Molas Pass
A breathtaking high-altitude pass on the Million Dollar Highway, offering sweeping San Juan Mountain vistas and access to serene Molas Lake.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Clear skies, best light
Molas Pass
Best Time
Clear skies, best light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A breathtaking high-altitude pass on the Million Dollar Highway, offering sweeping San Juan Mountain vistas and access to serene Molas Lake.
"Million Dollar views! A beautiful place to stop along the Million Dollar Highway."
🚗 Drive with Caution
No guardrails and steep drop-offs! Check your brakes and drive slowly, especially on curves.
📸 Capture the Views
Pull over at designated overlooks for stunning photo opportunities. Sunset at Molas Cabin is magical!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Mountain Vistas
Sweeping views of the San Juan Mountains that will take your breath away. A true feast for the eyes!
Molas Lake
Adjacent to the pass
A serene alpine lake offering reflections of the surrounding peaks. Perfect for a peaceful moment.
Million Dollar Highway Drive
Experience one of America's most scenic and thrilling drives, connecting Ouray and Silverton.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Scenic Drive
Prepare for High Altitude
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Drive with Caution
No guardrails and steep drop-offs! Check your brakes and drive slowly, especially on curves.
📸 Capture the Views
Pull over at designated overlooks for stunning photo opportunities. Sunset at Molas Cabin is magical!
🥾 Short Trail by Lake
A brief trail near Molas Lake is highly recommended for extra scenic beauty.
🧥 Dress in Layers
Weather changes rapidly at high altitudes. Be prepared for sun, wind, and even snow.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Drive with Caution
No guardrails and steep drop-offs! Check your brakes and drive slowly, especially on curves.
📸 Capture the Views
Pull over at designated overlooks for stunning photo opportunities. Sunset at Molas Cabin is magical!
🥾 Short Trail by Lake
A brief trail near Molas Lake is highly recommended for extra scenic beauty.
🧥 Dress in Layers
Weather changes rapidly at high altitudes. Be prepared for sun, wind, and even snow.
⛽ Fuel Up Beforehand
Gas stations are scarce. Ensure your vehicle has enough fuel for the entire drive.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Molas Pass for its absolutely breathtaking mountain views and its status as a highlight of the Million Dollar Highway. Many appreciate the accessible overlooks and the serene beauty of Molas Lake. Some note the challenging driving conditions and the potential for unpredictable weather, including snow.
"Wonderful views! Perfect stop! View of mountains vast lands, lotus ponds and endless beauty"
Jitesh Rai
"Memorial Day weekend had outstanding weather. Great views. A nice place to get out and stretch the legs. Their is a bathroom and plenty of parking. Million Dollar views!"
Shawn Katcher
"Beautiful place to stop along the Million Dollar Highway! There’s a short trail close to the lake that’s worth it to check out!"
Taylor Berry
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Molas Pass is located on US Highway 550, also known as the Million Dollar Highway, between Durango and Silverton, Colorado. It's a key part of the San Juan Skyway Scenic Byway.
While generally open year-round, the pass can experience closures due to heavy snowfall, especially in winter and early spring. Always check road conditions before traveling.
Driving the Million Dollar Highway is the most popular way to experience Molas Pass. Many visitors also enjoy stopping for short hikes or to admire the views.
Yes, RVs can navigate Molas Pass, but drivers should be experienced and cautious due to the narrow roads, steep grades, and lack of guardrails. A 4x4 vehicle is recommended in adverse conditions.
The closest towns are Silverton to the north and Durango to the south. Both offer amenities and are popular starting or ending points for the Million Dollar Highway drive.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Molas Pass itself is a public roadway and does not have an entrance fee. You can stop and enjoy the views freely.
Molas Pass is an open road and accessible 24/7, weather permitting. However, driving at night can be challenging due to the lack of lighting and sheer drop-offs.
No advance booking is required as Molas Pass is a public highway. However, if you plan to take the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, booking tickets in advance is highly recommended.
The primary restriction is related to road safety. Drivers should be experienced and cautious. During winter months, road closures due to snow are common.
While the main overlooks offer accessible parking, some trails may be challenging. The views from the parking areas are still spectacular.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Enjoy breathtaking scenic drives, stop at overlooks for photos, take short walks near Molas Lake, and appreciate the vast mountain landscapes.
Yes, Molas Pass is located on the Colorado Trail, offering access to various hiking opportunities. A short trail near Molas Lake is particularly popular.
You might spot various alpine wildlife, including marmots, pikas, and various bird species. Keep a safe distance and do not feed the animals.
Yes, there are restrooms available at the Molas Pass overlook area, which also offers ample parking.
Absolutely! Molas Pass offers incredible photographic opportunities, especially during sunrise, sunset, and fall foliage season.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no restaurants directly at Molas Pass. You'll need to visit nearby towns like Silverton or Durango for dining options.
Yes, picnicking is a great option! Pack your own food and enjoy it at one of the scenic overlooks. Remember to pack out all trash.
Both towns offer a range of dining, from casual cafes and diners to more upscale restaurants, often featuring local Colorado cuisine.
It's highly recommended to bring snacks and drinks, as services are limited along the Million Dollar Highway.
📸 📸 Photography
Golden hour, both sunrise and sunset, offers the most dramatic lighting. Fall foliage season (late September to early October) is also spectacular.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive mountain vistas. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife. Don't forget a sturdy tripod for low-light conditions.
The main overlook near Molas Lake is a must-stop. Also, look for pull-offs along the highway that offer unique perspectives of the valleys and peaks.
Be mindful of the sheer drop-offs when setting up shots. Also, be aware of changing weather conditions and protect your gear from the elements.
While the train passes through the area, it's more commonly photographed closer to Durango or Silverton. However, you might catch a glimpse from certain vantage points.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚗 Road Trip Enthusiasts
Ensure your vehicle is in good condition, especially the brakes, and be prepared for changing weather. 📸 Photographers
Golden hour (sunrise and sunset) provides the most magical light, while fall foliage season transforms the landscape into a vibrant masterpiece. +1 Bring a wide-angle lens to capture the grandeur and be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Driving the Million Dollar Highway
Despite the driving challenges, the Million Dollar Highway offers unparalleled views of the San Juan Mountains. It's a bucket-list drive for many, offering a true sense of adventure and immersion in the rugged Colorado landscape. Pulling over at designated overlooks is essential to safely soak in the panoramic vistas and capture stunning photographs.
Travelers often describe the drive as both exhilarating and a little scary, but overwhelmingly rewarding. The scenery is consistently described as 'epic' and 'breathtaking,' making it a must-do for anyone visiting the region.
Molas Lake and Surrounding Trails
Molas Pass is also a gateway to numerous hiking opportunities, as it lies directly on the Colorado Trail. This long-distance hiking path provides access to a variety of trails for different skill levels. A short, accessible trail near the lake is particularly recommended by visitors for its scenic rewards.
Beyond the immediate vicinity of the pass, the broader San Juan National Forest offers extensive backcountry exploration. Whether you're looking for a short stroll or a multi-day backpacking adventure, the area around Molas Pass provides ample opportunities to connect with nature.
+1Best Times for Fall Colors and Snow
+1However, the weather at Molas Pass can be highly unpredictable. It's not uncommon for snow to fall even during the shoulder seasons. Some visitors have experienced snow showers as early as late September or as late as May, adding an element of surprise and beauty to their visit.
This means that you might witness a unique combination of fall colors and early snowfall, creating a truly memorable experience. For those seeking winter activities, Molas Pass can be a destination for snowmobiling, though specific trail conditions and accessibility should always be checked with local authorities. The pass itself can be challenging to navigate in deep snow, but the surrounding areas offer opportunities for winter recreation.
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