Leaving the Box Canyon Falls area, it was time to take route 550, the Million Dollar Highway, to Silverton with a few intermediate stops.

(Above) In 1882-1883, visionary developer of the San Juans, Otto Meers, built the “Million Dollar Highway,” a toll road through the rugged Uncompahre River Gorge, from Ouray to the Red Mountain Mining District.  His narrow gage Silverton Railroad connected the mining district to Silverton.

(Right) Meer’s tool booth was located on the highway at Bear Creek Falls. The toll was $5 for each ore wagon.

The much-photographed Yankee Girl Mine headframe is seen from the Idarado Mine trestle viewpoint.

The Genesse and Vanderbilt Mines are located south of the Yankee Girl.  The mining town of Red Mountain City is to the right of the photo.

This highway overlook was built to provide an overview of the Red Mountain Mining District.  The trees now block most of the view.  Enjoy the view with the video below.

Houses for the Idarado Mine and Mill workers are located adjacent to the highway overlook.  They were relocated in 1948 from the abandoned mining town of Eureka.

CLICK HERE for panoramic view of the Red Mountain Mining District.

From the top of Red Mountain Pass, the highway makes a long, steep, hairpin descent on its way to Silverton.

During the 1999 MHA tour, Duane Smith stopped at this point on the Chattanooga Curve to describe the challenges that faced the builders of Otto Meers’ Silverton Railroad which climbed to the top of the pass.