There is disagreement as to why U.S. 550 in Colorado was named the Million Dollar Highway. Some say it cost a million dollars a mile when it was constructed. Others claim a million dollars in gold was taken from its construction tailings. However, we believe the road deserves its nickname because there are countless million dollar views along its 25-mile length.
Traveling between Ouray and Silverton, US 550 is part of the San Juan Skyway Scenic Byway. The road is known to be notoriously difficult to drive with hairpin turns, altitude gain and extreme weather (summer and winter).
Napa Valley color spotter David Sharp traveled there recently and sent these priceless images. Plus, we’ve added a bonus video.
Million Dollar Highway, CO (9/28/22) David Sharp
Million Dollar Highway, CO (9/28/22) David Sharp
Million Dollar Highway, CO (9/28/22) David Sharp
Million Dollar Highway, CO (9/28/22) David Sharp
Crystal Lake, CO (9/28/22) David Sharp
Crystal Lake, CO (9/28/22) David Sharp
Crystal Lake, CO (9/28/22) David Sharp
Quaking Aspen, CO (9/28/22) David Sharp
- Million Dollar Highway, CO (7,792′) – PEAK (75-100%) GO NOW!
