What is the most scenic part of Million Dollar Highway?
The scenic section that we refer to as the Million Dollar Highway is the section between Durango and Ridgeway. From north to south, the highway also passes through the small towns of Ouray and Silverton.
Is the Million Dollar Highway paved?
While the nickname originally pertained only to the 12 miles south of Ouray, the entire 70-mile stretch to Durango is today considered to be the Million Dollar Highway. The first motorcar climbed the road in 1911. By 1935, said Shanks, the Million Dollar Highway was completely paved and opened for year-round use.
Why are there no guardrails on Million Dollar Highway?
It turns out there is a reason besides sadism that there are no rails on most of this stretch of road. 550 that goes from Ouray to Silverton, so called because it cost a million dollars to build all the way back in the 1880s when Otto Mears, Colorado’s pioneer road-builder, built it as a toll road.
Has anyone died on the Million Dollar Highway?
Accidents on the Million Dollar Highway There are about 40 accidents a year, with around seven fatalities, on the Highway to Hell. Interestingly, many of these occur in dry conditions and only involve one vehicle. While not all accidents on the Highway result in deaths, drops off the side are particularly dangerous.
Is the Million Dollar Highway safe to drive?
According to both Dangerous Roads and USA Today, U.S. Route 550, which more commonly known as the Million Dollar Highway (because you’d have to pay the locals $1M to drive it during or after a snowstorm) is extremely dangerous, even claiming numerous lives and vehicles due to its steep, unprotected cliffs.
Is it better to stay in Telluride or Ouray?
Agree, both towns are unique and historic. Telluride has been there well over 100 years. It is more upscale than Ouray regarding number and quality of restaurants, hotels, etc., but does not qualify as “glitzy”.
Where is the scariest part of the Million Dollar Highway?
Running north on the highway, the scariest part of the drive is encountered on the stretch of highway from the Red Mountain Pass through the Uncompahgre Gorge. Here, you’ll encounter very narrow lanes, steep cliffs, and no guardrails.
What is the scariest road in Colorado?
Colorado’s Most Dangerous Roads
- Black Bear Pass. Black Bear Pass and Mine over Ingram Falls. Photo: Brendan Bombaci.
- Imogene Pass. Imogene Pass Trail Run.
- Oh-My-God Road. Oh-My-God Road.
- Gold Belt Scenic Byway. Gold Belt Tour Scenic Byway.
- Monarch Pass. Monarch Pass.
- Million Dollar Highway. The Million Dollar Highway.
How much did it cost to build the Million Dollar Highway?
The Million Dollar Highway was originally built as a narrow wagon road in 1882 by two men, Otto Mears and Fred Walsen. This road cost approximately $10,000 per square mile at the time. That’s approximately $250,000 adjusted for inflation.
Is the Million Dollar Highway scary to drive?
Is Ouray CO worth visiting?
Ouray is known as The Switzerland of America. However, Ouray is gorgeous and totally worth visiting any time of the year. We first visited Ouray 6 years ago on our very first trip to Colorado and instantly, I fell in love with its quaint small town feel and how tightly it’s nestled between the mountains.
Is the Million Dollar Highway in Colorado Scenic?
It’s one of the most scenic drives in the USA. The Million Dollar Highway stretches for about 25 miles (40 km) in western Colorado and follows the route of U.S. 550 between Silverton and Ouray, Colorado. It is part of the San Juan Skyway. Between Durango and Silverton the Skyway loosely parallels the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad.
Offering breathtaking mountain, valley and gorge views, the Million Dollar Highway cost a reported million dollars a mile to build. The road winds and clings to the mountain providing dramatic view at every turn. Part of the San Juan Skyway Colorado Scenic Byway. American Indian History in Southwest Colorado
Where is the Million Dollar Highway between Silverton and Ouray?
Million Dollar Highway between Silverton and Ouray by Carol Highsmith. In southwest Colorado, US Highway 550 between Durango and Ouray, high in the San Juan Mountains, is more often called the “Million Dollar Highway.” Million Dollar Highway by Carol Highsmith.
What is the most beautiful road in Colorado?
Million Dollar Highway, one of the most beautiful roads of America In the state of Colorado of the United States of America there’s a special highway built in the late 1880’s: the Million Dollar Highway, part of the San Juan Skyway. It’s one of the nation’s most spectacular drives.