Million Dollar Highway Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour

Durango, US
66% of travellers recommend this
Very Good (112 reviews)
Self-guided - entry to attractions not included

Included

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    Just bring your car and phone; the app guides your tour.
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    Support is available via chat, email, or phone if you need help.
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    Planning tools, route maps, scenic stops, and area previews included.
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    Private tour experience for your family, in your own car.
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    Lifetime access: use the tour anytime and keep it for future trips.
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    Works offline with GPS route guidance and automatic audio stories.
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    One purchase covers everyone in your car, not per person.
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    Flexible tour: start, stop, and pause anytime during your trip.
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    Access your tour in our separate audio tour app after booking.
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    Hidden gems and local stories included along the route.

Excluded

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    No live guide. Entrance fees, parking, food, and car rental are separate.

Meeting Point

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

Meeting point

1230 Main St, Ouray, CO 81427 , United States

End point

End Point

Meeting point

End point

What to expect

1
Meeting Point

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.

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Million Dollar Highway

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. Note: The tour is over 72 miles long, with more than 51 audio stories, and takes about 2-3 hours to complete. Buy once, use for one year! Ideal for extended visits and return trips over the next 12 months.

Duration 60 minutes
Admission Admission Not Included
3

Durango

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.

Duration 10 minutes
4
Animas River Trail

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.

Duration 10 minutes
5
Pinkerton Hot Springs

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.

Duration 10 minutes
Admission Admission Not Included
6

Baker's Bridge Veterinary Clinic

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!

Duration 10 minutes
7

Haviland Lake

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.

Duration 10 minutes
8

Molas Pass

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.

Duration 10 minutes
9

Molas Lake

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.

Duration 10 minutes
10
Silverton

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.

Duration 10 minutes
11

Ironton

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.

Duration 10 minutes
12

Bear Creek Falls

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.

Duration 5 minutes
13

Ouray

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.

Duration 5 minutes
14

Ouray Ice Park

From December to March, the Ouray Ice Park offers wintery experiences for intrepid adventurers. The park's main attraction is an enormous ice wall created specifically for climbing.

Duration 5 minutes
Admission Admission Not Included
15
Box Canyon Waterfall & Park

Ouray's Box Canyon Falls Park is overflowing with cool scenery. Imposing canyon walls, great hiking trails, and scenic picnic spots define much of the park. But the main draw is the huge waterfall tumbling over the edge of the canyon, which you can view from below and above!

Duration 5 minutes
Admission Admission Not Included
16

Ouray Historical District

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Ouray's Historical District has beautifully preserved its roots as a 19th-century mining town. The district boasts plenty of picturesque Victorian-era homes and commercial structures, as well as a gorgeous opera house which was saved from the brink of demolition.

Duration 5 minutes
17

Ouray Visitor's Center

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The last stop along your tour is the Ouray Visitor's Center, a great place to get situated for a longer visit to this quaint little town. Your tour will conclude here.

Duration 5 minutes
18

End Point

The experience can be subject to change due to bad weather or unforseen circumstances. We always endeavour to give you the best possible experience.

Additional Information

  • Additional information
    At your own pace: Start anytime and pause for hikes, picnics, photos, or scenic stops.
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    Download in advance: Download the Tour Guide app by Action and tour while connected to Wi-Fi or a strong cellular signal.
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    Easy to use: GPS-triggered audio plays automatically along the route for a hands-free experience.
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    Follow the route: Begin at the suggested starting point or join anywhere along the route shown in the app.
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    Good value: One purchase covers everyone in your vehicle, not each person separately.
  • Additional information
    Lifetime access: Preview the tour before your trip and revisit the stories, photos, and details afterward.
  • Additional information
    More ways to save: Choose a single tour, a nearby bundle, or access to 200+ tours.
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    NOTE: Check current road closures before you go.
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    Private tour: Explore in your own vehicle without crowded buses or large tour groups.
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    Public transportation options are available nearby
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    Suitable for all physical fitness levels
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    Supported devices: iPhone with iOS 15+, Android with version 9+, or a GPS-enabled iPad/tablet with cellular capability.
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    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.
  • Additional information
    Works offline: Once downloaded, the tour works using GPS without Wi-Fi or cellular service.
Provided by Guide With Action

What our experts say

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    Start early for the best light.
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    Pack snacks for breaks along the way.
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    Stop at Ouray's Ice Park for photos.
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    Visit Durango's historic district first.
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    Check the weather for optimal driving.

More About this Experience

Introduction

Take a journey through Colorado's Million Dollar Highway with the captivating self-driving audio tour. This awe-inspiring stretch of road is steeped in history, once home to booming mining towns and railroad tycoons. Today, it offers a unique blend of rugged western charm and jaw-dropping natural beauty. Get ready to immerse yourself in the wild history of this area, from boom to bust, as you drive along this scenic highway.

What to expect?

During this self-guided tour, expect a total duration of 120 to 180 minutes, depending on your pace. The adventure begins in Durango, where you'll head north along the Million Dollar Highway. Along the way, you'll stop at key points of interest, learning fascinating facts and stories through the audio guide. From Durango to Silverton, each step of the journey unravels a new chapter in the area's history. Marvel at the breathtaking views, encounter landmarks from classic movies, and immerse yourself in the captivating tales of the Ute tribe and the mining rush.

Who is this for?

This tour is perfect for adventurers and history enthusiasts of all ages. Whether you're traveling alone, with a partner, or as part of a group, you'll find this experience captivating. Nature lovers will be in awe of the stunning landscapes, while history buffs will appreciate the deep historical significance of the Million Dollar Highway. As an inclusive experience, this tour welcomes anyone with a love for exploration and a desire to learn about the rich heritage of Colorado.

Why book this?

Embark on this self-driving audio tour to unlock the mysteries and beauty of Colorado's Million Dollar Highway. This experience offers a unique blend of history, natural wonders, and breathtaking scenery. The audio guide provides valuable insights and captivating stories, transforming the journey into a truly immersive experience. With lifetime validity, you can embark on this adventure at a time that suits you best. So whether you're a seasoned traveler seeking a new adventure or a history lover craving a deeper understanding of the region, this self-driving audio tour is an ideal choice.

Good to know

As you embark on this self-driving tour, it's important to note that this is not an entrance ticket. Make sure to check the opening hours of the tour's locations before your visit. Before downloading the Tour Guide App by Action, ensure you have a good internet or Wi-Fi connection. The 72-mile tour covers the essentials of the Million Dollar Highway in 2-3 hours, allowing you to fully explore and appreciate the key highlights. Bring your sense of adventure and immerse yourself in the wonders of Colorado's picturesque landscapes.

Reviews

Travelers who have experienced the Million Dollar Highway self-driving audio tour rave about its captivating storytelling and stunning scenery. Many appreciate the flexibility of being able to embark on the tour at their own pace, ensuring a truly personalized experience. The audio guide is praised for its informative and engaging content, bringing the history of the area to life. Visitors are enthralled by the remarkable landscapes and notable landmarks, with the tour providing a fresh perspective on the region's rich heritage. Overall, guests express their satisfaction and recommend this tour as a must-do for anyone craving a unique and immersive journey through Colorado's Million Dollar Highway.

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