Million Dollar Highway Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour
4.4 / 5 · 112 traveler reviews
Recommended: Purchase one tour per vehicle. Everyone can listen at the same time! Strikeout for the wild west with this self-guided driving tour of Colorado’s Million Dollar Highway. This remote, jaw-dropping stretch of roadway was once the site of booming mining towns and railroad tycoons. Today, it’s a totally unique blend of jaw-dropping natural beauty and rugged western charm. But you’ll do more than just see the sights with this tour—you’ll also learn the wild history of this area, from boom to bust. After booking, check your email/text to download the separate Audio Tour Guide App by Action while connected to WiFi or mobile data. Enter the password, download the tour, and enjoy it offline. Follow the audio instructions and route from the designated starting point. New, Lifetime access, no expiry. Use it anytime, on any trip, as many times as you want. This isn't an entrance ticket. Check opening hours before your visit.
Your experience
Stop 1
As you drive through Durango, you'll get acquainted with this fascinating town and the man who put it on the map: Otto Mears. Hear how Mears turned this from a ramshackle railroad camp into the bustling destination it is today. Note: The tour is over 72 miles long, with more than 51 audio stories, and takes about 2-3 hours to complete. New, Lifetime access, no expiry. Use it anytime, on any trip, as many times as you want.
Stop 2
Your northbound tour along the Million Dollar Highway begins in Durango. From here, you'll head north and discover why millions of people come from all over to visit this jaw-dropping stretch of highway.
Stop 3
Along the way you'll pass the Animas River, a 126-mile tributary of the San Juan River. This gorgeous river may have a benign name now, but the first European explorer to find it gave it a much more chilling title.
Stop 4
Next up is Pinkerton Hot Springs, named after dairy agriculturist James Pinkerton, who built a resort and hotel by the springs which also functioned as an illegal speakeasy during prohibition! The resort is long gone, but the natural beauty of the hot springs remains.
Stop 5
Baker's Bridge might be an unassuming landmark, but it holds major significance for classic movie buffs. This is the spot where Paul Newman and Robert Redford made their famous leap into the Animas River in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid!
Stop 6
Haviland Lake State Park is a fantastic place to break up a long drive with a picnic or an icy swim. This picture-perfect lake is shaded by towering pines and offers great views of the Hermosa Cliffs beyond. It's also a no-wake lake undisturbed by larger motorboats.
Stop 7
Molas Pass rises an incredible 10,910 feet above sea level, making it one of the highway's two highest mountain passes. Despite this elevation, it's also a famous landmark along an annual bicycle racing route! Skilled cyclists huff their way to the top, then ride gravity the rest of the way down.
Stop 8
Pristine, peaceful, and very chilly, Molas Lake is one of the best places to view the San Juan Mountains and the Weminuche Wilderness. Formed by glaciers thousands of years ago, it's now an absolutely perfect picnic spot for the weary traveler.
Stop 9
Silverton might get its name from the precious metal once mined in its vicinity, but the history of this land dates back way before the arrival of miners and their mules. As you pass through, you'll get a glimpse into the history of the Ute tribe who once called this their home, and what happened to them when the mining rush began.
Stop 10
Along your way, you'll pass the remains of Ironton. Once a booming mining town, built largely around the harvest of iron ore, Ironton is now one of many ghost towns which were left behind after mining operations in these mountains went bust. The last Ironton resident died in 1960.
Stop 11
Bear Creek Falls is a dramatic, 200 foot cascading waterfall that is an absolute must-see along your route. If you're visiting in the fall, the autumn foliage makes this already impressive attraction even better.
Stop 12
In the final stretch of your tour, you'll enter the storied town of Ouray. Nicknamed "the Switzerland of America," this picturesque mountain town isn't just a pretty face. It's also packed with things to do! From ice parks to waterfalls, it's a place ripe for discovery.
What’s included
- Just bring your car and phone; the app guides your tour.
- Support is available via chat, email, or phone if you need help.
- Planning tools, route maps, scenic stops, and area previews included.
- Private tour experience for your family, in your own car.
- Lifetime access: use the tour anytime and keep it for future trips.
- Works offline with GPS route guidance and automatic audio stories.
- One purchase covers everyone in your car, not per person.
- Flexible tour: start, stop, and pause anytime during your trip.
- Access your tour in our separate audio tour app after booking.
- Hidden gems and local stories included along the route.
Not included
- No live guide. Entrance fees, parking, food, and car rental are separate.
Meeting and pickup
Start near the Ouray Visitor’s Center on US-550, with the Visitor’s Center and Hot Springs Park on your right. Head south toward Durango to begin your drive. This is the suggested starting point. We’re not affiliated with nearby businesses. Audio plays automatically—check your email/text for details
Start on US-550 (Main Ave) in Durango, just before 17th St & Park Ave, with a gas station on your right. Head north toward Ouray to begin your drive. This is the suggested start. We’re not affiliated with nearby businesses. Audio plays automatically—check your email/text for setup details.
Before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- NOTE: Check current road closures before you go.
- Easy to use: GPS-triggered audio plays automatically along the route for a hands-free experience.
- Private tour: Explore in your own vehicle without crowded buses or large tour groups.
- At your own pace: Start anytime and pause for hikes, picnics, photos, or scenic stops.
- Works offline: Once downloaded, the tour works using GPS without Wi-Fi or cellular service.
- Good value: One purchase covers everyone in your vehicle, not each person separately.
- More ways to save: Choose a single tour, a nearby bundle, or access to 200+ tours.
- Download in advance: Download the Tour Guide app by Action and tour while connected to Wi-Fi or a strong cellular signal.
- Follow the route: Begin at the suggested starting point or join anywhere along the route shown in the app.
- Lifetime access: Preview the tour before your trip and revisit the stories, photos, and details afterward.
- Supported devices: iPhone with iOS 15+, Android with version 9+, or a GPS-enabled iPad/tablet with cellular capability.
- The app’s audio will play through your car’s Apple CarPlay and Android Auto display, while the app’s map will display on your phone. You can connect your phone to the car via Bluetooth to listen to the commentary through the car stereo.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Check the policy for your selected date and option before booking.
Check dates and book on Viator →Confirm the meeting point, inclusions, cancellation policy and final price on Viator. We may earn a commission from your booking.