San Juan Scenic Byway And The Million Dollar Highway
Introduction
San Juan Scenic Byway is a stunning route that takes you through the heart of the San Juan Mountains in southwest Colorado. The route covers 236 miles of breathtaking scenery, historic mining towns, and charming mountain communities. One of the most iconic sections of the byway is the Million Dollar Highway, a section of U.S. Route 550 that runs from Silverton to Ouray. The highway is known for its hairpin turns, steep drop-offs, and jaw-dropping views.
The History of San Juan Scenic Byway
The San Juan Scenic Byway was designated in 1988 and covers a total of 236 miles. The route takes you through some of the most stunning scenery in the state, including the San Juan Mountains, the Uncompahgre Plateau, and the Gunnison Gorge. The byway was originally used by Native American tribes as a trade route and was later used by Spanish explorers and trappers.
The Million Dollar Highway was built in the late 1800s as a toll road to connect mining towns in the San Juan Mountains. The road was originally known as the "Red Mountain Pass Road" and was later renamed the Million Dollar Highway after its construction cost. The highway is now a popular tourist destination and is known for its challenging driving conditions and incredible scenery.
The Route
The San Juan Scenic Byway begins in Ridgway and takes you through the town of Ouray, known as the "Switzerland of America" for its stunning alpine scenery. From there, the route takes you to the Million Dollar Highway, where you'll experience some of the most incredible views in Colorado. The highway winds through the mountains, passing through the towns of Silverton and Durango before ending in Cortez.
The Million Dollar Highway
The Million Dollar Highway is a section of U.S. Route 550 that runs from Silverton to Ouray. The highway is known for its hairpin turns, steep drop-offs, and jaw-dropping views. The road was originally built as a toll road to connect mining towns in the San Juan Mountains, and was later paved in the 1920s. The highway is now a popular tourist destination and is known for its challenging driving conditions and scenic beauty.
The Million Dollar Highway passes through some of the most stunning scenery in Colorado, including the Red Mountain Pass, where you'll be treated to panoramic views of the San Juan Mountains. The highway also passes through the town of Silverton, a former mining town that has been preserved as a National Historic Landmark.
The Scenery
The San Juan Scenic Byway is known for its stunning scenery, which includes rugged mountains, alpine forests, and crystal-clear rivers. The byway takes you through some of the most beautiful landscapes in Colorado, including the Uncompahgre Plateau, the Gunnison Gorge, and the San Juan Mountains.
The Million Dollar Highway is particularly scenic, with views of towering peaks, dramatic canyons, and cascading waterfalls. The highway passes through the Red Mountain Pass, where you'll be treated to panoramic views of the San Juan Mountains. The road also passes through the Uncompahgre National Forest and the San Juan National Forest, both of which are known for their stunning scenery and abundant wildlife.
The Towns
The San Juan Scenic Byway takes you through a number of charming mountain towns, each with its own unique history and culture. Some of the most notable towns along the route include Ouray, Silverton, and Durango.
Ouray is known as the "Switzerland of America" for its stunning alpine scenery and historic hot springs. The town has a rich mining history and is home to a number of historic buildings and landmarks.
Silverton is a former mining town that has been preserved as a National Historic Landmark. The town is known for its Victorian architecture and stunning mountain scenery.
Durango is a vibrant college town that offers a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, and skiing. The town is also home to a number of museums and cultural attractions, including the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad.
The Wildlife
The San Juan Scenic Byway is home to a wide range of wildlife, including elk, deer, black bears, and bighorn sheep. The byway takes you through some of the most pristine wilderness areas in the state, including the Uncompahgre Plateau and the San Juan Mountains.
The Million Dollar Highway is particularly known for its abundant wildlife, including mule deer, elk, and black bears. The road passes through the San Juan National Forest and the Uncompahgre National Forest, both of which are home to a wide range of wildlife species.
The Activities
The San Juan Scenic Byway offers a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, fishing, and skiing. The byway takes you through some of the most beautiful and remote wilderness areas in Colorado, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
The Million Dollar Highway is also popular among outdoor enthusiasts, with opportunities for hiking, camping, and photography. The road is particularly popular among motorcyclists and sports car enthusiasts, who enjoy the challenging driving conditions and stunning scenery.
The Conclusion
The San Juan Scenic Byway and the Million Dollar Highway are two of the most stunning routes in Colorado, offering breathtaking scenery, charming mountain towns, and abundant wildlife. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast or simply looking for a scenic drive, the San Juan Scenic Byway is a must-see destination that should be on every traveler's bucket list.