Red Mountain Pass from the north, starting in Ouray, is an iconic and incredibly scenic road bike climb on US Highway 550, often called the "Million Dollar Highway." Over about 12.8 to 13 miles, you'll gain roughly 3,200 to 3,300 feet at an average gradient around 5%, climbing through the dramatic Uncompahgre Gorge with sheer cliffs and passing waterfalls before the landscape opens up higher among the rugged San Juan Mountains. The scenery is truly breathtaking, with towering peaks, evidence of historic mining, and the striking red-colored mountains near the summit at 11,018 feet.