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HOW MANY MILES IS THE MILLION DOLLAR HIGHWAY?
This stretch of highway spans 25 miles on US Highway 550 between the small towns of Silverton and Ouray.
WHEN WAS THE MILLION DOLLAR HIGHWAY BUILT?
The Million Dollar Highway was originally constructed as a toll road by Otto Mears, who oversaw the building of many narrow gauge railroads, in the 1880s. Then, in the 1920s, the road underwent construction again, paving the path to the road as it is today.
WHAT CAN YOU SEE AND DO OFF THE MILLION DOLLAR HIGHWAY?
Endless options just off the Million Dollar Highway make choosing just a few activities difficult. Outdoor recreation opportunities are around every corner, during every single season. Hiking, camping, climbing, skiing, snowshoeing, biking, hot springs, and whitewater rafting are plentiful in the area. Rich in mining history, a feel for the historic west, and nearby ancestral ruins – it’s hard not to find something stunning or fascinating!
Durango, Colorado
Durango is the largest town near the Million Dollar Highway. The downtown district has plenty of museums, boutiques, restaurants, nightlife, and the historic Strater Hotel. Getting around Durango is easy with a bike path that follows the Animas River, which winds through town, ending in an exciting whitewater park for boaters. With the perfect balance of amenities and access to outdoor recreation, many visitors choose to stay in Durango.
