Safety tips for driving the Million Dollar Highway
Despite the danger the Millon Dollar Highway presents, drivers can’t seem to get enough of it. One Trip Advisor reviewer wrote, “The scenery between Silverton Colorado and Ouray Colorado on Hwy.#550 is probably some of the most incredibly beautiful and spectacular scenery you can find.” However, before making your way to the Million Dollar Highway, you should take important road trip safety precautions.
First and foremost, drive slowly. Remember, there are no guard rails, and driving slowly will allow you to ease through the highway’s many turns. Although it only takes 45 minutes to drive the entirety of the road, you want to ensure your car, preferably a 4WD, and tires are in tip-top shape. Fill (or replace) your tires, if needed, and your gas tank. You won’t find a gas station on the highway, so if you need to make a pit stop, do that before.
With that said, driving during the winter requires even more planning. If winter conditions are too severe, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) may temporarily close the Million Dollar Highway, as per Denver7. Thus, make sure you check the weather before hitting the road. Another vital note: if it’s snowing, have snow tires. And if you’re a newer or inexperienced driver, perhaps have someone else take the wheel, especially during winter.
Points of interest on the Million Dollar Highway
A road trip on the Million Dollar Highway is incomplete without some sightseeing. Stop in Durango. The picturesque town is home to the Durango Hot Springs, where guests can relax in various soaking pools and enjoy mountain views. For a hearty burger or sandwich, stop at James Ranch Grill. This top-rated restaurant on Trip Advisor uses local and sustainable ingredients. Want to stay the night? The Historic Strater Hotel has been around since 1887 and retains its vintage charm.
In addition, Durango has the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. This train takes passengers on a day trip to Silverton via the San Juan Mountains. In other words, you could skip out further driving up the Million Dollar Highway with this train ride. Formerly a mining town, Silverton offers various activities. Guests can ski on Silverton Mountain. In addition, they can learn about the town’s mining history and explore a real mine through the Old Hundred Gold Mine Tour.
Several mining ghost towns are also on the Million Dollar Highway near Ouray. Ironton, which dates back to 1893, is one of these. Only an 18-minute drive from Ouray, Ironton (pictured above) is home to several dilapidated buildings. While you can walk around the remains of the town and see these for yourself, it is discouraged to go inside of them for safety reasons, as per radio station KEKB.
