Like I’ve mentioned previously, growing up in Colorado, I had spent a lot of time in the mountain regions of the state except for the southwest portion. I’ve always thought of the southwest as “True” Colorado, in the sense that this is where the real ruggedness and beauty of the state shines through, without all the noise from the “Frangers” (short for the “Danger” brought about by the “Front Range” folks of Denver, Boulder, etc….the “city folk”, if you will, who infiltrate the mountain towns on the weekend).
The southwest portion of the state is famously known for a gorgeous stretch of mountain passes called the “Million Dollar Highway”. Popular in the fall for all the aspen trees that cover the hillsides, a summer drive certainly would not disappoint so this is what Kelley and I decided to do after having camped in Durango, CO several days prior. The origin of the name for the million-dollar highway is not certain but several sources indicate it comes from the fact that it took a “million dollars” a mile to build or that the fill dirt for the road construction contains a “million dollars” in gold ore. Some locals say they would have to be paid a “million dollars” to drive the road in the winter. Either way, it is an engineering feat and not for the faint of heart. As we set off, the beauty really starts right when you leave Durango and continues all the way to Ouray.
We fueled up in Durango and started out north on highway 550 towards Silverton and Ouray. Technically the Million Dollar highway doesn’t begin until Silverton running the 24 miles to Ouray, CO… but one wouldn’t know this passing all of the other beautiful landscapes leaving Durango, including the area surrounding the Purgatory ski area and cresting Coal Bank Pass and Molas Pass. Every bend and opening in the trees was one astonishing view after another.
Catching our first view of Silverton, it really felt like we were descending on an original mining town from the 1800s. Dirt roads, classic old buildings and crusty bars, this place is somewhere we need to come back and spend more time. The only unfortunate thing we noticed was the number of side-by-side UTVs that were rolling around town. We understand the economic benefits that this type of traffic brings, it just took away from the charm of the place a bit. We figured this traffic would be less in the winter and the town would really show its true colors. We will certainly be back to make some turns this winter!
We grabbed a delicious coffee and sweet bar from the Coffee Bear on main street and then started up the official start of the “Million Dollar Highway”. Climbing out of Silverton we couldn’t help but notice a few nice looking boondocking sites off the downhill side of Highway 550… areas where we could easily bring the Airstream. Climbing out of Silverton the road winds but the exposure is not bad. As you summit Red Mountain pass and descend towards Ouray, the exposure on the outside lane definitely has a pucker factor. Familiar with high mountain passes, it wasn’t much of a bother to us but we were on the inside lane… the outside lane could be a different story, especially in the winter. Besides the tight lanes and the exposures, the scenery was amazing and, though challenging to look around while driving, each glimpse you could grab was truly spectacular. Kelley was in awe the entire time in the passenger side, taking as many photos and videos as she could. You can check out some of our footage here…
Finishing the drive in Ouray we stopped off for a lovely breakfast at the Timberline Deli of Ouray that served a mean veggie omelet. Reflecting on the drive it truly was a spectacular road with scenery abound. As much of a turn off it was to see the enormous number of trailers filled with side-by-side UTVs, it is no mystery why there were so many people attracted to this part of the US. Amazed and in awe we are already planning our return for the winter, which will certainly make the road more interesting.
