The spectacular Million Dollar Highway, The Road that Silver Built, runs north and south directly through the San Juan Mountains of Southwestern Colorado--come of the most beautiful and rugged country in all of North America, if not the world. However, there would be no road today if it were not for the treasure chest of minerals that early-day prospectors found, for all the gold and silver that was discovered was worth nothing if it could not be economically transported out of the mountains.

This book is not only the story of an amazing highway.  It is also the history of the area and the development of mining and transportation of all types throughout the rugged San Juans.  The stunning beauty along the route is pointed out, the complex geology is explained, and the histories of the quaint Victorian towns of Durango, Silverton, and Ouray are related.

The Road that Silver Built also recounts the stories of the four narrow gauge railroads that ran along the route and features early San Juan toll roads, many of which are now exciting and scenic four-wheel drive roads.  And tales of lost gold mines, treasure caves, ghost towns, and what was supposed to be "mountains of silver" promise to make your travel along U. S. Highway 550 from Durango to Ouray (The Million Dollar Highway) more enjoyable, educational, and a trip you will remember for the rest of your life.

Price: $24.95
344 Pages
Many Photographs & Illustrations
Width: 6.00
Height: 9.00
ISBN: 978-1-932738-80-3
Softbound