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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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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Wildlife
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History of the Gold Rush
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Coal Bank Pass
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Is It Dangerous?
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Adrenaline Falls
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Andrews Lake Trail
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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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Fall Foliage
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Celestial Bears
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Red Mountain Pass
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Erosion/Gulch
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Ironton
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Mineral Creek Staging Area
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Crystal Lake
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The Saint Germain Foundation
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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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Ouray Visitor Center
Preview the Tour
Welcome Audio Story
Baker's Bridge Audio Story
Clear Creek Falls Audio Story
Bear Creek Falls Audio Story
Tour FAQs
Running all the way from New Mexico to Colorado, US Highway 550 is also referred to as The Million Dollar Highway.
The 25-mile Million Dollar Highway between Silverton and Ouray in Colorado is one of the most scenic drives in the US. We recommend driving it if you can.
The speed limit is typically between 25 mph and 10 mph (around some turns).
The Million Dollar Highway in Colorado is kept open year-round for anyone to travel. However, taking this route during the winter can sometimes be tricky or even dangerous, so make sure you’re prepared.
Guard rails are absent in some areas as the road is too narrow to install them.
Silverton is a historic mining town (hence the name). Many mining operations can be seen on the hillsides as you leave Silverton (if driving south to north) or just before arriving in Silverton (if driving north to south). Silverton is well known because of the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad.
The Million Dollar Highway in Colorado is one of the most scenic stretches of highway in the country, running about 25 miles between the towns of Silverton and Ouray. Read more in our blog post.
The Million Dollar Highway travels between the small towns of Silverton and Ouray in Southwest Colorado. The highest point in the San Juan Mountain Range is Red Mountain Pass at 11,018 feet.
The Red Mountain Pass is a mountain pass in western Colorado’s San Juan Mountains. The Red Mountain Pass is named after the Red Mountain, which can be found on the pass’s northeast side. The Red Mountain’s name is also derived from the iron oxide-laden rock that forms its slopes. During our tour, you’ll get a closer look at the same.
Additional Information
Lifetime Validity
Changing travel date? No worries! All individual tours come with lifetime validity.
Works Offline
The tour works offline, so you do not need your phone network to enjoy the tour. However, we suggest you download the tour on WiFi at your home, hotel, visitor center, etc., before heading out for a completely immersive experience.
Not an Entry Ticket
This is not an entry ticket. Please visit https://www.recreation.gov/ for more info on entry/admission tickets.
Not a Car Rental
We do not provide car rental services. You must arrange for a car yourself. Our self-guided driving audio tours will work in any car via an aux cable or Bluetooth.
How many tours should I buy?
Since this is a driving tour, we suggest you buy one tour per car for the best experience.
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!
2 - 3 Hours
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