Million Dollar Highway in Colorado

The road over Red Mountain Pass was originally built as a wagon road in 1883. The first motor vehicle to conquer the pass was a model T in 1911. The drive from Red Mountain Pass back to Ouray took two hours on that first journey. The road was paved in the 1950's. The most common theory for the name was that it cost a million dollars a mile to build the road in the steep mountain terrain.

The Million Dollar Highway is a ride of a lifetime. Stop in and see us at Durango H-D® and pick up your free "Great Rides of the Four Corners" map. 

Durango to Silverton - Stunning scenery, mountain vistas, visit the historic mining town of Silverton with its gift shops, restaurants, and Silverton Harley-Davidson®. Elevations range from 6,500 ft to over 10,000 ft on Coal Bank and Molas Passes. Rain suit and jacket recommended. Allow at least a half day for the 96 mile round trip. High mountain terrain.

Worlds Highest Harley® Store - Yes, it's right here in Silverton. You can't get the "World's Highest Harley Store" T-shirt anywhere else except Silverton Harley-Davidson® so be sure to stop in and get yours. Silverton opens in April. Come see us.

Durango to Ouray - continue on from Silverton to the mining town of Ouray to complete your ride on the Million Dollar Highway. Ouray noted as Switzerland of the Rockies is a quaint village located at the bottom of a box canyon and offers more great scenery. Elevations exceed 11,000 ft over Red Mountain Pass. Allow a day if you plan to visit the shops in both towns and have lunch. Round trip is 142 miles. Rain suit and jacket recommended. High mountain terrain.

Did you know that Travel.Yahoo.com listed the San Juan Loop which includes the Million Dollar Highway as a Top 10 All American Road Trip? Three cool mining towns, four mountain passes and a whole herd of peaks to wow your eyes.

Get your Million Dollar Highway T-Shirt - ride the ride and wear the t-shirt to prove it. Where else can you cover 3 10,000 foot passes in less than a hundred miles of breathtaking views?

You can continue on to Ridgway, Telluride, Rico, and Mancos to complete the San Juan Loop. AAA rates the loop ride as a top ten scenic ride in the country. We agree. If you don't have the time, do a 180 in Ouray and ride the Million Dollar Highway back to Durango. The scenery is totally different when riding the other way.