Coal Bank Pass Summit

The Million Dollar Highway is the storied section of U.S. 550 winding through the San Juans, famous for its steep grades, tight switchbacks, and stretches with sheer drops and no guardrail. Coal Bank Pass is one of the summits along this route, which climbs over a series of high crossings between Durango and the old mining town of Silverton.

The road's colorful name has several origin stories, from the value of the ore hauled over it to the cost of its construction through such difficult terrain. Whatever its source, the highway lives up to its reputation as one of the most scenic and demanding drives in the country, and crossing Coal Bank Pass is part of that unforgettable journey.

The San Juan Mountains are the largest and most rugged range in Colorado, built from ancient volcanic rock and carved by ice into steep peaks and deep valleys. This is the traditional homeland of the Ute people, whose connection to these mountains runs back countless generations and remains part of the region's living heritage.

Near the pass, the land is a mix of dark spruce and fir forest, aspen groves, and open alpine meadows that burst with wildflowers in the short summer. Above them rise bare, rocky summits, many streaked with snow well into the warm months, and the whole scene gives Coal Bank its grand, high-mountain feel.

The pass summit offers a pullout where travelers can stop to take in the panorama, stretch their legs after the winding climb, and photograph the peaks. On a clear day the views reach across ranks of San Juan summits, and interpretive signs help make sense of the landscape spread out below.

The area is also a jumping-off point for the outdoors. Trailheads near the pass lead into the surrounding national forest and toward high country hiking, and in winter the snowy slopes draw backcountry travelers, always with respect for the serious alpine conditions here.

Spring comes late and slow to this elevation, with lingering snow on the pass and the high country only gradually opening up.

Summer is the prime season, with wildflowers in the meadows, the best driving conditions, and long days for hiking, though afternoon thunderstorms are common and dangerous above treeline.

Fall is spectacular and brief, with golden aspen blazing across the San Juans and crisp, clear air, one of the great times to make the drive before the snows return.

Winter turns the pass into a deep-snow world of stunning beauty and real hazard, with steep, icy roads that demand caution and can close in storms.

The closest Boutel™ stays, so you can turn this stop into an overnight. Each is an independently owned, editorially selected place to stay.