6 Scenic Road Trip Stops Along The Million Dollar Highway

Right in the heart of Colorado's Rocky Mountains, the "Million Dollar Highway" spans the stretch of U.S. Route 550 running between Silverton and Ouray, a corridor known for steep grades, sharp turns, and incredible views that drop directly into the Uncompahgre Gorge.

Originally laid out in the 1880s to serve early American settlers, miners, and local traders, it further developed in the early 20th century to support motor vehicle transport to remote gold and silver deposits in the San Juan Mountains. Today, the highway is better recognized for its awe-inspiring high-elevation passes, dizzying cliffside curves, and a landscape marked by towering, snowcapped peaks, deep river canyons, and the remnants of several historic landmarks. Although travel by car is clearly the easiest, it is also a popular spot for cyclists and long-distance hikers in the summer and early fall.

Easily one of Colorado’s most distinctive mountain drives, join us as we highlight six recommended stops along the way that you can visit today.

Ouray

Ouray, often called the “Switzerland of America,” sits at nearly 7,800 feet, tightly framed by steep cliffs and close alpine peaks. Founded in 1876 as one of many silver mining towns in the newly established state of Colorado, it has managed to retain much of its historic charm, including a plethora of Victorian-era storefronts and brick-lined streets for you to explore today.

This town is also very well known for its nearby natural hot springs, many of which are open year-round and provide an idyllic way to kick back and relax. Other forms of outdoor recreation dominate local activity too, from hiking trails leading to waterfalls and glacial lakes to ice climbing in winter along the famed Ouray Ice Park.

Bear Creek Falls

Bear Creek Falls is a striking natural feature near Ouray that can be witnessed via a lookout point right on the side of the road. The waterfall drops in multiple tiers into a rocky canyon, where dense stands of trees and lofty cliffs can be peered down upon. The site also has informational signage, along with a decently sized parking area, should you simply want to take a break from driving for a while.

The somewhat steep, yet manageable Bear Creek Trail can be found a little up the road, allowing hikers to get closer to the falls and away from the noise of the highway. Remember that Bear Creek's flow varies seasonally, swelling from snowmelt in late spring and early summer and slowing in the later, drier months, offering always-changing photographic opportunities throughout the year.

Ironton Townsite

Ironton is one of the easiest to access ghost towns in Colorado, a state in which there are many other, much more remote ones to choose from alternatively. Established in late 1893, this community once supported extensive mining operations, primarily for silver and gold, including smelters, workers' housing, and other modern amenities.

These days, Ironton is largely abandoned, with its weathered wooden structures, rusted equipment, and remnants of ore-processing sites offering a stark glimpse into the past. Its hillside location also provides great views of the encroaching woodland around it and Chicago Peak looming in the distance.

Reachable by a short detour off the highway, this crumbling townsite draws historians and urban explorers interested in getting a taste of the region’s often faltering economic heritage.

Red Mountain Pass

Red Mountain Pass reaches 11,018 feet, making it the highest point on the Million Dollar Highway. The pass winds through rugged alpine terrain marked by exposed red and orange cliffs, remnants of historic mining activity that give the area its name. Note that sharp curves and steep grades demand careful driving but reward you with dramatic views of the surrounding peaks on all sides, as well as meandering Mineral Creek below.

In addition to scenic overlooks, the pass provides access to a handful of adjacent hiking trails and backcountry routes, namely the Black Bear Pass Trailhead and the Red Mountain No. 3 Trailhead. Seasonal snow and rockslides can affect travel, both on foot and on the road, so be wary of the fact that conditions in and around this locale can vary greatly throughout the year.

Silverton

Silverton, resting at the other bookend of the Million Dollar Highway, has also held onto much of its late-19th-century mining-town character, much like Ouray. Established during the Colorado silver boom as well, this highly remote community has a number of wonderfully preserved historic brick and wood structures, narrow streets, and remnants of old smelters and ore-processing sites that you can often still walk around in.

In modern times, however, Silverton has found a new economy serving as a useful hub for outdoor recreation, including hiking, mountain biking, off-road driving, and winter sports, mainly guided or unguided backcountry skiing in the Silverton Mountain Ski Area. Moreover, history buffs will find enjoyment in the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, which departs from town and offers a unique way to get a scenic ride through the Animas River Gorge.

A number of hotels and restaurants further make Silverton an ideal place to stop. Check out the old-timey Bent Elbow Hotel for a cozy overnight stay, and/or head down the street to any number of locally run eateries, cafes, and bars to refuel before or after a long day out.

Molas Pass

Although slightly south of Silverton, the Molas Pass is an unmissable attraction on the way to the Million Dollar Highway that rises 10,970 feet, boasting expansive views of the nearby mountain landscapes for all to enjoy along its sizable highway pull-off.

The pass marks another one of the higher points on U.S. Route 550, providing you with sweeping panoramas of both nearby and distant named peaks, lush valleys, and even some historic mining sites. Its steep approaches and wide vistas have made it a prime stop for landscape photography in particular, but keep your eyes open for the area's wildlife, too, including marmots and elk.

This pass is accessible in summer and early fall, though snow can make conditions hazardous in winter, so, as with any other portion of the byway, be prepared with winter tires and warm clothing if needed.

Drive the Million Dollar Highway Today, a Route Rich with Sights and Sounds

A road trip down the Million Dollar Highway will take you on a journey through Colorado’s storied history and rugged mountain landscapes. From high mountain passes to historic towns and snow-fed waterfalls, each of the stops we have recommended above brilliantly shows off a unique aspect of the San Juan region and the greater Rockies beyond.

You can conveniently combine outdoor adventure, several notable landmarks, and eye-catching natural beauty along this iconic byway, making it a must-experience drive for anyone exploring southwestern Colorado.