With an array of colors framing rugged peaks, it’s no wonder this 25-mile stretch of highway, connecting Silverton and Ouray, is one of the most iconic drives in all of America. It winds through the heart of the San Juan Mountains in Colorado, with sheer drop-offs, dramatic curves, and panoramic views everywhere you look. It’s not for the weak of heart (or, to be honest, all rigs), but its rewards are many—providing an intense mix of adrenaline and awe, history and untamed beauty.
There’s a bit of disagreement about where the Million Dollar Highway gets its name. Some say it’s because construction costs were sky high in the 1920s as the road is literally carved into the cliffs. Others claim that it’s because the mountains beneath the highway are so rich in ore, both silver and gold. Still others argue that it just has a million-dollar view (there’s no doubt about that). However it got its name, the views are breathtaking and the drive is spectacular.
Silverton, once the beating heart of Colorado’s silver and gold rush, still has remnants of the past, when prospectors carved mines deep into surrounding mountains, leaving behind shafts, mills, and now ghost towns of a long-gone era. These relics make it easy to imagine the type of grit needed to seek fortune in this truly rugged, beautiful, and at times, intimidating landscape.
Climbing more than 11,000 feet, Red Mountain Pass offers unsurpassed views. Stained by the iron-rich rock that gives the pass its name, the striking red slopes almost glow in the sunlight. Keep your eyes open, and you could spot remnants of old mining operations tucked into the sweeping views.
Just outside the quaint town of Ouray, Box Canyon Falls thunders through a narrow canyon, dropping nearly 300 feet and carving into the hard quartzite. Walkways and bridges make it easy to get close enough to feel the mist as the roar of the falls echoes off rock walls. It’s one of Ouray’s signature sights and makes for a refreshing stop after the sometimes-harrowing drive on the Million Dollar Highway.
Ouray is known as “The Switzerland of America” as jagged alpine peaks surround the small town. Beyond its natural appeal, it’s best known for its hot springs. Fed by underground geothermal waters, the warm pools are rich in minerals for a soothing soak after a long day’s drive or invigorating hike. You can find large, family-friendly pools as well as smaller, more secluded spots at nearby resorts. Either way, sinking into the steaming water surrounded by stunning views makes for unforgettable memories (and perhaps some romance).
Sometimes you just want to let someone else take the “wheel” so you can really enjoy the view. The historic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is a steam-powered train that has been running since the 1880s, originally to transport silver and gold ore from the mines. Today, it provides passengers with another perspective as it takes a slow, scenic route along the Animas River.
Trekking on nearby trails reveals a more delicate side of the San Juans. In the spring, alpine meadows are crowded with purple lupine, fiery red paintbrush, tiny blue columbine, and many other varieties. A short hike can take you away from the hum of traffic into quiet fields where you can relax to the soft sounds of birds singing and winds whistling through the pines.
While the Million Dollar Highway is worthy of any bucket-list experience, it’s not for every RV. With its narrow lanes, steep grades, and cliffside curves, it can be too much (or too risky) for larger rigs or less confident drivers. That doesn’t mean you have to miss out, though. Many travelers choose to base themselves in one of the many RV parks located in Ouray, Silverton, or Durango that provide plenty of room to settle in. From there, you can unhitch, rent a jeep or SUV, or even join a local tour to more safely experience the route.
Whichever way you choose to journey through the San Juan Mountains, the payoff is the same: unforgettable views, a rich history, and perhaps a relaxing soak at the end of the day for a million-dollar experience. 🧡