Is the Million Dollar Highway dangerous?
Is the Million Dollar Highway dangerous? The Million Dollar Highway does not have guardrails in some parts due to snowplow driver convenience. With over 400 deaths since 1992, it remains one of the most dangerous highways in the US. However, the million-dollar views and abandoned mining towns make it worth the danger.
What is the steepest grade on the Million Dollar Highway?
The pass is traversed by the Million Dollar Highway, U.S. Highway 550 between Ouray and Silverton, which is part of the San Juan Skyway Scenic Byway. The pass is known for being treacherous in the wintertime due to the steep 8% grade and switchbacks on the north side facing Ouray, though the entire road is paved.
What stops to make on the Million Dollar Highway?
Regardless where you start and stop, you can explore mining ghost towns, go camping, hiking, biking and fishing in San Juan National Forest and much more along the way. There are three main towns that make great stopping points when your driving the Million Dollar highway – Ouray, Silverton and Durango.
Why do they call it the 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.
Should I drive the Million Dollar Highway?
Everyone has different preferences, of course, but we'd highly recommend driving the Million Dollar Highway in Colorado if you get the chance. The 25-mile stretch of highway between Silverton and Ouray is one of the most gorgeous drives in the United States and features plenty of places to stop along the way.
What grade is the Million Dollar Highway?
The most notable part of the drive is the 12-mile stretch over Red Mountain Pass through Uncompahgre Gorge. This portion features a 8% grade and narrow switchbacks. As you might guess, it can get backed up with traffic from time to time due to slow cars, large trucks, and many RVs that end up on the route.
Where is the deadliest road in the world?
North Yungas Road, Bolivia That this route from La Paz to Coroico is also known as the 'Road of Death' (or El Camino de la Muerte in Spanish) gives you some idea why it is included on our list of most dangerous roads. In fact, it has often been dubbed the most dangerous road in the world.
What is the scariest road to drive on?
CHARLOTTE — A road in North Carolina has been named the #1 Scariest Drive in America, according to SAVOTEUR. The Tail of the Dragon, which begins at the Deals Gap on the Tennessee/North Carolina state line, is a remote, long, twisting road with 318 curves, 11 bridges, and few guardrails.
What is the best time of year to drive the Million Dollar Highway?
Summer is a great time to do the San Juan Skyway road trip because the weather is typically sunny and warm. However, with the leaves turning yellow, a fall road trip through Colorado would also be a perfect time to do this drive.