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Mt. Sneffels
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San Juan Skyway
The San Juan Skyway, designated as an "All American Road" by the Federal government, its highest rating, has also been called "The Most Beautiful Drive in America". This 236 mile route takes you on a loop through the rugged San Juan Mountains -- a maze of jagged peaks, precipitous canyons, and peaceful valleys. It winds through historic mining towns and passes by prehistoric Native American ruins. You can ride an historic narrow gauge railroad though dramatic mountain scenery. You can stop and explore the plant and animal life of the various ecological zones from high desert to tundra, from pinyon pine and sage to minute tundra wildflowers. The drive takes you through the Uncompahgre and San Juan National Forests, which offer abundant opportunities for camping, hiking, and other forms of outdoor recreation.
The town of Ridgway is a convenient place to begin the byway. Driving west from Ridgway to the Dallas Divide are beautiful, panoramic views of Mt. Sneffels and its Range, a much photographed area. The route follows the San Miguel River to the historic mining town of Telluride, which is located in one of the most picturesque box canyons in Colorado. Driving south from Telluride over Lizard Head Pass you will encounter scenic views of 14,017 foot Mt. Wilson and vistas of Trout Lake. At the summit of the pass is a beautiful panoramic view to the east of Vermillion Peak and Sheep Mountain. From here the route descends into the Dolores River Valley and the beginning of arid mesa country.
The Anasazi Heritage Center near Dolores is an excellent place to learn about the Native American culture of this region. The next town, Cortez, is located in area rich in archaeological sites and deserves its billing as "The Archaeological Center of the United States". Nearby is Mesa Verde, which was designated a National Park in 1906 and named a World Cultural Heritage Site in 1978. The park is renowned for its 13th century Anasazi cliff-dwellings.
Durango, located in the beautiful Animas River Valley, is a popular tourist destination and the starting point for the famous Durango-Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad -- a National Historic Landmark. Heading north from Durango through the valley, the byway climbs over Coal Bank Pass, with views of the West Needle Mountains and the Weminuche Wilderness to the East. Reaching the summit of the Molas Pass, one of the most scenic views on the byway, the road then winds down to the old mining town of Silverton. From Silverton to Ouray the route is known as the "Million Dollar Highway". On this section of the byway are spectacular views of classic mountain scenery that are particularly striking in the fall. At the summit of Red Mountain Pass a scenic overlook has interpretive signs describing the mining history of the area. The road switchbacks and spirals down from the pass, following the edge of Uncompahgre Gorge to Ouray, another historic mining town famous for its hot springs. After Ouray the byway continues back to Ridgway.
Southwest Colorado; towns of Telluride, Cortez, Durango, Silverton and Ouray
236 miles
6 hours
Two days
Five to seven days
Open all year but best time to visit late spring, summer and fall (June through Oct); roads can be closed due to winter weather
Two lane paved road; route includes four mountain passes, switchbacks, steep climbs and sharp descents
San Juan National Forest: (970)247-4874
Uncompahgre National Forest: (970) 874-6600
Ridgway, Telluride, Dolores, Cortez, Mancos, Durango, Silverton, and Ouray
Begin the drive about 26 miles south of Montrose, at intersection of US 550 and CO 62 at Ridgway. Turn right on CO 62 west and travel 25 miles to Placerville, where CO 62 comes to a dead end at CO 145. Turn left (southeast) on CO 145 and drive 85 miles to US 160 (Cortez). Continue east (right) on US 160 for 44 miles to Durango. At Durango drive north on US 550 for 82 miles back to Ridgway.
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