One of Colorado's most stunning drives may also be one of the most dangerous. According to both Dangerous Roads and USA Today, U.S. Route 550, which more commonly known as the Million Dollar Highway (because you'd have to pay the locals $1M to drive it during or after a snowstorm) is extremely dangerous, even claiming numerous lives and vehicles due to its steep, unprotected cliffs. Here's more on the Million Dollar Highway in Colorado, the most dangerous road in the state:
Constructed in the late 1800s, Million Dollar Road was originally intended to connect Ouray and Ironton but gradually expanded to where it is now, stretching from central New Mexico up to western Colorado.
Despite being arguably the most dangerous road in Colorado, it's also quite stunning. The views of the Uncompahgre Gorge are positively breathtaking. Just don't keep your eyes off the road for too long!
Have you driven the Million Dollar Highway in Colorado? If so, would you do it again? Do you agree that it should be considered the most dangerous road in Colorado? Be sure to share your thoughts with us in the comments below -- we'd love to hear from you!
The Remote Destination in Colorado Where the Drive Is Worth the Final View
Perhaps the best scenic drive in Colorado, Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway is the highest paved road in North America and offers some of the most remarkable views you’ll ever have the privilege of witnessing.
Whether I’m exploring a new state or playing tourist in my own, one of my favorite things to do is set off on a scenic drive. Nothing compares to the carefree feeling I get from rolling the windows down, turning up my road trip playlist, and hitting the pavement. When I visit Centennial State, I never leave without cruising along the Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway. Perhaps the best scenic drive in Colorado, it’s the highest paved road in North America and offers some of the most remarkable views you’ll ever have the privilege of witnessing.
The 28.5-mile route begins near Echo Lake, ascending over 7,000 feet of narrow — and, at times, crumbly (so drive carefully!) road. Open year-round, the byway weaves through the beautiful Arapaho National Forest, traversing the Mount Blue Sky Recreation Area.
Scenic overlooks abound on the way up, but my personal favorite viewpoint is at the very top. Here, travelers can enjoy stunning vistas of the Continental Divide before heading back down the mountainside. I also recommend making a pit stop at Summit Lake. Seeing the pristine water glistening in the sunshine is a once-in-a-lifetime experience! Another cool thing about the Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway is how much wildlife you can spot on the drive. From bighorn sheep to marmots to mountain goats, you never know what may cross the road. In the spring and summer, you can also expect to see alpine wildflowers.
There are plenty of opportunities to get out and hike along the way if that’s something you’re interested in. Since the drive isn’t terribly long, you may find yourself craving a bit more adventure! If that does end up being the case, Backcountry has lots of great hiking gear.
Visit AllTrails for more information about the Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway. I highly encourage you to sign up for AllTrails+ if you’re an avid outdoors person! The perks are unbelievable.
Have you ever driven this gorgeous route? If so, do you think it’s the best scenic drive in Colorado? Tell us your thoughts in the comments, and check out our previous article for one of the best small-town getaways in Colorado that's only a stone's throw away from the road. No matter what time of year you visit the charming community of Golden, I promise you'll never run out of things to do.
If you are looking for a long drive that is equal parts scenic and unforgettable, there is no place quite like Colorado! The most dangerous drives in CO are incredibly scenic, but they might just test your wits. Before you hit the road, there is something that you should know about a few of the scariest roads in Colorado:
The Million Dollar Highway - a ritzy, 25-mile stretch between Silverton and Ouray - is about as beautiful as it gets; however, drivers must pay close attention when navigating this dangerous road. Nicknamed by locals (who wouldn't dare drive it in the winter, no matter the amount they were offered), this part of US 550 features narrow lanes, hairpin turns, and steep drop-offs with no guardrails, plus switchbacks and steep grades. It is definitely one of the most dangerous roads in CO.
If you guessed that the highest paved road in Colorado comes with its own set of dangers, you would be correct! Spanning 28 miles, the Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway is one of the highest roads in Colorado is a sight to behold, but it should also be driven carefully, thanks to its high altitude, steep drop-offs, and lack of guardrails. (Please note: Due to its high elevation, the drive up Mount Blue Sky is only open Memorial Day through Labor Day.)
Connecting Aspen to Leadville, Independence Pass is the best place to see Only in Colorado scenery, as it offers incredible views of the surrounding mountains. Like the other drives, Independence Pass is narrow and winding, with the added danger of rock slides and avalanches (especially in the spring when snow and ice melt). Independence Pass earns its spot on the list of the most dangerous highways in CO.
There is no better way to see and experience Rocky Mountain National Park than by driving along Trail Ridge Road - especially if you do so carefully! Reaching an elevation of 12,183 feet and running 48 miles, Trail Ridge is the highest continuously paved road in the United States, making it difficult for those with altitude sickness or trouble breathing. As you may have guessed, it, too, has steep drop-offs and no guardrails.
Yes, it's gorgeous, and yes, it is narrow and winding, but Guanella Pass is the most stunning fall drive we have ever taken! (If you want to really enjoy the changing leaves, pull off the road so you can take in all the beauty safely!) You could say it's one of the scariest roads in Colorado, but it is also one of the most scenic.
One of the most famous mountains in America just so happens to boast of the most terrifying drives... go figure! Running 19 miles, the Pikes Peak Highway is only open from late spring to early fall, weather permitting, due to its high altitude and fast-changing weather conditions.
Last but certainly not least is Loveland Pass: a drive as terrifying as the others, mainly since it stays open year-round. When you drive the Pass, be prepared for twists and turns, steep drop-offs, and no guardrails (you know, the usual!). It’s one of the most dangerous highways in CO.
Now that you have seen the most dangerous drives in CO, check out these 10 country roads in Colorado for a beautiful scenic drive. And if you get hungry, make sure to stock up on these road trip snacks.
