U.S. 550, aka the Million Dollar Highway, is a spectacular mountain highway route through the San Juan Mountains in the southwest of Colorado and a part of the San Juan Skyway Scenic Byway. Beneath the Red Mountain, halfway between Silverton and Ouray, an impressive hairpin curve elevates cyclist’s spirit, the first of several hairpin curves beneath the Red Mountain Pass; it did mine, looking down upon it, hence ready to coast downhill and enjoy the smooth curves. Alas, heading in the opposite direction would be a different story as the scenic curve begins a steady climb to the Red Mountain Pass, elevation 11,018 ft (3,358 m). The highway 550 is an amazing road, unfortunately for a cyclist even more dangerous than for cars. Never mind the rocks that can fall off the steep cliffs, narrow lanes, and a lack of guardrails and no shoulder. Traffic is pretty steady and all drivers are looking at the magnificent scenery. Perhaps cycling in a group, you can get some attention from the drivers, but going alone is uncomfortable, especially with scores of monstrous RVs on the road. Undeniably, the road has its magic, offering a memorable ride, but best proceed in stages, pulling off the pavement every time cars and RVs approach from behind you.
