What would Colorado be without its impressive selection of road trips? From the mountains to the plains of Eastern Colorado, our state is filled with opportunities to get out on the road and explore. And yet, out of all of Colorado’s impressive drives, there is one that stands out among the rest: the Million Dollar Highway. If you have yet to drive this famous route, here’s some more information about why you’ll be tempted to drive the Million Dollar Highway in Colorado as soon as you can. So load up the car and let’s begin!
The Million Dollar Highway is an iconic stretch of U.S. Route 550 that runs between Silverton to Ouray.
Flickr/Felix Lamouroux
There are a few theories as to why this particular road is known as the Million Dollar Highway: it cost so much to build, the amount of gold in the roadway fillings, or perhaps the million-dollar views enjoyed from the drive.
Flickr/Gary VanDenBerg
No matter the inspiration behind the name, it’s clear that the Million Dollar Highway is a national treasure.
Flickr/Alan English CPA
This 25-mile stretch along the incredible San Juan Skyway features not only windy roads that are fun to drive, but also some of the most incredible and unique views you will ever find!
Flickr/Mickey Bo
One of the enchanting towns along the Million Dollar Highway is historic Silverton. With a population of less than 1,000, this small town features a National Historic Landmark District, the ever popular Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, and several unique shops and restaurants.
Flickr/Roy Luck
Adventure and relaxation await you in charming Ouray, another stop along the Million Dollar Highway! Take a soak in the Ouray Hot Springs while admiring the awe-inspiring views from the “Switzerland of America.”
Flickr/freeflight046
So what are you waiting for? Head to this beautiful corner of Colorado and prepare to be positively enchanted by the views promised by the Million Dollar Highway in Colorado.
Flickr/Ken Lund
Have you had the pleasure of driving the Million Dollar Highway in Colorado? Be sure to tell us all about your experience in the comments below. If you haven’t, share this article with your favorite road trip buddy and begin planning your trip!
Flickr/Felix Lamouroux
Flickr/Gary VanDenBerg
Flickr/Alan English CPA
Flickr/Mickey Bo
Flickr/Roy Luck
Flickr/freeflight046
Flickr/Ken Lund
Looking for more road trip inspiration? Check out this beautiful waterfall road trip through Colorado.
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Address: Highway 550, US-550, Durango, CO, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Million Dollar Highway In Colorado September 11, 2020 Beth C. What are the best road trips to take in Colorado? There are endless opportunities to explore Colorado, and most of them involve getting in the car and setting out on a good ol’ fashioned road trip. If you’re looking for the best road trips to take in Colorado, it can be intimidating to know where to begin. After all, Colorado is a relatively big state. Fortunately, we’ve put together several road trips suitable for all kinds of explorers, whether you’re interested in tacos or waterfalls. To start, you can’t go wrong with the natural wonders road trip through Colorado. And once you’ve worked up an appetite, be sure to try our custom taco trail through Colorado. What is the most beautiful drive in Colorado? Where to even begin? You could easily spend a lifetime exploring all of Colorado’s scenic drive. In addition to the famous Million Dollar Highway, which we outlined in the article above, one of the most beautiful drives in Colorado is Mount Evans Road. To start, it’s the highest paved road in the United States and promises positively breathtaking views from the top. Plus, it’s the easiest way to enjoy the scenery from above 14,000 feet without having to spend the day hiking. Can I drive through Rocky Mountain National Park? Yes! Colorado’s beloved Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the state’s most frequented attractions. If you plan to visit, know that you could easily spend a week exploring all that the park has to offer. But if you’re short on time, a drive through the park is a must. Fortunately, Trail Ridge Road will take you through the park while showcasing some of the most exquisite mountain views along the way. Along the way, you’ll spot glaciers, alpine forests, lava cliffs, and mountains for as far as the eye can see.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Million Dollar Highway In Colorado
September 11, 2020
Beth C.
What are the best road trips to take in Colorado? There are endless opportunities to explore Colorado, and most of them involve getting in the car and setting out on a good ol’ fashioned road trip. If you’re looking for the best road trips to take in Colorado, it can be intimidating to know where to begin. After all, Colorado is a relatively big state. Fortunately, we’ve put together several road trips suitable for all kinds of explorers, whether you’re interested in tacos or waterfalls. To start, you can’t go wrong with the natural wonders road trip through Colorado. And once you’ve worked up an appetite, be sure to try our custom taco trail through Colorado. What is the most beautiful drive in Colorado? Where to even begin? You could easily spend a lifetime exploring all of Colorado’s scenic drive. In addition to the famous Million Dollar Highway, which we outlined in the article above, one of the most beautiful drives in Colorado is Mount Evans Road. To start, it’s the highest paved road in the United States and promises positively breathtaking views from the top. Plus, it’s the easiest way to enjoy the scenery from above 14,000 feet without having to spend the day hiking. Can I drive through Rocky Mountain National Park? Yes! Colorado’s beloved Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the state’s most frequented attractions. If you plan to visit, know that you could easily spend a week exploring all that the park has to offer. But if you’re short on time, a drive through the park is a must. Fortunately, Trail Ridge Road will take you through the park while showcasing some of the most exquisite mountain views along the way. Along the way, you’ll spot glaciers, alpine forests, lava cliffs, and mountains for as far as the eye can see.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
There are endless opportunities to explore Colorado, and most of them involve getting in the car and setting out on a good ol’ fashioned road trip. If you’re looking for the best road trips to take in Colorado, it can be intimidating to know where to begin. After all, Colorado is a relatively big state. Fortunately, we’ve put together several road trips suitable for all kinds of explorers, whether you’re interested in tacos or waterfalls. To start, you can’t go wrong with the natural wonders road trip through Colorado. And once you’ve worked up an appetite, be sure to try our custom taco trail through Colorado.
What is the most beautiful drive in Colorado?
Where to even begin? You could easily spend a lifetime exploring all of Colorado’s scenic drive. In addition to the famous Million Dollar Highway, which we outlined in the article above, one of the most beautiful drives in Colorado is Mount Evans Road. To start, it’s the highest paved road in the United States and promises positively breathtaking views from the top. Plus, it’s the easiest way to enjoy the scenery from above 14,000 feet without having to spend the day hiking.
Can I drive through Rocky Mountain National Park?
Yes! Colorado’s beloved Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the state’s most frequented attractions. If you plan to visit, know that you could easily spend a week exploring all that the park has to offer. But if you’re short on time, a drive through the park is a must. Fortunately, Trail Ridge Road will take you through the park while showcasing some of the most exquisite mountain views along the way. Along the way, you’ll spot glaciers, alpine forests, lava cliffs, and mountains for as far as the eye can see.
