Colorado #1
San Juan Skyway

Colorado's San Juan Skyway is a one- to two-day trip that loops from Ridgeway through Ouray, Silverton, Durango, Cortez, Dolores, Telluride and Placerville. The trip begins at Ridgeway State Park, four miles north of Ridgeway. Driving south on U.S. 550 along the Uncompahgre River takes you past a number of hot springs. The Ouray Hot Springs, a municipal pool, is at the north end of Ouray. Continuing on U.S. 550 reveals magnificent waterfalls which run off the cliffs into Uncompahgre Gorge. At the top of the gorge lies a breathtaking view of the Red Mountains. At the top of Red Mountain Pass, you begin a ten-mile descent toward the town of Silverton. The pass bottoms out in the Animas River Valley, where a left turn onto Rte. 110 leads into the old mining town of Silverton. Silverton is the home of the San Juan County Historical Museum and the ghost town of Animas Forks. Take a break and catch a ride aboard the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad that runs between Durango and Silverton several times a day.

Staying south on U.S. 550 through Molas Pass provides a wonderful view of the West Needle Mountains and the Grenadier Range. The Coal Bank Pass, a 4,000-foot descent, lies seven miles south, where the road plateaus around the Purgatory Ski Area.

Following the Animas River leads you through the town of Hermosa and into the mining town of Durango. Pick up U.S. 160 in Durango and head west to Mesa Verda National Park. Continue along U.S. 160 toward Cortez, where you'll pick up U.S. 145 north. Turn left at the Rte. 184 junction to visit the Anasazi Heritage Center. Return to U.S. 145 and follow the Dolores River toward Rico. Looking to the west, you can view many of the high Rocky Mountain peaks, including Lizard Head Peak, Sheep Mountain, Yellow Mountain and the Ophir Needles. A right at the "T" intersection takes you to the ski town of Telluride, where you can see 365 foot-high Bridal Veil Falls. Continue on Rte. 145 toward Placerville. Turn right on Rte. 62, where you ascend 11 miles to the Dallas Divide. As you top the divide, you begin your descent into Ridgeway.

Starting Point:
Ridgeway, CO

Distance of Drive:
249 Miles

Must Eat:
Durango Diner
957 Main Avenue, Durango, CO 81301
Phone:    970-247-9889
Call ahead to confirm hours of operation.  

Best Time of Year for Drive:
Spring to late fall

Points of Interest on Drive:
Mesa Verda National Park
Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
Bridal Veil Falls

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