The Million Dollar Highway is a breathtaking and jaw-dropping 25-mile stretch of U.S. Route 550 that winds through the San Juan Mountains, connecting the historic mining towns of Silverton and Ouray. Initially constructed in the late 19th century as a wagon trail to transport miners and supplies to the area’s rich gold and silver mines, the road was later widened and paved.

The highway is infamous for its narrow lanes, steep drop-offs, and absence of guardrails—earning it a reputation as one of the most dangerous roads in America. But there’s a reason for the missing barriers: as the most avalanche-prone highway in North America, snowplows need to swiftly push heavy snowfall off the edge to keep this vital route clear for trucks supplying the isolated mountain towns.

Such awe-inspiring views of rugged peaks…at one point 11,000 feet, with deep valleys, and cascading waterfalls. This is nature at its finest!!!

The name “Million Dollar Highway” has several legends:  Some claim it cost a million dollars per mile to build in the 1880s.  Others suggest the fill dirt used contains a million dollars’ worth of gold/silver ore!  Another theory, of course, is that the name refers to the “million-dollar views” offered along the route!

We stopped at a turnoff for a breather and a break!

This wasn’t just a drive—it was an adventure through some of Colorado’s most stunning and historic landscapes! I have to admit, though, I wasn’t exactly thrilled when I realized it was going to be the only road back to Albuquerque at the end of our trip! Especially after reading in The Durango Herald that this stretch averages 40 accidents and about seven fatalities each year!

It is a drive we will not soon forget!  And we got to do it twice, but, hopefully, never again!!!