← Back to United States Experiences
Durango · Colorado · United States
Million Dollar Highway Self-Driving Audio Tour
Starting From
From $16.99 per person
Current Project Expedition rate
Experience inventory, live availability and secure booking provided by
Project Expedition
The Experience
What your day looks like
Explore the Million Dollar Highway in Colorado with a self-driving audio tour. Start by downloading the Action Tour Guide app that will function as your personal guide, audio tour, and map all in one. Go at your own pace as you learn more about local history, the Gold Rush, and stunning natural landmarks with commentary developed by local guides, curated by creative writers, and narrated by professional voice artists Begin your self-guided tour in Durango, which was once little more than a ragtag railroad camp. Learn how it transition into the bustling town it is today. Continuing on, you’ll hear about Otto Mears, the entrepreneur who spearheaded the development of southern Colorado in the 1800s. One of the first major landmarks you’ll reach will be the Pinkerton Hot Springs, once believed to possess magical healing properties. After that, take the opportunity to see Baker’s Bridge, where Paul Newman and Robert Redford took their famous leap in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. Next is Haviland Lake, a pristine body of water framed by ponderosa pines and with a great mountain view. Continue past the lake, toward the breathtaking heights of Molas Pass, and hear all about the Gold Rush and the topography of these impressive mountains. Arrive in the town of Silverton, which was once a humble mining cam. This settlement has retained plenty of its old-timey charm. Around here, you can also detour to a beautiful hidden waterfall off the beaten path. Then, take a break along the shores of Crystal Lake, where you can try to spot some of the local wildlife. Then you’ll come to one of the highway’s most famous attractions, the 200-foot tall Bear Creek Falls. After admiring the cascades of the falls, travel towards the quaint town of Ouray. Featuring an ice park, a canyon full of great views and hikes, and a bustling historic district, there’s no shortage of activities and sights in this little town. Your tour then concludes at the Ouray Visitor Center.
At a Glance
The experience, in brief
- Admire the views along Colorado's Million Dollar Highway on a selfdriving tour
- Learn more about the construction of the highway, and its visionary Otto Mears
- Find out more about the formation of the imposing mountain range
- Relive the years of Colorado’s Gold Rush as you explore former mining towns
- Visit amazing natural wonders like Bear Creek Falls and Pinkerton Hot Springs
Detailed Itinerary
The journey, in full
Points of Interest along the Million Dollar Highway Durango Animas River Trail Pinkerton Hot Springs Bakers Bridge Haviland Lake Molas Pass Silverton Ironton Bear Creek Falls Ouray Ouray Ice Park Box Canyon Waterfall & Park Ouray Historical District Ouray Visitor's Center
Your Itinerary
Your day, step by step
Day 1
Durango
Driving at Million Dollar Highway.
Continued
Durango
Sightseeing.
Before You Go
What to know before booking
Included
Engaging storytelling: Uncover unique tales and thrilling history for a memorable journey Perfect narrator: nothing can beat listening to a great voice. Proven with tons of rave reviews Learn more: dive deeper into any story you enjoyed with extra stories Comprehensive route and stops: See it all, miss nothing, leave no stone unturned Offline maps: no signal, no problem! Works perfectly without cellular or wifi Hands-free: audio stories play on their own based on your location. Easy to use Go at your own pace: Start anytime, pause anywhere, enjoy breaks for snacks and photos freely Great value: purchase per car, not per person. More affordable than bus or guided tours Easy-to-use app: download the Action Tour Guide App onto your phone Unique password: access your tour on the Action Tour Guide App
Not Included
Attraction passes, entry tickets, or reservations Transportation, parking fee, food/drinks
What to Bring
Your own vehicle Charged Smartphone Downloaded app Power bank
Restrictions
Device Compatibility: Devices without GPS, offline-only tablets, or older OS versions may not function properly. The tour requires a supported mobile device for navigation. Please use an iPhone with iOS 15 or later, an Android device with Android 9 or later, or an iPad/tablet with GPS and cellular service.
Meeting & Pickup
The self-guided route begins at the following entry point. Northbound (Durango to Ouray) 621 Main Ave, Durango, CO 81301. (The tour begins on US-550 (Main Avenue) just before the intersections with 17th Street and Park Avenue in Durango. You’ll see a gas station on your right—from there, head north toward Ouray to begin your drive. This is the suggested starting point. Please note that we are not associated with any of the businesses in this area, so their staff will not have information about this tour.) Tour Duration: 2 - 3 Hours Tour Length: 72 Miles Southbound (Ouray to Durango) Ouray Visitor's Center. (The tour begins near the Ouray Visitor’s Center on US-550 in Ouray. You’ll see the Visitor’s Center and Ouray Hot Springs Park on your right— from there, head south toward Durango to begin your drive. This is the suggested starting point. Please note that we are not associated with the Visitor’s Center or nearby businesses, so their staff will not have information about this tour.) Tour Duration: 2 - 3 Hours Tour Length: 72 Miles
Languages Offered
[object Object]
Planning Notes
Minimum age: 5 Hotel pickup offered: No Confirmation: Automatic
Featured Travel