My dad was in charge of the highway maintenance equipment for that road for many years. They keep it open ALL year round. At times, they would tow a recoilless rifle on a trailer to the snow slide areas to get them to run before they went on their own. It's an incredible piece of engineering and to keep it open all year round just as incredible. One of the most memorable things I ever did was ride next to my dad in a "SnoGo" auger plow on its delivery to Silverton and Red Mountain. There are over 300 known and charted snowslides on that pass, one almost a mile wide. They eventually built "snowsheds" over parts of it. All year round it's breathtaking, but In the fall, the natural beauty can be life changing.
@@JeepsterGal Thanks for the great video. Brought back so many memories. There are much more rugged mountains all across the country, but SW Colorado is different. Even from a young age, especially at hunting camp in the fall, I'd stumble into to some spot, overlook or hill top and was convinced it was the the most beautiful spot on earth. You just couldn't help it. Nature displayed your place in things and there was never any doubt. Even as a foolish teen, the beauty was life changing. I was fortunate to be raised there and it's something I miss every day and fortunately, it hasn't changed much over the decades. Another interesting note: Virtually every single peak you see on that road has been mined. Those mountains are honeycombed with old mine shafts from Silverton to Ouray. Incredible and fascinating history goes along with all of it. Some of it unbelievable. Lizard Head Pass over by Telluride is another spectacular drive. YOU would probably take your jeep over Black Bear pass that runs from Sliverton to Telluride. There used to be remnants of mines there that were hard to fathom. To this day, I can't imagine how they got such heavy equipment to mines well above timberline and operated them year round. They used mules to haul the ore to smelters at lower elevations as well. Most of that stuff is still there because its so big. True story: I played in a band in Durango when young and we used to play at 1 of the 2 bars that were in the Telluride at the time. It was still a small mining town and that was it. Silverton and Ouray have not changed at all.
@@petecartwright5211 it's my favorite place on earth. I have a hard time exploring other places when I get the time because I just want to come back to the San Juans :)
I first made this drive on a family vacation as a 10 year old child with my parents. I was in the folded down back seat of a 68 VW Bug with my younger brother. Time to go back and see it again. Thanks for posting this.
Colorado is Beautiful. Thank you for the videos. Me and my Mom plan on going to Colorado and Arizona for vacation in a couple of years. Glad to get a preview of what's to come
Fall is a good time to drive. Living in Colorado all my life I forget how beautiful and scenic my surroundings are. Driving the mountain roads every week you loose touch with how amazing the views are.
Watching your excellent video on my 75” Sharp smart TV. Very good music to go with a very good view. Those blue Colorado early autumn skies. There are just not enough words. Thanks for sharing your video talents and this video with us! .
Old sweet memories. The summer of 1972 I worked at the Idarado Mine which went by as you noted the overlook of the Red Mtn mining district. As the junior engineer I drove the crew up and down the million dollar highway blowing past the tourists in most of the passing zones. From you video I can see that the Idarado is no longer a Superfund Site.
Beautiful video! So peaceful and relaxing. We live in the east, but visit Colorado a couple of times every year in the summer and fall. Many times we have used your videos to preview off-roading drives we plan on taking. They are always very informative and inspiring! Thank you so much!
I thoroughly enjoyed the magnificent beauty of this video! This has got to be the most breath-taking area of the US! The only thing on my bucket list! Thank you for sharing!
I've driven this road. The video makes me appreciate the drive and the scenery since this is the type of road that you have to keep both eyes on what's ahead of you and both hands on the steering wheel when driving.
I drove on US 550 northbound in CO. from Durango to I-70 twice--first time at night with blowing snow (November 2015), and the second time during the day (February 2016). It was magnificent even though the drops are steep, and I would recommend a drive on this section if you want spectacular scenery.
@@appleslover. Why mention it if you are are unable to understand human nature? The question stands; what nation was established without genocide? There used to potentially hundreds of thousands of tribal identities. Each small group is killed, or conformed to the larger group. Oops. You better go burn down a police station to show that your side is just, eh?
fantastic. Thanks. I drove it going the other way 2 summers ago and this summer in July I will ride it in this direction via motorcycle as part of a statewide tour. I daydream about it. I cannot wait. So, so beautiful.
The 131 from Walcott To Steamboat is my personal favorite. But lets be real the whole state is this gorgeous. Cant wait to get back next month after four years!
Jeepstergal thanks for the ride I lived on 550 just north of Ouray the past 6 years I like watching videos to see if I can see me there looks like you missed me :)
Amazing video! Thanks for posting it! So.... we're doing that drive next month and I'm terrified just thinking about it!! I just want to be sure you drove that heading north from Silverton to Ouray. Those first miles coming the other direction from Ouray south to Silverton look terrifying! Thank you!!
Michelle LO yes, this is from Silverton to Ouray. There’s nothing to be nervous about, just go slow and you will be fine. It’s a beautiful drive and plenty wide enough, so don’t be nervous. Just respect the mountain and go slow!
Oh good! Thank you so much JeepsterGal...I should be ok then! I try not to let my fear stop me from doing things... I wouldn't want to miss this drive!
Great video!! I've been to Ouray and it is hands down one of the prettiest places I've ever seen! When you reach the town..the hotel in the right called "The Antler Hotel" is where we stayed a couple of the nights. The other two nights were spent hiking and camping the Uncompahgre mountain.
was looking for a nice view. sure did get it. i like the way you filmed this. just a relaxing track on and front view in a car. No special things with drones. just relaxing:)
Amazing video. Excellent. My vote #1. I hope to do the drive next year. Pity no road guards on those steep drops. Just need to take my time driving on the opposite side of the road. Mario from Australia
I grew up in Ouray, so I grew up driving this road (I didn't learn how to parallel park until I was in my twenties). I kept saying, "Downshift!" to the pickup in front right around the 27:00 mark. Ah...I love the smell of burning brakes.
In this area you can try Engineer pass that is a moderate 4x4 road that is very spectacular in summer only. We have over 200 percent snow pack this year to date so alot of trails will be closed til late summer.
I live in Colorado and love this drive. Stop in Maggie's Kitchen at Ouray for some delicious burgers. Don't be put off by the appearance, it's scruffy, but the food and atmosphere is wonderful. If you go all the way to Durango, don't miss the railroad museum. It's FREE.
Hi Jeepster Gal!! Nice video identical to the one I just took in mid September from Silverton to Ouray. What a magnificent ride!! Great video, I may try to put mine on You Tube cause I've never done it before!! (:
Nice video, I live in Northern Colorado and drive the Hwy 34 to Estes Park and The Poudre canyon drive near Fort Collins. The Poudre is a very nice scenic drive , however some of these local residents are idiots racing through this nice road passing you by at 80mph . Dumb fools who do not appreciate the beauty of the drive and mountains , only in a hurry to get somewhere else. I take my time to enjoy the views and the drive even though I have seen it many times before. There are many rude people on the roads but that does not ruin my driving experience enjoyment in the mountains.
Thanks for watching and yes, people have a tendency to go way too fast on both 34 and 36. I just want to enjoy the river and canyon and have to worry someone is coming around a curve too fast right at me.
Reminds me of driving West of Bangkok from bridge over the river Kwai to the border..At least they have guard rails here..The pucker factor of that one section is big...hehe
jeff robinson That's the section of road we took our driving test when I grew up in Ouray many years ago (and I took mine in February!). I didn't learn how to parallel park until I was in my twenties! Who needed it?!? Skill set's a LITTLE bit different than driving anywhere else in the world.
Thanks for sharing this! I tried in vein to find a good dashcam & mounting hardware that wouldn't bounce/shake like crazy for our trip there last October, no luck, and you have accomplished just that. I see you used a GoPro do you mind sharing how/where you had mounted it? Thanks in advance!
+NoTcH JoHnSoN Hi I put my Go Pro on the front of my hood with a suction cup. But you could use a Go Pro on your dash. It comes with a mount that will stick to surfaces and then peel up. :)
Thank you for the prompt response! I always wondered if the suction mounts held a camera steady enough w/o shaking driving down the road, now I know. Thanks again.
i went the opposite way not to long ago, i'm lucky i researched it and the trails first because my gps was trying to make me go down black bear which would have been hell in a cts
Hi, JeepSterGal, thank you very much for sharing such a beautiful scenic drive. Could I use 30 seconds of your video to introduce to Chinese audience on other social platform including Chinese ones? UA-cam is banned in China. I won't use without your permission. Thank you again for sharing!
My dad was in charge of the highway maintenance equipment for that road for many years. They keep it open ALL year round. At times, they would tow a recoilless rifle on a trailer to the snow slide areas to get them to run before they went on their own. It's an incredible piece of engineering and to keep it open all year round just as incredible. One of the most memorable things I ever did was ride next to my dad in a "SnoGo" auger plow on its delivery to Silverton and Red Mountain. There are over 300 known and charted snowslides on that pass, one almost a mile wide. They eventually built "snowsheds" over parts of it.
All year round it's breathtaking, but In the fall, the natural beauty can be life changing.
Note the plow markers on both sides of the road. Gives an idea of the snow that falls there.
Very cool, thanks for sharing! I love driving that highway in the fall, especially.
@@JeepsterGal Thanks for the great video. Brought back so many memories. There are much more rugged mountains all across the country, but SW Colorado is different. Even from a young age, especially at hunting camp in the fall, I'd stumble into to some spot, overlook or hill top and was convinced it was the the most beautiful spot on earth. You just couldn't help it. Nature displayed your place in things and there was never any doubt. Even as a foolish teen, the beauty was life changing. I was fortunate to be raised there and it's something I miss every day and fortunately, it hasn't changed much over the decades.
Another interesting note: Virtually every single peak you see on that road has been mined. Those mountains are honeycombed with old mine shafts from Silverton to Ouray. Incredible and fascinating history goes along with all of it. Some of it unbelievable.
Lizard Head Pass over by Telluride is another spectacular drive. YOU would probably take your jeep over Black Bear pass that runs from Sliverton to Telluride. There used to be remnants of mines there that were hard to fathom. To this day, I can't imagine how they got such heavy equipment to mines well above timberline and operated them year round. They used mules to haul the ore to smelters at lower elevations as well. Most of that stuff is still there because its so big.
True story: I played in a band in Durango when young and we used to play at 1 of the 2 bars that were in the Telluride at the time. It was still a small mining town and that was it.
Silverton and Ouray have not changed at all.
@@petecartwright5211 it's my favorite place on earth. I have a hard time exploring other places when I get the time because I just want to come back to the San Juans :)
The most beautiful country in the World! Respect from Brazil!
I first made this drive on a family vacation as a 10 year old child with my parents. I was in the folded down back seat of a 68 VW Bug with my younger brother. Time to go back and see it again. Thanks for posting this.
I cannot imagine a more beautiful or scenic town than Ouray.That view must be awesome at Christmas!!!
rally618 or early Summer morning
Thank you for allowing me to be a passenger. Drove it a few years ago and now I know how much I missed. Beautiful in the fall!
Colorado is Beautiful. Thank you for the videos. Me and my Mom plan on going to Colorado and Arizona for vacation in a couple of years. Glad to get a preview of what's to come
Brandon Wombacher you will love it! Enjoy your time together in the mountains.
Someone very special who loved the outdoors left this world a week after this was published.
Nice video. I have driven this road in spring, summer and fall. Fall is by far the prettiest time.
Fall is a good time to drive. Living in Colorado all my life I forget how beautiful and scenic my surroundings are. Driving the mountain roads every week you loose touch with how amazing the views are.
Amazing video and music. Wonderful surroundings and beautiful views, greetings from Poland .
This is truly Colorado. Thanks for the memories. First time on this road was July 1980 and the last was May 2011.
My last time was 2019
Thank you this is a beautiful drive we. ve done it a few times, and pardona her and give her, God be with you all ✋
This has to be one of the most breathtaking and beautiful drives in the country. I want to go back....
Càng ngắm cảnh mình càng thích,biết khi nào được như bạn đây.
*Wow: 'Absolutely a Spectacular & Wonderful Highway in Beautiful Colorado!'*
This is an amazing drive, I did it going the other way, Ouray to Durango towing an airstream trailer. Epic views, nothing like the Rocky Mountains...
Thank you for the perfect, relaxing pace (mph)and perfect music, to enjoy/appreciate the gorgeous scenery...God bless you!♥️
Thank you for watching!
I live in France and Colorado is really beautiful like in the French alps
Very similar, although Colorado is somewhat further south and more dry than the Alps.
Watching your excellent video on my 75” Sharp smart TV. Very good music to go with a very good view. Those blue Colorado early autumn skies. There are just not enough words. Thanks for sharing your video talents and this video with us! .
Thanks for watching, I'm glad you enjoyed it! I hope to get back there this summer or fall.
Old sweet memories. The summer of 1972 I worked at the Idarado Mine which went by as you noted the overlook of the Red Mtn mining district. As the junior engineer I drove the crew up and down the million dollar highway blowing past the tourists in most of the passing zones. From you video I can see that the Idarado is no longer a Superfund Site.
Beautiful video! So peaceful and relaxing. We live in the east, but visit Colorado a couple of times every year in the summer and fall. Many times we have used your videos to preview off-roading drives we plan on taking. They are always very informative and inspiring! Thank you so much!
I thoroughly enjoyed the magnificent beauty of this video! This has got to be the most breath-taking area of the US!
The only thing on my bucket list! Thank you for sharing!
Best Colorado drive video I've seen. I especially appreciate the captions.
Very beautiful landscapes almost like Switzerland: Greatings from the Swiss Alps
They literally call it "the Switzerland of America". I thought they were over the top with that. Lol...
@@timothyhaines556 : No, no: looks quite similar! However Switzerland is a little land with very high mountains. About 4800 meters is the highest peak
I've done it lots of times by car and motorcycle, both day and night, and it always took my breath away!
allenslansky yeah this is prove that Heaven exist on Earth
Glory to God in the highest praise for His majestic beautiful creations.
Really million dollar Video & Back ground music, sooo..... peaceful and relaxing.
thank you for the beautiful video. visited Durango, silverton and telluride last Oct.
Brilliant. I am doing this trip during 2017. I will be going slow ( Aussie driver ) . Many thanks and glad you filmed at normal speed
This is a beautiful drive. We've done it a few times. Just gorgeous country
I've driven this road. The video makes me appreciate the drive and the scenery since this is the type of road that you have to keep both eyes on what's ahead of you and both hands on the steering wheel when driving.
I drove on US 550 northbound in CO. from Durango to I-70 twice--first time at night with blowing snow (November 2015), and the second time during the day (February 2016). It was magnificent even though the drops are steep, and I would recommend a drive on this section if you want spectacular scenery.
Beautiful and the music is soothing as well. Thank you 🏞️💚
Beautiful! Thank you for this wonderful video!
My favorite road anytime. I wish we could get out there more, but it's a long way from coastal Georgia
I keep looking for myself on the road
I was there somewhere when you shot this
Thank you
USA. Blessed by God, beautiful by nature.
Created by genocide
@@appleslover . What land wasn't? All land was conquered at some point, even among the Native Americans.
@@timothyhaines556 stupid and redundant excuse for genocide and slavery
*WHATABOUTISM* in short
@@appleslover. Why mention it if you are are unable to understand human nature? The question stands; what nation was established without genocide? There used to potentially hundreds of thousands of tribal identities. Each small group is killed, or conformed to the larger group.
Oops. You better go burn down a police station to show that your side is just, eh?
@@timothyhaines556 gotcha 😉
From Fairbanks, Alaska Taikuu for the memories. I used to live in Silverton, so I've been all over that country.
fantastic. Thanks. I drove it going the other way 2 summers ago and this summer in July I will ride it in this direction via motorcycle as part of a statewide tour. I daydream about it. I cannot wait. So, so beautiful.
As European now i understand why Americans loves their country so much
Stunning Video!
This is a blessed Country.
The 131 from Walcott To Steamboat is my personal favorite. But lets be real the whole state is this gorgeous. Cant wait to get back next month after four years!
Beautiful video, soul uplifting. Thank You, I needed this!
Thanks for the ride. Doing some research for a week in CO. Looks incredible !
Jeepstergal
thanks for the ride
I lived on 550 just north of Ouray the past 6 years
I like watching videos to see if I can see me there
looks like you missed me :)
Thanks for the ride
just 4 more miles and you will be at my old place on 550 for the past 7 yrs
went from 550 to the river
That drive is so beautiful
What a pleasant drive!😊
that video was just beautiful, you felt like you were right there, it was totally wonderful
john perry thank you, I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Always enjoyed your videos.Put this on large view.Must be awesome in person.Good job
USA!! A dream for the most of us!
Amazing video! Thanks for posting it! So.... we're doing that drive next month and I'm terrified just thinking about it!! I just want to be sure you drove that heading north from Silverton to Ouray. Those first miles coming the other direction from Ouray south to Silverton look terrifying!
Thank you!!
Michelle LO yes, this is from Silverton to Ouray. There’s nothing to be nervous about, just go slow and you will be fine. It’s a beautiful drive and plenty wide enough, so don’t be nervous. Just respect the mountain and go slow!
Oh good! Thank you so much JeepsterGal...I should be ok then!
I try not to let my fear stop me from doing things... I wouldn't want to miss this drive!
Michelle LO you will not want to miss this. In my opinion, it’s the most beautiful drive in the state.
We've lived in Colo Springs 4 years and have done a ton of CO trips...We're most excited for this one!
Very nice video! We drove it in April, 2018. Would love to go back.
Awesome ride Colorado is awesome place to live
Great video!! I've been to Ouray and it is hands down one of the prettiest places I've ever seen! When you reach the town..the hotel in the right called "The Antler Hotel" is where we stayed a couple of the nights. The other two nights were spent hiking and camping the Uncompahgre mountain.
was looking for a nice view. sure did get it. i like the way you filmed this. just a relaxing track on and front view in a car. No special things with drones. just relaxing:)
Amazing video. Excellent. My vote #1. I hope to do the drive next year. Pity no road guards on those steep drops. Just need to take my time driving on the opposite side of the road. Mario from Australia
Thanks for the ride along!. Great area to be in during the Fall time. Thanks Jeff
Heaven via Road - One of "1,000 Places To See Before You Die"
Thank you for sharing an amazing video and nice music.
Beautiful job on this video.........thanks for sharing
Beautiful drive ! thanks for sharing that. I love fall colors, my favorite photography time of year :)
I have to drive this road one day!!!😍😍😍😍
Beautiful drive. Thanks for posting that.
This is wonderful, Thank you so much!
I grew up in Ouray, so I grew up driving this road (I didn't learn how to parallel park until I was in my twenties). I kept saying, "Downshift!" to the pickup in front right around the 27:00 mark. Ah...I love the smell of burning brakes.
Great video, planning a trip for next Oct 2nd (god willing).
Glórias a Deus! Pelas obras da suas mãos
Não a riqueza, maior que contemplar uma Maravilha dessas.
In this area you can try Engineer pass that is a moderate 4x4 road that is very spectacular in summer only.
We have over 200 percent snow pack this year to date so alot of trails will be closed til late summer.
I live in Colorado and love this drive. Stop in Maggie's Kitchen at Ouray for some delicious burgers. Don't be put off by the appearance, it's scruffy, but the food and atmosphere is wonderful. If you go all the way to Durango, don't miss the railroad museum. It's FREE.
Wow, that was awesome
thanks you
Nice job Marion! Makes me wonder why the hell I am sitting in Texas. Next year with my brand new Rubicon!!!!
I'm really stuck on watching this LOL
Thanks !!!!
beautiful
Hi Jeepster Gal!! Nice video identical to the one I just took in mid September from Silverton to Ouray. What a magnificent ride!! Great video, I may try to put mine on You Tube cause I've never done it before!! (:
Thanks Bob, it's such a spectacular drive, I never get tired of it!
I too drove it 3 times while I was in the area! I don't think that would ever get old!!
Beautiful!
Great video!
Great Tips Good Stuff 👍😀
I drove this road in June a few years ago. It was snowing in the mountaintops. In June! We don't get that in Texas.
Nice drive.
JeepsterGal 2020
America needs STRONG Leadership!
Hi Will. May I offer you a cookie, tender snowflake?
grazie!
Magnificient!!
Very beautiful and scary ride
A must see drive
Nice video, I live in Northern Colorado and drive the Hwy 34 to Estes Park and The Poudre canyon drive near Fort Collins. The Poudre is a very nice scenic drive , however some of these local residents are idiots racing through this nice road passing you by at 80mph . Dumb fools who do not appreciate the beauty of the drive and mountains , only in a hurry to get somewhere else. I take my time to enjoy the views and the drive even though I have seen it many times before. There are many rude people on the roads but that does not ruin my driving experience enjoyment in the mountains.
Thanks for watching and yes, people have a tendency to go way too fast on both 34 and 36. I just want to enjoy the river and canyon and have to worry someone is coming around a curve too fast right at me.
Reminds me of driving West of Bangkok from bridge over the river Kwai to the border..At least they have guard rails here..The pucker factor of that one section is big...hehe
jeff robinson That's the section of road we took our driving test when I grew up in Ouray many years ago (and I took mine in February!). I didn't learn how to parallel park until I was in my twenties! Who needed it?!? Skill set's a LITTLE bit different than driving anywhere else in the world.
Parabéns pelo vídeo, sentado aqui na frente do computador no Brasil só sonhando.
The video is amazing - I feel just like I am there again! This is so clear; what kind of video equipment did you record this with?
Hello, this was filmed using the GoPro Hero 3 Black Edition. They have since come out with the Hero 4.
REALLY WORTH MILLION DOLLAR DRIVING ON THIS ROAD WITH THE LANDSCAPE
Thanks for sharing this! I tried in vein to find a good dashcam & mounting hardware that wouldn't bounce/shake like crazy for our trip there last October, no luck, and you have accomplished just that. I see you used a GoPro do you mind sharing how/where you had mounted it? Thanks in advance!
+NoTcH JoHnSoN Hi I put my Go Pro on the front of my hood with a suction cup. But you could use a Go Pro on your dash. It comes with a mount that will stick to surfaces and then peel up. :)
Thank you for the prompt response! I always wondered if the suction mounts held a camera steady enough w/o shaking driving down the road, now I know. Thanks again.
Thank you kindly for the info. Hopefully I'll have my setup ready to go when I come back out there this Oct.
Safe travels to you.
I've never been there. But it sure feels like home.
Journey well,
High Plains Drifter
Byron J. Kurka
Kurka's Raiders
Nice video
Spectacular scenery , but just curious, why is it called the Million Dollar highway ?
i went the opposite way not to long ago, i'm lucky i researched it and the trails first because my gps was trying to make me go down black bear which would have been hell in a cts
BRAVO LOVE YOU ❤❤❤❤❤❤
Ya its a beautiful drive been there hauling chemicals didnt have time to truely enjoy it
thanks
yoire welcome
USA is the most beautiful country! It's sad how life quality there has been deteriorating over the last years though. (My opinion)!
Hi, JeepSterGal, thank you very much for sharing such a beautiful scenic drive. Could I use 30 seconds of your video to introduce to Chinese audience on other social platform including Chinese ones? UA-cam is banned in China. I won't use without your permission.
Thank you again for sharing!
Sure, thank you for asking.
@@JeepsterGal thank you so much!
Wonderful. What kind of camera I’d you use?
Go Pro 3 :)