The Million Dollar Highway in Summer: Stops You Shouldn't Skip
The Million Dollar Highway — US-550 from Durango to Ouray — is incredible in any season, but summer is when you can really take your time. The passes are clear, the wildflowers are blooming, and every pullout is a photo opportunity.
The Drive
The full route from Durango to Ouray is about 70 miles and takes two hours without stops. But you'll stop. Constantly.
Must-Stop Spots
Molas Pass (10,910 feet) — the pullout here has views of the Grenadier Range that'll stop you in your tracks. In summer, wildflowers carpet the alpine meadows.
Silverton — spend at least an hour. Walk the main drag, grab lunch, browse the shops. Silverton is a former mining town at 9,318 feet that looks like it hasn't changed since the 1880s.
Red Mountain Pass (11,018 feet) — the red-stained mountains and old mining ruins create an otherworldly landscape.
Bear Creek Falls — a quick pullout between Silverton and Ouray with a waterfall visible from the road.
Ouray — the endpoint. Known as the Switzerland of America, Ouray sits in a box canyon surrounded by 13,000-foot peaks. Hit the hot springs, walk through town, and get ice cream.
Tips
Start early to avoid afternoon thunderstorms at the passes. The road has no guardrails in many sections — take it slow and use pullouts. Gas up before leaving Durango.
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