Red Mountain Pass (South side)
Continuing further North from where ’Iron Horse’ stopped - road from Silverton to Ouray is officially known as ’The Million Dollar Highway’, it was built in the late 1880’s, and it is one of the most spectacular rides in the USA. Historians aren’t certain of why this highway has its name. One explanation is that an early traveler was so overcome by vertigo on the steep and winding stretch of road that he insisted he would never travel it again, even if he was paid a million dollars. Relatively easy grades on the climb followed by breathtaking descent along stunning gorge to city of Ouray, a self proclaimed ’Switzerland of America’ - we’ll let you be the judge if you find much resemblance.
Region: Colorado
City: Silverton
Distance: 36.51 km
Elevation Gain: 570 m
Elevation Loss: 1014 m
Difficulty: 370 (Moderate)
FIETS Index: 4 FIETS
Avg Grade: 3.61 %
Max cat climb: HC
Min elevation: 2380 m
Max elevation: 3379 m
Ride Category: Hilly