US 550 snakes its way through Red Mountain Pass, offering some of the most breathtaking views in the state. Nicknamed “The Million Dollar Highway,” it’s one of Colorado’s most dangerous passes with an interesting story to tell
The highway, which begins in Montrose, leads travelers south through four counties in Colorado. But the 20-mile section known as the Million Dollar Highway starts outside Ouray and traverses down Red Mountain Pass, ending in Silverton. Guard rails are absent in some areas as the road is too narrow to install them.
But in 1883, those modern-day structures and snowplow drivers were not available to assist travelers through the winding road when it first opened to horse and mule-drawn wagons. Partially funded and built by railroad tycoon Otto Mears, the road was a crucial connection between Ouray and Silverton and provided access to ore mines operating in the area.
In March of 2019, U.S. Highway 550 over Red Mountain Pass was closed for three months after the pass was pummeled by at least 21 avalanches. Some of the concrete snow sheds were buried under 60 feet of snow. It reopened in June after crews spent months digging out a path. The state took over the road at the request of area counties around 1920, according to CDOT. They said the first documented asphalt paving was in the 1950s, and the road was paved in stretches over the next several years.
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