It can be difficult to choose where to spend your time in Southwest Colorado. There are many astounding views and places to explore. Having earned the name as the Million Dollar Highway, this gorgeous stretch of road gives way to jaw-dropping views around every corner!

Routinely touted as one of America’s most scenic drives, the Million Dollar Highway will not disappoint!

WHAT IS THE MILLION DOLLAR HIGHWAY?

The Million Dollar Highway is a breathtaking scenic mountain pass that anyone traveling in Southwest Colorado must-see. This famous section of highway has breathtaking panoramas of steep, jagged mountains. Originally hand carved to transport ore to the railroad in the small town of Ouray, it was later widened and paved. It is said to be one of the most beautiful roads in the USA and is a section of the greater San Juan Skyway, a 233-mile loop through some of the most iconic terrain in Southwest Colorado.

WHERE IS THE MILLION DOLLAR HIGHWAY?

The Million Dollar Highway travels between the small towns of Silverton and Ouray in Southwest Colorado. The highest point is 11,018 feet at the peak of Red Mountain Pass, in the San Juan Mountain Range.

WHY IS IT CALLED THE MILLION DOLLAR HIGHWAY?

There are many theories to the name of the Million Dollar Highway, but the true origin of the name is unknown. Many people may first think of the million-dollar views around every corner. Locals used to joke that they would only drive the section of the road if someone paid them a million dollars because of steep grades, lots of winding turns, often being in avalanche paths, and lack of guard rails. The cost to expand and pave the highway is another way it may have received its name. Allegedly, each mile on the Million Dollar Highway cost a million dollars to build.