Scenic Drives

The mountains surrounding Ouray provide some of the most beautiful scenery found in the US. While 4-wheel drive vehicles are needed for some of the more rugged routes, there are plenty of spectacular routes accessible by regular passenger cars. The Million Dollar Highway (US550) between Ouray and Silverton is one of the most breathtaking stretches of highway in the country, especially in September when the fall colors are at their best.

Million Dollar view on the Million Dollar Highway Ouray Colorado

The Million Dollar Highway is just part of the San Juan Skyway loop that will also take you through Durango, Cortez, and Telluride before circling back to Ouray. Completing the loop will take you by several of the state’s Fourteeners, mountains over 14,000 feet tall and some of the highest mountains in the country.  Abandoned mine shafts and mills can also be seen, a reminder of the mining history of the San Juan Mountains.

Views from the highway near Ouray Colorado

The Black Canyon of the Gunnison, about one hour north of Ouray, also offers stunning scenery and plenty of opportunities for photography as do close by excursions like Camp Bird Mine and Owl Creek Pass.