Million Dollar Highway motorcycle ride
The Million Dollar Highway is the stretch of US 550 between Ouray and Silverton in southwest Colorado, part of the San Juan Skyway. It climbs over Red Mountain Pass at above 11,000 feet on a road cut into the mountainside, with steep drop-offs, hairpins and few guardrails.
Opens Ouray to Silverton in the MotoCurve planner on the Curvy style. Change the start to your home or hotel, then send it to the app for voice navigation.
Is the Million Dollar Highway open?
Kept open in winter, but snow, ice and avalanche control close it at times.
Official status: COtrip (Colorado roads)
Highlights
- Red Mountain Pass, above 11,000 feet, among old mining ruins.
- The Uncompahgre Gorge climb straight out of Ouray, cut into the cliff.
- Continue to Durango, or ride the whole San Juan Skyway loop through Telluride.
Before you ride
- Much of it has no shoulder and no guardrail, and the drop is on the outside lane heading south. Take your time.
- High-altitude weather turns quickly. Bring layers even in summer, and expect afternoon thunderstorms.
When to ride
Kept open in winter, but snow, ice and avalanche control close it at times. Late spring to early fall is the riding season.
Questions
- Is the Million Dollar Highway open?
- Kept open in winter, but snow, ice and avalanche control close it at times. Today's status is posted by COtrip (Colorado roads).
- How long is the Million Dollar Highway?
- As MotoCurve routes it, Ouray to Silverton is about 24 miles, roughly 51 min of riding without stops.
- When can you ride the Million Dollar Highway?
- Kept open in winter, but snow, ice and avalanche control close it at times. Late spring to early fall is the riding season.
- How high does the Million Dollar Highway go?
- The route runs between about 7,810 and 11,140 feet above sea level.
- Can I get turn-by-turn directions for the Million Dollar Highway?
- Yes. Open it in the free MotoCurve planner, change the start to your home or hotel, and send it to the MotoCurve app for voice navigation on Android or iPhone. You can also download the GPX for a Garmin or another GPS.
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Distance, time and elevation are measured on MotoCurve's own routing. See every road.