Is Red Mountain Pass dangerous?
Red Mountain Pass is the highest point on that road. It is also one of the most dangerous sections during the winter, because of its steep grade and lack of guardrails. The pass sits between Ouray and Silverton, approximately 20 miles north of Molas Pass.
Is Highway 550 open between Durango and Silverton?
Highway 550 North from Durango is closed less often. Closures are relatively infrequent on both passes however. For road closure information by telephone, please call (303) 639-1111 from Denver or out-of-state. For inquiries from within Colorado but outside the Denver area, please call toll free 1 (877) 315-7623.
Why is Highway 550 called the Million Dollar Highway?
The canyon-clinging stretch of spectacular roadway between Silverton, Durango and Ouray is called “The Million Dollar Highway” either because it cost so much to build, the amount of gold ore that remained in the roadway’s fill or the figurative price for those amazing San Juan Mountain views.
How long does it take to drive the San Juan Skyway?
approximately seven hours
To do the full loop, prepare to spend approximately seven hours driving, and be sure to leave extra time to stop and explore each of the beautiful towns the San Juan Skyway takes you through!
What is the most dangerous pass in Colorado?
Most Dangerous Medium Traffic Roads In Colorado
- Rabbit Ears Pass. 9,426 ft ~
- Pikes Peak Highway. 14,115 ft ~
- Imogene Pass. 13,114 ft ~
- Mount Evans Scenic Byway. 14,160 ft ~
- Argentine Pass. 13,207 ft ~
- Loveland Pass – Highway 6. 11,991 ft ~
- Gold Belt Scenic Byway. 9,500 ft ~
- Coal Bank Pass. 10,640 ft ~
How many people have died driving Red Mountain Pass?
Although the speed limit is 15 mph for much of Red Mountain Pass, Shanks said more than 300 accidents took place there between 1995 and 2010. The majority occurred in dry conditions and involved only one vehicle. Eight accidents killed nine people, including five highway workers.
Which way do you drive a Million Dollar Highway?
You have two options when driving the Million Dollar Highway loop. South to North or North to South. If you’re taking the North to Southern route, you’ll more than likely start in Montrose or Ridgway and end somewhere along the way, like in Durango. For us, we took the Million Dollar Highway North to South.
Is the Million Dollar Highway worth it?
Colorado’s Million Dollar Highway is often considered one of the greatest drives in the world and a ride everyone should experience before they die. It does indeed provide some of the best views imaginable but there’s so much more to the San Juans than this scenic drive.
Is it better to stay in Telluride or Ouray?
Agree, both towns are unique and historic. Telluride has been there well over 100 years. It is more upscale than Ouray regarding number and quality of restaurants, hotels, etc., but does not qualify as “glitzy”.
What is the most scenic drive in Colorado?
Trail Ridge Road. Trail Ridge Road is one of the most spectacular drives in all of Colorado, and ranks up there as one of the top in the world.
What is the scariest road in America?
The 5 Spookiest Roads in America
- Highway 666 (Now U.S. Route 491)
- Clinton Road- West Milford, New Jersey.
- Route 2A- Haynesville, Maine.
- The Devil’s Promenade near Hornet, Missouri.
- Prospector’s Road- Georgetown, California.
What is the scariest mountain pass in Colorado?
Winter’s on its way, so buckle up and make sure you check Google Maps twice before making the trip.
- Rabbit Ears Pass. Rabbit Ears Pass via Facebook. Elevation: 9,426 feet.
- Pikes Peak Highway. Pikes Peak Highway via Facebook.
- Imogene Pass. Imogene Pass.
- Mount Evans Scenic Byway. Mount Evans Scenic Byway via Facebook.
Where is US 550 in Colorado and New Mexico?
US 550 was part of the original 1926 federal highway system. The original highway extended 110 miles (177 km) from Montrose, Colorado at U.S. Highway 50 to U.S. Highway 450 (now U.S. Highway 160) at Durango, Colorado. In 1934, Highway 550 was extended through Farmington to Shiprock, New Mexico.
When was Colorado Highway 550 paved for cars?
In 1924, the Colorado Department of Highways took over the road and improved it for car travel. It was completely paved by 1935. The paved, two-lane road climbs approximately 2,000 feet from Silverton to its summit at Red Mountain Pass and then drops another 3,000 feet en route to Ouray.
Where is the Million Dollar Highway in Colorado?
The Million Dollar Highway stretches for about 25 miles (40 km) in western Colorado and follows the route of U.S. 550 between Silverton and Ouray, Colorado. It is part of the San Juan Skyway Scenic Byway. Between Durango and Silverton the Skyway loosely parallels the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad .
Where is US 550 south of CR 220?
The overall project scope involves constructing a new, 1.1 mile, four-lane section of US 550 north of La Plata County Road 220 to connect the major highway with the existing US 160 interchange, and widening a 3.3-mile section of US 550 south of CR 220 to four lanes, tying into the CR 302 intersection.