Red Mountain Mining District
Explore a historic silver boom district along Colorado's stunning Million Dollar Highway, with ghost towns and breathtaking mountain vistas.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Clearer skies, fewer crowds
Red Mountain Mining District
Best Time
Clearer skies, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore a historic silver boom district along Colorado's stunning Million Dollar Highway, with ghost towns and breathtaking mountain vistas.
"The views on the Million Dollar Highway are absolutely breathtaking and a must-see in Colorado!"
🚗 Drive with Caution
The Million Dollar Highway is narrow and winding. Take your time, use lower gears on descents, and pull over for faster traffic.
📸 Capture the Scenery
Bring your camera! The Red Mountain Mining District offers incredible photo opportunities, especially with drone footage.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Million Dollar Highway Views
Between Silverton and Ouray
Breathtaking mountain vistas and sheer drop-offs make this drive an unforgettable experience.
Ironton Ghost Town
Near Ouray
Wander through the remnants of a once-thriving silver boomtown, with over 50 structures still standing.
Old Hundred Gold Mine
Silverton
Ride an electric mine car deep into the mountain for a unique, family-friendly glimpse into mining history.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything on the Million Dollar Highway
Respect the Past, Preserve the Present
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Drive with Caution
The Million Dollar Highway is narrow and winding. Take your time, use lower gears on descents, and pull over for faster traffic. +1
📸 Capture the Scenery
Bring your camera! The Red Mountain Mining District offers incredible photo opportunities, especially with drone footage. 
⛏️ Respect Historic Sites
Many structures are fragile. Admire from a distance and avoid entering unsafe buildings.
🥾 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Exploring ghost towns and trails requires comfortable, closed-toe footwear.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Drive with Caution
The Million Dollar Highway is narrow and winding. Take your time, use lower gears on descents, and pull over for faster traffic. +1
📸 Capture the Scenery
Bring your camera! The Red Mountain Mining District offers incredible photo opportunities, especially with drone footage.
⛏️ Respect Historic Sites
Many structures are fragile. Admire from a distance and avoid entering unsafe buildings.
🥾 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Exploring ghost towns and trails requires comfortable, closed-toe footwear.
💧 Stay Hydrated
High altitude means you need to drink plenty of water, especially when hiking.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the absolutely stunning and dramatic scenery along the Million Dollar Highway, calling it a breathtaking experience. The historic mining towns and remnants offer a fascinating glimpse into Colorado's past. Some travelers note the challenging nature of the road and the limited amenities, advising preparedness.
"Awesome views"
Rick Morton
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The district is primarily accessed via the Million Dollar Highway (US-550) between Silverton and Ouray, Colorado. This scenic route offers stunning views but can be challenging. +1 Consider flying into Durango-La Plata County Airport (DRO) and renting a car for the scenic drive.
No, the Million Dollar Highway often experiences winter closures due to heavy snowfall. It's crucial to check road conditions before your trip, especially outside of summer months.
Due to the narrow, winding nature and steep drop-offs of the Million Dollar Highway, it is not recommended for large RVs or vehicles towing trailers.
The district is situated between the historic mining towns of Silverton to the south and Ouray to the north. Both offer lodging, dining, and amenities.
Public transportation directly to the remote mining sites is limited. Most visitors use personal vehicles or rental cars. Some guided tours may offer transportation from Silverton or Ouray.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The Red Mountain Mining District itself is largely an open area accessible via public roads. However, specific attractions like the Old Hundred Gold Mine require admission tickets.
Operating hours vary by attraction. The Old Hundred Gold Mine typically runs tours during daylight hours in the summer season. It's best to check their official website for current schedules.
There are generally no entrance fees to explore the ghost towns like Ironton. You can wander through the historic structures and imagine life in the boom days.
It is strongly advised against exploring abandoned mines on your own. They are often unstable, dangerous, and may be on private property. Stick to guided tours for safety.
For general photography, no specific permits are usually required. However, if you plan on commercial photography or drone usage, it's wise to check local regulations.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can drive the scenic Million Dollar Highway, explore ghost towns like Ironton, visit historic mines like the Old Hundred Gold Mine, and enjoy stunning mountain scenery.
Yes, the Old Hundred Gold Mine offers a unique and engaging experience for families, including an electric mine car ride and gold panning. The scenic drives are also enjoyable for all ages.
While the immediate mining district is more about scenic drives and historical sites, nearby areas offer numerous hiking opportunities. The Ice Lakes hike is a popular, albeit strenuous, option mentioned by travelers.
Facilities are limited within the district itself. Restrooms are more common in the towns of Silverton and Ouray. It's advisable to use facilities before entering the more remote sections.
The Red Mountain Mining District is at a high altitude, with Red Mountain Pass reaching over 11,000 feet. Be prepared for potential altitude sickness by staying hydrated and taking it easy on your first day.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Dining options are primarily found in the nearby towns of Silverton and Ouray. These towns offer a range of restaurants from casual cafes to more formal dining experiences.
No, there are very few, if any, dining establishments directly within the remote Red Mountain Mining District. It's best to plan your meals in Silverton or Ouray.
Yes, packing a picnic is a great idea! There are many scenic pull-offs along the Million Dollar Highway where you can stop and enjoy a meal with a view. Remember to pack out all your trash.
You'll find classic American fare, hearty mountain cuisine, and some local specialties. Think burgers, sandwiches, steaks, and comfort food, perfect after a day of exploring.
Yes, both Silverton and Ouray have grocery stores where you can purchase supplies for picnics or snacks for your drive.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire Million Dollar Highway offers incredible photographic opportunities. Key spots include the sweeping vistas, the ghost town of Ironton, and the historic mine structures.
Drone photography is popular here, offering unique aerial perspectives of the landscape and historic sites.
Golden hours, shortly after sunrise and before sunset, offer the most dramatic lighting for landscape photography. Midday can be harsh, but the starkness of the mining structures can also be compelling.
The Yankee Girl Mine and the structures in Ironton are frequently photographed. The sheer scale and ruggedness of the mining operations against the mountain backdrop are striking.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive mountain scenery. A telephoto lens can be useful for isolating details of the historic mining equipment. A sturdy tripod is recommended for low-light conditions.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during the summer months for the best weather and accessibility. 🚗 Road Trippers & Scenic Drivers
The Red Mountain Mining District itself, with its ghost towns like Ironton, offers historical points of interest along the route. Be prepared for varying road conditions, especially outside of peak summer, and ensure your vehicle is in good condition. 📸 Photographers & History Buffs
+2 The dramatic mountain landscapes and the engineering marvel of the Million Dollar Highway offer endless photographic potential. +1 Photographers should aim for the golden hours for the best light and consider bringing a drone for unique aerial perspectives. History buffs will appreciate the chance to explore remnants of a bygone era, imagining the lives of the miners and settlers. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Driving the Million Dollar Highway
It's recommended to drive with your headlights on, use lower gears for descents to save your brakes, and pull over to let faster traffic pass. +1During winter months, the highway is frequently closed due to heavy snowfall, making summer and early fall the most reliable times to drive it.
The name 'Million Dollar Highway' is said to refer to the estimated value of the ore extracted from the mountains, or perhaps the cost of building the road itself. Beyond the drive, numerous scenic pull-offs allow you to safely stop and soak in the breathtaking landscapes. These spots are perfect for photography and simply appreciating the raw beauty of the Colorado Rockies.
Remember to be mindful of the environment and pack out everything you pack in, leaving these pristine areas as you found them. Exploring the Ghost Towns and Mines
+1 Wandering through Ironton allows you to step back in time and imagine the bustling community that once thrived here. Other historic sites and abandoned mine entrances can be found scattered throughout the district, though many are on private property or are unsafe to approach closely. For a more structured and safe exploration of mining history, the Old Hundred Gold Mine near Silverton offers a unique experience. Visitors can ride an electric mine car deep into the mountain, learning about mining techniques and seeing demonstrations.
Photography Opportunities
+1 The sweeping vistas of the San Juan Mountains provide stunning backdrops, especially during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset when the light casts a warm glow on the peaks. Drone photography is particularly popular here, allowing for breathtaking aerial shots of the winding highway, ghost towns, and vast mining operations. Key photographic subjects include the well-preserved structures of Ironton ghost town, offering a glimpse into the past with its weathered buildings.
The remnants of various mines, like the Yankee Girl Mine, also present compelling visual narratives of the area's industrial heritage. When photographing the Million Dollar Highway, be mindful of safety; utilize designated pull-offs to capture the dramatic curves and sheer drop-offs without compromising your safety or the safety of others. Consider bringing a wide-angle lens for expansive landscapes and a telephoto lens to capture details of the historic mining equipment. Remember to check local regulations regarding drone usage and always practice Leave No Trace principles to preserve the beauty of this historic and natural landscape. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit