Southwest Colorado’s “Million Dollar Highway”—also known, less memorably, as Route 550—traverses some of the most breathtaking scenery in the state. With sharp curves, steep grades, and a conspicuous lack of guard rails, it is also one of the most harrowing drives in the Rockies. The 23-mile section connecting Ouray to Silverton features historic ghost towns, stunning waterfalls, and spectacular vistas of the San Juan Mountains, headlined by a steep climb up and over Red Mountain Pass (11,018’), named for a string of nearby peaks streaked with ruddy iron ore.