MILLION DOLLAR HIGHWAY Most Scenic Drive in the UNITED STATES | Colorado Route 550

The "MILLION DOLLAR HIGHWAY” consistently voted of of the MOST SCENIC DRIVES IN THE UNITED STATES. Located in Southwestern Colorado, US Route 550 also known as the San Juan Skyway offers some stunning views of the Rocky Mountains! Besides being voted one of the top scenic roads it is also known as one of the MOST DANGEROUS ROADS IN THE WORLD! The 25 mile stretch from Ouray to Silverton runs through three mountain passes the Cole Bank, Molas and Red Mountain Pass and includes some stretches of sheer drop-offs with no guardrails to save you from plummeting to a sure death. There are many turn outs along the way that allow you to take your time and allow the faster traffic to pass. In Ouray make sure to stop at the Box Canyon and Cascade Falls. Further south near Silverton, forest road 585 will lead you to a short hike and another awesome waterfall, "South Mineral Creek Falls" The Million Dollar Highway is well worth the trip if you are looking for adventure in Colorado! Ouray is about 90 miles south of Interstate 70 at Grand Junction.
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[@RuggedMile]

The San Juan Mountain Range is spectacular! So many colors and unbelievable views!

[@davidhagerman7165]

Very much so, i grew up in Colorado and miss the mountains.

[@dhoward5757]

Colorado born, have considered moving several times due to the cold snowy winters, still here, now retired. The Rockies are my comfort, my nourishment, my home.

[@sugarmaker67]

Absolutely agree. I told my wife, I want my ashes spread in the rockies (back home)

[@melaniemartin273]

The most beautiful video I’ve seen of this area!!!

[@praytoescape6651]

I have driven this road at least 200 times. Played music for the tourists in Silverton and the Ouray area for years. I never got tired of the drive.

[@thepassionofthegoose5472]

I've only ridden it maybe 20 times and I think about it often. Hands-down one of the best roads in North America to ride a motorcycle on.

[@dianao8337]

Not a drive for the faint of heart!!!! Don’t forget the possibility of rocks/boulders randomly tumbling down onto the road, or wildlife making a sudden appearance! But…if you can manage the drive, you’ll end up in Heaven on Earth! Sincerely - a girl from Flat Florida!! 🌴

[@seemaganesh17]

Love it will visit this summer

[@justifiedlife1595]

This was a visually pleasing, and very informative video. Thank you! This brought back childhood memories. Dad used to take us 3 girls and mom, to all the national parks in nearby states, and any where at home in Colorado he could take us. We drove on this highway and took the Silverton train. It was so beautiful. Then Mesa Verde Indian dwellings on the way home. Course, me being 13, I would have preferred the mall! haha, I'm thankful now though!!!! Dad gave us what we needed, not what we wanted.

[@tomcarr1226]

I remember driving from Ouray to Silverton and camping at Mineral Campground in 1974....the falls and scenery is incredible!!!

[@rak2179]

You haven't lived until you've driven from Durango to Ouray up the Million Dollar highway in a Motorhome ,towing a jeep behind you while your wife keeps saying "Oh! Look down there."

[@TangleF50]

😮 ✌ 😀

[@patrickhumpal8651]

On my Harley, many times. Each one is different. Awesome Road!

[@BIGLOVE4TRUTH]

Well here’s what. Colorado native here. I did it from grand junction to Durango on the 4th of July in a conventional semi pulling a 53 foot loaded trailer. Try that sometime. Wish I had video of that trip. 2016 I think it was.

[@ndlsumr]

This video truly shows the scale, depth, and clarity of the Million Dollar Highway as if you were actually there. Amazing.

[@johnd746]

I just remembered. My 1990 Acura Legend Coupe's odometer turned 200,000 miles driving that highway. I stopped on the road to take a picture of the odometer.

[@RuggedMile]

I can’t think of a better place to stop and get that picture!

[@manfredmann2766]

Was that recently? That would be low mileage for a car 30 plus years. You still have at least another 100 k on a car like that.

[@johndecriscio9586]

@@manfredmann2766 no, that was a long time ago. At least three cars ago.

[@johnd746]

@@manfredmann2766 A long time ago. Gave the car to my brother and he drove it probably for at least 50,000 mile or more with no problems.

[@tubadude905]

Really good video - you can see our house at 2:33 - been here 23 years. TYou really captured the beauty of the area very well.

[@MmaFan34]

Colorado is absolutely breathtaking. I miss living there. I lived in Breckenridge.

[@lifeadventuresrentalsinc2026]

This is definitely one of my top 5 most scenic drives in the US which includes the Beartooth Hwy, Going to the Sun Road, Trail ridge road andHwy 12 in Utah

[@janaburritt6939]

I have pulled a fifth wheel over this several times and one time with a toy behind it. This is a fun road but some people are terrified of that edge

[@koenigturbo5907]

EXCELLENT CAMERA WORK!

[@rulu1953]

i WENT DOWN THIS ROAD IN THE MIDDLE OF WINTER, IT WAS SO BEAUTIFUL

[@Squintintaratino]

Thanks for video and taking us on your trip. My oldest son lives in lone tree outside of Denver. I've had some great vacations there. I loved the Royal River Gorge train ride and suspension bridge. Him and his wife are planning on moving back to Indiana where he'll still work remote for Colorado. I guess there's no place like home plus it's more affordable to live here. I'll sure miss Colorado that's for sure. So many things I wanted to go see and do. You just never know when you might not even be going back somewhere.

[@RuggedMile]

Colorado is great! Hope to get back and explore more of it again in the future! You are right, so many people talk about traveling and seeing the world but never get the chance. I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to see a large part of the United States! Hope you have a great day!

[@Squintintaratino]

@@RuggedMile it's a shame it cost so much to see what the good Lord gave us for free.

[@channel_unnamed]

I’ve never been a huge waterfalls person. Love mountains tho

[@manfredmann2766]

First drove that back in 1993 and it was awesome. Drove it several times since. Ouray is my favorite CO town even though I feel like I spelled it wrong.

[@gagepeterson9274]

Very well done! Love this channel!!

[@geneanuts]

Been on that road many times. Still gorgeous!❤️

[@philipeugenio2233]

America, the beautiful. Gods live there.

[@7775Kevin]

We just drove it last week. They were installing some sort of snow blasting equipment along the road. Check before you head south out of Ouray!

[@constantinegarza2242]

Love it !!!! My tranquility..my peace..my life..

[@sunnyormsby8402]

Ooo-ray😁

[@ufcislife1]

Why would someone dislike this?? Seriously? Even if you have another drive that you prefer, how can you not appreciate this gorgeous drive/footage??

[@danielsonnv]

Yeah, it's an awesome one, did this road 17 years ago, must do again soon!

[@lesliekoski8568]

Thanks for the great video. We have visited the Pagosa area the last two years but haven't made it there yet. We did ride the Durango Silverton train last year. That was beautiful. Can't wait to go back and see this area.

[@EchoEagle1]

Excellent work

[@blitztim6416]

Wow. I'm glad I have vision. Lots of beautiful drives. Hard to say which is best, but this is up there.

[@georgesawtooth2214]

Beautiful scenery and the sometimes the music is very U2-esque...so great combination!!!

[@Nicole12445]

Beautiful

[@dave8059]

We are definitely going there when Covid is over! Great video!

[@georgesawtooth2214]

Why? COVID is overblown. You better enjoy your life while you can and never put things off for another time.

[@sugarmaker67]

Covid is not going to be over. it's going to be used as a manipulative tool from now on.

[@LovingLifeHitchedUp]

this is magnificent. loved the waterfall and the spectacular views. thank you so much for sharing.

[@RuggedMile]

Thanks for watching! One of our favorite memories of our trip out west.

[@joankelly7932]

An absolutely beautiful video!! Thank you for sharing this......great tips and advice throughout.

[@RuggedMile]

Thank you for watching! It is unbelievably beautiful! We are so glad that we were able to see it!

[@MidLifeJourney]

Awesome video! I wish we were able to capture the beauty of this drive as well as you did! Thanks! Chris and Barbara

[@RuggedMile]

Thanks! We loved Colorado! Wish we could have spent more time exploring along 550! 😀

[@ExitThrutheGiftShop]

Beautiful! Will have to visit next time we're in state :)

[@RuggedMile]

One of the most memorable places we’ve ever visited! Thanks for watching!

[@SpokesmanMTB]

Doing my best to become a resident of Durango. This is my favorite place in the USA. Thanks for posting this video.

[@williamgerkens573]

Bring money. Lots!

[@johnd746]

Well done. Great views of great scenery!

[@RuggedMile]

Thank you! We were blown away by the beauty of Colorado!

[@AA-kf7uf]

Wow! Spectacular. Thank you! I live here in CO, but never knew of the beauty shown in your video. ON MY LIST!

[@RuggedMile]

So much beauty in Colorado! Enjoy your visit when you go! 😀

[@nancycronin601]

Wow....what a beautiful video. Have traveled dozens of times in Colorado but never the southwest portion. It is definitely on my list. Just discovered your channel and am excited to check out more of your videos. Such gorgeous filming and beautiful results. Thank you for all your work making this and especially for sharing.

[@RuggedMile]

Thank you! From the time we drove into the neat little town of Ouray and drove this stretch of US 550 towards Silverton we were amazed by the beauty everywhere! Can’t wait to go back again and spend more time taking in the views! Highly recommend seeing this place! You will not be disappointed! Have a great day!😀

[@mikevigil3677]

Try to go to the Black Canyon it looks like a page out the Hobbit, Moorador...

[@doneown503]

yup , black canyon shouldn't be overlooked ,

[@mikeherpel6308]

Been there done that fantastic drive and wonderful time spent in Ouray

[@RuggedMile]

Ouray is such a cool town!

[@ufcislife1]

It's all personal opinion of course.. but I might put the PCH Hwy 1 through Big Sur & Monterey slightly higher on my scenic drive list. And also there was a stretch in Utah (cant recall the road) that was out of this world. But I definitely agree that Rt 550 is insanely gorgeous! Only been to Colorado once, and I will have to get back soon! Great vid!!

[@jakejr4]

thankyou for posting awseome camera work.

[@LivinginGrandJunctionColorado]

Nicely Done!

[@RuggedMile]

Living in Grand Junction Colorado Thanks for watching! We really enjoyed the Grand Junction area while we were out there!

[@davisx2002]

its pretty awsome, just went there last weekend

[@Packsalot]

Great job on the video. Amazing places along this route. We were going to head down that way 2 weeks ago but decided to stay in Utah for our road trip. I will be sure to put it back on the list of places to explore plus a few more that you highlighted that I didn't know about. Thanks. Have a great day.

[@RuggedMile]

Thank you! We can’t wait to head out west again and explore more! Always enjoy watching your videos! You two sure look like you are really enjoying life!

[@Packsalot]

@@RuggedMile Thank you.

[@MapManLK]

Great ride. Thanks!

[@RuggedMile]

Thank you for watching!

[@TangleF50]

Dad & I took in the awesome Black Canyon of the Gunnison, then overnight at Oray, and with no prior knowledge of the "Million Dollar HWY", was spectacular upon leaving Oray up the Mountains and up & up all stunning views & up & up a two hour up & up spectacular views to Silverton ! From Silverton to Durango then desert flatland to Four corners ! 👍 😀

[@markmajewski191]

THANKS

[@nerolsalguod4649]

Its been widened in a few places and looks good. I went over once when a 60×20 chunk fell out and we almost went in the hole (1960s). Been over this road many times at all times of the year. GrandMa lived in Ouray.

[@RuggedMile]

Wow! That would’ve been unnerving! Sounds like you have lots of memories from the area!😀

[@glendanewton8632]

Wow! I’ve been watching a lot of videos from this particular area & at last someone’s actually giving commentary on what we’re looking at! 😅 Thanks for a beautiful ride, amazing off road views & informative history!! I subbed & look forward to more of your content…a Colorado resident who once road this highway on a Harley…once😂…

[@RuggedMile]

Thanks, it was a fun drive! Hoping to get back there again and hike the Blue Lakes area.

[@ashnicole3579]

I so appreciate this video. We are going to Colorado and need some ideas, and this drive is a MUST. ALSO, we are wanting to stop at the waterfall your family stopped at toward the end of the video. We are from Tx, going to be staying in Colorado Springs. I looked up the simple instruction you gave in this video but wasnt able to map it out. Thanks for any help or advice on this road trip. Safe travels, and love the video, everyone is different and everyone had opinions, this video was well done.

[@RuggedMile]

Thank you! Hope you enjoy your trip as much as we did! The South Mineral Creek Falls coordinates are (37.8046657, -107.7780548) This is located at the end of Colorado forest road 585. You will want to check to see if it is accessible as it looks like it is included in a closure due to the Ice Lakes fire from last year.

[@ILGuy2012]

I appreciate getting to watch your video while sitting here in an arctic blast. So nice to see summer scenery. I was on this road in 1980 when I vacationed in Colorado. I wasn't old enough to drive the rental car. It was a bit unnerving just being a passenger in the car. I would like to go back and drive on this road just for the experience.

[@RuggedMile]

Thank you for watching! Everything was so green in June! Hope you get back to make the drive!

[@davidhagerman7165]

I pulled my 38 foot RV trailer up this highway. At times on turn out of Teluride the front tire was on the edge while the trailer was next to the mountain side.

[@msmith53]

Agreed, terror in those curves!

[@lesliekoski8568]

Glad you made it!

[@shamalabed]

I drove there with my kia optima From Texas Was best views Loved it

[@robc.5745]

This is Beautiful and Very well done, I plan to go to Durango this fall, And will take this kinda trip, Thank You, coming from a Flat lander.

[@RuggedMile]

Thank you! I’m sure Durango is beautiful in the fall! I visited Aspen last October and the fall colors were spectacular!

[@richardmorrison2686]

Very well done

[@RuggedMile]

Thank you!

[@cashstore1]

I have done this ride a half a dozen times. I highly recommend. There is a loop you can do as well. Of course I always do it on a motorcycle. Better that way.

[@strangeimpulse2003]

What is the loop?

[@cashstore1]

@@strangeimpulse2003 I start from Cortez, work myself East to Durango. From there I go to Ridgeway. From Ridgeway I head towards RICO but always take the spur to Telluride. After I pass through Rico I go through Delores and back to Cortez. A full day of riding.

[@stoneyvanwie6042]

Rode the train and backpacked off of it when I was younger. I believe from what I remember? It cost a million a mile to build that rode. The hung people over the side of the mountain to blast it out !

[@firstchoicelastchoice28]

Lots of highways in British Columbia Canada are just as nice. 😁👌

[@LivingCoast2Coast]

It is definitely a beautiful drive with great waterfalls. Have you ever driven the "Going to the Sun Road" in Glacier National Park?

[@RuggedMile]

We visited Glacier two years ago in June and missed the opening of Going to the sun road by less than a week. Can’t wait to get back and experience the drive!

[@geraldmitchell4833]

Great video

[@RuggedMile]

Thank you!

[@anthonyrenaud5783]

Man, you're driving pretty fast at 8:08. and with no guard rails. Brave soul.

[@alanwalton2065]

For the record. If was in fast forward mode

[@russellkeeling4387]

@ 9:50 because of that water those trees grow out of solid rock.

[@andyyerbich4417]

I travelled the "million dollar highway" in 2007 on my motorcycle, at that time the highway itself was not that great. However the views are impressive.

[@jamesk3415]

The road is so narrow and dangerous because it was once a railroad track. Likewise, many roads in Colorado and other states have converted old railroad tracks into roads. You must only look at those roads from Satellite view to see the long winding roads with no sharp turns to see what they once were.

[@petemartinez6717]

I want to go there so bad

[@jdavis7515]

Box Canyon is on the southwest edge of town. Cascade is on the northeast side of town. Yes, it's well worth the visit, but you missed the most magnificent parts!

[@1stCamarillo]

I Wish I Gad the Courage to Take this Ride,I could hear The Honking from everyone behind me as I'd be going 25 - 35 mph

[@drewrichardson8789]

Some guard rails would be good.

[@msmith53]

Not in a 40ft RV! Scariest drive ever!

[@debbieschumacher8823]

21 ft rv was scary as well!

[@noellej8088]

I am traveling this in May. Would you suggest taking it north or south if only able to go one direction?

[@MrNino44]

Beautiful but kind of scaring, as I have acrophobia. Still would like to visit this area. Thks

[@RuggedMile]

It is a beautiful area! Definitely worth a visit!

[@misssunshine2022]

Great video, hope to go there soon. how long are the hike to South Fork Mineral Creek waterfall?

[@RuggedMile]

The falls are just a short hike along the creek from the Mineral Creek Campground parking area. Hope you enjoy your visit when you go!

[@mochas9249]

Omg scary asf i would be shaking

[@mikevigil3677]

I once drove it in the winter with 6 inches of snow in a Ford Taurus lucky I got behind a duel wheeled truck and couldn't see much farther than the back of his bumper staying in the tracks he made if he drove off the edge I was going to follow ....

[@RuggedMile]

I don’t think i’d want to drive it with any snow! That must of been terrifying!

[@mikevigil3677]

@@RuggedMile The reason there aren't many guard rails is so the plows can shove the snow over the edge...

[@sammylosco1920]

I was starting to loose interest in the road until you told said cliffs and no guard rail. Good idea for future problems

[@tedschuldt7610]

Beautiful photography! What time of the year were you there?

[@RuggedMile]

Thank you! We were there June 14 of last year

[@tedschuldt7610]

@@RuggedMile Thank you.

[@twoallame]

I could see it being one of the most dangerous roads in America....in the snow, I mean it is paved, Black bear pass is not paved. And if it has some tight switch backs then there should be some restrictions on length of vehicle with trailer. Grew up in Colorado and it is beautiful there. Looking forward to moving back one day.

[@ufcislife1]

.."Twoallame"... I love the name! Like me, I'm sure you are a huge fan of Tuolumne in Yosemite!! (That's how I get friends to pronounce the name correct, say "Two all of me")

[@twoallame]

@@ufcislife1 that is correct. Tuolumne meadows is the place to visit...less tourists and crowds. And you are the first in many many years to figure it out

[@russellkeeling4387]

It got its name because at the time it was built it cost 1 million dollars per mile to build it.

[@BakoSooner]

You five that clicked 'dislike', go seek professional help. Really, you need intervention now.

[@michellewal8219]

Not if you have acrophobia!

[@sugarmaker67]

What time of the year was this visit? May-Sept?

[@RuggedMile]

Mid June

[@noellejohnson8082]

Would you suggest taking it north or south if only able to go one direction?

[@RuggedMile]

Either way the views are awesome! If you drive from north to south you get to hug the edge of the road without guardrails!

[@joenorris2645]

So if we want a safer trip, not along the edge, we should drive from south to north. Am I right? We would be very scared on the no guardrails part

[@greggregorich8048]

how much wort highway 66 then. priceless!

[@shawnburnham1]

8:00

[@geraldmorain3166]

A million dollars per mile when built General Palmer

[@johnganshow5536]

Except for almost any Drive in Alaska...

[@leedonehower3112]

550 is a federal highway, hence U.S. 550, not Colorado SR 550.

[@RuggedMile]

Thank you for pointing out the correct info! It is an amazing federal highway!😀

[@leedonehower3112]

@@RuggedMile : We drove it from Durango to Montrose and beyond to Grand Junction back in 2000. Wish we knew then about all the places you featured in your video. The only stop we made was for a few hours in Silverton.

[@RuggedMile]

@@leedonehower3112 I’m looking forward to visiting Durango next time we go. Maybe taking a ride on the train.

[@flynnzilla8796]

Sorry, can’t really hear what you’re saying over the added music

[@mybuckhead]

Music too loud

[@elmerfuddphd]

Is this drive really that scary?

[@RuggedMile]

elmerfuddphd There are a few stretches without any guardrails and a 200 foot drop. During summer months it is not terribly scary, however if snow or freezing rain were in the forecast I would not feel safe driving this road.

[@sunnygirl2213]

Yes

[@geomark8851]

The Great Unconformity on the right @ 3:55

[@MrJjb6989]

Why is there no guard rail on so much of that road?!?!

[@RuggedMile]

From what i found, the guard rails would prevent the snowplows from pushing the snow over the edge.

[@MrJjb6989]

@@RuggedMile now that does seem like an issue as well 😂

[@georgesawtooth2214]

Telluride is the Switzerland of America not Ouray...but maybe I'm wrong.

[@ILGuy2012]

There are more places than one claiming to be the Switzerland of America. One of them is a small town in NE Iowa called Elgin. No mountains there, but some rather impressive hills. Funny thing, the Swiss settled in Elgin, because it reminded them of home, even though many other places had more productive farmland (and probably easier to farm).

[@jabreck1934]

Most scenic drive in United States? Just not true

[@jazzis4u1]

I agree about the music. Turn it off. Nature trumps all. Or, if your intention is to truly irritate, then you should go full heavy metal on 10. Don’t hold back.

[@goodtutt4733]

Why did you add music? We couldn’t hear the waterfall! 👎

[@kevbar1505]

While this road is certainly gorgeous, it should not be classed as the MOST scenic drive. That certainly is not the case here as this type of ride is fairly common, ah, not unique. The voice over really should learn how the town names are pronounced.