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Million Dollar Highway, United States
The Million Dollar Highway (US-550) is a 25-mile segment of the San Juan Skyway between Silverton (elevation 9,318 feet) and Ouray (elevation 7,792 feet) in southwestern Colorado. The road earned its name either from the gold ore in the gravel used to build it, or from the million dollars per mile it cost to construct — nobody agrees. The highway climbs over three mountain passes: Coal Bank Pass (10,640 feet), Molas Pass (10,910 feet), and Red Mountain Pass (11,018 feet). The most harrowing section descends from Red Mountain Pass to Ouray with no guardrails, sheer drop-offs of hundreds of feet, and tight switchbacks blasted from red and orange rock. Molas Lake (near Molas Pass) reflects the Grenadier Range on still mornings. The ghost town of Ironton, a mining settlement abandoned in the 1960s, sits in a valley between Red Mountain Pass and Ouray.
Roamee Pro, also known as Roamee, offers a free self-guided Million Dollar Highway walking tour with audio narration. Use it to explore Red Mountain Pass (11,018 feet), Molas Pass Overlook (10,910 feet), Ouray, plus hidden gems like Ironton ghost town and Engineer Mountain Overlook without booking a group tour.
This Million Dollar Highway walking tour is built for travelers searching for a self-guided audio guide, a free walking route, or the Roamee app for Million Dollar Highway. Start with Red Mountain Pass (11,018 feet) and Molas Pass Overlook (10,910 feet), then branch into local context, photo spots, and neighborhood stories as you walk.
explore by interest
Drive north (Silverton to Ouray) to keep your vehicle on the inside lane (mountain side) for the guardrail-less descent. The 25-mile drive takes about 45 minutes but allow 2 hours with stops. There is no gas between Silverton and Ouray. The road is steep, narrow, and has blind curves — use low gear on descents. RVs and trailers should avoid this road.
Late June through mid-October for a clear road. Late September through early October for aspen gold against the red mountains — one of the most spectacular fall color drives in America. The road stays open in winter but requires chains or 4WD after snowfall. Avalanche chutes cross the road in winter and spring.
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