Originally built as a toll road in the 1880's by Otto Mears, this famous and spectacular scenic byway connects Ouray and Silverton. It goes over the 11,000 foot Red Mountain Pass.
Many stories exist as to how it got its name but one favorite is that the road bed was built using low-grade gold ore.
It's quite a thrill to drive with many steep and winding curves and few guardrails. I believe it was paved for the first time in 1930.