Million Dollar Highway
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The Million Dollar Highway is one of the most spectacular—and most intimidating—drives in North America. This stretch of US-550 between Ouray and Silverton traverses steep mountain terrain with dramatic drop-offs, narrow shoulders, frequent curves, and elevations exceeding 11,000 feet. While the road is fully paved and routinely traveled by RVs, drivers should expect a demanding mountain-driving experience that requires patience, attention, and confidence behind the wheel. Weather can change rapidly, and snow, ice, or heavy rain can significantly increase the difficulty of the route.
For RV travelers, direction of travel makes a meaningful difference. Northbound drivers traveling from Silverton toward Ouray generally remain on the inside lane for many of the highway’s most exposed sections, with the mountainside to the right and the drop-offs across the centerline. Southbound drivers traveling from Ouray toward Silverton often find themselves in the outside lane adjacent to steep, unprotected drop-offs with little or no shoulder. The southbound climb out of Ouray is particularly notorious for its combination of tight curves, steep grades, and dramatic exposure. Many RVers who are comfortable traveling northbound find the southbound experience considerably more stressful.
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1 Review on “Million Dollar Highway”
I’ve driven Million Dollar Highway twice now, both directions, and it is no joke. Very steep drop-offs, few guardrails, lots of twists and turns, and magnificently beautiful scenery. I have quite a bit of mountain road driving experience under my belt at this point, but parts of Million Dollar Highway can still makes my palms sweat. To date, I still have never pulled our 30′ Airstream along this little stretch of adventure, but it’s on my bucket list and I’m sure it’ll happen at some point in the next few years of traveling. Towing or not, while driving this road demands your full attention, I wouldn’t call it “dangerous”. It does demand your full attention, but 18 wheelers take this route regularly, so it really can’t be all that sketchy for someone towing a fifth wheel or travel trailer. That said, if you’re new to mountain road driving, I might suggest getting some experience on less “exciting” roads first before trying your hand on this one. Like I said, those steep drops without guardrails can make your stomach clench.