It May Be Hard to Believe but This Road Actually Exists! - Million Dollar Highway

[@elkhunter8664]

For those curious about the lack of guard rails. The answer is snow removal. This area experiences 25 feet of snowfall per winter on average. Heavy equipment, a front end loader with a snow blade, is utilized to push the snow off the edge of the road and let gravity handle the rest.

[@jessiesdroneadventures7464]

I forgot to include that part in the video....but thank you for sharing

[@joewoodchuck3824]

We get very little snow in ne Tennessee. We have few guardrails too. Obviously not because of snow removal, but it's just too expensive to put up what would be nearly continuous guardrails everywhere. That could have also been a factor for Colorado.

[@UTA_xx5kx]

We get no snow here in Hawaii

[@anneelgersma9114]

We have guard rails along our roads and comparable amounts of snow, so i dont understand this.🇳🇴

[@mikesteffes9999]

I’ve driven the MDH a number of times; it hasn’t given me the clangs even once. Colorado’s dirt & rock shelf roads - that’s a different story… Ouray sits at the southern end of a box canyon, so the drop into the canyon can be mildly thrilling…

[@thetravelinghounds]

I just drove this 1 month ago. As someone with extreme fear of heights, I never saw the beautiful views. I only kept my eyes on the road ahead of me. It was the scariest road trip of my life.

[@jessiesdroneadventures7464]

I know what you mean, it's one of those drive that you have to be a passenger to really enjoy it

[@lareverie8285]

I admire you! Im terrified of heights but i want to one day be able to drive places like this

[@robind8609]

@@jessiesdroneadventures7464 Thank you for doing This video. I just recently realized my Uncle Johnny sadly passed away at Superior hospital in 1940 due to being in a motorcycle accident on this highway:(. We don’t yet know exactly was spot but it was nearer to superior AZ. We attended March’s Apache Leap Festival then traveled this highway but breifly saw the original tunnel Johnny would have drove through. He was 3 days away from his 19th birthday. He was about to Marry soon. This area has such history. Johnny Was born in Geronimo on the Reservation. He helped build one of the dams in Arizona for work..and was a goldminer. Thank you again for showing us the path he would have often traveled. ❤️ My father was his younger brother. How would I know if you’ll do more videos on this area?

[@Auntie-Sara]

I admire you facing "our" fear! 🥰Now that you're home safe think of this: Drive It At Night 😱😬🫣🥴😵‍💫🤯🥺😵😖😭😳

[@Auntie-Sara]

​@@jessiesdroneadventures7464No! ​>IF< I stayed in the car I'd be curled up on the floor quietly whimpering with tears soaking my shirt. 🫣

[@orionbennett776]

I've driven between Silverton and Ouray many times. Ouray is my favorite town west of the Mississippi. Took my son there for a vacation, which just happened to be over the 4th of July. Fireworks in the mountains, followed by a light rain beating on the camper roof, and waking up to snow on the mountains around the city. Oddly the average snowfall in Ouray is over 100 inches, and as of 1994, I was told they had only three snow days where school was closed, in over 30 years. If my pockets ever get filled with green stuff, I will buy a home there. This video makes the 'Million Dollar Highway' a lot scarier than it is ... just don't drive it drunk, follow the speed limit, and you will be fine.

[@JakeKoenig]

If people realized how many times they've been on roads where drifting off the pavement would mean a likely death, they wouldn't be that concerned about driving this road. The danger is just easier to see on this highway.

[@jamesconner3437]

After watching the videos of South American mountain roads.....this did look fairly easy. But also so damn beautiful, drivers have to be careful not to gawk. Rotate driving every 5 miles so all can enjoy !

[@jessiesdroneadventures7464]

@jamesconner3437 yes!!! It's one of those roads that you have to be a passenger in order to truly enjoy it

[@johncalvo1743]

What's your favorite town EAST of the Mississippi?

[@B-Russ]

This is the pass I learned to drive a semi….now I’m a damn good semi driver😜

[@jessiesdroneadventures7464]

Lol, I believe it....I bet you learned real quick too

[@motowngirl5891]

Did this in the early 1990’s Durango to telluride Your hope is seeing big semi’s driving the opposite direction, IF THEY CAN do it ,I can do it

[@motowngirl5891]

Ouray is so beautiful

[@motowngirl5891]

This is called the WHITE KNUCKLE drive

[@stevewright6290]

Do you have buy odd size pants to house your massive balls ? A semi on that road is unbelievable..

[@MichaelDienst]

I drove this road about forty years ago. The road is a challenge, and for a first-timer it might be intimidating, but if you keep your eyes on the road, drive slowly (give yourself permission to drive as far UNDER the posted speed limit as you feel necessary to drive it as safely as possible), and don't let other drivers intimidate you, you will, as I did, survive the trip. Believe it or not, not only did Otto Mears, known as the Pathfinder of the San Juans, actually built a railroad over what is now the Million Dollar Highway in an attempt to connect Silverton and Ouray with narrow gauge railroad tracks. He made it as far as the small town of Albany, a maddening (for Mr. Mears) six miles short of Ouray. Driving this portion of the road is a very good explanation as to why.

[@jessiesdroneadventures7464]

Thank you for sharing! And I couldn't agree with you more. It was my first time driving it, just take it slow, keep your eyes on the road and don't worry about the other drivers 👍

[@DanRoberts-u1n]

The rock garage building at the top of the shelf road you commented on was last used as the Colorado Department of Highways (orig name) building for plow and garage facilities in the 40's, 50's and 60's. I'm not sure when they quit using it. There was a row of buildings along the base of the mountain behind and to the south of the rock structure, behind the white wood building that were used by the highway department and later by a religious sect know as the I Am's. I believe they left sometime in the late 60's. or early 70's and the buildings were demolished sometime later.

[@jessiesdroneadventures7464]

Thank you a Million for sharing 👍

[@taivo55]

During the winter you sometimes get stopped on that section of road while the Colorado Department of Transportation shoots down avalanches and they clear the road. I spent two hours one January on one of the narrowest sections of the road listening to the howitzers firing and watching the snow plows working. Imagine that road when it's snow-covered. It's got a pucker factor ten times that of summer.

[@jessiesdroneadventures7464]

as scary as it sounds, I kind of want to attempt this road in winter now....I'm sure those mountains would look amazing!

[@taivo55]

@@jessiesdroneadventures7464 The key is watching the weather in advance so that the mountains aren't covered in clouds. And it's best to have a very good pair of sunglasses obviously. (And extra food, water, and blankets in the passenger compartment just in case...)

[@jessiesdroneadventures7464]

@@taivo55 lol i appreciate that! thank you!

[@MHester-m3f]

“Pucker factor” great description!

[@skypedersen5447]

i drove this highway in a blizzard from hell. on the map it looked like a shortcut, joke was on me. gorgeous drive, but omg

[@jessiesdroneadventures7464]

lol, I know what you mean, only minus the blizzard..........I had heard it was a beautiful drive, which is why I wanted to check it out, but once I got there.....It took me a minute to work up the courage to continue on

[@DoloGomez]

Geezus man! That must have been intense

[@skypedersen5447]

@@DoloGomez pretty high pucker factor for the guy who was riding along with me

[@railgap]

Aw hell naw. I have driven it several times but always in good weather. Not doing that in a blizzard, even in my old Ramcharger. ;D

[@arayagerardo]

That's what got me on that road "the short cut"...in a semi with flatbed

[@JLAracing]

Drove that road many times. Used to go on vacation to Colorado every August for vacation. Story I always heard why it was called "Million Dollar Highway" was because when the road was originally built, "waste" rock from mines in Silverton were used. Except it wasn't waste rock, it was gold ore. And at the time they weren't looking for gold but silver (hence Silverton, where the mines were "pulling silver out by the ton). When the mistake was finally figured out, it was all tore up and processed.

[@jessiesdroneadventures7464]

Thank you for sharing!

[@MHester-m3f]

Makes sense - if you want silver, just toss the gold. It’s just weight you don’t want to carry!

[@yhssd6573]

This is the true story. I rode this highway back in 1979 with my Dad and one of his best friends, who worked for the Colorado Department of Highways. He told us that the roadbed was laid with tailings from gold mines.

[@jamesreed1969]

Colorado is beautiful!!! Everywhere!

[@jessiesdroneadventures7464]

It sure is, can't wait to go back!!!

[@jamesreed1969]

@@boringsus what's farthest part?

[@jamesreed1969]

@@boringsus well, we still need food) I mean west of I-25!

[@MAXIMUSMINIMALIST]

Not Denver the democrat dump

[@jamesreed1969]

@@MAXIMUSMINIMALIST 😊 I live in HR.

[@candacejackson5044]

Colorado has some amazing view and some crazy, scary roads. I've driven up Pike's Peak, so I could probably do this. The waterfalls were gorgeous. I loved the chipmunks in there. So cute.

[@OldRustySteele]

The drive up to Pike’s Peak is child’s play compared to US 550, the Million Dollar Highway. The road to Pike’s Peak is wider and has broader shoulders for the most part.

[@railgap]

I've driven it. I live here. It's beautiful. It epitomizes the mountain highway: it's safe if you pay attention, but the minute you let your attention wander, it will kill you. Mountains are not for amateurs.

[@Colleen1978]

We drove the Million Dollar Highway today all the way to Silverton. Yup. Pretty white knuckled drive! When you get some extra time the drive all the way was worth it for us. We went to the jail and mine museum in Silverton. Only the main street is paved, every other street is gravel. We checked our the visitor center and did a walking tour of historical buildings and had a picnic in Memorial Park. Love your drone footage and extra little facts! We stopped at the Beaver Creek waterfall too. There was still some snow on the mountains today, July 17 and the temp was 68 degrees late morning. Just a gorgeous drive. Oh, and hubs drove up and i drove down so he could look at the scenery!

[@jessiesdroneadventures7464]

Awesome!!!! Love it!!! Next time I hope to make it all the way to Silverton, planning a trip to do it in the fall. Sounds like you had a funfilled time! And I like how you guys rotated when driving up and and down so you could both enjoy the scenery!

[@grh450]

Cool video.Apache Trail is literally in my backyard. Five years ago we took a motorcycle trip to Durango and rode The Million Dollar Highway a couple of times, and around the area.LOVED it!

[@jessiesdroneadventures7464]

Love the apache trail! love roads like this.....hoping to showcase more

[@leehyer4916]

The views through that mountain was breathtaking. The only thing I wished that you wouldn’t speed the video up while driving through there😊

[@ray6659]

Drove it in the early '80s, in the spring...spun out and was looking out my window down 1000 feet, no guard rails... I've live it.

[@jessiesdroneadventures7464]

wow!

[@sherrisherri7977]

Yes, pursue the wonderful filming of this freeway. 😊 Beyond where you turned around.

[@jessiesdroneadventures7464]

That I will!!!!! hoping to get back up that way in the fall and capture the colors of the leaves.

[@charliematt4808]

My Colorado friend taught me to NEVER go poking around/exploring in old mining areas. Without notice you could slip into a mine shaft and fall to your death or into a place where you can’t be rescued.

[@jessiesdroneadventures7464]

That's solid advice. Which is why i have a Drone haha, helps me go in for a closer look without getting too close physically

[@MHester-m3f]

Yikes! Thanks - tho I wouldn’t, maybe.

[@herschelmayo2727]

Buying gas in Ouray, I said to the attendent, "I bet you don't have any drunk drivers on this road." He laughed, and told me to look in front of a garage just down the road. As we passed it, there was a flatbed trailer with something on it that looked like a giant ball of aluminum foil that somebody had sprayed a little with red paint. Unbelievable.

[@jessiesdroneadventures7464]

Thank you for sharing!

[@eegarim]

I passed through Ouray several years ago. It is a wonderful little town with spectacular old buildings. There is a place to stay with natural hot springs water in their pool. One room has a rock wall that is part of the mountain. I still wish i had stayed there. That was not the time to be frugal.😕

[@jessiesdroneadventures7464]

Thank you for sharing

[@markb3806]

Driven this road many times. The important thing to remember is that the southbound driver in the outside lane is going uphill through the exposed section of road and has much more control over their vehicle speed than if they were headed northbound. So that diminishes the fear factor by an order of magnitude (take your foot of the gas pedal and you slow down immediately). The exposed section is relatively short, maybe 10-15 minutes. For the northbound section (downhill towards Ouray), you are at least on the inside lane so the immediate exposure isn't an issue but you will most likely have to work harder to control your vehicle.

[@dljones915]

I drove it yesterday in my 389 Peterbilt. What a beautiful and scary experience. 😊

[@jessiesdroneadventures7464]

Yes!!! Beautiful....but scary!

[@Mahnamahna1100]

What size trailer were ya pullin?

[@Curbsidedreamer008]

I've been trucking 45yrs and that road would definitely have smoking 3 to 4 smokes at the same time!

[@AndyAskeroso]

Holy shit!

[@t.d.357]

Thanks for the pictures, That day!!! Love the videos, glad we Got to meet you..

[@jessiesdroneadventures7464]

Hey no problem! my pleasure, was wonderful meeting you as well!

[@khanysafan1705]

I’ve driven this highway many times. It was scary at first, but I no longer even think about how dangerous it can be. You get used to it. It is a beautiful drive, though. The video doesn’t talk about it, but if you keep going, the drive from Silverton to Durango also has gorgeous views.

[@nevilletaylor9761]

I’ve driven it at least a dozen times and can confirm that it is spectacular; a couple of scary spots but really not that unnerving.

[@mattsarizonaaerials]

This was an awesome video. I have done this drive a few times, most recently was back in 2008 though. We loved Box Canyon Falls in Ouray. Silverton is a cool little town too. That entire drive is just awesome. I really dig your work, Jessie. I'd tell you why some of your vids hit close to home for me, but I don't want to discuss it on this public forum. Anyhow, keep up the great work.

[@jessiesdroneadventures7464]

Hey thanks!! when I went on this trip, I had thoughts about leaving my drone at home, because it was suppose to be a vacation and no work....but I'm glad I brought it with! Next time I plan on going all the way to Silverton and then back, and I want to film a little more in Telluride. Thank you for sharing and checking out the video........ and you can always DM me on IG if you would like to share...thanks again 🙏

[@nerolsalguod4649]

In the 60s my family was travelling at night when the car in front ( our family friends) stopped suddenly, and with headlights shining forward , we saw an enormous chunk of this MDH had collapsed and fallen away ( about halfway up the road). This chunk took up over half of the road , about 50 ' long. Been over to this road many , many times.

[@ltran54]

Thank you for sharing. I enjoyed it very much.

[@jessiesdroneadventures7464]

Hey no problem! glad you enjoyed it!

[@lavendersunday8712]

Great video, I’ve driven that route and I was terrified.

[@jessiesdroneadventures7464]

Thank you! It certainly wasn't easy 😱

[@TheAzmountaineer]

I'll have to check this out when I get a chance. I grew up on scary roads like this, except a lot of them were dirt and mud, no pavement. The things we did on those roads as youngsters is frightening to think about now. Luckily we all survived, somehow.

[@jessiesdroneadventures7464]

you should! its an amazing drive!

[@danielmartin37]

This is a great video! Love the drone shots

[@jessiesdroneadventures7464]

Thank you so much! I almost didn't make the video because I was worried about being able to complete the drive, glad I did though, and thank you for checking it out! 👍

[@viggycat8592]

Great video! Those stairs will keep anyone in shape! Holy Cow!

[@jessiesdroneadventures7464]

Thank You! Glad you liked it! And yes!! There were so many stairs and even though I workout regularly, they still kicked my butt!!

[@dukeon]

Dude, that’s insane…insanely good video, that is! I’m new to the channel and quickly subscribed. Love the high quality drone footage, your writing and laidback narration, and the interesting topics you choose. Keep it going brother 👍🏼

[@jessiesdroneadventures7464]

Welcome aboard the the channel! And thank you for those kind words, this was as much fun editing as it was shooting the footage......glad you enjoyed it! I have another "scary highway" video coming out in the next few weeks, thank you for subbing!

[@williezreed4958]

I've been to both, and the highway through Arizona's salt River Canyon is very scenic and beautiful in an arid way, if you're in the white mountain area it is certainly worth the trip

[@jessiesdroneadventures7464]

I may have to take a trip up to the shite mountains!

[@andibowe6890]

I have 40 off grid acres in AZ @6K' near NM

[@cherylwallace2454]

I'm from nearby and what I was always told was that the name was a result of the enormous cost to build it. We also call this highway Red Mountain Pass. It's too bad you didn't go all the way to Silverton. Definitely one of my favorite places.

[@jessiesdroneadventures7464]

Thanks for the info!

[@dawnr9158]

Beautiful scenery! But I had the music from The Shining in my head. 😢

[@jessiesdroneadventures7464]

yes! the scenery was absolutely breathtaking! I had to stop so many times just to pull over and enjoy it

[@eltonbass8734]

I have driven this road many times on my Electra Glide Harley Davidson. I love it. ❤

[@jessiesdroneadventures7464]

awesome!!!

[@Pawny1-r1z]

Beautiful country.

[@daveford7414]

Just subscribed to your channel.looking forward to watching your informative videos👍

[@jessiesdroneadventures7464]

Hey thanks!!! Appreciate you subbing, got some pretty good videos coming this summer

[@johnfoster1083]

Absolutely love this drive. This is the real deal.

[@jessiesdroneadventures7464]

Heck yea it is! I plan on doing it again in the fall for those fall colors!!! Thank you for checking out the video!

[@rockymountainjazzfan1822]

I've driven the Million Dollar Highway hundreds of time--in all seasons and in all weather--driving everything from a standard automobile to a truck and trailer. Yes, it is unforgiving of mistakes. A friend's father drove that road 6 days a week for 30 years in a delivery truck. Snowslides (avalanches) are the biggest unpredictable risk. One day, I was delayed for 6 hours when slowslides ran behind my pickup and ahead of it. Fortunately, I was in a spot fairly well protected from additional slides. I could hear them running up and down the canyon, though. Years ago, the Highway Dept. would intentionally trigger snowslides that were ready to run at any time by firing explosive WWII surplus shells into them using a 155mm Howitzer. It was funny watching tourists gape at State Highway pickup towing a Howitzer up the road in the winter. They still "trigger" snowslides with explosives, but they now use specialized mortar launchers to do the job.

[@jessiesdroneadventures7464]

enjoyed reading this! i didnt know about the triggering snowslides part of it. doesnt surprise me though. here in AZ they have planned blasting for rocks on highways to keep potential rockslides and any falling rocks to a minimum....thanks for sharing!

[@robertpanick2660]

Thank you, hopefully this will keep people who lack the confidence to drive it off of it. I've been on it a dozen or more times, and it's a piece of cake compared to other mountain roads.

[@jessiesdroneadventures7464]

Hey thank you for checking out the video 👍

[@buckypeterson1018]

Really enjoyed this, and want to plan a driving tour of Colorado. What time of year was this filmed? What time would be best to see Colorado?

[@jessiesdroneadventures7464]

This was filmed mid April 2024. Anytime during spring summer and fall really would be a good time. But with fall you get the colors

[@Nightshade-dh9fm]

If you love driving roads like this, like i do, we have a similar road near me in Montana called beartooth pass, lots of switchbacks, very little room, prone to rockslides, winter snowfall avgs 25-30 feet(closed in winter), it climbs about 5500ft, then straddles the ridge of the tallest mountain range in Montana, before entering into Yellowstone NP. The views are incredible and its abundant with wildlife, id highly recommend it! Thanks for the video, now I have another road to add to my bucket list lol

[@jessiesdroneadventures7464]

Hey, thank you for the recommendation! Love driving on roads with switchbacks! And hey stay tuned, I will have another " scary but scenic" road video coming out in the next few weeks based out of Arizona, I got a lot of great drone shots!! Definitely putting beartooth pass on my bucket list! Thanks again for checking out the video!

[@miyamotobandido8252]

Great video! but that highway wiiiide and easy compared to the ones in Bolivia crossing the Andes mountains.

[@jessiesdroneadventures7464]

Never been to Bolivia.......but maybe one day

[@wdwtx2.0]

It is an EXCELLENT motorcycle road.

[@dawnr9158]

Thanks!

[@jessiesdroneadventures7464]

Thank you a million Dawn! I appreciate ya!!! my newest AREA 51 video should be up in a few hours 👍

[@dawnr9158]

@@jessiesdroneadventures7464 I see the noti now. 😃

[@Sarah-e8t1o]

I have driven that road a few times. Thanks for this wonderful drone perspective.

[@jessiesdroneadventures7464]

hey no problem! thank you for checking out the video!

[@rogered5499]

Drone footage very nice.

[@jessiesdroneadventures7464]

Thank you thank you!!! Glad you liked it!!!!

[@javig5045]

I'be done this hyw 4 times on my motorcycle, it truly is a breathtaking drive.....Javi G.

[@jessiesdroneadventures7464]

Thank you for sharing! 👍

[@Michael65429]

Many years ago, a good friend of mine was driving at night on this road, got distracted, and went off the road, plunging a couple hundred feet down the gorge. She was badly hurt and was stranded there for almost 3 days before someone noticed her tire tracks and called the rescue squad...

[@jessiesdroneadventures7464]

Whoa! just thinking about that makes the hairs on my arm stand up

[@supergranfadiytvlange618]

very nice highway scenery but its so sxary....watching from philippines..

[@jessiesdroneadventures7464]

Hey thank you! I'll have another scary highway vide coming up in the next few weeks

[@rdmgwinn]

One of the most beautiful drives in the country, highway 550 Ouray to Durango. Driver needs to pay attention but nowhere near as bad as this video makes it out to be. Lots of pull outs where driver can relax and enjoy the views.

[@jessiesdroneadventures7464]

I may have over exaggerated a little bit hehe but yes!!! Such a beautiful drive and one I will not forget

[@Yurivlc]

Thanks for this trip! Your country is beautiful.

[@jessiesdroneadventures7464]

Hey no problem! Glad you enjoyed the video! I have another scary/Scenic drive video set to come out in the next few weeks here!

[@simonsmith2579]

Best episode in ages

[@jessiesdroneadventures7464]

Thank you! 🙏

[@edwardmiller6353]

Great video!! This is a beautiful area!

[@jessiesdroneadventures7464]

Thank you and yes it is! can wait to go back in the fall! this time im going to go further!

[@toughenupfluffy7294]

I once went into Box Canyon Falls in the springtime, when it was full runoff from a very snowy winter. My sister and her boyfriend and I all hopped the fence and snuck into the canyon, at 1:00 in the morning one night, wearing rain gear and headlamps. The waterfall was raging, and you couldn't even get into the last part of the walkway-it was getting pounded by water. The sound was incredible! I'll never forget it!

[@jessiesdroneadventures7464]

thank you for sharing

[@frankwoods4532]

Nicely done. Thank you for sharing.😀🤣😂

[@jessiesdroneadventures7464]

Hey no problem! glad you enjoyed it! Got more scenic/scary highway videos coming in the future!........Thanks again for watching!

[@cierakitty]

Terrifying ? No, not at all. (maybe for first timers). I found it to be very scenic and beautiful...enjoyed it.

[@brettadams6467]

I have been over this road many times Winter and Summer. NO BIG DEAL.

[@bricks-mortar]

TY. Will consider that good information a warning.

[@boomerantics9586]

The story always told by my father (we’re native to the area for generations) was that the “Million Dollar” reference was derived from the gold and silver ore exposed during construction that couldn’t be exploited for obvious reasons. Probably a fable but there’s another explanation for you. BTW, your pronunciation of ‘Ouray’ is pretty fair for not being a local! 😄

[@jessiesdroneadventures7464]

lol....sorry if i butchered it

[@boomerantics9586]

@@jessiesdroneadventures7464 You did just fine! 👍

[@ictia7036]

I’m from the area, and I’ve driven on it plenty of times… it’s fine if you practice basic driving safety skills. Y’all got this.

[@michaelquillen2679]

Love this drive! Will be doing it again, next week, as we do the colors of Fall in that area. Nine years of doing this great area of Colorado!

[@jessiesdroneadventures7464]

awesome! Im hoping to make it out there again sometime in october!

[@michaelquillen2679]

@@jessiesdroneadventures7464 Hope you make it. We leave Monday. Last year we rented a Jeep (as I would not drive nor tow my YJ that far) and did the Last Dollar Road. Magnificent!!! We went in the last week in Sept. and thought we were a week too soon for peak colors.

[@Pablo_Del_Norte]

Thanks for sharing the highlights of your trip.

[@jessiesdroneadventures7464]

no problem! thank you for checking out the video! its an amazing place if you ever get the chance to visit!

[@jimsgaragetoys]

I've driven this road dozens of times without thinking much about it. Most mountain roads don't have guard.rails because of snow plows and snow removal. I went to college in Durango and would drive up to Ouray all the time. I always stop and enjoy the waterfalls at that same pullout that you did.

[@jessiesdroneadventures7464]

Hey thanks for sharing. This was my first time on a mountain road like this....it was fairly intimidating haha, but it was worth it!!! Hoping to go back again in the fall and shoot another video up there. And yea! Love that waterfall!!!! Thanks for sharing your thoughts and checking out the video! 👍

[@jimsgaragetoys]

@@jessiesdroneadventures7464 And it never gets old so you'll enjoy it every time you get the chance to experience it. Another fun experience in the area is to ride the narrow gauge railroad from Durango to Silverton. Make sure to try that too.

[@aulia_NM]

Several years ago heading south from Ouray in late afternoon (~ 4 pm) about 2 miles we passed a guy also heading south riding a unicycle 🫤. No support vehicle in sight!

[@freddieawilson7540]

On an organized bike ride called " Ride the Rockies" a bout 2000 of us amature cyclists rode this section on our road bikes starting in Durango and concluded the day in Ouray. Fun ride.

[@jessiesdroneadventures7464]

Thank you for sharing

[@glp53]

It isn't terrifying. I've driven it many times. You just have to be careful. The narrator is making you scared for no reason, except drama.

[@jessiesdroneadventures7464]

I dunno, I had to change my shorts and snort a line just to get through it

[@BrianandMoe]

Great job, brought back bad memories driving that road!!!😮

[@jessiesdroneadventures7464]

Hey thank you! love this drive! never gets old! glad you enjoyed the visit! I have a video on oak creek canyon coming out very soon!

[@robertrenk7074]

Traveled the Million Dollar Highway more than a few times. Always went Ouray all the way to Durango…very pretty drive. From silverton to Durango it’s not as scary but still very pretty.

[@jessiesdroneadventures7464]

Thank you for sharing

[@allenfisher2658]

Have you driven the road rom Breckenridge to Como via Boreas Pass? That makes this road look easy.

[@jessiesdroneadventures7464]

I haven't, should I throw it on my bucket list and make a video on it?

[@fredgarvin7033]

It's a beautiful drive with epic views and very steep grades in part.

[@jessiesdroneadventures7464]

Yes!!! Scary and scenic at the same time!!!! I would do it again in a heartbeat!

[@gabrieluribe1852]

June 2019, Yes we did the Million Dollar Drive 25 miles 550 from Silvertone to Ouray I got a video telling my wife on the way back the drop off is on your side, And she tells me Noooo find another road!!

[@jessiesdroneadventures7464]

Lol 😆 that is awesome

[@vpham3508]

Hi Jessie, do you have any other drone video in Colorado?

[@jessiesdroneadventures7464]

yea, I got a little bit more, but the majority of it, is just odds and end clips of Ouray that didnt make it into the video.....and a few clips outside telluride and Ironton

[@matrix-fh9tn]

I traveled this road three times up and down to get to Imogene and black bear pass, but this isn't terrifying at all. People "think" it's terrifying since it has no guard rails, but once you are on it you will forget all that. Having said that I would never drive there during icy winter though. Lol. Most scary exprience is few scared drivers driving their left wheels past the dividing center lane. Smh.

[@jessiesdroneadventures7464]

Lol, thank you for taking the time to check our the video! I do plan on taking this drive againninnthe fall, and once in the winter!!

[@toughenupfluffy7294]

II grew up only about 35 miles away, in Montrose. I've been over this highway probably 50 times. I once drove over it in the middle of the night, in a blizzard in March. I was making tracks in about 8 inches of snow. It was snowing so hard I couldn't see the road. Fortunately I was going from Silverton to Ouray, so I was on the inside lane. It was such a relief to see the lights of Ouray through the blowing blizzard about two hours later (it's only 43 miles from Silverton to Ouray). I was the only one on the road that night, so I figure they closed it after I went through.

[@jessiesdroneadventures7464]

I would have definitely had a panic attack if that was me......Thank you for sharing

[@MrAstra001]

Is it possible to do the tour once again but this time in a late spring or full summer?

[@jessiesdroneadventures7464]

That's the plan! If I can sneak away for a few days I wanna do this drive during the fall

[@MrAstra001]

@@jessiesdroneadventures7464 Don't wait too long! Nice green forest 😀

[@rogelio451]

Really appreciate your video because that's a drive I ain't never gonna make!

[@jessiesdroneadventures7464]

lol, glad I could help!

[@mumblesbadly7708]

More great drone footage!

[@jessiesdroneadventures7464]

Thank you!!! glad you like!

[@19squids81]

Cool video. I've driven through part of CO once. But hadn't heard of this stretch of highway til now. Would love to go back and check it out someday. This may be an unpopular opinion, but I wish you weren't so worried about no trespassing signs in abandoned locations. Would have been super cool to see what is inside the old mine tunnel. But I also understand why some hesitate.

[@jessiesdroneadventures7464]

@19squids81 hey thanks for checking out the video!! Hope you can get a chance to go back someday and check out this highway. Even the drone views don't do it justice as to how amazing this highway truly is 👍

[@bryanv4081]

Wow! I'd hate to get a flat on that highway. Well... there would be zero chance of that... because I'd never drive it!

[@jessiesdroneadventures7464]

amen to that!

[@lindabradford9591]

I wouldn't drive that ever!

[@kathleenalbright3908]

This drive along with the back way around the Island of Maui (from Kapalua to Hana) are the two scariest drives that I never want to do EVER again.

[@jessiesdroneadventures7464]

I will have to look those up!

[@kathleenalbright3908]

@@jessiesdroneadventures7464 The front road to Hana in Maui is the 52-mile Hana Highway that runs along the east Maui coastline is also a dangerous one, with blind curves, 56 one-lane bridges, more than 600 switchbacks and several 1,000-foot drop-offs. The back road to Hana is an even more scary drive. All of the rental car agencies make you sign a release that you won't travel either of the directions to Hana (but many tourists ignore it and do the drive anyway).

[@jdmack1]

Great video, subscribed! Quick question, what drone are you using?

[@jessiesdroneadventures7464]

DJI Mini 4 pro! It's a beast of a little drone. It's also linked in the description of the video 👍

[@jdmack1]

@@jessiesdroneadventures7464 thanks 👍

[@jessiesdroneadventures7464]

Sure thing!

[@RyanBoyle-y2d]

What time of the year is this video taken?

[@GeneAnderson-j7u]

I drove this road regularly in the winter of 1983-1984. I was driving a dump truck and pup trailer. This was before the snow sheds were built over the highway to mitigate the snow slides that occurred all the time in the winter. This in my opinion is the most serious paved pass in Colorado.

[@jessiesdroneadventures7464]

Thank you for sharing!

[@TheAnarchitek]

We entered Colorado via the "Million Dollar Highway", in June 1960. I took my sons to Colorado in 2001, after telling them about it for years, but almost all traces of it had been removed, the highway moved up, onto the ridgeline.

[@jessiesdroneadventures7464]

thank you for sharing! 👍

[@JeffProm]

I have driven this highway. Beautiful and sometimes terrifying at the same time.

[@jessiesdroneadventures7464]

Yes!!! Scary and scenic at the same time!

[@SceneryFromAbove]

What a wonderful experience!

[@jessiesdroneadventures7464]

it sure is!

[@billcook4768]

Anyone else hear the opening music from The Shining while watching the drone shots. And yes, those scenes were filmed in Montana.

[@jessiesdroneadventures7464]

haha, i just referenced the shining in my latest video

[@AleneHill-l2f]

I wouldn't drive on the Million dollar Hwy even if they paid me a million dollars. My nephew calls me a chicken, for not being more adventurous. That's ok; he can call auntie a chicken, duck, turkey, etc. I guess I'm a chicken with occasional vertigo, although, the scenery is scary beautiful. 🐓🦆🦃🏞😂🤣

[@jessiesdroneadventures7464]

lol, your not a chicken, everyone just has different comfort levels. if your gut tells you not to do something, listen to your get. at least you get to see a drone perspective of it !

[@Pawny1-r1z]

Why would the uncompahgre be in Colorado? I thought they claimed to be from Utah?

[@jackiethecat761]

Born and raised in Colorado (with the exception for moving to Hershey, PA and to Switzerland), I’ve never done this drive. I’ve always wanted to, but no one wants to go with me. 🤷‍♀️ Also, just found your page and see your name is spelled the same as my husband’s! It’s rare to see it spelled that way.

[@jessiesdroneadventures7464]

awesome!! another Jessie spelled with the "ie" i gotta say, its something rare to see! tell him i say what up!!!

[@rosalindamacom4810]

Have you ever been told you look like Jason Aldean? Well, you do great video. I’m glad to come across your video to see these beautiful places that I will never go see myself so thank you for taking the time to share your journey and these beautiful places, but stay safe. 😊🙏

[@jessiesdroneadventures7464]

lol I have not, I've been told that I look like the poor version of Rob Thomas though hehe, and I'm glad to hear you enjoyed the video....Thank you so much for checking it out!

[@sandiwilliams7101]

Love this video! The last time I was in Ouray, I was on the back of a Harley I don’t think we traveled the million dollar highway… Surely I would remember that… Lol! Thanks for taking me a long (safely).

[@jessiesdroneadventures7464]

hey thanks for watching and sharing your story Sandi!..and yes, if you drove that highway, you certainly would not forget it. some of the most scenic and unforgettable places I've ever been to here in the southwest either had a very a hard hike to get to, or had a scary drive........but worth it every time!.......thanks again for chiming in 👍

[@boggy7665]

Driven it a few times when visiting friends out that way. One trip, was on the long, slow descent into Ouray & following a big Buick. Strong smell of frying brakes. Two errors... (1) riding brakes and (2) riding brakes at such a slow speed there was no effective cooling. Word --- downshift the transmission or put it in 'B' mode or whatever... figure out how to get engine braking in your car before you encounter mountainous highways.

[@jessiesdroneadventures7464]

Thank you for sharing 👍

[@lauraslanesvanlifetravels]

I don't think I could do this one...I've driven quite a few "scary" roads but this one? I don't know...maybe I'd let someone else drive...but then I'd be wondering if they can do it w/out going over the edge! lol Really like your channel but it is not in my feed enough and I forget about it! (I forget a lot of things, don't take it personally lol) hopefully I can remember more often now that I got reminded.

[@jessiesdroneadventures7464]

appreciate you checking out the video....this drive was a bit much for me, I had to pull over to collect myself

[@lauraslanesvanlifetravels]

@@jessiesdroneadventures7464 oh I've had to do that too when I was driving back from Sedona and Flagstaff I took a road that I've never taken before to Payson and it got pretty severe I was like okay I need to pull over and also I was holding traffic up cuz I was driving super slow and you know I don't want to do that! I'm afraid of heights so all of these kinds of drives bother me 🤷

[@Katwrangler12]

We went to a FJ event in Ouray. Drove the off roads and the highway. Absolutely stunning area.

[@jessiesdroneadventures7464]

it sure is! I cant wait to go back again in the fall

[@CaliWaliDoDaDay]

I love your videos, thanks for getting me out of the house. God Bless

[@jessiesdroneadventures7464]

Hey no problem! glad you like the videos! got lot more fun explorations coming this summer! never know what your gonna find!! get out of the house as much as you can!!! everything you find tells a story!

[@lorrainedempsey3320]

Wouldn't live in a state that has roads this terrible.