The name "Million Dollar Highway" is believed to have originated in the late 1920s, when a local editor referred to the road as "a million-dollar view". The name stuck, and over time it became associated with the entire stretch of road between Silverton and Ouray. There are also a few other theories, as you point out, about how the Million Dollar Highway got its name. One popular story is that the road's fill material contains a significant amount of gold ore, which gives it its high value. Another theory is that the road cost a million dollars per mile to construct due to its challenging terrain, narrow lanes, and steep drop-offs. However, there is no concrete evidence to support these theories, and the most commonly accepted explanation is that it was simply named after the breathtaking views of the San Juan Mountains. Have fun!

Y'all making me terribly homesick for Colorado, easily the best 22 years of my life were spent in those western mountain towns.

@kat8434

Жыл бұрын

The same here.

I live in Colorado...and I don't find the Million Dollar Highway intimidating...and I prefer driving it the opposite way, dropping into Ouray with the cool, jagged mountains..But I also prefer to do it in the summer. Lol! Stay safe and have fun...and thanks for bringing us along!

@jeffreygunn3530

Жыл бұрын

Same here. I drive it at least a couple times a year while pulling a travel trailer, and it doesn't bother me. But I've never done it in winter.

@DunnDifferent

Жыл бұрын

I lived in Durango for 6 years and made that drive probably 100 times and it’s actually fun. Honestly wolf creek pass is more nerve wracking when it’s snow covered.

I love that you keep the bloopers in! Keeping it real AND funny! The frozen waterfall was really epic! You two are like pros at this now! The shots from your drone are amazing! Your editing piecing it all together is on point! Great job you guys! The Adventure continues!

@trevorupton6904

Жыл бұрын

Me to cheers

Thank you both for all these years of enjoyment!!!

We went over the Million Dollar Hwy. I was not scared then. But, now I am relieved I did not expire there🤯

I went to undergrad in Durango! Such a fun town, but yes the roads around there are dangerous. If it's not the curves, it's the deer. I always liked the jackrabbits you could see by the side of the road.

@jt.s.7418

Жыл бұрын

Yes, I suspect the animals darting onto the road might be a close second to the ice patches. Great Video. I'm glad you're loving our beautiful state 🤗

I am dying over the guy who just watched your vid and saw you guys! The chances of that scenario happening is insane!

What a crazy, beautiful drive!! Fun time to visit the town too! Love the drone shots! Excellent video guys! ~Cara 😊

Lol. I was chuckling a little when I read the title. I’ve ran that highway pulling a 48’ RGN trailer. It was a fun ride. On a lot of those curves I had to take up the whole road shoulder to cliff side.

Took the narrow gauge railroad from Durango to Silverton years ago. The views were awesome.

@sheilaathay2034

Жыл бұрын

My brother in law's family is from there. He took my sis and the kids on that railroad , and they just loved it. They're all grown up now, but they still talk about it. Durango is beautiful. My brother in law misses it I think. We're in Utah now which is beautiful. We live in a wild area , resplendent with nature. Gotta have the wilderness!

Another fantastic video. Be safe guys

Thanks for the video. That is always nice seeing your subscribers👍🏻

Durango is such a fun small town with options, definitely eclectic but very nice during the spring/summer. If you are heading West, I do hope you make a stop at Mesa Verde National Park. You would love it.

Its amazing these roads even exist. Thats a lot of work.

I’m glad that you’re enjoying your travels in Colorado. I hope you find your little corner of the country to settle down in for a while. Have you done a “how we met” video? I’ve been a fan for a long time. I’d love to hear your story.

This is brilliant. Amazing video guys 👏❤️

Wooo!! What a fun video! We are heading out west this spring, def got Colorado winter on our list. Thanks for sharing !!

Thanks so much for sharing all these wonderful places - I would never see it otherwise. Love watching you guys!

I have been following you guys all over the world the last few years and it's strange to see you exploring in my back yard. I was born in the Durango area and still live here. Glad you made it in time for Snowdown, fun times.

Epic video

Love the intro music! your channel is so upbeat absolutely love it❤️

Thank you for sharing this with me. I want to say just how much I just love seeing you’re video’s and I all the fun you have.

Love you both, my favourite KZread couple.

Am enjoying this series so much

Another great watch from here in the UK. Allison you are so brave driving that highway 😮 you are certainly on an Endless Adventure and we love it. Thank you for sharing, as always, we look forward to your films 🎥

Wow! So great and beautiful place 😍😍😍😍

You always make such great videos

I grew up and graduated from high school in Pagosa Springs, CO. So incredibly cool to see my home stomping grounds from your video! Haven’t been to Colorado for a few years and I’m really missing it. I’ll be visiting very soon. Glad you liked Durango!

Great experience

I've been over the Million a bunch of times, splitting time between towns north of Ouray and Albuquerque. I always heard that the name referred to the fact that it cost $1 million dollars per mile to widen and modernize it during the 1960's. Did you miss Silverton?

Hi Eric and Allison What are great Video love that part of the state

I’ve driven that road several times. It’s beautiful but so scary.

I love watching your adventures 🎉stay safe

So glad you guys made it!! ❤️ The Aztec/Farmington area is also great.... just so you know 😏 😀

so cool!!

Hi guys! Glad your having fun. You’ll find that most of the CO mountain towns are fun. Leadville, Gunnison, Montrose, Telliride, Vail, Breckenridge, Aspen, Snowmass, etc. All are fun. Take care and keep having fun!

Awesome epik video 👍❤❤❤🤘

Moving to Durango in 2 weeks! I cant wait for all the adventures that await in Colorado

The views from the drone wauw wauw 🤩 you sure see how twisted the road is. Looked awesome from above 😅 But driving eek you did very well Alison 💕. 😂😂😂😂Now that was some car wash 🫣🤣 certainly a Town with a vibe enjoy the Rest of your stay . Hows Clementine doing ? Have a Good week take care 🥰

It's going to be a great day, when nature has taken it all back. xo

Great video! Keep on trekkin' kids! You're almost to Richfield Utah! Come on! You're almost here😉🤣🤩

Legend has it..The Parade Marches on!

Really enjoying your Colorado series.. its nice that you are spending more time in a state and doing more.. rather than a "whistle stop tour"... I am still hoping you will go back to the states you said you would while your camper was originally getting a new engine.

Wow, Guys thanks for sharing "the Million Dollar Highway" and cool Durango. ⛰Love the wild times in Durango. Love the channel,💖 and amazing Colorado. 🌄Hope you can find a home and some land in Colorado. Love the channel. You are the coolest couple on KZread. 💑Have a great 2023. Cheers 🍺🍺🍺🍺🤠

Thanks for visiting and showcasing our amazing town! Next time make sure you stop by the toy store and play INSIDE where it's warm! :)

I love that area. Some of my favorite cycling in the state during the summer months. We used to do the Iron Horse race every year where you race the train over the pass. Such a fun place to visit.

Nice 👍👍

Durango, Colorado looks fun! I feel like I want to add that to my visit list!

love this video.

Gonna restart this with a drinking game where I drink every time you say “on this road” lol it’ll do the trick!

Colorado from what I hear from friends who lived there its breathtaking beautiful an fun .thier jobs took them away.your lucky to go.i can no longer travel now that my kids are grown.i see it through your eyes.thank you.

Wow, wow, wow.

that look out give me shivers just looking at it on the video LOL

We have the same coozies 🥰

You should drive it during the summer! The views are so different and amazing!

Cute as bugs. 😉 Enjoy the snow.

That drop off is freaky! Mountain driving in the snow is no joke. I’ve done it once and have major respect for those folks who do it on the regular. But man those views are insane! Durango looks like a cute city. I could see you guys participating in that parade…

Very beautiful 👍☺👏

You missed a great town that's just your style, Silverton. It's funky fun.

Oh man, we love Colorado but that road might be a bit much for us with our fear of heights! Y’all were troopers though! Beautiful views! Safe travels y’all! -Ben and Ang

The boondocking outside of Durango was some of our favorite in Colorado. Can only access it via skis at this time of year though.

crazy drive crazy town

Who knew Durango had it going on like that 🕺🌶️🤣 I love it! We’re just racking up on places to visit on our next trip to Colorado. Thanks guys

Hello both. I’ve been to Durango several times, always on a bus tout]r and in the summer. Then we have always visited the railway. The ride to Silverton is a great experience. Most times it started in Durango and once from Silverton. The experience going up to Silverton is much more atmospheric. The steam train works harder and the sounds are greater. Silverton was great, arriving with the steam train pulling up in the main street was great you’d expect a cowboy to meet you.

Another neat scenic road. Was looking at the road on Google Maps and there are just loads of trails and interesting old mines in the area. Some really cool alpine roads for 4x4's only. Looks like a great area to explore.

I grew up in Hermosa, really close to the Allen Rose. It was a lot of fun seeing your experience and you hit during snowdown how lucky for you.

The most treacherous ride for me has been driving through the blue mountains of Jamaica. My Jamaican dad did the driving. My American mom (afraid of heights, decided to sit and the backseat and was still crying in fear LOL). We are talking bad roads, trucks, buses, and no guardrails. Is it beautiful? Oh absolutely. Through areas that look like your in the middle of a rainforests with vines? Gorgeous. We even picked up old ladies and students hitchhiking. One of the best memories of my life.

well im glad you 2 didnt die and i dont want the adventure to end and i still want you to come to north wales again in the uk. please.

OMG that drive down the Million Dollar Highway looks terrifying!! What if there was black ice..or any ice in general, and you can slide right off the cliff *shiver*. So beautiful though! Nuts at the timing of your arrival in Durango during all of those crazy festivities!

I live on the Navajo Reservation on 550 south of Bloomfield, New Mexico. I do my shopping in Durango and take weekend trips to Ouray throughout the year. I haven't known a season I don't love there.

I liked Durango! We had a fun time there on a trip last year. Fun lil town

It's about to get ugly out that way. Bad snow storm headed that way . Please get prepared Stay Safe and Warm Mucho Love From Your Friend In Chilly Michigan Tam 💜

I don't know where you're at today, but I live just down the road in Pagosa Springs. Best quiet little gem in all of Colorado. If you haven't already passed through and need a warm shower and warm place to stay by a fireplace, please reach out! You guys are always a joy to watch.

I definitely wasn't expecting that for the first thing on the city

Hi, I've done both the million dollar highway and the route des crêtes in the Verdon. I'd say they're not too bad. There's way worse in France or Switzerland. In France, there's many roads in the Cévennes mountains that are crazy narrow and with no guardrails. Same thing in the Alps, like in the Vercors, the cime de la Bonnette, or the road to Stalvio pass between Switzerland and Italy. Italy is a bit more secure, because although there are narrow roads with drop-offs, they usually build strong guardrails. In the USA itself, there are summit roads that are worse than the million dollar highway. Mount Evans for example, or Pikes Peak.

@carolbarker1329

Жыл бұрын

The Mt Evans road made me feel faint. I had to pull over and get out of the car and take deep breaths. I learned that you shouldn’t hold your breath while going up and down the mountain roads with so many switchbacks… lol.

See u next week❤

Next time, try driving down Colfax in downtown Colorado. It has more than double the fatalities regularly as this relaxing drive. 😉

I drove the same direction on the million dollar highway with a visiting friend from the UK. He was on his driver side, my passenger side. Absolutely horrified that close to dropping off the edge. Later accused me of trying to kill him. We made it Durango. Went to the “Ore House” for steaks . We still go there for birthdays. It’s a splurge. But the best, very, very best experience in Durango. Period.

Took this route as well! only from Durango to Ouray. We can vouch that the state maintains the roads , we got hung up in some of the construction lol. Beautiful drive for sure!

Try the GOLDEN ROAD between Rodel and Tarbet at the southern end of Harris in the Outer Hebrides…magic!

Steep mountain there. Durango is also beautiful and looked like fun. We bought 3 Kevin meals and really enjoyed them. They were great for a work night so we could eat at home. Thanks for the recommendation on your previous video post.

You need to do the Sky Walk in the Grand Canyon if you want a scary sticking-out-over-a-ledge experience! :D It really is amazing! Glass floor and walking over the edge of the Canyon is amazing...

Please come to Colorado Springs!!

Be safe

This is not that bad, go back to the dirt road between Central City and Russell Gulch/Blackhawk...it connects Idaho Springs (where you had an AirBnB once) to Central City.The road is called Virginia canyon and also "THE OH MY GOD ROAD" Ask anyone in the area and rhey will tell you all about it!

@ddebdiva

Жыл бұрын

I'll be take oh, my God over million dollar any day. I've driven them both several times living in Colorado.

@teressarenslow5992

Жыл бұрын

Personally, I don't find either frightening! Lol!

this looks like the road we use to get to my granny in Jamboree KY,

It was 1995 & we just moved to Colo from Ill. So, in our 1991 Volvo 240 we took off from Greeley (we still live here) to Ouray. It was winter & the entire town was out of supplies. No pizza etc. Heard of the "Million $ Hiway", but in the Volvo we started out . Well, I had these cheap "chains" for the tires (really, they were wires) & I tried to put them on, didn't work so I tossed 'em in the trunk. Did the road down to Durango but was I not prepared. Today, we've done that road so many times I really know it well. In fact, just after leaving Ouray there is a spot on the road where the tire will dip & (no guard rail) your heart will sink. That dip has been there for yrs & I'm used to it. Yes, the road does "level out" as you drive along but, "scary"? No. One must pay attention. :)

Love the MDH. Drove a 34’ motorhome pulling a jeep through one summer many years ago! Probably one of scariest things I had ever done to that point!

Cute Stubby Coolers.

Forget Colorado, move to Santa Fe, New Mexico. It has snow and lots of charm.

@stenaphy2011

Жыл бұрын

💯. And equally shock and awe inspiring roads from Sante Fe - north to Taos and beyond! I prefer the skiing in NM for it's pristine charm as well.

Snowdown!

I hope you go to Silverton too

Hi from Türkiye. Thank you for video

I've driven that road at this time of year, but from Durango to Ouray - much less scary away from the edge haha. Greetings from North Wales x.

I'm a Florida girl, but you guys are making CO look fun

We traveled this route in September and the aspen color was awesome. Also I was driving so I didn't get to see the views as much as I would have liked in the interest of safety and living.

I found you two last year when looking for a small suv to pull behind our class c camper, Huckleberry. You just got Ruby and I was envious. I live in Grand Junction co and found a green geo tracker in pagosa springs ( another great co town) I drove my sequoia, Pearl, down south to pagosa springs and pulled my new geo tracker, Emerald, back to G J over the Million Dollar Highway...I will try to post pics! Love living vicariously through you 2!! Come see th co national monument in the spring!!!

I drove the Million Dollar Highway in 2021 in my38 ft motorhome pulling my car. I didn't even know I was on it until I was done. It was breathtaking. It was also under construction so a little more nerve racking.

My husband rode a motorcycle from Durango to Ouray. Glad I skipped that trip. Hope you get to check out Canon City & Trinidad CO.