Welcome to the Million Dollar Highway Self-Guided Tour
Strike out for the wild west with this self-guided driving tour of Colorado’s Million Dollar Highway. This remote, jaw-dropping stretch of roadway was once the site of booming mining towns and railroad tycoons. Today, it’s a unique blend of jaw-dropping natural beauty and rugged western charm. But you’ll do more than just see the sights with this tour—you’ll also learn the wild history of this area, from boom to bust.
About the Tour
Your tour of the Million Dollar Highway begins in Durango, once little more than a ragtag railroad camp. As you learn how it went from that to the bustling town it is today; you’ll get a good look at the Animas River, an essential water source for the area. Continuing, you’ll hear about Otto Mears, the man behind the road you’re driving on.
One of the first major landmarks you’ll reach will be the Pinkerton Hot Springs, once believed to possess magical healing properties. After that, you’ll have the chance to see Baker’s Bridge, where Paul Newman and Robert Redford took their famous leap in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.
Next is Haviland Lake, a pristine body of water framed by ponderosa pines and with a great mountain view. As you continue past the lake, toward the breathtaking heights of Molas Pass, you’ll hear all about the gold rush and the formation of these impressive mountains.
Continuing, you’ll arrive in the town of Silverton. Once a humble mining camp, this settlement has retained plenty of its old-timey charm! Around here, you’ll also have the opportunity to detour to a hidden waterfall off the beaten path.
Up next is Crystal Lake, a great spot to take a break and spot some of the local wildlife. Then you’ll come to one of the highway’s most prominent attractions: the 200-foot-tall Bear Creek Falls.
When you’re done admiring the waterfall, you’ll head to the quaint town of Ouray, which some have nicknamed “the Switzerland of America.” Featuring an ice park, a canyon full of great views and hikes, a bustling historic district, and another huge waterfall, this little town has no shortage of activities and sights. Your tour concludes at the Ouray Visitor Center.
Starting Point: 151 E 16th St, Durango, CO 81301
Reverse Tour: 1230 Main St, Ouray, CO 81427
What You'll See
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Welcome to the Million Dollar Highway
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Durango
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The Animas River
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So Why “Million Dollar”?
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Otto Mears and the Ouray Toll Road
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Geology of the Plateau
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Pinkerton Hot Springs
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Baker’s Bridge
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Haviland Lake
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History & Formation of the San Juan Mountains
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History of the Gold Rush
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Coal Bank Pass
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Molas Pass
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Molas Lake
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Immigrant Labor
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Silverton
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Detour to Clear Creek Falls
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Red Mountain Pass
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Erosion/Gulch
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Ironton
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Crystal Lake
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Bear Creek Falls
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Ouray
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Ouray Ice Park
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Box Canyon
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Ouray Historical District
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Architecture of Ouray.
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Cascade Falls Park
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Conclusion / Ouray Visitor Center
Preview the Tour
Stop 1: Welcome
Stop 9: Baker's Bridge
Stop 18: Clear Creek Falls
Stop 23: Bear Creek Falls
Stop 27: Ouray
Additional Information
What do we do?
Simply put, Action Tour Guide is an audio guide, map, and tour book – all in one app! We are a GPS-enabled app-based tour that narrates information based on your location right on your phone. You can experience our driving and walking tours at your own pace and literally at any time of the day!
Lifetime Validity
Changing travel date? No worries! All individual tours come with lifetime validity.
No Network Needed
The tour works offline which means you do not need your phone network to enjoy the tour. However, we do suggest you download the tour at your home, hotel, visitor center, etc before you head out for a completely immersive experience.
Entry Ticket
This is not an entry ticket. Please visit https://www.recreation.gov/ for more info on entry/admission tickets.
How many tours should I purchase?
Since this is a driving tour, you only need to buy one per car.
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