Where Should I Stop on the Million Dollar Highway?

Where Should I Stop on the Million Dollar Highway?

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This time I decided to change my stories about

sunny Florida

and move you to a real snowy winter.

And where is it better to look for winter than in the state with the highest mountains, the most popular

ski resorts,

and the warmest thermal waters?

and it’s all about

Colorado!

When I planned my trip to Colorado in January, I came across such an attractive name as the Million Dollar Highway.

Moreover, the name is not only associated with the cost spent on construction (although it was very expensive to build a road through the mountains), but more with the views that accompany it almost all the way.

I drove the Million Dollar Highway, and now I can share my experience with you.

Where Should I Stop on the Million-Dollar Highway?

Stop at towns on the way; stop at hot springs as well.

The towns on the way are quaint, calm, and cozy, living solely on tourism and in complete unity with nature.

It seems to me that the towns located along the road and

hiking trails

(we passed signs to many, but they are, of course, inaccessible in winter) are much more interesting than just the trip itself and the views around from the car.

The most important thing that should not be missed at the entrance to the city is Ouray Ice Park.

This is truly a fantastic place.

In winter, it feels like you are in the realm of the Snow Queen.

Incredible scale, indescribable beauty, and absolute delight!

Along the way, there are manyhot springs.

Some are ennobled, with paid entrance, sunbeds, equipped baths, etc.

But there are also absolutely wild places where swimming is not controlled or prohibited by anyone.

In the winter, of course, it is more difficult to find them, but you can still stumble upon them by chance.

It is not for nothing that the state guide has a separate item regarding walks in wild places.

Where it is said that you need to be careful and be sure to look under your feet for steam escaping from the ground.

Many springs have the ability to suddenly intensify vaporization, and a considerable number of tourists thus receive severe burns.

In general, be careful.

Find the famous colored stone on the way from

Durango town

, which, against the backdrop of uniformly white landscapes, was the only confirmation that Colorado really is a colorful state.

Moreover, the stone not only has a bright color but is also washed by the warm waters of local hot springs.

Where Should I Stop on the Million Dollar Highway?

Where Should I Stop on the Million Dollar Highway?

What’s so Special About the Million Dollar Highway?

Construction of the toll highway began in 1883 under the direction of entrepreneur Otto Mears.

The name of the Million Dollar Road is legendary.

According to one of them, on a steep, winding road, the traveler suffered from dizziness so much that he swore off traveling on it even for a million dollars.

Another legend claims that the road’s builders used gravel from nearby silver and gold mines, so it’s worth “a million dollars.”

What is The Most Scenic Part of the Million-Dollar Highway?

The most picturesque part of the highway is the section connecting the cities of Silverton and Ouray, and it is here that the most dangerous and almost impassable part of the road is in winter.

Accordingly, there were no guarantees that we would be able to pass here in January, which meant that we had to stock up on Plan B.

After a small research in the internet, I came across a photo of a stunning old excursion train on the Internet, which stops just south of the Millionnoye Highway and runs from the town of Durango, which is just north of Silverton.

This is how a great option loomed in my imagination: we go to Durango (where itā€™s not a problem to get even in bad weather), if the state of the roads allows, then we ride along the Million Dollar Highway to Ouray and Silverton.

And if not, then we will ride on an old steam locomotive and then move north along an open highway, bypassing a beautiful but dangerous road.

Fortunately, the road turned out to be open, and there were no weather or other obstacles on the way.

Where Should I Stop on the Million Dollar Highway?

Where Should I Stop on the Million Dollar Highway?

Where Should I Stop on the Million Dollar Highway?

Where Does the Million-dollar Highway Start and End in Colorado?

The Highway for a Million Dollars ‘(‘The Million Dollar Highway’) is 25 miles (only 40 km), and it starts from Silverton and ends in Wray, Colorado.

The road is open all year.

Driving this section from south to north is considered safer as you are on the inside of most of the turns.

If you are heading south, you will be outside and closer to the sheer cliffs.

The road is narrow and winding in sections.

Such a long-awaited acquaintance with Colorado became so sunny and snowy for me.

It often happens that if you dream about something for too long, the reality does not live up to expectations.

But this, fortunately, does not apply to the state of Colorado.

The nature of the USA has always amazed me, and I donā€™t even know how many times I need to come here to visit at least a hundredth of all the parks.

But what I am 100% sure of is that Colorado is now definitely on my list of favorite states in a place of honor, and I will return here more than once.

What Should I know About the Million Dollar Highway?

Despite the fact that it is called a highway, the route takes 42 minutes.

The road has some serious twists and turns.

This route is not for new or nervous drivers and should definitely be avoided during rain, snow, and ice.

The snow season starts in October, the most dangerous time to drive on the Million Dollar Highway.

Whereas the highway is open all year round, except in the most severe storms, as weather conditions in the mountains change very quickly.

The dangers of the road are presented in several ways.

There are large sections with sheer drops and no railings, narrow sections, and sharp turns.

There are about 40 accidents a year on the highway to hell.

This is usually the result of careless driving.

Accidents are caused by several factors in addition to driver error.

Landslides may also occur.

Another issue is wildlife.

At dawn and dusk, when the animals are at their most mobile, surprised drivers may swerve to avoid the animal.

Unfortunately, there is nowhere to turn but an abyss.

What are Other Scenic Highways in Colorado?

  • Pikes Peak is a beautiful ride to the top.

  • Independence Pass is the highest paved pass in Colorado, on Highway 82 near Aspen.

  • The summit reaches 12,000 feet.

    Very picturesque entrance; the road becomes single-lane in some places.

    Closed from November (Thanksgiving) to May (Memorial Day).

ABOUT ME

Born & raised amidst the gators and orange groves of Florida, I’ve waded through the Everglades and braved the dizzying heights of Orlando’s roller coasters.

About Us Jeff from TravelMagma

But FL is just the beginning of my adventures.

I’ve journeyed far and wide. Yet, it was the serene beauty of Japan that truly captured my heart.

I even wrote my own little
Caribbean Guide.

But…

My 2nd book “Things I Wish I Knew Before Going to Japan” became a bestseller, a guide filled with wisdom:

TravelMagma is where I tell the tales of the road, capture the essence of each destination, and inspire you to make your own footprints around the globe.

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Jeff