Traveling north from the stunning mountain hamlet of Ouray, U.S. Highway 550 treats us to a scenic 34-mile stretch that bridges the dramatic San Juan Mountains with the open valleys leading into Montrose. This corridor is more than just a link between two towns — it’s a slice of western Colorado that lets us appreciate how quickly the rugged alpine terrain can give way to wide ranchlands and welcoming small towns.
Our journey begins as we roll out of Ouray, a town known as the “Switzerland of America” for good reason. Hemmed in by steep canyon walls and historic mining sites, Ouray is the perfect jumping-off point to experience the famous Million Dollar Highway southbound, but heading north on 550 is equally rewarding in its own way. Almost immediately, we follow the Uncompahgre River downstream, hugging the canyon walls until the valley opens up near the small settlement of Portland — not to be confused with its big-city namesake far to the northwest. Here, the mountains start to loosen their grip, offering up vistas of Baldy Peak and the lower ridges that mark our gradual descent into the broader valley.
Before long, we reach Ridgway, a friendly outpost where ranching heritage and outdoor adventure blend seamlessly. Ridgway sits at the crossroads of U.S. 550 and Colorado Highway 62, the latter leading west toward Telluride. If we have time, it’s worth pulling off for a stroll through Ridgway’s historic district, grabbing a coffee, or exploring the Ridgway Railroad Museum. Nature lovers can detour east to Ridgway State Park, a gem that straddles the Uncompahgre River with a large reservoir perfect for boating, fishing, and camping. Skirting this park to our east, we stay true to U.S. 550 as the highway rolls gently northward.
Beyond Ridgway, the landscape flattens out into pastoral scenes dotted with hay fields, old barns, and grazing cattle. Passing through the small dots on the map like Dallas, Eldredge, and Colona, we sense how this route once served as an artery for ranchers moving livestock and supplies up and down the valley. Keep an eye out for the occasional antique farm implement resting in a field, a silent witness to generations of hard work. For those chasing fall colors, this stretch bursts alive in late September when the cottonwoods and scrub oak light up in brilliant gold.
As we approach Montrose, the region’s largest town, the distant peaks fade into the background and urban conveniences come back into view. Montrose is the gateway to the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park to the east and a central hub for travelers exploring the Western Slope. We wrap up our drive a few blocks into town at the intersection with Williams Drive, right on the southern edge of Montrose’s vibrant downtown — a good spot to refuel both the car and ourselves before the next adventure.
Special thanks to @crosscountytravelers for the footage.
🗺️ Route Map
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