The Million Dollar Highway Loop is an amazing ride in Southwest Colorado. Drive with care as this is a mountain road with hairpin curves and dangerous dropoffs. So, use caution and enjoy the magnificent scenery. The origin of the name Million Dollar Highway is disputed. There are several legends, though, including that it cost a million dollars a mile to build it, and that its fill dirt contains a million dollars in gold ore. First time you drive it, it's a real breath taker. Lots of sweaty palms. There are sheer drops virtually along the entire route and enough hairpins to make a whirling dervish dizzy. This road is famous for its stunning view and lack of guard rails. We started this route in Durango and followed historic Highways from the start.
From Telluride it’s a scenic ride to Dolores. In Dolores you can continue into Cortez or take the shortcut straight to Mancos and then back to the starting point in Durango.
Location: Southwest Colorado
Approximate Mileage: 225 miles
Estimated Riding Time: 5.5 Hours
Surface: Paved.
Attractions:
- Durango - Pinkerton Hot Springs
- San Juan National Forest - Molas Pass Overlook
- Ames - Lizard Head Peak Overlook
- Ouray - Bear Creek Falls, Uncompahgre River Overlook, Switzerland of America Lookout Point
- Ridgway - Red Mountain Pass, Million Dollar Highway Overlook, Ouray County Ranch History Museum
Motorcycle Rides, Colorado, Durango, Silverton, Ouray, Ridgway, Placerville, Telluride, Dolores, Cortez, Mancos
Million Dollar Highway Loop
If you are riding with a group, we ask that every person using our route for navigation purchase their own copy.
In order to encourage this, we are happy to offer a discount for group purchases. Please contact us after purchasing 1 item at full price, and we will set up a coupon code that will give everyone in your group 50% off of the same item.
Our digital routes are designed to operate in most GPS devices. In addition to GPSs, our routes should work with several smartphone apps. They will NOT work on Google Maps or Apple Maps.
If you plan on using a smartphone app, we recommend the REVER app. REVER will work with both Android and iOS and in addition to navigation it has many other great features.
For best results in REVER, download the route to your computer first, then import into your smartphone. Turn by turn may not work, so we recommend that you utilize the "Follow the Line" option.
You can get 20% off your first year’s subscription to REVER by following THIS LINK.
AND using this coupon code at checkout: Driftlessforless.
By using this link and coupon code a portion of your subscription fee will go to support Driftless Roads USA.