To really get a feel for the rugged majesty of this region – we would argue it’s one of the state’s most dramatic areas – take a drive from Ouray to Telluride. Fall is particularly brilliant, when the aspen trees turn the mountainsides into yellow seas.
           The following drive starts in Ouray, loops through Silverton and ends in Telluride. If you have at least a Subaru (keep reading and you’ll understand) you can make the entire journey in summer, but know that Overton Pass is not paved and is considered a 4WD route.
          If you don’t feel comfortable, or don’t have the right vehicle, it is still worth driving the Million Dollar Hwy (US 550) between Ouray and Silverton (the pass is paved and open all year). This 24‐mile stretch of pavement gets its name because the roadbed fill contains valuable ore.
          The road is only a silver lining in this golden cloud. This is easily one of the most spectacular drives in America, and would qualify as heaven in John Denver’s book. The road clings to the side of the crumbly mountains – it can be scary when raining or snowing – and passes old mine head‐frames and larger‐than‐life alpine scenery. At some points, in fact, the jagged peaks seem close enough to snatch you.