Million Dollar Highway
Ouray, CO
US-550 over Red Mountain Pass: sheer drops, no guardrails and old mines on the slopes.
The Million Dollar Highway is the roughly 25-mile (40 km) stretch of US-550 between Ouray and Silverton. It crosses Red Mountain Pass at 11,018 feet (3,358 m). The road has narrow lanes, sharp curves and steep drop-offs, and there are no guardrails because in winter the snow is simply plowed over the edge. Originally laid out as a wagon road for miners and supplies, it was upgraded in the 1920s. As for the name, Visit Ouray says three contractors' bids added up to exactly one million dollars; in fact the construction is said to have cost only about $125,000.
The Red Mountain Mining District produced mainly silver from 1882 to 1893; the Yankee Girl and National Belle mines are well known. The Idarado Mine operated into the 1970s. North of the pass there is an 8% grade with switchbacks. The road is often closed in winter, and avalanches are frequent. Check road conditions before driving in winter.
- Nearest town
- Ouray, CO
- Category
- Scenic viewpoints
- GPS
- 37.9500, -107.6700
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in August and October. Cold, short days in December–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Thistledown CampgroundCampsite3 mi from Million Dollar HighwayTentsToilets
- Amphitheatre CampgroundCampsite5 mi from Million Dollar HighwayDrinking waterToilets
- Sunshine CampgroundCampsite13 mi from Million Dollar HighwayTentsCaravansDrinking waterToilets
- Matterhorn CampgroundCampsite14 mi from Million Dollar HighwayElectricityDrinking waterToiletsWaste disposal
- Grizzly RT RV ParkMotorhome stopover15 mi from Million Dollar Highway · 6 pitchesMotorhomesElectricityWaste disposal
- Highlander RV CampgroundMotorhome stopover21 mi from Million Dollar HighwayMotorhomesElectricityWaste disposalWi-Fi
All campsites in Colorado · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Million Dollar Highway?
Million Dollar Highway is in Ouray, CO, at GPS 37.9500, -107.6700. It is about 5 mi from Red Mountain Pass.
Can you camp near Million Dollar Highway?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Million Dollar Highway Free Campsite, about 1 mi away; within 25 mi there are 51 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Million Dollar Highway?
Million Dollar Highway is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: San Juan Skyway.
What is there to see near Million Dollar Highway?
Places worth a stop nearby: Telluride (8 mi), Ute Indian Museum (35 mi), Black Canyon of the Gunnison, South Rim (43 mi) and Blue Mesa Reservoir (45 mi).
When is the best time to visit Million Dollar Highway?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in August and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)