Durango to Riverton Drive: Scenic Mountain to Wyoming Plains

The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad once hauled silver through these mountains; today, US-550, the Million Dollar Highway, offers a paved equivalent with sheer drop-offs and panoramic views. This 460-mile route from Durango, Colorado (altitude 6,512 ft) to Riverton, Wyoming (4,958 ft) traverses three states, crossing the Continental Divide twice and passing through the red rock country of Utah. Expect 7.5 hours of pure driving, but plan for two days to fully savor the landscapes.

The Million Dollar Highway (US-550) between Silverton and Ouray is a cliff-hugging marvel with 180-degree switchbacks. Stop at the Red Mountain Pass overlook for views of Uncompahgre Gorge. Further north, the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park (near Montrose) offers sheer cliffs and the Gunnison River. In Utah, Arches National Park (near Moab) harbors over 2,000 natural stone arches. The route also passes through Moab's red rock wilderness, a hub for mountain biking and off-roading.

• Local culture: Durango's historic downtown, Moab's art galleries, and Rock Springs' coal-mining heritage.
• Commerce: Farm stands in Colorado's North Fork Valley (peaches and wine); Navajo jewelry in Cortez (if detour).
• Recommendation: Detour 10 miles south of Moab to the how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities guide for off-grid hot springs.

The recommended route follows US-550 north from Durango through Silverton and Ouray to Montrose, then US-50 west to Grand Junction. From there, I-70 west to Utah, then US-191 north through Moab and up to I-80 at Rock Springs, finally US-287/US-26 east to Riverton. Total distance: 460 miles. Fuel economy: a typical SUV gets 20 mpg; expect 11 refuelings (23 gallons) at roughly $3.50/gal, totaling $80.50. Gas stations are plentiful in towns but sparse on US-191 north of Moab.

• Best time to drive: May to October for snow-free passes.
• Construction zones: US-550 often has rockfall repairs; check CDOT and UDOT websites.
• Tolls: None on this route.

US-550 demands attention: no guardrails on many edges, and snow can linger into June. Use lower gears on descents to avoid brake fade. For families, the Ouray Hot Springs Pool and the Dinosaur Journey Museum in Fruita (near Grand Junction) are hits. Pets are allowed at most national forest trailheads but not inside National Park visitor centers. Designated rest areas exist every 50 miles on I-70, but on US-191 north of Moab, only the tiny town of Green River (pop. 952) offers services. Fatigue can creep in on the long Utah straightaways; schedule naps at rest stops or at the Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area (an ideal mid-point break).

• Emergency services: Cell service is spotty on US-550 and US-191 (Verizon best). Carry a paper map.
• Hidden spots: The Gourmet Gallery in Moab for picnic supplies; the Frontier Prison in Rawlins for history buffs.
• Best stop: Montrose's Black Canyon National Park overlook is wheelchair-accessible and offers toilets.