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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.

Adventure & History: Million Dollar Highway 

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There are special places and unique vistas around nearly every Colorado corner. You can help ensure these places exist for generations to come by staying on roads and trails, keeping speeds in check, leaving campsites and picnic spots just as you found them, and following instructional signs while you’re out and about in our state.

Travel Like a Local

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Some call the mountain town of Ouray the Switzerland of America, as it’s situated in a river valley at nearly 8,000 feet, surrounded by the snow-capped San Juan Mountains. You almost expect to hear yodeling echo from these high hills.

Stroll Downtown Ouray

The Ouray Brewery is open daily. Our brewery has three levels with fine food and outstanding craft brews offered on each floor. Level one houses our kitchen and intimate pub. Level two offers our main dining area and brewery. And level three boasts the only rooftop patio in the Switzerland of America. Family-owned and operated, the brewery donates proceeds to local nonprofit organizations. Ouray has all the right ingredients unspoiled scenery and water, a great local community and culture and close proximity to other great breweries. Come join us for a brew and a taste of all Ouray and Ouray Brewery have to offer.

Ouray Brewery

Handmade chocolates toffees caramels and truffles made in the heart of the Rocky Mountains in Ouray.

Mouse's Chocolates & Coffee

Ouray Cafe and Steakhouse serves all the great meals you would expect. Prime rib, omlets and the Super Nacho Platter are some of the really yummy ones.

Ouray Cafe & Steakhouse

Fellin Park — the Ouray Hot Springs Park — is located just south of the natural hot-mineral springs pool, a perfect place to relax and soak up the scenery. The gazebo and picnic area are available.

Fellin Park

Ouray Premium Lodging when staying in the southwest region of Colorado. Close to Telluride, hiking, skiing, climbing, biking.

Matterhorn Inn Ouray

Come enjoy breakfast, lunch, or just a pastry and coffee, in a cozy little restaurant on main street, Ouray CO. Located at the south side of town, right on Main Street, in the old Wright Opera house.

Artisan Bakery & Cafe

The Alpine Loop Backcountry Byway, a network of four wheel drive roads that connect Lake City, Ouray, and Silverton, traverses passes up to 12,800 feet while showcasing old mines, ghost towns, natural wonders, beautiful wildflowers, and abundant wildlife.

Drive the Alpine Loop 4x4 Scenic Byway to Lake City

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When riding OHVs through the Alpine Loop, make sure you follow Colorado's off-roading motto of "<a href="https://www.colorado.com/articles/colorado-highway-vehicle-trips">Stay the Trail</a>."

Stay the Trail

Elevated comfort food and craft cocktails served with attentive, friendly service.

Climb Elevated Eatery

Switzerland of America Jeep Adventures is Ouray Colorado's hometown tradition for exciting Jeep adventures. Rent a Jeep Rubicon, treat your family or friends to a private Jeep Safari, or join one of our guided scenic 4x4 Tours.

Switzerland of America Jeep Rentals & Tours

The Outlaw Restaurant still has the same sign hung in 1969. Those who return come back with happy memories of the past, while newcomers take away experiences they will fondly remember.

Outlaw Restaurant

Nearly one million gallons of clear hot springs water, without the sulfur smell common in many hot springs. There are 3 pools ranging from 80 to 105 degree, plus lap lanes and a Wibit obstacle course and slides, which are open in the summer. Some areas are shallow enough for toddlers (parents must be within arms reach) and have benches.

Ouray Hot Springs Swimming Pool

The historic Beaumont Hotel &amp; Spa is the only luxury hotel in Ouray, Colorado. Modern amenities include wireless high-speed internet &amp; outstanding personalized service paired with timeless old world ambience. Elegant, authentic decor, exquisite antiques &amp; custom-made furnishings, on-site dining, shopping, a luxurious spa &amp; concierge services make this award-winning boutique hotel a delightful destination. 12 elegantly furnished luxury rooms &amp; suites, each uniquely furnished &amp; decorated with antiques.

Beaumont Hotel & Spa

Take Dallas Creek Road 14 miles to the Blue Lakes Trailhead. The lower Lake is a rewarding destination for a day hike of 6.6 miles round trip with an altitude gain of 1,600 feet.

Hike to Blue Lakes

An “elevated fast food restaurant” with the mantra that a tortilla is solely a vessel to sail fresh thought-provoking cuisine with amazing flavors to your mouth.

Taco Del Gnar Ridgway

The "Box Canyon" Falls, Ouray's own wonder of the world, is the culmination of Canyon Creek narrowing and spilling thousands of gallons a minute of water over the falls. It is truly a dramatic scene.

Box Canyon Waterfall & Park

BrickHouse737 is a gathering place that focuses on community, farm fresh ingredients, hospitality &amp; travel inspired dishes.

Brickhouse 737

Continually flowing, all-natural hot springs Vaporcave, outdoor pool &amp; private Lorelei. 
Charming accomodations, rooms, apts and 3 houses on Historic Register.

The Historic Wiesbaden Hot Springs Spa & Lodgings

Travel back in time and explore <a href="https://mild2wildrafting.com/jeep-trail-tours/silvertons-ghost-town.html">historic mining ghost towns</a>, majestic peaks, cascading rivers, tumbling waterfalls and Colorado's spectacular wildflowers on one of our beautiful <a href="https://mild2wildrafting.com/jeep-trail-tours.html">guided jeep tours</a>. You'll be glad you are not driving as neck-jerking views and fascinating scenery unfold outside our custom, open-air tour vehicle. Relax on our Colorado guided jeep tour while our professional guide interprets the surrounding history and navigates our tour vehicles on trails you would not want to take your own vehicle.  Tours depart from both <a href="https://mild2wildrafting.com/jeep-trail-tours/durangos-la-plata-canyon.ht">Durango</a> and <a href="https://mild2wildrafting.com/jeep-trail-tours/silvertons-ghost-town.html">Silverton</a> Colorado, range from a half day to a full day and include combination packages with a one way trip on the Durango &amp; Silverton Narrow Gauge Train on our <a href="https://mild2wildrafting.com/jeep-trail-tours/silvertons-ghost-town.html">Trails n' Rails</a> package (Jeep/Train).

Mild To Wild Rafting & Jeep Trail Tours

Steamworks Brewing Co. offers much more than just award-winning craft beer. Our "gastropub" fare includes regional meats and sustainable seafood. Healthy salads, delicious pizzas and spicy Southwestern-style dishes provide something for everyone.

Steamworks Brewing Co.

DAC is a multi-faceted hub for community arts that hosts and promotes contemporary visual and performing arts, arts education, dynamics exhibits, an active Docent program and the annual Durango Autumn Arts Festival. Over the years, DAC has built its reputation as a local arts industry leader and has been working diligently to ensure that the arts continue to thrive in the Four Corners region and beyond.

Durango Arts Center

Our delicious meats, cheeses and vegetables are produced on the James Ranch using organic, sustainable, grass-based practices and have been for over 50 years. We strive to use organic ingredients in everything we serve from our peppercorns, sauces to pickles. What the families at James Ranch do not produce, we do our best to purchase from local, organic vendors that take pride in their quality products and ingredients. "Summer seasonal specials include: Our Signature Veggie Burger, Steak Salad, Strawberry Spinach Salad and more.

James Ranch Grill

Offering breathtaking mountain, valley and gorge views, the Million Dollar Highway cost a reported million dollars a mile to build. The road winds and clings to the mountain providing dramatic view at every turn. Part of the San Juan Skyway Colorado Scenic Byway.

Million Dollar Highway

Take the highway from Durango on to the alpine mining town of Silverton, where you'll stay the night.

Head to Silverton

We are a traditional and historic Bed and Breakfast located in Silverton, Colorado.

Inn of the Rockies at the Historic Alma House

Iced Espresso Drinks, Iced Chai, Other Cold Drinks, Extra, Italian Sodas, Frappes, Smoothies

Coffee Bear Cafe

Visit the secret underground world of the gold miner! Ride electric mine train then easy walking. See live mining equipment demonstrations. Pan for gold and silver - Free with tour purchase!   First tour departs 10 am, last tour departs 4 pm.  No reservations needed.

Old Hundred Gold Mine Tour

Savor the flavor of our Wild West atmosphere in Silverton while enjoying some of the best grub around.

Handlebars Food & Saloon

Stroll the shops, cafes and saloons of this old mining town.

Stroll Downtown Silverton

Whether you're fueling up for your next adventure, or winding down from the end of your last epic, we strive to bring you the best food and beverage to compliment your visit to the rugged and beautiful San Juan Mountains.

Avalanche Brewing Co.

Fresh and bursting with flavor is the experience Golden Block Brewery provides. Serving Silverton, CO we offer great tasting craft beer brewed on premise. Create the perfect meal by combining an artisan wood fired pizza from our delicious menu and pairing it with the perfect brew. At Golden Block Brewery you are sure to enjoy the great atmosphere, friendly service, and affordable prices.

Golden Block Brewery

A hidden treasure off the beaten path. Good homestyle food!

Kendall Mountain Cafe

Experience the adventure of traveling by a historic steam-powered or diesel locomotive on the same tracks miners, cowboys and settlers of the Old West took over a century ago. Wind through spectacular and breathtaking canyons in the remote wilderness of the two-million-acre San Juan National Forest for an unforgettable journey.

Please note: The Durango &amp; Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is open and is running year-round.

<a href="https://www.durangotrain.com/cascade-canyon-winter-train#.X5cRi1NKi3I/?utm_source=colorado_com&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=sponsoredarticle">The Cascade Canyon Winter Train</a> and <a href="https://www.durangotrain.com/events/polar-express%E2%84%A2-train-ride#.X5cRxlNKi3I/?utm_source=colorado_com&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=sponsoredarticle">The POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride</a> begin running mid-November. 

<a href="https://www.colorado.com/articles/durango-silverton-narrow-gauge-railroad-train-colorado-backcountry-packages">Read more about adventures on the Durango Train.</a>

Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and Museum

Friendely staff, large portions, simple burgers done right.

High Noon Hamburgers

Located in Silverton, Colorado, Rock Pirates Backcountry Adventures is part of the new nationwide Polaris initiative called Polaris Adventures. Polaris Adventures is the first-ever national network of ride and drive experiences. With premium rental agents such as Rock, also known as Outfitters, in select locations, Polaris Adventures is able to offer some of the best destinations for riding in America.

Rock Pirates Backcountry Adventures

Lacey Rose Saloon, located in the historic Grand Imperial Hotel, is a trip into the past with ragtime piano, old west charm and a selection of food we are excited to share with our guests. Whether you are road tripping or taking the Durango-Silverton Train, come say hi!

Lacey Rose Saloon

This three-story, 14,000-square-foot mining heritage center interprets the local mining history with comprehensive environmental exhibits, including realistic underground tunnels, machinery and numerous artifacts from Silverton's colorful past.
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