There are a few theories as to how Colorado’s so-called Million Dollar Highway—the 25-mile stretch of U.S. Highway 550 that connects the high-elevation towns of Silverton and Ouray—got its name. According to an old mining legend, the gravel required to build the narrow mountain roadway contained $1 million worth of gold and silver ore. Or there’s the story of locals who used to say they wouldn’t drive that dangerous road even for a million bucks. (Fun fact, albeit nerve-racking: the pass has no guardrails.)

The most likely story? Back in the early 1920s, when the road was still a wagon route, city planners estimated it would cost that amount to build over the mountain pass. Either way, the nickname has persisted. And the views really are worth a million bucks.

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