Colorado’s “Million Dollar Highway”

One of the most scenic highways in the United States, if not one of the most dangerous, the Million Dollar Highway is a must drive if you’re in Colorado. As part of US Route 550, the 25 miles from Ouray to Silverton represents the most scary and jaw dropping stretch. It was originally built in 1882 to serve the local mining industry. Sheer drop offs to my right caused me to slow down and find a safe spot for picture taking.

 

Uncompahgre Gorge, just south of Ouray.

 

The town of Ouray

No guardrails here!

 

I’d hate to drive through here in winter.

 

Red Mountain

 

Fall colors can be amazing

 

 

Michael Andrew Just

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10 responses to “Colorado’s “Million Dollar Highway””

  1. The Travel Architect Avatar
    The Travel Architect

    The summer before last we drove Durango to Silverton to Ouray to Telluride to Durango. It was stunning and, for some reason, we largely had the road to ourselves, especially on the beautiful, fun, winding bit from Telluride to Durango. It almost hurts to look at it.

    Reply
    1. Michael Andrew Just Avatar
      Michael Andrew Just

      There weren’t a lot of vehicles when I went. I need to do that Telluride to Durango stretch soon

      Reply
  2. Eliza Waters Avatar
    Eliza Waters

    No guardrails is too scary for me, I don’t even want to try to imagine it in winter – yikes!
    Gorgeous scenery though!

    Reply
    1. Michael Andrew Just Avatar
      Michael Andrew Just

      I can’t believe I too a photo from my car at that scary spot. I think I completely stopped first

      Reply
  3. katelon Avatar
    katelon

    Stunning scenery and photos. I lived in Rico and would drive to Telluride once a week for groceries. Driving over the pass then on curves coming near Telluride was always a prayerful drive as I never knew when I’d hit black ice and be over the edge 🙁

    Reply
    1. Michael Andrew Just Avatar
      Michael Andrew Just

      I hope to make that drive soon!

      Reply
  4. thegenxtravels Avatar
    thegenxtravels

    Love this road!! One of my fave drives! Your pictures are beautiful!!

    Reply
    1. Michael Andrew Just Avatar
      Michael Andrew Just

      Thanks for the nice comment

      Reply
  5. Marcha's Two-Cents Worth Avatar
    Marcha’s Two-Cents Worth

    Reblogged this on Marcha's Two-Cents Worth and commented:
    These pictures capture the locale of my upcoming novels in “The Curse of Dead Horse Canyon” trilogy perfectly! Are they breathtaking or what?

    Reply
    1. Michael Andrew Just Avatar
      Michael Andrew Just

      Thanks Marcha!

      Reply

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