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United States US-550 Difficulty: 9/10

Million Dollar Highway (San Juan Skyway)

One of the most intimidating and exhilarating ribbons of tarmac on the continent. Carved directly out of the vertical cliffs of the Uncompahgre Gorge with zero guardrails and precipitous 1,000-foot sheer drops, it summits Red Mountain Pass at 11,018 feet amidst rust-red mining tailing peaks. Demands absolute lane discipline, smooth throttle control, and steady nerves through steep-grade switchbacks.

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Distance
Distance
23.5 mi
38 km total run
Turns
Turns
145
6.2 turns per mile
Summit
Summit
11,018 ft
Red Mountain Pass
Surface
Surface
Paved (Twisty)
Difficulty: 9/10
3D Vector Trajectory
CARTO Dark Matter GL
Start: Ouray, CO End: Silverton, CO
Elevation Profile 7,792 – 11,018 ft
SUMMIT 11,018 FT
Red Mountain Pass
Apex Density Index 6.2 curves / mi
Scenic Sweeper Technical Switchback
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Repair

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Nearby Staging
Durango Harley-Davidson & Handlebar Powersports ~55 mi
Durango, United States • +1-970-259-0778
Emergency Tire Replacement | Million Dollar Highway Pit Stop | Full Service
Brands: Harley-Davidson, Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Suzuki
Grand Junction Harley-Davidson ~87 mi
Grand Junction, United States • +1-970-245-0812
Harley Touring Diagnostics | Emergency Tire Center | Master Mechanic
Brands: Harley-Davidson
Lodge

Rider-Friendly Lodging

Covered Parking
Deals Gap Motorcycle Resort & The Tree of Shame ~1322 mi
Robbinsville, NC

The undisputed epicenter of motorcycle culture in the eastern United States, sitting at Mile 0 of the Tail of the Dragon (US-129). An electric, adrenaline-fueled carnival of sportbikes, adventure tourers, and interstate cruisers. Smells of warm tire rubber, two-stroke exhaust, and hickory smoke.

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Tank-Bag Quick Reference Sheet

Start Point Ouray, CO 38.0228, -107.6715
Summit / High Point Red Mountain Pass 11,018 FT Summit
End Destination Silverton, CO 37.8119, -107.6645
T-CLOCS Pre-Ride: Tires & Wheels Controls & Cables Lights & Electric Oil & Fluids Chassis & Stand
DUNLOP
Official Tire Partner: Grip for Mountain Passes
Dunlop Roadsmart IV and Trailmax Mission provide maximum wet/dry confidence on mountain switchbacks.
Explore Dunlop Tires ↗

Frequently Asked Questions

How many curves and miles is Million Dollar Highway (San Juan Skyway)?

Million Dollar Highway (San Juan Skyway) spans 23.5 miles and packs approximately 145 curves (6.2 curves per mile) with an elevation delta of 7,792 ft - 11,018 ft (Red Mountain Pass) and technical rating 9/10.

Where are the start and end coordinates?

The route starts at Ouray, CO (Latitude 38.0228, Longitude -107.6715) and finishes at Silverton, CO (Latitude 37.8119, Longitude -107.6645).

How can I download the GPX file for GPS navigation?

Click the "Download Free GPX" button on this guide. The standard XML file is 100% free and ready to load into Garmin zūmo, BMW Motorrad Connected, Rever, Scenic, or Google Maps.

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