Million Dollar Highway

About

The Million Dollar Highway is a 25-mile paved stretch of U.S. Route 550 connecting Ouray and Silverton in the San Juan Mountains of Western Colorado. It serves as a scenic corridor for hiking with moderate difficulty, typically requiring about two hours to complete. The route sits at an elevation of 10,603 feet and features steep cliffs, hairpin turns, and narrow lanes without guardrails. Hikers can access various trailheads directly from the highway or nearby pull-outs, with parking available at multiple points along the route. The area is pet-friendly and supports short hikes to viewpoints, waterfalls, and Crystal Lake via the Hayden Trail. Seasonal conditions vary, with potential snow and ice from January to March and warmer temperatures from April to December. The highway was constructed during the late 19th century silver boom and remains a key transportation link between these mining towns.