Colorado.com
6 Days
Adventure & History: 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.

Sustainability Activity

Travel Like a Local

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.

Day 1

activity

Stroll Downtown Ouray

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…

lunch

Ouray Brewery

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…

activity

Mouse's Chocolates & Coffee

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

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dinner

Ouray Cafe & Steakhouse

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…

activity

Fellin Park

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…

lodging

Matterhorn Inn Ouray

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

Day 2

breakfast

Artisan Bakery & Cafe

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…

activity

Drive the Alpine Loop 4x4 Scenic Byway to Lake City

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…

Insider's Tip

Stay the Trail

When riding OHVs through the Alpine Loop, make sure you follow Colorado's off-roading motto of "Stay the Trail."

lunch

Climb Elevated Eatery

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

activity

Switzerland of America Jeep Rentals & Tours

Switzerland of America Jeep Adventures is Ouray Colorado's hometown tradition for exciting Jeep adventures. Rent a Jeep Rubicon, treat your family or…

dinner

Outlaw Restaurant

Tthe 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…

activity

Ouray Hot Springs Swimming Pool

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…

lodging

Beaumont Hotel & Spa

The historic Beaumont Hotel & Spa is the only luxury hotel in Ouray, Colorado. Modern amenities include wireless high-speed internet & outstanding…

Day 3

breakfast

Outlaw Restaurant

Tthe 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…

activity

Hike to Blue Lakes

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…

lunch

Taco Del Gnar Ridgway

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…

activity

Box Canyon Waterfall & Park

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…

dinner

Brickhouse 737

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

activity

The Historic Wiesbaden Hot Springs Spa & Lodgings

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

lodging

Matterhorn Inn Ouray

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

Day 4

breakfast

Artisan Bakery & Cafe

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…

activity

Mild To Wild Rafting & Jeep Trail Tours

Travel back in time and explore , majestic peaks, cascading rivers, tumbling waterfalls and Colorado's spectacular wildflowers on one of our beautiful …

lunch

Steamworks Brewing Co.

Steamworks Brewing Co. offers much more than just award-winning craft beer. Our "gastropub" fare includes regional meats and sustainable seafood. Healthy…

activity

Durango Arts Center

DAC is a multi-faceted hub for community arts that hosts and promotes contemporary visual and performing arts, arts education, dynamics exhibits, an…

dinner

James Ranch Grill

Our delicious meats, cheeses and vegetables are produced on the James Ranch using organic, sustainable, grass-based practices and have been for over…

activity

Million Dollar Highway

Offering breathtaking mountain, valley and gorge views, the Million Dollar Highway cost a reported million dollars a mile to build. The road winds and…

Insider's Tip

Head to Silverton

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

lodging

Inn of the Rockies at the Historic Alma House

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

Day 5

breakfast

Coffee Bear Cafe

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

activity

Old Hundred Gold Mine Tour

Visit the secret underground world of the gold miner! Ride electric mine train then easy walking. See live mining equipment demonstrations. Pan for…

lunch

Handlebars Food & Saloon

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

activity

Stroll Downtown Silverton

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

dinner

Avalanche Brewing Co.

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…

activity

Golden Block Brewery

Fresh and bursting with flavor is the experience Golden Block Brewery provides. Serving Silverton, CO we offer great tasting craft beer brewed on premise…

lodging

Inn of the Rockies at the Historic Alma House

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

Day 6

breakfast

Kendall Mountain Cafe

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

activity

Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and Museum

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…

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lunch

High Noon Hamburgers

Friendely staff, large portions, simple burgers done right.

activity

Rock Pirates Backcountry Adventures

Located in Silverton, Colorado, Rock Pirates Backcountry Adventures is part of the new nationwide Polaris initiative called Polaris Adventures. Polaris…

dinner

Thee Pitts Again

Take a scenic drive up the Million Dollar Highway or ride on the train from Durango to Historic Silverton. While visiting look for our Pink building…

activity

San Juan County Historical Society Mining Heritage Center

This three-story, 14,000-square-foot mining heritage center interprets the local mining history with comprehensive environmental exhibits, including…

lodging

Inn of the Rockies at the Historic Alma House

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