Red Mountain Pass
The rust-red summit of the Million Dollar Highway, where mining ghosts meet some of the San Juans' wildest scenery.
About Red Mountain Pass
Red Mountain Pass carries US 550 over an 11,018-foot divide between Ouray and Silverton, on the stretch of road known as the Million Dollar Highway. The pass gets its name from the iron-stained Red Mountains, whose orange and crimson slopes make this one of the most distinctive landscapes in Colorado.
The roughly 23 miles between Ouray and Silverton is part of the San Juan Skyway. On the Ouray side the road was blasted into near-vertical cliffs, with tight switchbacks, steep grades and no shoulders or guardrails in places. Along the way you pass old headframes and the remains of Red Mountain mining towns.
For photographers it is a top fall-color destination: aspens light up against the red peaks, and early snow can dust everything at once.
The summit of the Million Dollar Highway at 11,018 feet, part of a 25-mile stretch through southwest Colorado that's consistently ranked among the most scenic drives in the country. It's also one of the more dangerous sections in winter, with steep grades and no guardrails in places — worth respecting even if you're just stopping for a photo, and the red-tinted mineral rock the pass is named for photographs especially well under overcast light.
History
The Red Mountain Mining District boomed for silver from 1882 to 1893, with mines like the Yankee Girl and National Belle feeding towns such as Red Mountain Town, Ironton and Guston. A wagon road was started in 1880 and finished in 1883 after Otto Mears, the 'Pathfinder of the San Juans,' bought a controlling stake; it charged tolls. Mears' Silverton Railroad reached Ironton in 1888. The state upgraded the route for cars in the 1920s, and it opened year-round in 1935. The 'Million Dollar' nickname has many legends, but one account ties it to rebuilding contracts that totaled close to a million dollars in 1921. The Idarado Mine operated nearby into the 1970s.
Photographing Red Mountain Pass
Best light: Late September is prime, when aspens turn gold against the red slopes; overcast days bring out saturated color without harsh contrast. Sunrise and sunset side-light the Red Mountains dramatically, and a dusting of early snow can make the scene unforgettable.
Shots to look for
- Telephoto compressions of aspen patches against the iron-red slopes of the Red Mountains (70-200mm)
- Historic mine headframes like the Yankee Girl as foreground with the peaks behind
- Wide views from pullouts near the summit with layered ridges and the winding highway
- Long exposures of headlight trails on the switchbacks after dusk
- Winter scenes of snow-plastered peaks after storms, when the road is open
Photo tips
- Use designated pullouts only; the road has narrow shoulders and sheer drop-offs
- Fall color weekends get crowded; start before sunrise
- A polarizer deepens the red rock and blue sky but go easy at wide angles
- Many mine structures sit on private land; shoot from the road and respect closures
- Check CDOT before winter trips: avalanches can close the pass for long periods
Know before you go
- Avalanche closures are common in winter; check CDOT road conditions before driving
- The north side toward Ouray has steep grades, hairpins and no guardrails in places
- Elevation exceeds 11,000 ft; weather can change fast any season
- Treat old mine sites as hazardous and stay out of adits and structures
Frequently asked questions
How high is Red Mountain Pass?
The summit sits at 11,018 feet on US 550 between Ouray and Silverton.
Is the Million Dollar Highway dangerous?
It demands care: steep grades, tight switchbacks and sheer drop-offs with little shoulder, plus avalanche closures in winter. Drive slowly and use pullouts.
When are the fall colors best on Red Mountain Pass?
Usually mid-September to early October, depending on the year's weather.
Featured in: Best Fall Color Spots in Colorado
Combine it with
Ouray · Silverton · Ironton · Molas Pass
More Colorado spots
Sources & further reading: en.wikipedia.org · legendsofamerica.com. Conditions, fees and rules change; check with the managing agency before you go.