Aerial Mountain Photography of Ouray, Colorado and its Surroundings It was considered one of the great engineering feats of all time. The San Juan Skyway was designated by the U.S. Secretary of Transportation as an All-American Road, the highest level of designation, in 1996. https://www.dangerousroads.org/.../usa/635-million-dollar-highway-usa.html Even though I was in an SUV, it was not a pleasant drive. The views of the San Juan Mountains are simply awe inspiring, and these alone make the trip worth it. It is also one of the most dangerous sections during the winter, because of its steep grade and lack of guardrails. Get Directions. The narrow highway drops through Uncompahgre Gorge, an abrupt canyon carved by the Uncompahgre River. The Million Dollar Highway from Durango to Ouray gained another bit of notoriety this week, earning a spot on a USA TODAY list of the “World’s most dangerous roads.” But you can't put a price tag on this experience. The winding US highway 550 is also known as The Million Dollar Highway, running all the way from New Mexico to Colorado. The Million Dollar Highway is an understatement: Utah SR-12 is one of America’s most gorgeous roads. Winter in Bayfield is very quiet compared to the summer's bustling tourist traffic. But the section from Silverton, Colorado, to Ouray, Colorado -- the section high in the mountains -- has been dubbed the Million Dollar Highway. "Back then $5,000 was big money, but nothing compared to hitting a $65 million jackpot. Travel on the Million Dollar Highway in the winter can be tricky, as it is frequently closed due to bad weather. Come winter, Telluride Ski Resort offers uncrowded slopes and exceptional terrain. It offers some of the most breathtaking Rocky Mountain scenery you'll ever lay eyes on. North of Ouray, Colorado. The Million Dollar Highway portion isn’t the entire route. In 1998 the Gold Coast Bulletin ran a competition which allowed Gold Coasters to enter a picture of their child to be painted on the wall along the M1. Another says the road cost $1 million to build per mile (an astounding total even as late as 1922). There is still much of old Bayfield to be found with its older main street buildings and tree-lined back streets. Red Mountain Pass is the highest point on that road. Uncompahgre, meaning "hot water springs," is the word the Ute tribe used to describe the area. Travel down the atmospheric gorge slowly as the highway, without … Overview. Are you looking for something new and exciting to do while keeping your distance from others and staying healthy? The Million Dollar Highway climbs up and over Red Mountain Pass, with a summit of 11,075 feet (be sure to check out Red Mountain itself, which gets its red color from oxidized minerals within its rocky surface), before clinging to the stunning, steep canyon walls of Uncompahgre Gorge as it makes its descent into Ouray. More than 1.6 million acres of hills are hidden by snow, alpine and evergreen forests, and frozen lakes. The good news about Colorado's Million Dollar Highway? From Telluride, head to Rico along Highway 145 and delve into its mining-boom relics and lively nightlife scene. Travel on the Million Dollar Highway in the winter can be tricky, as it is frequently closed due to bad weather. Answer 11 of 13: Hi folks, I posted this in the Q+A for the million dollar hwy, but the response has been radio silence. Million Dollar Highway. Over the years, I have driven the Million Dollar Highway dozens of times in my SUV, and several times in my motorhome. Visit Website. Mural Demolished To Make Way for Multi-Million-Dollar Highway Expansion. The bad news? I kinda like the quietness of winter and the cozy slumber of a once quaint little fishing village. Local: 970-325-4746. photo by Don Paulson. Here are some things to know if you are going to make the drive. Winter on the Million Dollar Highway #9. But you can't put a price tag on this experience. Why it’s dangerous: Another, perhaps worse, segment of the Million Dollar Highway is Red Mountain Pass. Tabs. City: Ouray. I understand this highway is open year round. Surely I cant' be the first to contemplate this drive in the winter! Posted on 18 February, 2021 18 February, 2021 by Brooke Winter Solicitors. Do you recognise these faces? When the couple was asked if they plan to go somewhere warm in the winter, Eerikka shook her head 'no' right away. The Million Dollar Highway is just under 24 miles long, so the term “highway” is definitely used loosely here. Find professional Trucking Safety videos and stock footage available for license in film, television, advertising and corporate uses. "You can always dress warm for the winter, but there is only so much you can take off in the summer," said James. Purgatory Resort The San Juan’s own winter paradise. Million Dollar Highway Travel the section of US 550 from Silverton to Ouray. Winter's rendition is regarded as "a career-defining track," and the song continued as a staple of his live performances. US Highway 550 between Ouray and Silverton in the San Juan Mountains of Southwestern Colorado, often called the “Million Dollar Highway”, is perhaps one of the most breathtaking journeys you can travel by car. (Alan Stark/Flickr) I’ve driven the Million Dollar Highway on a clear day in summer, and that was plenty for me. Colorado’s “Million Dollar Highway” is a 25 mile stretch of U.S. 500 that is consistently rated as one of the most scenic drives in the country. I will never drive a mountain pass again at night during the winter. Million Dollar Highway in winter. The road is so steep, narrow, and winding that you might not be able to enjoy all of nature's splendid vistas. A popular hiking destination for viewing the volcanic mountains that form the crest of the Cascades, Deschutes’ winter scenery is just as memorable. Getty Images offers exclusive rights-ready and premium royalty-free analog, HD, and 4K video of the highest quality. Silverton Take the railroad into this old mining town next door. Tackle the 70-mile section between Durango and Ouray for the most intense experience, RootsRated recommends. The Dalton Highway is a main Alaskan thoroughfare from Fairbanks to northern portions of the state. The road only averages one fatality a year, but there is no question that it is dangerous thanks to the wintry weather, whipping winds, and ice that doesn’t always met throughout the year. The trip ends with a cliff’s edge drive along the winding Million Dollar Highway, weather permitting. Part of the San Juan Skyway, this highway was built in the late 1880's, and it is one of the most spectacular drives in the USA.The Million Dollar Highway section connects Ouray and Silverton and is lined with many small adventure towns and ghost mining villages. Highway 550 runs from northern New Mexico all the way up to southern Colorado. Experience the serene lands via snowmobile or snowshoe, or embark on ski trails that wind through the park. Interstate 10, Arizona . "We love the snow." The Million Dollar Highway will bring you through the San Juan National Forest, which is worth as long of a stop as you can carve out. Offering breathtaking mountain, valley and gorge views, the Million Dollar Highway cost a reported million dollars a mile to build. Note the cars in the distance for scale. San Juan National Forest Discover the vast forest covering western Colorado. Mesa Verde National Park Explore the ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings. Known as the Million Dollar Bridge, and constructed during severe winter conditions. Jim Good. The segment from Ouray to Silverton is called the "Million Dollar Highway." In 1969, Johnny Winter covered "Highway 61 Revisited" on his second Columbia release, Second Winter. Ultimate Million Dollar Highway Road Trip Guide: Durango to Ouray, Colorado By Gabi | 2020-12-14T20:01:22+00:00 October 25th, 2019 | Colorado , Colorado Best , Destinations , North America , North America Road Trips | The narrow highway drops through Uncompahgre Gorge, an abrupt canyon carved by the Uncompahgre River. The Million Dollar Highway Is 25 Miles Of White Knuckle Driving In Colorado That’s Not For The Faint Of Heart. This 414-mile dirt stretch is winding, steep and remote. Jim Good. One time I made the stupid mistake of traveling the Million Dollar Hwy at night. Uncompahgre, meaning "hot water springs," is the word the Ute tribe used to describe the area. OURAY, Colo. (KKCO) - US 550, or “Million Dollar Highway” is back open after being closed on Tuesday afternoon over Red Mountain Pass. Wow!" If you’ve got a four-wheel-drive vehicle, plan a detour to Tomboy ghost town while you’re there. The Million Dollar Highway is a 25-mile stretch of U.S. Route 550 located in Colorado between the towns of Silverton and Ouray that provides some of the best views but also requires some serious driving focus. Ouray, CO 81427. Ouray is also the northern end of the Million Dollar Highway, the awesome stretch of U.S. 550 that climbs over Red Mountain Pass (arguably the most spectacular part of the 236-mile San Juan Skyway). However, as far as what you’ll see when you’re driving these two dozen clicks is more than worthy of the “million dollar” designation. But of course, there’s more. US 550 between Ouray and Silverton. Numbers of small original cottages mix in quite well with newer million-dollar homes.