Self-Guided Million Dollar Highway Driving Audio Tour
Active
2h - 3h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Download GuideAlong’s self-guided audio tour of the Million Dollar Highway and take in the rugged beauty of Colorado’s San Juan Mountains. This breathtaking stretch of Route 550 between Durango and Ouray is packed with spectacular mountain vistas, charming mining towns and countless scenic viewpoints, including Bakers Bridge, Haviland Lake, Crystal Lake, and Bear Creek Falls..
Along the way, hear stories of gold rush history, engineering marvels and iconic alpine landscapes as you travel one of America’s most scenic drives.
Enjoy the freedom to explore offline at your own pace, spending more time at places that interest you and bypassing any that don’t.
Stories, tips, and directions play automatically based on your location
Travel at your own pace
Tour offline using GPS. No cell service or WiFi is needed
Suggested itineraries for half, full, or multi-day use
No time limits or expiry, and free updates
Like having a tour guide along for the drive
Purchase one tour per vehicle.
Available options
Self-Guided Million Dollar Highway Driving Audio Tour
What's included
Support: Toll free phone, chat and email
Easy To Use: Pre-download and tour offline
Trip Planners: In-app, web and PDF
Location Based: Stories, tips & directions that autoplay
GuideAlong (GyPSy Guide) Audio Tour: 155+ Points
Buy once, use forever! No expiry, includes free updates
Flexible Routes: Suggested itineraries or create your own
Detailed itinerary
1
Crystal Lake offers a stunning mirror-like reflection of the San Juan Mountains and is the perfect place to pause, relax, and enjoy the view. Its serene waters attract wildlife, making it a great spot for nature watching.
2
Bear Creek Falls is one of the most iconic sights along the Million Dollar Highway, plunging 200 feet into the canyon below. A small pull-off on the left offers a perfect viewpoint to admire the dramatic cascade.
3
Molas Lake is a breathtaking alpine lake surrounded by the towering San Juan Mountains and the vast Weminuche Wilderness. It’s a favorite spot for birdwatchers, offering sightings of jays, woodpeckers, and waterfowl.
4
Once a popular resort built by James Pinkerton in the 1800s, Pinkerton Hot Springs is now a historic spot to admire nature’s beauty. Known for its claimed healing properties, the springs were once frequented by those seeking cures for various ailments. Though the resort is no longer standing, the springs remain as a scenic stop along the highway.
5
Baker’s Bridge offers stunning views of the Animas River and a dash of Hollywood history—it’s where Paul Newman and Robert Redford famously leaped in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.
What's not included
Foods And Drinks
Entry Fees, National Park Passes, Reservations
Available languages
Audio guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
5.0
1 reviews
5★
1
4★
0
3★
0
2★
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1★
0
Important information
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
How to Access: After booking you’ll receive an email and text with instructions (search “Download Audio Tour”). Click the link in the email/text to sign in with your preferred Apple or Google account and redeem your voucher code ahead of time.
Download The GuideAlong App: Download the free app over WiFi or cellular data and sign in with the same Apple or Google account.
Download The Tour: Download the tour in the GuideAlong app under 'My Tours' over WiFi or cellular data.
Start The Tour: Open the tour in the GuideAlong app to preview the start locations, tour route and trip planner, or start the tour.
Location-Based Stories: Audio commentary plays automatically as you drive using your phone’s GPS chip. Wherever you are and whichever direction you’re going, you’ll hear the best stories and tips.
Flexible Travel Date: Tours are a one-time purchase with no expiry or date/time limit. If your plans change to a different day, there’s no need to change your travel date.
Tour at Your Leisure: With GuideAlong, you control the pace. Start, stop, and resume the tour any day, anytime, adapting it to your schedule.
Driving Tours: Group Savings: One purchase covers everyone in the vehicle, making it a cost-effective way to explore.
Works Offline: No internet or cell service is required once the audio tour is downloaded to your phone, so you can relax and tour offline.
Bring A Charger: Pack a USB/C car charger for charging and easy sound connectivity, and make sure your device is fully charged.
Technical Support: The GuideAlong support team is available daily by toll-free phone, online chat, and email.
Meeting point
Start at (U.S. 160, Durango, CO, USA)or join anywhere along the tour route. After booking, search your email for “Download Audio Tour" and follow the instructions to download now over Wi-Fi/cell service. Then, preview the start location/s and tour route in the app.
Important notes
STEPS TO GET YOUR GUIDEALONG AUDIO TOUR:
1. SIGN IN + REDEEM your VOUCHER CODE: https://store.guidealong.com/voucher
2. DOWNLOAD the GuideAlong App
3. SIGN IN to the GuideAlong app with the same Apple or Google account as Step 1
4. DOWNLOAD the Audio Tour NOW
FIND YOUR VOUCHER CODE AND INSTRUCTIONS
- Email: Search your inbox for “Your Tour Operator Sent You A Message” and “Instructions for GuideAlong Audio Tour.” Check All Mail and your junk/spam folder.
- Text: Check for a text message from +17817732638.
- This Ticket: Find the voucher code at the top under the QR code and redeem at Step 1.
- Viator App: Open your booking and select Contact Support > Contact Tour Operator.
- TripAdvisor App: Open your Account and select Messages.
- Need help? Call GuideAlong toll-free on 1866-477-1791.
DOWNLOAD THE GUIDEALONG APP & TOUR NOW
You must pre-download both the GuideAlong app and audio tour to your phone over reliable wifi or cellular data before you drive out of signal. If you can OPEN your tour and see the START TOURING button, your tour is downloaded. No service is required while touring.
FLEXIBLE TRAVEL DATE
There’s no expiry, date or time limit for your tour, so download the GuideAlong app and audio tour now. If your plans change to a different day there’s no need to change your travel date.
CHARGING & SOUND
We don’t recommend connecting your phone to the vehicle's USB port. Instead, use a USB/C car charger adapter in the auxiliary power outlet (cigarette lighter) to prevent an automatic secondary pairing and keep your phone charged. CarPlay and Android Auto are not yet supported, so listen to the tour through your phone’s speaker or pair it to your car stereo via Bluetooth: guidealong.com/travel-tips-bluetooth/.
HELP & SUPPORT
- FAQs: Check the offline Help menu in the GuideAlong app or online FAQs at guidealong.com/faq.
- Contact GuideAlong Support: Call toll-free 1866-477-1791, chat online at guidealong.com, or email info@guidealong.com.
About Durango
Durango is a charming city in southwestern Colorado known for its rich history, stunning natural beauty, and outdoor adventures. Nestled in the Animas Valley and surrounded by the San Juan Mountains, it offers a unique blend of Wild West heritage and modern amenities.
Top Attractions
Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
A historic steam train ride through the stunning San Juan Mountains, offering breathtaking views and a glimpse into the past.
Historical/Adventure
5-6 hours (round trip)
Moderate to Expensive ($50-$150 depending on class)
Mesa Verde National Park
A UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring ancient Puebloan cliff dwellings and archaeological sites.
Historical/Cultural
Full day
Moderate ($25 per vehicle entry fee, additional fees for guided tours)
Purgatory Resort
A year-round resort offering skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking, hiking, and other outdoor activities.
Adventure/Entertainment
Half day to full day
Moderate to Expensive (varies by activity and season)
Animas Museum
A museum showcasing the history and culture of the Animas Valley and Durango region.
Historical/Cultural
1-2 hours
Budget ($5 admission)
Bear Creek Falls
A beautiful waterfall and hiking trail located in the San Juan National Forest.
Nature/Adventure
2-3 hours
Free
Must-Try Local Dishes
Green Chile Stew
A hearty stew made with pork, green chiles, potatoes, and spices, often served with tortillas.
Dinner
Contains pork, can be made vegetarian
Navajo Tacos
Fried bread topped with ground beef, beans, cheese, lettuce, and other toppings.
Dinner
Can be made vegetarian or vegan
Breakfast Burrito
A large flour tortilla filled with eggs, cheese, potatoes, and sometimes meat or green chiles.
Breakfast
Can be made vegetarian or vegan
Pecan Pie
A sweet pie made with pecans, sugar, and butter, often served with ice cream or whipped cream.
Dessert
Contains nuts, can be made gluten-free
Popular Activities
Hiking
Mountain biking
Skiing and snowboarding
Rafting
ATV tours
Spa and wellness
Hot springs
Scenic train rides
Best Time to Visit
June to August
Summer is the peak tourist season with warm weather, clear skies, and perfect conditions for hiking, biking, and exploring the great outdoors. It's also festival season with events like the Durango Blues Festival.
15-30°C (59-86°F)
59-86°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English
- Widely spoken: Spanish
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
US Dollar (USD)
Time Zone
Mountain Time Zone (MT), UTC-7 (Standard Time), UTC-6 (Daylight Time)
Electricity
120VV, 60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Durango is generally a safe destination for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, as with any destination, it's important to take basic safety precautions and be aware of your surroundings.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
- • Use ATMs located inside banks or reputable businesses
- • Be cautious of strangers offering unsolicited services or assistance
Getting there
By air
- Durango-La Plata County Airport • 15 miles (24 km) from city center
By train
Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
By bus
Durango Transit Center
Getting around
Public transport
The city operates a public bus system with several routes covering key areas. Buses are reliable and affordable but may have limited schedules outside peak hours.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Downtown Durango
North Durango
South Durango
East Durango
Day trips
Silverton
30 miles (48 km) • Half day to full day
A historic mining town with a charming downtown, scenic views, and a rich history. Accessible by the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad or by car.
Mancos
35 miles (56 km) • Half day to full day
A charming small town with a rich history, beautiful landscapes, and a variety of shops and restaurants. Known for its proximity to Mesa Verde National Park.
Ouray
60 miles (97 km) • Full day
A picturesque mountain town known as the 'Switzerland of America' for its stunning scenery and hot springs. Accessible by car via the scenic Million Dollar Highway.
Festivals
Durango Blues Festival • Mid-September
Durango Cowboy Gathering • October
Snowdown Festival • February
Pro tips
- Visit the Animas Museum to learn about the history and culture of the region
- Take a scenic train ride on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
- Explore the stunning natural beauty of Mesa Verde National Park
- Ski or snowboard at Purgatory Resort during the winter months
- Hike to Bear Creek Falls for a beautiful and scenic adventure
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
