The name "Million Dollar Highway" is believed to have originated in the late 1920s, when a local editor referred to the road as "a million-dollar view". The name stuck, and over time it became associated with the entire stretch of road between Silverton and Ouray. There are also a few other theories, as you point out, about how the Million Dollar Highway got its name. One popular story is that the road's fill material contains a significant amount of gold ore, which gives it its high value. Another theory is that the road cost a million dollars per mile to construct due to its challenging terrain, narrow lanes, and steep drop-offs. However, there is no concrete evidence to support these theories, and the most commonly accepted explanation is that it was simply named after the breathtaking views of the San Juan Mountains. Have fun!
@genekied Жыл бұрын
Y'all making me terribly homesick for Colorado, easily the best 22 years of my life were spent in those western mountain towns.
@kat8434 Жыл бұрын
The same here.
@JanelleVocate-Ames Жыл бұрын
Thank you both for all these years of enjoyment!!!
@lappy0749 Жыл бұрын
I love that you keep the bloopers in! Keeping it real AND funny! The frozen waterfall was really epic! You two are like pros at this now! The shots from your drone are amazing! Your editing piecing it all together is on point! Great job you guys! The Adventure continues!
@trevorupton6904 Жыл бұрын
Me to cheers
@JohnandCaraRetiredTravellers Жыл бұрын
What a crazy, beautiful drive!! Fun time to visit the town too! Love the drone shots! Excellent video guys! ~Cara 😊
@teressarenslow5992 Жыл бұрын
I live in Colorado...and I don't find the Million Dollar Highway intimidating...and I prefer driving it the opposite way, dropping into Ouray with the cool, jagged mountains..But I also prefer to do it in the summer. Lol! Stay safe and have fun...and thanks for bringing us along!
@jeffreygunn3530 Жыл бұрын
Same here. I drive it at least a couple times a year while pulling a travel trailer, and it doesn't bother me. But I've never done it in winter.
@DunnDifferent Жыл бұрын
I lived in Durango for 6 years and made that drive probably 100 times and it’s actually fun. Honestly wolf creek pass is more nerve wracking when it’s snow covered.
@honeyiroam Жыл бұрын
Wooo!! What a fun video! We are heading out west this spring, def got Colorado winter on our list. Thanks for sharing !!
@Aireck1743 ай бұрын
Its amazing these roads even exist. Thats a lot of work.
@joanrath126 Жыл бұрын
Colorado from what I hear from friends who lived there its breathtaking beautiful an fun .thier jobs took them away.your lucky to go.i can no longer travel now that my kids are grown.i see it through your eyes.thank you.
@wandaheaps8758 Жыл бұрын
We went over the Million Dollar Hwy. I was not scared then. But, now I am relieved I did not expire there🤯
@bohemianqueen_ Жыл бұрын
I am dying over the guy who just watched your vid and saw you guys! The chances of that scenario happening is insane!
@jenniferbrown8305 Жыл бұрын
I went to undergrad in Durango! Such a fun town, but yes the roads around there are dangerous. If it's not the curves, it's the deer. I always liked the jackrabbits you could see by the side of the road.
@jt.s.7418 Жыл бұрын
Yes, I suspect the animals darting onto the road might be a close second to the ice patches. Great Video. I'm glad you're loving our beautiful state 🤗
@Fmanzo10 Жыл бұрын
Lol. I was chuckling a little when I read the title. I’ve ran that highway pulling a 48’ RGN trailer. It was a fun ride. On a lot of those curves I had to take up the whole road shoulder to cliff side.
@ronaldscott5786 Жыл бұрын
Took the narrow gauge railroad from Durango to Silverton years ago. The views were awesome.
@sheilaathay2034 Жыл бұрын
My brother in law's family is from there. He took my sis and the kids on that railroad , and they just loved it. They're all grown up now, but they still talk about it. Durango is beautiful. My brother in law misses it I think. We're in Utah now which is beautiful. We live in a wild area , resplendent with nature. Gotta have the wilderness!
@melissamoeller9608 Жыл бұрын
I’m glad that you’re enjoying your travels in Colorado. I hope you find your little corner of the country to settle down in for a while. Have you done a “how we met” video? I’ve been a fan for a long time. I’d love to hear your story.
@-RONNIE Жыл бұрын
Thanks for the video. That is always nice seeing your subscribers👍🏻
@prestonsays Жыл бұрын
Durango is such a fun small town with options, definitely eclectic but very nice during the spring/summer. If you are heading West, I do hope you make a stop at Mesa Verde National Park. You would love it.
@heathersmith2592 Жыл бұрын
Thanks for visiting and showcasing our amazing town! Next time make sure you stop by the toy store and play INSIDE where it's warm! :)
@charlieliese9294 Жыл бұрын
I have been following you guys all over the world the last few years and it's strange to see you exploring in my back yard. I was born in the Durango area and still live here. Glad you made it in time for Snowdown, fun times.
@shay-fo9zb Жыл бұрын
I don't know where you're at today, but I live just down the road in Pagosa Springs. Best quiet little gem in all of Colorado. If you haven't already passed through and need a warm shower and warm place to stay by a fireplace, please reach out! You guys are always a joy to watch.
@teresalewelling7318 Жыл бұрын
Thank you for sharing this with me. I want to say just how much I just love seeing you’re video’s and I all the fun you have.
@adventuresofjandk Жыл бұрын
Another fantastic video. Be safe guys
@emilylinck2790 Жыл бұрын
I grew up and graduated from high school in Pagosa Springs, CO. So incredibly cool to see my home stomping grounds from your video! Haven’t been to Colorado for a few years and I’m really missing it. I’ll be visiting very soon. Glad you liked Durango!
@jacobotts84436 ай бұрын
Moving to Durango in 2 weeks! I cant wait for all the adventures that await in Colorado
@sk8familyinColorado Жыл бұрын
You should drive it during the summer! The views are so different and amazing!
@kathybegay7963 Жыл бұрын
I live on the Navajo Reservation on 550 south of Bloomfield, New Mexico. I do my shopping in Durango and take weekend trips to Ouray throughout the year. I haven't known a season I don't love there.
@rupahost563 Жыл бұрын
Wow! So great and beautiful place 😍😍😍😍
@skyluv420 Жыл бұрын
Legend has it..The Parade Marches on!
@sheilaathay2034 Жыл бұрын
Great video! Keep on trekkin' kids! You're almost to Richfield Utah! Come on! You're almost here😉🤣🤩
@LynnB_Ky Жыл бұрын
Another great watch from here in the UK. Allison you are so brave driving that highway 😮 you are certainly on an Endless Adventure and we love it. Thank you for sharing, as always, we look forward to your films 🎥
@terry3193 Жыл бұрын
Hi guys! Glad your having fun. You’ll find that most of the CO mountain towns are fun. Leadville, Gunnison, Montrose, Telliride, Vail, Breckenridge, Aspen, Snowmass, etc. All are fun. Take care and keep having fun!
@johnspivey4063 Жыл бұрын
Try the GOLDEN ROAD between Rodel and Tarbet at the southern end of Harris in the Outer Hebrides…magic!
@rebeccarendle3706 Жыл бұрын
Really enjoying your Colorado series.. its nice that you are spending more time in a state and doing more.. rather than a "whistle stop tour"... I am still hoping you will go back to the states you said you would while your camper was originally getting a new engine.
@JustinBrehm Жыл бұрын
You always make such great videos
@skybaby110 Жыл бұрын
I’ve driven that road several times. It’s beautiful but so scary.
@judyteeter1103 Жыл бұрын
I've been over the Million a bunch of times, splitting time between towns north of Ouray and Albuquerque. I always heard that the name referred to the fact that it cost $1 million dollars per mile to widen and modernize it during the 1960's. Did you miss Silverton?
@ExpatNatt Жыл бұрын
This is brilliant. Amazing video guys 👏❤️
@JourneywithJenandDrew Жыл бұрын
We have the same coozies 🥰
@JanelleVocate-Ames Жыл бұрын
This is not that bad, go back to the dirt road between Central City and Russell Gulch/Blackhawk...it connects Idaho Springs (where you had an AirBnB once) to Central City.The road is called Virginia canyon and also "THE OH MY GOD ROAD" Ask anyone in the area and rhey will tell you all about it!
@ddebdiva Жыл бұрын
I'll be take oh, my God over million dollar any day. I've driven them both several times living in Colorado.
@teressarenslow5992 Жыл бұрын
Personally, I don't find either frightening! Lol!
@Love_rainy_days Жыл бұрын
Wow, Guys thanks for sharing "the Million Dollar Highway" and cool Durango. ⛰Love the wild times in Durango. Love the channel,💖 and amazing Colorado. 🌄Hope you can find a home and some land in Colorado. Love the channel. You are the coolest couple on KZbin. 💑Have a great 2023. Cheers 🍺🍺🍺🍺🤠
@abigailgerlach5443 Жыл бұрын
You haven't had real fun until you've driven it after dark, in a blizzard, just before they close the "road closed" gate behind you! It took me 5 1/2 hours to drive a 2 hour trip!
@enricocurcio1610 Жыл бұрын
I definitely wasn't expecting that for the first thing on the city
@Visualindexpro Жыл бұрын
I grew up in Hermosa, really close to the Allen Rose. It was a lot of fun seeing your experience and you hit during snowdown how lucky for you.
@einzgeisha Жыл бұрын
Durango, Colorado looks fun! I feel like I want to add that to my visit list!
@keetahbrough Жыл бұрын
It's going to be a great day, when nature has taken it all back. xo
@TiemposDePaz Жыл бұрын
The most treacherous ride for me has been driving through the blue mountains of Jamaica. My Jamaican dad did the driving. My American mom (afraid of heights, decided to sit and the backseat and was still crying in fear LOL). We are talking bad roads, trucks, buses, and no guardrails. Is it beautiful? Oh absolutely. Through areas that look like your in the middle of a rainforests with vines? Gorgeous. We even picked up old ladies and students hitchhiking. One of the best memories of my life.
@RoadtrippinwithTakacs Жыл бұрын
Next time, try driving down Colfax in downtown Colorado. It has more than double the fatalities regularly as this relaxing drive. 😉
@kevinhenry177 Жыл бұрын
Love the intro music! your channel is so upbeat absolutely love it❤️
@naturelvr123 Жыл бұрын
It was 1995 & we just moved to Colo from Ill. So, in our 1991 Volvo 240 we took off from Greeley (we still live here) to Ouray. It was winter & the entire town was out of supplies. No pizza etc. Heard of the "Million $ Hiway", but in the Volvo we started out . Well, I had these cheap "chains" for the tires (really, they were wires) & I tried to put them on, didn't work so I tossed 'em in the trunk. Did the road down to Durango but was I not prepared. Today, we've done that road so many times I really know it well. In fact, just after leaving Ouray there is a spot on the road where the tire will dip & (no guard rail) your heart will sink. That dip has been there for yrs & I'm used to it. Yes, the road does "level out" as you drive along but, "scary"? No. One must pay attention. :)
@maliagreen2035 Жыл бұрын
I found you two last year when looking for a small suv to pull behind our class c camper, Huckleberry. You just got Ruby and I was envious. I live in Grand Junction co and found a green geo tracker in pagosa springs ( another great co town) I drove my sequoia, Pearl, down south to pagosa springs and pulled my new geo tracker, Emerald, back to G J over the Million Dollar Highway...I will try to post pics! Love living vicariously through you 2!! Come see th co national monument in the spring!!!
@TenajTino Жыл бұрын
Who knew Durango had it going on like that 🕺🌶️🤣 I love it! We’re just racking up on places to visit on our next trip to Colorado. Thanks guys
@ddebdiva Жыл бұрын
You missed a great town that's just your style, Silverton. It's funky fun.
@sarah-phillips Жыл бұрын
That drop off is freaky! Mountain driving in the snow is no joke. I’ve done it once and have major respect for those folks who do it on the regular. But man those views are insane! Durango looks like a cute city. I could see you guys participating in that parade…
@tammycruz8189 Жыл бұрын
It's about to get ugly out that way. Bad snow storm headed that way . Please get prepared Stay Safe and Warm Mucho Love From Your Friend In Chilly Michigan Tam 💜
@yeldnahp Жыл бұрын
I'm a Florida girl, but you guys are making CO look fun
@gwynethglas-brown9171 Жыл бұрын
The views from the drone wauw wauw 🤩 you sure see how twisted the road is. Looked awesome from above 😅 But driving eek you did very well Alison 💕. 😂😂😂😂Now that was some car wash 🫣🤣 certainly a Town with a vibe enjoy the Rest of your stay . Hows Clementine doing ? Have a Good week take care 🥰
@Pacamamma Жыл бұрын
My husband rode a motorcycle from Durango to Ouray. Glad I skipped that trip. Hope you get to check out Canon City & Trinidad CO.
@andreagoodling2133 Жыл бұрын
I drove the Million Dollar Highway in 2021 in my38 ft motorhome pulling my car. I didn't even know I was on it until I was done. It was breathtaking. It was also under construction so a little more nerve racking.
@pamelao9803 Жыл бұрын
Thanks so much for sharing all these wonderful places - I would never see it otherwise. Love watching you guys!
@bpscambition7694 Жыл бұрын
Love you both, my favourite KZbin couple.
@nicolasbertin8552 Жыл бұрын
Hi, I've done both the million dollar highway and the route des crêtes in the Verdon. I'd say they're not too bad. There's way worse in France or Switzerland. In France, there's many roads in the Cévennes mountains that are crazy narrow and with no guardrails. Same thing in the Alps, like in the Vercors, the cime de la Bonnette, or the road to Stalvio pass between Switzerland and Italy. Italy is a bit more secure, because although there are narrow roads with drop-offs, they usually build strong guardrails. In the USA itself, there are summit roads that are worse than the million dollar highway. Mount Evans for example, or Pikes Peak.
@carolbarker1329 Жыл бұрын
The Mt Evans road made me feel faint. I had to pull over and get out of the car and take deep breaths. I learned that you shouldn’t hold your breath while going up and down the mountain roads with so many switchbacks… lol.
@joanneyoung8571 Жыл бұрын
Am enjoying this series so much
@petersymonds4975 Жыл бұрын
Hello both. I’ve been to Durango several times, always on a bus tout]r and in the summer. Then we have always visited the railway. The ride to Silverton is a great experience. Most times it started in Durango and once from Silverton. The experience going up to Silverton is much more atmospheric. The steam train works harder and the sounds are greater. Silverton was great, arriving with the steam train pulling up in the main street was great you’d expect a cowboy to meet you.
@lindamcgowen4597 Жыл бұрын
Cute as bugs. 😉 Enjoy the snow.
@grayeagleswolves Жыл бұрын
Hi Eric and Allison What are great Video love that part of the state
@katestevenson2593 Жыл бұрын
So glad you guys made it!! ❤️ The Aztec/Farmington area is also great.... just so you know 😏 😀
@TinyHouseVentures Жыл бұрын
The boondocking outside of Durango was some of our favorite in Colorado. Can only access it via skis at this time of year though.
@margannaful Жыл бұрын
I grew up in Colorado and whenever this road would have icy spots, I'd be the driver and my best friend would hang out the passenger window and alert me how close I was to the edge: "One foot, two feet, 6 INCHES! MOVE OVER!" Fun times, fun times....
@lissyj294 Жыл бұрын
I've driven that road at this time of year, but from Durango to Ouray - much less scary away from the edge haha. Greetings from North Wales x.
@Stephrp613 Жыл бұрын
that look out give me shivers just looking at it on the video LOL
@kristinperryman9611 Жыл бұрын
Try stage coach road between cripple Creek and canyon city in Colorado. It is wide enough for one vehicle, and it truly is an old stage coach road. I used to camp in the canyon when I was a kid. Good times. Unfortunately, while you can still drive through the canyon, it is all privately owned now. Camping is not allowed anymore.
@nancyrulong6430 Жыл бұрын
I love watching your adventures 🎉stay safe
@sturoc0 Жыл бұрын
US 550 is not that bad. As long as you're a safe driver, pay attention, dont go crazy speeds you will be fine. I've driven every high mountain road & pass trail in CO - yeah I live here - in all kindsa weather. Even over 550 in a blizzard following a plow truck and then they closed it after we got to Ouray. Many people sensationalize it by making it appear as if its this death defying narrow roadway. Tractor trailers routinely drive it everyday. CDOT does and excellent job of keeping it open. It is a main road for trucking goods etc between Durango and Montrose.The scenary is truly majestic and can distract you from the road, so just pay attention ! Yes it does close a few times in winter during storms and when avalanche danger is high. Occasional snow slides cover the roadway during winter, but the plow trucks are up there quickly. I've driven it in winter and summer. Even had to bust thru a shallow snow slide that cut across the road just before we got to that section. My trusty Dodge Ram 4x4 got us thru without any worry. Its breathtaking but dont believe all the hype. Drive safe and you wiill make it.
@rickglasser Жыл бұрын
Another neat scenic road. Was looking at the road on Google Maps and there are just loads of trails and interesting old mines in the area. Some really cool alpine roads for 4x4's only. Looks like a great area to explore.
@duckypam Жыл бұрын
I liked Durango! We had a fun time there on a trip last year. Fun lil town
@MikeDailly Жыл бұрын
You need to do the Sky Walk in the Grand Canyon if you want a scary sticking-out-over-a-ledge experience! :D It really is amazing! Glass floor and walking over the edge of the Canyon is amazing...
@lisaeveleigh658 Жыл бұрын
Great experience
@justlookin3 Жыл бұрын
I drove the same direction on the million dollar highway with a visiting friend from the UK. He was on his driver side, my passenger side. Absolutely horrified that close to dropping off the edge. Later accused me of trying to kill him. We made it Durango. Went to the “Ore House” for steaks . We still go there for birthdays. It’s a splurge. But the best, very, very best experience in Durango. Period.
@GlobetrotterGranny Жыл бұрын
Actually had a friend and her father die on that road many years ago when they were pulling a trailer. The wheel of their trailer got caught on the side of the road and dragged the rest of the vehicle over the edge. It was horrible. So glad you guys made it safely.
@dananorris6242 Жыл бұрын
That's awful! I know you said it was many years ago, but sorry for the loss of your friend and her father...very sad. 😒
@GeekBoi Жыл бұрын
I love that area. Some of my favorite cycling in the state during the summer months. We used to do the Iron Horse race every year where you race the train over the pass. Such a fun place to visit.
@chrislarimore4096 Жыл бұрын
Or a Million Dollar View With the mountains and Snow
@malice41414 Жыл бұрын
Forget Colorado, move to Santa Fe, New Mexico. It has snow and lots of charm.
@stenaphy2011 Жыл бұрын
💯. And equally shock and awe inspiring roads from Sante Fe - north to Taos and beyond! I prefer the skiing in NM for it's pristine charm as well.
@karenb2782 Жыл бұрын
Wow, wow, wow.
@anjgonzalez6203 Жыл бұрын
Please come to Colorado Springs!!
@Banagal Жыл бұрын
Steep mountain there. Durango is also beautiful and looked like fun. We bought 3 Kevin meals and really enjoyed them. They were great for a work night so we could eat at home. Thanks for the recommendation on your previous video post.
@riptide1965 Жыл бұрын
Took this route as well! only from Durango to Ouray. We can vouch that the state maintains the roads , we got hung up in some of the construction lol. Beautiful drive for sure!
@vickyrun8796 Жыл бұрын
Epic video
@stephennicholson2833 Жыл бұрын
We traveled this route in September and the aspen color was awesome. Also I was driving so I didn't get to see the views as much as I would have liked in the interest of safety and living.
@andreas_adventures Жыл бұрын
Just because a truck comes flying past doesn't mean they know what they are doing. haha. I always used to see them in the ditch when I lived in a snowy place.
@annettemills2399 Жыл бұрын
We drove this road last spring, and didn’t even realize it was so famous. But it is beautiful…and scared me pretty badly, just at the very beginning. Next time we will spend some time in Ouray.
@davebones6120 Жыл бұрын
Did you stop in Silverton? North terminal of the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. A magnificent tourist ride along the river. including a 300 ft high ride along a canyon wall. Very, very expensive housing. Went to buy 20 years ago, a 2 bedroom "condo" over a car repair shop was $500K
@stephw5825 Жыл бұрын
Gonna restart this with a drinking game where I drink every time you say “on this road” lol it’ll do the trick!
@JD-vl5yh Жыл бұрын
My wife and I took a vacation it west a year ago and we inadvertantly stumbled across Easter Jeep week in Moab (the busiest week of the year) and the NFL draft in Vegas. We had no idea these were happening when we made our plans.
@laruedouglas7972 Жыл бұрын
They even have a tiny house community there.
@Farbar1955 Жыл бұрын
I've driven that road...in the opposite direction...and my wife insisted that I drive! Though the road had been closed the day before because of snow I didn't really have any problem with it but I could see how many people might. The lack of guardrail and the sheer drop-off is a little disconcerting but the views are spectacular.
@rebeccavalicoff1581 Жыл бұрын
I hope you go to Silverton too
@koytube2324 ай бұрын
Hi from Türkiye. Thank you for video
@buildanadventure Жыл бұрын
Oh man, we love Colorado but that road might be a bit much for us with our fear of heights! Y’all were troopers though! Beautiful views! Safe travels y’all! -Ben and Ang
@DavidCoxDallas Жыл бұрын
not done this one. Trail Ridge Road is pretty impressive, though.
@bobjeffrey8863 Жыл бұрын
GREAT video as usual,, BUT what happened to 50 States ??