Last Dollar Road, Colorado

During the mining boom in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado, the Last Dollar Road was used as a supply route from Ouray to Telluride. It is one of the backcountry roads that is fairly easy to travel and offers spectacular views, high alpine meadows and a fabulous view of the San Miguel Canyon.

The Last Dollar Road is not a difficult road and can actually be driven by two-wheel drive vehicles in dry weather if they have a high clearance. In wet weather, the road should not be attempted except by four-wheel drive vehicles.

Beginning just one mile west of the summit of the Dallas Divide on Colorado Highway 62, the Last Dollar Road travels over Hastings Mesa. About six and one half miles from the Dallas Divide, the road forks. Taking the right fork will take you down to Colorado Highway 145 at Sawpit. Taking the left fork will take you to the top of a mesa and will eventually take you to Colorado Highway 145 just past the airport near Telluride.

If you are a four-wheel novice, or would just like to try out your driving abilities while exploring the backcountry around Telluride, take a ride over the Last Dollar Road.