Driving the Million Dollar Highway
Driving along the Million Dollar Highway offers a unique blend of adventure and awe-inspiring beauty, making it a must-experience route for any road trip enthusiast. As my family embarked on this journey, we were reminded of the endless possibilities that come with a road trip—the freedom to daydream while gazing out the window, uninterrupted by the constraints of time or destination.
While we typically gravitate towards wilderness adventures to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life, the reality of schedules sometimes impedes our plans. Despite our efforts to explore the mountains through backcountry skiing and trail running, there’s always a lingering desire to see more of nature’s splendor. Thankfully, Colorado’s network of scenic highways provides a convenient way to access breathtaking views without straying too far from the comfort of our car.
The section of Highway 550 from Durango to Ouray, affectionately known as the Million Dollar Highway, is renowned for its dramatic landscapes and steep cliffs. Beginning our journey in Ouray—a charming town nestled amidst the San Juan Mountains, famed for its ice climbing and hot springs—we set out towards Durango, eager to soak in the sights along the way.
As we ascended towards Mount Sneffels along Camp Bird Road, the scenery unfolded before us in all its glory. Despite lacking a specific destination or purpose beyond our love for scenic drives, we found ourselves captivated by the breathtaking vistas and the rich history of Camp Bird Mine.
Continuing our journey along Red Mountain Pass, we marveled at the absence of guardrails, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in the sheer grandeur of the landscape. The winding roads and hairpin switchbacks added an element of excitement to our drive, punctuated by moments of sheer exhilaration as we navigated the mountainous terrain.
Our adventure took a more active turn as we reached the Ice Lakes Basin trailhead near Silverton. While our initial plan was to hike to Island Lake—a popular destination known for its pristine beauty—we found ourselves drawn to the allure of the sunrise and the opportunity to stretch our legs amidst nature’s splendor.
Despite the strenuous hike, the reward of reaching Island Lake was well worth the effort, serving as a testament to the untamed beauty of Colorado’s wilderness. As we soaked in the tranquility of the lake and reflected on our journey, we couldn’t help but feel a sense of gratitude for the opportunity to explore such breathtaking landscapes.
As we made our way back to the car, we knew that our journey along the Million Dollar Highway was just the beginning of many more adventures to come—a reminder that the allure of the open road and the beauty of nature will always beckon us to explore further.