that same historic density with natural hot springs, a world-class ice climbing park, and trail access that rivals any mountain town in Colorado.
Day-Tripping Between Ouray and Silverton
From The Lumberyard Condos, Silverton is less than 45 minutes away — an easy morning drive that puts you in time for the D&SNG train arrival, a walk up Blair Street, or the trail to Kendall Mountain. The Ouray-to-Silverton section of the Million Dollar Highway passes through Red Mountain Pass (11,018 ft) and gives you views of the three Red Mountain summits — stained rust and orange by iron oxide — that look like they belong on another planet.
For 4WD enthusiasts, the Alpine Loop backcountry byway connects Ouray, Silverton, and Lake City through Engineer Pass and Cinnamon Pass — one of the most celebrated off-road circuits in the American West. You can pick up the loop from either town and run the whole circuit in a full day, or break it across two days for a more relaxed pace.
Why Stay in Ouray Instead of Silverton
Silverton sits above 9,300 feet — exhilarating, but the altitude affects sleep quality and energy for guests unaccustomed to high elevation. Ouray's 7,760-foot elevation is still dramatically high by most standards but allows for more comfortable acclimatization, especially for families or guests arriving from sea level. You gain everything without the headaches.
Ouray also offers more dining variety, the geothermal hot springs, and significantly more lodging infrastructure — including The Lumberyard Condos, which offers full kitchens for self-catering. A home-cooked breakfast before the Million Dollar Highway drive, versus scrambling for the one open café in Silverton before peak season — the logistics clearly favor basing yourself in Ouray.
Book The Lumberyard Condos for Your Silverton Trip
Five dog-friendly units at 55 4th Avenue, Ouray — right on the northern approach to the Million Dollar Highway. Full kitchens, comfortable beds, and walkability to the hot springs and downtown restaurants make The Lumberyard the most practical and memorable base for a Silverton-focused itinerary.
The Lumberyard holds a 9.9/10 on VRBO and 4.94 stars on Airbnb across hundreds of stays. Book direct at ouraycondos.com — no platform fees, direct communication, and the best available rate on every unit.