How long would it take to drive from Ouray to Silverton and back to Ouray? Supposedly, this is the most beautiful part of the Million Dollar Highway. Do you agree?

It is about 25 miles, Ouray to Silverton. Rt. 550 from Ouray to Durango is the most scenic part of the highway

How long does it take to do the 25 miles from Ouray to Silverton as I understand it is a very slow ride? We were considering doing this section by car and the Durango to Silverton section by the train. Are we overdoing a good thing? Are we better off doing the entire stretch by car? Some people said the train takes a more scenic route. Our route through Colorado depends on this part of the itinerary. We are going in July.

It takes about 45 minutes one way because the road is so windy and steep in places, more if you want to stop for the driver to look at scenery.

If you drive another 15 or so miles south from Silverton on 550, there is a gravel forest road called Old Lime Creek Road. It is suitable for high clearance 2 WD cars, and goes into scenery almost as good as that from the train. The road starts at a low point between Coal Bank and Molas Passes, and meets the highway again near where Cascade Creek crosses on the other side of Coal Bank.

It will take at least an hour to drive the 25 miles.The train between durango and Silverton stays closer to the river and the bottom of the valley. I consider the road from Silverton to Durango scarier than the Ouray stretch. It is carved from the mountainside with big dropoffs and not enough guardrails
Make sure to take your bathing suit to Ouray..

I could drive up and down that stretch of highway many times and have.

I think your plan is good. Take time to spend in Ouray then drive down to Silverton. You will also want to spend some time there. Take the train down to Durango and the bus back to Silverton. Both ways by train makes for a very long day.

The train trip is very special and something you will always remember.

I just saw your second question. I think it would be best to drive from Ouray to Durango, possibly including Old Lime Creek road on the drive (probably 3-4 hours total if you include the old road, 1 1/2 if you don't).

The train is worth a special trip. A one way train trip is not overdoing a good thing, even if you do the car trip, too. If you can't take the train, then the old road is a fair substitute. If there's a choice between train and road, the train wins hands down.

Connie's idea of taking the bus back to Silverton is a really good one if it's possible, but I don't know if they would have a bus going back in the afternoon. I always think of the bus as one way FROM Silverton. Check with the railroad.

I took your advice and wrote to the train contact. Seems the best way, if possible, would be to drive from Ouray to Silverton and do the train/bus from Silverton to Durango and back. It would be wonderful to be able to do Lime Creek Road, too. It will depend on timing. We are renting a Jeep so the road will not be a problem.

I'll let you know what the train person says.