Million Dollar Highway, Mountain highway in Ouray County, US.
Description
The Million Dollar Highway is a mountain road connecting Silverton and Ouray through the San Juan Mountains, with narrow lanes carved into steep mountainsides. The route crosses three high passes and features exposed drops without guardrails, creating a challenging driving experience.
History
Otto Mears built this road in the 1880s as a toll route to transport mining materials between Silverton and Ouray's railroad station. The connection proved vital for the region's economic growth during the mining boom.
Culture
The road passes through former mining settlements and provides access to multiple ghost towns that reflect Colorado's rich mining heritage.
Practical
Drivers should exercise caution due to the absence of guardrails, steep drops, and challenging winter conditions. The best time to drive is between May and September when snow and icing are minimal.
Did you know?
The road reaches an elevation of 11,018 feet (3,357 meters) at Red Mountain Pass, making it one of the highest paved roads in North America. This remarkable elevation is often overlooked by travelers focused on the driving challenge itself.
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Colorado contains natural areas and historical sites located away from main roads and common routes. These places tell the story of the state's geology and human history through varied landscapes. Visitors will find sand dunes, waterfalls, rock formations, and remains from the mining era. Locations...
Red Mountain Pass
2.1 km
Mount Sneffels
12.7 km
Bridal Veil Falls
6.1 km
Handies Peak
17.2 km
Box Canyon
11.6 km
St. Elmo Hotel
12.1 km
Mount Sneffels Wilderness
17.6 km
Vermilion Peak
17.1 km
Telluride Historic District
9.8 kmSultan Mountain
14.4 kmDallas Peak
13.5 km
Fort Peabody
3.3 km
Gilpin Peak
11.4 kmTeakettle Mountain
10.9 km
Western Hotel
12.4 kmJones Mountain
15.4 km
Ouray City Hall and Walsh Library
12.3 kmNiagara Peak
15 km
Wright's Opera House
12.1 km
Ouray County Courthouse
12.2 km
Ouray Historic District
12.2 km
Bear Creek Falls
10.1 km
Silverton Historic District
11.9 km
San Juan County Historical Society Mining Heritage Center
11.6 km
Telluride Historical Museum
10.1 km
San Juan County Courthouse
11.7 km
Silverton City Hall
11.9 km
Blue Lake Trail
15.8 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
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