As part of our effort to bring you information on the nation’s best motorcycle roads, we venture to Colorado. Colorado is filled with amazing roads and awe-inspiring scenery. It is not easy to pick one as a favorite. However, Highway 550 in central Colorado is simply incredible.
Dubbed the Million Dollar Highway after its completion in 1924, the road was an engineering masterpiece. Some say the name comes from the highway’s per-mile cost in some stretches. Highway 550 runs north from Durango for 75 breathtaking miles. The rarely straight road offers a pallet of turns that will keep any motorcyclist interested – long sweepers, off camber hairpins, nicely banked switchbacks and more.
While the entire run is amazing, it is the 20 mile stretch immediately south of Ouray that you will never forget. This climb or descent (depending on your direction) has turns of a variety that I have not seen anywhere else in my three decades of motorcycle touring. Here is a strong warning – this stretch of the 550 is to be RESPECTED. Guardrails are intermittent and the drop is deadly. Do not drag a knee here; just enjoy the road and the scenery.
An added bonus of a trip on the 550 is that you get to visit some of the coolest towns in Colorado. Durango, Silverton, and Ouray are mountain gems. Plan a ride on Colorado Highway 550 and be ready to add the road to your list of favorite rides.
