This Colorado Scenic Byway Is The Road Trip Of A Lifetime
With its stunning scenery, charming small towns, and historic sights, it’s no wonder that Colorado has more scenic byways with the "America’s Byways" designation than any other state. Home to 13 dazzling routes, Colorado has plenty of options for unforgettable road trips, whether you’re a history fan, an outdoor adventurer, or just looking for a relaxing journey through some of North America’s most incredible landscapes.
It’s tough to pick just one from the list of Colorado scenic byways. Still, the San Juan Skyway in southwest Colorado regularly makes headlines as one of the best drives in the country thanks to its mix of historic towns, rugged peaks, alpine valleys, and lush forest. The route was named an "All American Road" in 1996, the top ranking given by the Department of Transportation. Below is an itinerary for making the most of this beautiful trip to see the best of Colorado’s countryside and communities.
The San Juan Skyway: What You Need to Know
The San Juan Skyway is a 233-mile loop that begins and ends in Durango. You can drive the byway in five hours, but there’s so much to do and see along the route that most visitors plan a two-day itinerary.
The road is typically open year-round. Check conditions before you leave, as certain sections, particularly the Million Dollar Highway between Silverton and Ouray, may close in the winter due to bad weather. The road winds through the San Juan National Forest, climbing into the 14,000-foot San Juan Mountains, and there are some high-elevation passes where snow can accumulate.
Fall is one of the best times to take the trip, as you can enjoy spectacular views of the autumnal foliage in the mountains. The season’s colors generally peak from early to mid-October. If you’re driving in summer, watch weather conditions, as thunderstorms can develop quickly.
While on the road, watch for wildlife, as deer and elk sometimes stray onto the highway. If you’re hiking, carry bear spray and keep your distance from any animals you encounter.
Road Trip Itinerary
Day 1: Durango to Telluride
Your journey starts in the former railroad town of Durango. If you have time, take a stroll around downtown, a Nationally Registered Historic District, where you can grab a bite to eat at the Diamond Belle Saloon in the historic Strater Hotel. The hotel, built in 1887, is a great place to fuel up before hitting the road.
Head north out of Durango on U.S. Highway 550 towards Silverton. The road climbs 10,899 ft to the Molas Overlook, a great place to stretch your legs and take photos of the mountains and Molas Lake in the distance.
Continue to Silverton, a former mining camp founded in 1874 and now a National Historic Landmark. To get a feel for 20th-century life in the mountains, take a brief detour to join a tour at the Old Hundred Gold Mine. The tour takes visitors deep into Galena Mountain to pan for silver and gold, ride a vintage train, and see a 1904 boarding house perched on a cliff 2,000 ft above the mine.
Leaving Silverton and heading towards Ouray, this portion of the byway is known as the Million Dollar Highway, thanks to the gold ore in the road fill. It is one of the country's most beautiful stretches of road, winding through the Red Mountains and along the steep sides of the Uncompahgre Gorge.
At Ouray, take a break to enjoy this quaint alpine town, founded in 1884 and known as "the Switzerland of America." One of the best things to do in town is dip in the Ouray Hot Springs Pool, where bathers have enjoyed the restorative benefits of the mountain spring water since 1927.
Back on the byway, you’ll travel through the towns of Ridgway and Placerville, over the Dallas Divide mountain pass to your stop for the night, Telluride. Here, you can enjoy a well-earned meal at upscale French eaterie, La Marmotte, located in the heart of downtown, or keep it casual at family-friendly diner, Steamies Burger Bar.
Telluride has plenty of accommodation options for your first night on the road. The charming and rustic Manitou Lodge offers 11 rooms in its riverside inn just a few blocks from downtown. For something a little more luxurious, you can try the Hotel Telluride downtown, a boutique European-style chalet with comfortable suites.
Day 2: Telluride to Durango
From Telluride, the byway continues south through Lizard Head Pass and along the Dolores River. Keep your camera handy for incredibly picturesque views. The pass sits over 10,000 feet above sea level amid four national forests. You’ll see wildflower meadows and spruce and aspen forests, framed by the white-capped mountains in the distance.
On the edge of the San Juan National Forest, you’ll come to Dolores, a former settlement of the Ancestral Puebloans. Learn about this fascinating desert nomadic culture at the Canyons of the Ancients Visitor Center & Museum. Open year-round, the archaeological museum includes interactive galleries, rotating exhibits, artifact displays, and a gift shop.
From Dolores, the route continues to Cortez, the gateway to Mesa Verde National Park. A world heritage site, the park contains almost 5,000 archeological sites and 600 cliff dwellings. The park entrance is located just off the byway east of Cortez. You can explore the park on foot via its many hiking trails, take a cliff dwelling tour to see the intricate structures with a knowledgeable guide, or visit the park museum to learn more about the communities that lived here over 1,000 years ago.
Your final stop on the San Juan Skyway is the small town of Mancos. Resembling the set of a Hollywood Western, Mancos is home to one of Colorado’s oldest operating bars, Columbine Bar & Grill, which opened in 1910. It also has a quirky and artistic downtown decorated with vibrant murals by local creators. The Mancos Creative District is home to eight galleries and a historic opera house, built in 1910 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
From Mancos, it’s a short drive back to your starting point in Durango and the end of the 233-mile loop.
The Ultimate Colorado Road Trip
Tucked into the southwest corner of Colorado, the San Juan Skyway isn’t just a pretty road trip with staggeringly beautiful scenery. It’s a journey into America’s past. The drive is truly a trip through time, covering several sites of historical importance, including old mining towns, hot springs, renowned archaeological ruins, and sacred sites. The byway showcases diverse landscapes and cultural traditions in the Four Corners region, where Utah, Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico meet. If you’re looking for an unforgettable adventure, jaw-dropping views, and unique experiences, pack your bags and hit the road for this ultimate Colorado road trip.
