Driving The Million Dollar Highway: Everywhere I Stopped

The Million Dollar Highway is considered one of the most scenic drives in the United States. It’s located in the San Juans Mountains of Colorado, running 25 miles along highway US 550 between Silverton and Ouray.

It’s characterized by hairpin turns and steep drop-offs with no guardrails. But despite the danger, it’s extremely popular, which is a testament to the beauty found along this route.

There is so much to see along the Million Dollar Highway, you could dedicate days or even weeks to exploring this region. However, if you only have a few hours, these are some of the best stops. All are located right off the highway and can be seen in any type of vehicle.

Blue Jeep driving winding mountain road on sunny summer day with pine trees and mountain views in background. Million Dollar Highway US 550 near Ouray and Silverton, Colorado. — Driving the Million Dollar Highway

Table of Contents

Million Dollar Highway Stops Between Silverton & Ouray

Itinerary Note: I followed the Million Dollar Highway from Silverton to Ouray, these are my exact stops in order. This itinerary can easily be followed in reverse.

Stop 1: Silverton

Depending which direction you’re driving, Silverton is the starting or ending point of the Million Dollar Highway and an absolute must-visit.

The once-booming mining town is small but very photogenic, with colorful buildings set against an impressive mountain backdrop. The entire town is designated a National Historic Landmark thanks to the well-preserved mining era buildings and remnants found here.

While here, visitors can explore the shops along Greene Street, tour the Mayflower Gold Mill, take in the views, and dine out.

The town can get really crowded during midday, especially when the Durango Silverton Train is in layover. So I recommend visiting early or in the late evening, if possible.

For more ideas, check out my additional guide What To Do With One Day In Silverton, CO.

Colorful historic buildings turned retail shops and restaurants lining sidewalk full of pedestrians, mountain views in background on sunny summer day. Shopping Greene Street, Silverton, Colorado, Million Dollar Highway. — Silverton, Colorado

Tables scattered in gravel courtyard shaded by trees with red, historic train car in background and green mountain peak in background on sunny summer day. Downtown Silverton, Greene Street, Silverton, Colorado. — Silverton, Colorado

Stop 2: Hairpin Turn At Turn Off For Forest Road 821

Our first stop after Silverton was a large overlook at a hairpin turn. The views in this area are ample and there’s numerous pull-offs, so the exact stopping point doesn’t really matter. We chose a spot at the intersection of US 550 and Forest Road 821, about 8 miles north of Silverton.

This portion of the drive is fairly difficult, with lots of winding switchbacks as you approach the summit of Red Mountain Pass. I, the driver who’s afraid of heights, wanted to give myself a little break and really take in the gorgeous views, this was a great spot to do so.

viewpoint overlooks million dollar highway colorado — Million Dollar Highway stops

Stop 3: Red Mountain Overlook

Red Mountain Pass is the highest of the Million Dollar Highway’s three summit passes, topping out at 11,018 feet above sea level.

One of the best stops in this area is Red Mountain Overlook, located just north of the pass. There are stunning 360-degree views here, informative displays, and great views of Yankee Girl Mine.

This overlook is clearly marked and has a large parking area, making it a very easy stop. It’s also right in the middle of some super sharp, 10 mph curves, so it felt nice to take a break here.

Tall, red mountain with green trees on sunny summer day, in foreground is old mining equipment. Red Mountain Overlook, US 550, Million Dollar Highway, near Silverton and Ouray, Colorado. — Red Mountain Overlook stop on the Million Dollar Highway

informative displays at red mountain overlook million dollar highway between silverton and ouray colorado — Red Mountain Overlook stop on the Million Dollar Highway

Stop 4: Crystal Lake

After a few more miles, the Million Dollar Highway works its way through a mountain valley, providing a lovely break from the steep drop-offs and seemingly endless switchbacks.

The views in this section are really beautiful. We stopped at Crystal Lake, which ended up being my favorite stop along the Million Dollar Highway.

We spent about 15 minutes enjoying the views and taking some photos here. If you wish to take a longer break, this is a great spot to do so. There’s a trail around the lake and we saw some people paddle boarding, I’ve also heard of wildlife spotting here!

The lake is located right off the highway, for parking there are small pull-offs on both directions of the highway. There’s not a ton of parking spots, so spaces may fill midday when the highway is most busy.

Shallow, wide creek with red sand creek bed surrounded by lush greenery, pine forest, and jagged mountains on sunny summer day. Crystal Lake stop on Million Dollar Highway, Red Mountain Pass, between Silverton and Ouray, Colorado. — Roadside stops on the Million Dollar Highway: Crystal Lake

crystal lake million dollar highway us 550 between silverton and ouray colorado — Roadside stops on the Million Dollar Highway: Crystal Lake

Stop 5: Bear Creek Falls

Bear Creek Falls is one of the most popular stops along US 550.

Not only are the views great, but this is another section of the highway which sees many sharp turns and steep drop-offs, so the driver may be ready for a break.

The large overlook has a wonderful view of the 200+ foot waterfall blasting out from under US 550 and into Bear Creek. Best of all, this same overlook also has really pretty views of the surrounding Uncompaghre Gorge and a second waterfall across from Bear Creek Falls.

There’s a decent size parking area at this overlook, but this section of the highway can get crowded, so parking may be limited depending on time of day.

Waterfall coming out of chasm below highway with mountain peak views in background. Bear Creek Falls Scenic Overlook, Million Dollar Highway, near Ouray, Colorado. — Bear Creek Falls Overlook on the Million Dollar Highway

Woman looking out overlook with tall skinny waterfall in mountains in distance on sunny summer day. Bear Creek Falls Overlook, Million Dollar Highway, near Ouray and Silverton, Colorado. — Bear Creek Falls Overlook on the Million Dollar Highway

Stop 6: Switzerland Of America Lookout

The Switzerland Of America Lookout is another of the favorite stopping points on the Million Dollar Highway.

Located just 1.5 miles from Ouray, which is nicknamed “The Switzerland of America,” the stop has great views of Ouray and a charming sign welcoming visitors to town.

There’s a small parking area on the west side of the road. Coming from Silverton to Ouray, this was on the wrong side for us, we’d planned to stop here but changed our mind due to limited parking. But this lookout is very popular, so if you see a parking spot, definitely snag it.

Stop 7: Ouray

Ouray will mark the beginning or end of the Million Dollar Highway, depending which direction you’re coming from.

Either way, it’s worth a stop! This is an adorable mountain town packed full of natural attractions and historic buildings built in elaborate Italianate and Victorian styles (this is a very uncommon building type in Colorado mountain towns!).

If time permits, consider visiting the gorgeous Box Canyon Falls Park and soaking in the hot springs, then walk the shops and grab a bite along Main Street.

For more ideas, check out my One Day In Ouray Itinerary.

box canyon falls park narrow canyon ouray colorado — Ouray, Colorado

Large developed hot spring pools full of people, with hot springs overlooking huge mountain peaks on partly cloudy summer evening. Ouray Hot Springs, Ouray, Colorado. — Ouray, Colorado

How Much Time Do You Need To Drive The Million Dollar Highway?

We spent about 1 hour and 30 minutes driving the Million Dollar Highway from Silverton to Ouray. This included time for stops but does not include time spent in Silverton or Ouray. I’d budget at least one hour in Ouray and one hour in Silverton as well, more time if you plan to eat or do extensive sightseeing.

We left Silverton at 8:25 am and arrived in Ouray just before 9:50 am. Driving earlier in the day meant we had no traffic and very few issues with parking at each stop.

What Kind Of Vehicles Are Allowed?

All vehicle types are allowed on the Million Dollar Highway. However, the road sees very tight curves and steep drop-offs with no guardrails. I drove my Toyota Camry and was very happy to be in a small vehicle.

RVs are allowed but should only be driven by those who are experienced and comfortable with the difficult driving conditions.

Motorcycles are very common along this route during summer, please be cautious and keep an eye out.

parking lot at red mountain overlook million dollar highway between silverton and ouray colorado — Red Mountain Overlook

When Does The Million Dollar Highway Close?

The Million Dollar Highway is open year-round, however it may close due to weather.

The route is most commonly followed in summer months when the chance for snow is extremely low. However, do be cautious for rain this time of year. Afternoon storms are common during summer in Colorado and can be very intense, especially at high elevations. It’s recommended to avoid this route during a storm.

The route is regularly plowed in winter but should only be driven by those with experience. I have lived in Colorado most of my life and am comfortable driving in snow, but I would not drive this highway in winter.

Check out road conditions at Colorado Department of Transportation.

Additional Tips For Driving The Million Dollar Highway

Cell service is non-existent on much all of the highway, download maps and know your stops in advance.
There are lots of pull-offs on the highway, which are great for getting out to see the views.
There are no passing lanes on the Million Dollar Highway, so the ample pull-offs are also helpful for allowing faster cars to pass.
If possible, complete the drive early. There will be less cars out and parking will be easier to find.
Keep an eye out for wildlife, especially those driving in the early morning or late evening.
Avoid driving the highway during a storm, even rain can be dangerous on this highway.
There are no facilities between Silverton and Ouray. Stock up on gas and food, and use the restroom before heading out.

Where Is The Million Dollar Highway?

The Million Dollar Highway is a 25 mile stretch of Colorado’s US 550, running from Silverton to Ouray.

It’s a small portion of a larger scenic route called the San Juan Skyway, which is a 230+ mile loop connecting a series of popular San Juan towns such as Ridgway, Telluride, Cortez, Durango, Silverton, and Ouray.

Why Is It Called The Million Dollar Highway?

The answer to this is unknown, but there are a few theories.

Some say it refers to the multi-million dollar cost of construction in the late 19th century, while others claim it’s because of the spectacular million dollar views of the San Juan Mountains.

Another theory suggests the highway’s fill dirt contains valuable ore worth millions. Others joke it got the name because someone would have to pay them a million dollars to drive it.

Bear Creek Falls Overlook Uncompaghre Gorge Million Dollar Highway near Ouray Colorado — Bear Creek Falls Overlook

There you have it, that’s everywhere I stopped while driving the Million Dollar Highway. I hope you’ve found this helpful in planning your trip and have the best time!

Any questions? Please leave a comment below or reach out on social media.

Looking for more information? Check out my additional Southwest Colorado guides below.

Driving The Million Dollar Highway: Everywhere I Stopped