Million Dollar Highway

The Million Dollar Highway is the stretch of US-550 between Ouray and Silverton in southwest Colorado. It climbs out of the "Switzerland of America" through the Uncompahgre Gorge and over Red Mountain Pass, with tight hairpins, sheer drop-offs and almost no guardrails.

It is part of the San Juan Skyway loop, which continues south over two more high passes to Durango — one of the best days of riding in the American West.

Highlights

• The switchbacks out of Ouray and the Uncompahgre Gorge
• Old mining structures around Red Mountain Pass
• Silverton, a historic mining town at the end of the narrow-gauge railroad
• Molas Pass and Coal Bank Pass toward Durango
• The full San Juan Skyway loop through Telluride

Best time to ride

June to September for dry roads. Snow is possible on the passes into late spring and early fall; winter conditions are serious.

The road

Well paved but narrow, with steep grades and long exposed drops. Rockfall is common after rain; ride the inside of corners carefully and expect slow RVs.

Riding tips

• Riding north (Silverton to Ouray) keeps you in the lane against the mountain; southbound puts you right on the edge of the drop-offs.
• Fuel in Ouray, Silverton or Durango.
• Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer — plan to be over the passes by early afternoon.