to Ouray which gains the highway its name. It is considered one of the most stunning and scenic drives in North America. Beware the weather along this route can be extreme and very unpredictable—going from sunny to snowy in an instant. Stretches can be dangerous with steep cliffs, hairpin turns and a noticeable absence of guard rails. This stretch through the gorge is challenging and potentially hazardous to drive. Entire route passes over three mountain passes: Coal Bank Pass, elevation 10,640 ft (3,240 m), Molas Pass, elevation 10,970 ft (3,340 m) and Red Mountain Pass, elevation 11,018 ft (3,358 m). Other notable points along: Uncompahgre Gorge, Idarado Mine, Trimble Hot Springs, Animas River Gorge, Hermosa Cliffs, Haviland Molas and Electra Lakes, San Juan National Forest, Snowdon Peak, Engineer Mountain, Twilight Peak, Longfellow Mine. https://youtu.be/MvfRxA0ZWbI