All of Million $ vs Telluride Gondola

Question

I’ve always wanted to do the highway, and have read that the best part is between Ouray and Silverton. Is the part between Silverton and Durango just as good? Or would the gondola in Telluride be better than continuing on?

We will be visiting family in Grand Junction and have a day to tour. We will either do the highway or a jeep tour in Ouray. Thinking of the Imogene Pass tour if we go that route, but not sure if it’ll be open on July 4 or not (the day we will be doing this).

As of right now if we do the highway my choices are going to Durango from GJ then heading back to GJ. Or going just to Silverton, then heading to Telluride for the gondola.

I understand all these options will be a long day. We are ok with that. Our trips to Colorado we have a day or two that’s pretty much just spent in the car.

Answer

The Million Dollar Highway, particularly the stretch between Ouray and Silverton, is widely regarded as one of the most scenic drives in Colorado. This section offers steep cliffs, dramatic drop-offs, and panoramic mountain views that are the highlight for most travelers. The drive between Silverton and Durango is still very scenic but differs slightly – it is lower in elevation and more forested, with fewer dramatic cliffs and hairpin turns. While still beautiful, many consider the Ouray to Silverton portion the “wow” section.

Regarding Telluride, the gondola provides a unique perspective on the area, offering breathtaking aerial views of the town and surrounding mountains. It’s an excellent experience if you want to relax and enjoy the scenery without driving. Comparing it to the Million Dollar Highway, the gondola experience is more leisurely and visually immersive, while the highway is about the thrill of the drive and rugged scenery.

Some options to consider for your day trip:

Drive the Million Dollar Highway from Grand Junction to Silverton and return – a long day but focuses on the most scenic section of the highway.
Drive to Silverton, then continue to Telluride for the gondola experience – allows you to combine scenic driving with a unique aerial view, though it adds more driving time.
Drive the full route to Durango – the scenic value continues but less dramatic than the Silverton stretch, and it will be the longest driving day.
Consider a jeep tour or Imogene Pass if available – note that the pass is usually open by July 4th, but you should check local conditions as it can vary year to year due to snow or maintenance.

In summary, if your priority is the most dramatic scenery and the “classic” Million Dollar Highway experience, focusing on the Ouray to Silverton section is ideal. Adding Telluride and its gondola gives you a relaxing complement to the rugged drive and may be more enjoyable if you want a mix of driving and sightseeing without extended highway time to Durango.

Ultimately, your decision depends on whether you prefer more time in the car for a full driving adventure, or a balance of driving and a scenic gondola ride for a more relaxed day.

All of Million $ vs Telluride Gondola

More Colorado (CO) Travel Questions

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions