The Million Dollar Highway

CO · United States

The road, north up. 18 km end to end.

Climb along the road — 2945 m to 3388 m · 443 m of climbing

Highest: 3,388 m
Lowest: 2,945 m
Climb: 443 m
Descent: 361 m
Start to end: 2,945 → 3,028 m

18 kmEnd to end

0h 09m Riding time

Twisty Twistiness

Paved Surface

The twistiest stretch of US 550 between Ouray and Silverton, a mountain road over Red Mountain Pass with long drops and little to stop you leaving it.

SeasonJune to September

A narrow, exposed highway cut into the San Juan Mountains. It is dramatic, and it asks for respect: the drops are long, in places there are no guardrails, and the road is not forgiving.

Snow and ice make it hazardous for much of the year, with chain and closure rules in winter. Check Colorado's road conditions before you go.

Stay in your lane and let faster traffic pass at the pull-offs, because there is little room for error.

More on this road: The best motorcycle roads in Colorado

Plan a ride on it More roads

Photos are contributed by riders and reviewed before they appear here. Conditions change — check before you go. Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.