One such road is US550. US550 runs from Bernalillo, New Mexico to Montrose, Colorado. For the most part, this lengthy stretch of road is nothing special relative to the other mountain highways in this part of the country. However, between Silverton and Ouray, the road became nicknamed the million dollar highway for its expensive construction and ambitious location. Starting in the Uncompahgre Gorge, the road meanders at a steep incline for twelve miles until you reach the summit of Red Mountain Pass. This 12-mile route is considered hazardous to drive in the summer and impossible to traverse in the winter. This is because of steep cliffs, narrow lanes, and no guard rails whatsoever. However, if you’re feeling a sense of adventure, this trip offers breath-taking views of untouched valleys for miles. At Red Mountain Pass, you’ll be at 11,018 feet with an 8% steep grade. But all that gear-grinding will be worth it when you make it to the summit and take in the scene of what human innovation accomplished. You’ll understand why the nickname is deserved when you reach the top.
Mountain driving is no simple task, however; your car will need to be at mint-condition to make the trip without incident. For this reason, make sure you visit a Colorado auto body shop before making your trip. They will tell you if any part of the vehicle needs to be worked on to ensure you have a safe trip. Also, make sure you know how to use the low gears when mountain driving. They will save your engine a lot of trouble, and allow you to hopefully avoid a trip to a Colorado car repair shop on the way.
How to Use This Information
Plan your next big family adventure on the Million Dollar Highway. Take the warnings on this article seriously though. Visit Accurate Auto Body, a Colorado collision center and auto body shop with locations across the Denver metro-area, to make sure your car is in the best shape before you tackle the treacherous highway. You’ll be glad you did.
