The Million Dollar Highway - 13 Things to Know Before Visiting

One of the best ways to experience the Million Dollar Highway is by taking a scenic drive. This is one of the most popular activities in Ouray County, and for good reason. The views from the road are simply breathtaking, and there are plenty of pull-offs along the way where you can stop and enjoy them. If you really want to get off the beaten path, there are also numerous hiking trails in the area that offer even more spectacular views.

If you're looking for a more adrenaline-filled adventure, Ouray County is also home to some of the best mountain biking in Colorado. There are trails to suit all levels of ability, and you're sure to find one that challenges you. For something truly unique, Ouray is also home to the Ouray Ice Park - a man-made ice climbing park that's open year-round. 

The Million Dollar Highway is one of the most iconic and well-known roads in the United States. Spanning over 100 miles, this stretch of highway winds its way through the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, offering breathtaking views and a wild adventure. But the Million Dollar Highway is more than just a pretty drive - it also has a rich history dating back to the early days of the West.

Construction on the Million Dollar Highway began in 1883, and it was completed just two years later. At that time, it was the highest highway in the world, topping out at an impressive 12,000 feet above sea level. The road quickly became popular with tourists, who came from all over to experience its stunning views. However, the high altitude also made it treacherous to drive, and there were many accidents over the years. In fact, it wasn't until 1940 that the road was finally paved, making it safer for travelers.

Today, the Million Dollar Highway is still a popular destination for road trips and is considered one of the most scenic drives in America. So next time you're looking for an adventure, be sure to put this historic highway on your list!

The best time to visit is from late May to early October, when the weather is warm and dry. During this time, you can enjoy hiking, camping, and fishing in the area. 

1. Plan your visit in advance. The Million Dollar Highway is a popular tourist destination, so it's important to plan your trip in advance. This will help you avoid crowds and make the most of your time in the area.
2. Take your time. There's no need to rush when you're driving along the Million Dollar Highway. This is a road meant to be enjoyed, so take your time and savor the experience.
3. Drive cautiously. The Million Dollar Highway can be a dangerous road, so make sure you drive carefully and obey all traffic laws. This is especially important if you're not familiar with mountain driving.
4. Plan your route beforehand and know your turnaround point. It's easy to get caught up in the moment and keep driving, but make sure you know when it's time to turn around. Once you're past Ouray, there are few places to turn around until you reach Silverton.

1. The Million Dollar Highway got its name from its construction cost. In the early 1920s, it cost nearly $1 million to build – an astonishing sum at that time.

2. The highway is also known as the San Juan Skyway because it winds its way through the San Juan Mountains.

3. It is designated as a National Scenic Byway and an All-American Road due to its stunning scenery.

4. The highway reaches an elevation of 11,158 feet at its highest point – near the town of Silverton.

5.  Wildlife such as deer, elk, and bighorn sheep are often seen along the highway.

6. The Million Dollar Highway is considered one of the most dangerous roads in America due to its steep cliffs and lack of guardrails in some sections.

Ideally, you should plan on spending at least a full day driving the route. That will give you enough time to enjoy the incredible views, make a few stops along the way, and even hike or bike one of the many trails that intersect the highway. If you're short on time, though, you can still get a taste of the area by taking a shorter section of the drive.
 

to reach The Million Dollar Highway, Ouray County, Colorado, simply drive south on US 550 from Montrose. The highway is well-marked and easy to find. It takes about an hour to reach Ouray from Montrose. Once in Ouray, take a right onto 6th Avenue and drive for about half a mile. The Million Dollar Highway will be on your left. Take the highway south for about 25 miles until you reach the town of Silverton. From Silverton, you can either continue south on the highway to Durango or take the scenic route back to Montrose by taking the Needles Highway. 

There is an entrance fee  of $5 to use the highway, and the proceeds go towards maintenance and upkeep. 

The road is open year-round, but the exact hours vary depending on the season. In the winter, the road is typically open from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. During the summer months, the road is open from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM.