Million Dollar Highway, September 2016

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.

Bear Creek Falls, just south of Ouray

Abrams Mountain and Uncompahgre Gorge

Crystal Lake in Ironton Park with Red Mountain beyond

Red Mountain #1 from the Million Dollar Highway

Red Mountain #3 near the old mining town of Ironton

Distant moose off the road to South Mineral Campground

Looking north toward Ouray from outside Silverton

San Juan Mountains south of Silverton