What You Need to Know About Driving the Million Dollar Highway

Just a few miles south of Centennial RV Park lies one of the greatest scenic drives in America. The Million Dollar Highway will take you on a short journey along the cliff sides of the Colorado Rockies, where you’ll see beautiful views of the mountains, valleys, nooks, and crannies our corner of Colorado offers. 

This is one of the best adventures you should try when you stay with us, and this guide tells you everything you’ll want to know about it.

Why is it called the Million Dollar Highway?

It’s called the Million Dollar Highway for a couple reasons:

1. Because it cost a lot of money to build a pathway between Silverton and Ouray.
2. You’d have to pay locals a million dollars to drive it in the winter.

How long is the drive?

To get from Silverton to Ouray (or vice versa in our guests’ case) you can expect to drive around 45 minutes without stopping.

Is the Million Dollar Highway dangerous?

The Million Dollar Highway has a bit of a reputation for being dangerous. There are zero guardrails, and the road can get very narrow with only a rocky wall and a sheer drop on your sides to greet you.

While this may sound intimidating, remaining diligently focused on the road and bringing a well-maintained vehicle will keep you just as safe as other roads. Listen to the speed limits and don’t drive distracted, and you’ll be fine.

Things to Do in Ouray, CO

At the start of the drive from Centennial Park, you’ll find Ouray, CO. Originally an old mining town, Ouray stands proud of its heritage, and is a wonderful place to explore at the start (or end) of your adventure.

Ouray Perimeter Trail

Difficulty: Moderate

Length: 6 miles

Circle around the vast mining town of Ouray and have a splendid view of the valley in which Ouray lies. The Perimeter Trail is a great place for hiking and, so long as you are in good shape, you’ll walk away with very little strain. It can be hiked or snowshoed in winter, and leashed dogs are welcome!

Antique Shopping on Ouray Main Street

As you might expect from a historical town, antiquing is all the rage. There are several popular antique shops lying on Main Street that you ought to check out if you’re on the hunt. These include RB Horsetraders, Bloom Modern Mercantile, the Swiss Store, and the Columbine Mineral Shop.

Ouray Box Canyon

Difficulty: Easy

Length: 0.3 miles

There are two sets of waterfalls near Ouray, the Upper Box Canyon Falls and the Lower ones. Both hiking trails are close to one another and they are both the same difficulty and length. It’s a great place to stay if you want to see some natural attractions in town.

Ouray Hot Springs

Address: 1220 Main St, Ouray, CO

Hours: 12PM - 9PM

A place of solitude and warmth, the Ouray Hot Springs are a great place to end your journey after a long drive across the Million Dollar Highway. There are multiple pools of different temperatures to choose from. These hot springs are family-friendly, and they even have a kiddie area so everyone can enjoy the water.

Things to Do in Silverton, CO

The end of the Million Dollar Highway ends once you reach Silverton. This idyllic town is the perfect place for adventure after your arduous drive on the cliffs.

Old Hundred Gold Mine Tour

Address: 721 County Road 4A, Silverton, CO

Phone: 970-387-5444

As mentioned before, the southern Rocky towns were originally mining bases. You can tour the Old Hundred Gold Mine with the professionals. You’ll wander the old tunnels through the mountains, ride on real equipment still used for excavating minerals, and you may even learn to gold pan! This makes for a wealth of memories.

Kendall Mountain Ski Area

Address: 1 Kendall Pl, Silverton, CO

Phone: 970-387-5522

Kendall Mountain is the perfect place to go skiing—especially if you are new to winter sports. There are 3 easy courses that are perfect for your first skiing trip, but there are three others that will suit the thrillseekers.

If you don’t want to go skiing or snowboarding, you can instead test your skills on the ice rink, or just casually sled. It’s one of the best things to do here in the winter.

Durango Silverton Railroad

Address: 1330 Greene St, Silverton, CO

Ride through the Rockies on this one-of-a-kind steam train experience. You can book a few different train car options with a few perks depending on the package. Train Rides are offered May - August, and are the perfect way to see what the mountains have to offer. Reserve a trip today.

As you can see, there’s tons of things to do on the Million Dollar Highway. If you’re looking for a cozy place to stay to experience all of this, you should come stay at Centennial RV Park near Montrose. It’s the best way to escape your busy life and revel in the simplicity of nature.