How long is the Million Dollar Highway?
Usa, north-america
40 km
3,243 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're in western Colorado, about to tackle the legendary Million Dollar Highway! This isn't just any road trip; it's a 25-mile (40 km) rollercoaster from Silverton to Ouray that'll take your breath away – literally! Give yourself around 42 minutes to fully soak it in, but be warned, RVs also love this route, so patience is key.
Now, this beauty is generally open year-round, but Mother Nature can be a bit of a diva, especially in winter. We're talking possible closures and chain requirements thanks to those snowy conditions. You'll be scaling three epic mountain passes – Coal Bank (10,640 ft / 3,240 m), Molas (10,970 ft / 3,340 m), and Red Mountain (11,018 ft / 3,358 m). Summer days? Expect temps ranging from a balmy 70-90°F at the ends to a cooler 50-70°F up high. Rain can turn things dicey, creating surprise waterfalls, and did I mention this stretch has some serious avalanche risk?
So, yeah, it's not all sunshine and roses. This road demands respect. That initial drive? Get ready for sweaty palms! You'll be hugging the "outside" lane with views that are both stunning and slightly terrifying. Some of those mountain turns require a snail's pace of 10 mph.
The real heart-pumper is that 12-mile stretch south of Ouray through the Uncompahgre Gorge leading to Red Mountain Pass. Think steep cliffs, narrow lanes, and a distinct lack of guardrails! Those hairpin turns are no joke. And drivers sometimes get a bit "frozen" mid-route. Going south, you're the one on the exposed side.
The origin of that name? Mystery! Some say it cost a million bucks a mile to build, others claim the dirt's laced with gold ore. No matter the truth, it was hand-carved in the 1880s as a toll road, and today, it's one of the most spectacular drives in the US, if you don’t drive too fast for conditions.
Is it worth it? Absolutely! You’ll be cruising through the San Juan Mountains, spotting wildflowers, elk, mountain goats (maybe even a bear!), and soaking in views that'll stay with you forever. It's a true bucket-list adventure!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 40 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,243 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in north-america
moderateWhere is Quail Mountain?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Wanna tackle a seriously epic Colorado climb? Head west of Granite, into Chaffee County, and set your sights on Quail Mountain. We're talking a proper 4x4-only kind of trail here. Forest Service Road 398, aka Lost Canyon Road, will test your skills and your vehicle's suspension. The first half? Manageable. The second half? Buckle up, buttercup, because you're heading above the treeline into some seriously rugged terrain. This isn't a Sunday drive; we're talking a 3.8 km (2.36 mile) ascent with gradients hitting a wild 20% in places. You'll climb almost 400 meters, averaging a 10% grade, so make sure your rig is ready. But the views? Totally worth it. At the summit, you'll find relics from the mining days – a couple of old cabins – and overlooks that will blow your mind. Lost Canyon sprawls below you to the northeast, the glistening Clear Creek Reservoir to the east, and a panorama of mountains in every direction. Keep in mind that being high up in the Sawatch Range means snow closes this road down for a good chunk of the year. Plan your trip for the warmer months!
hardWhere is Upper Pomeroy Lake?
🇺🇸 Usa
Alright, adventure seekers, let's talk about Upper Pomeroy Lake in Colorado! This alpine gem sits way up high at 12,283 feet in Chaffee County, nestled north of Salida at the base of Pomeroy Mountain. And get this – just a little over 4,000 feet north of it is another lake! Getting there is an experience. Forest Service Road 297, your path to paradise, is a 3.75-mile unpaved track of steep and rocky goodness. It's moderately challenging, but rewards you with stunning views, a taste of Colorado history, and access to some killer hiking and fishing. Word to the wise: you'll need a high-clearance 4x4 to tackle this trail. Sadly, vehicles aren't allowed to go all the way to the lake anymore, so be prepared for a bit of a walk. Keep in mind that due to its high-altitude location in the Sawatch Mountains, the road is usually only open from late June through October. Expect the ice on Upper Pomeroy Lake to stick around until late June or early July.
extremeWhere is Lo 7 Hill?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers! Lo 7 Hill in Colorado's Rio Blanco County is calling your name! South of Meeker, you'll find this beast of a peak, topping out at a cool 8,540 feet. Now, let's be real – this isn't your Sunday drive kind of road. We're talking about a solid 7.45 miles of unpaved, unmaintained glory. Forget your low-riders; you'll need a 4x4 with some serious clearance to tackle this bad boy. Picture this: a narrow, rocky track, loose stones flying everywhere, and sections so steep they'll make your stomach drop. Oh, and did I mention winter? Yeah, no. Mother Nature shuts this party down completely with snow, so plan your trip accordingly. But trust me, the views from the top are worth every bump and scrape. Get ready for some seriously epic Southern Rocky Mountain scenery!
extremeStar Point
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're anywhere near Carbon County, Utah, and you've got a serious craving for a climb, you HAVE to check out Star Point. We're talking about a mountain pass that tops out at a whopping 10,062 feet! The journey starts smooth enough, with plenty of asphalt, but don't get too comfy. The final stretch throws a curveball with a gravel 4x4 track – it's known as Star Point Mine Road. Trust me, this isn't a drive for the faint of heart, or your grandma's minivan. Word to the wise: check the weather before you go. This road is a no-go when Mother Nature throws a tantrum. We're talking avalanches, mega snow, landslides, and sneaky patches of ice that'll send you sliding. Expect some rocky and muddy sections too. But hey, the views! You'll be cruising near the stunning Alberta Park Reservoir and get a fantastic look at Cone Peak, the second-highest peak in the Santa Lucia Range. So, if you're feeling brave and your ride is ready, get ready for an unforgettable alpine experience!