San Juan Skyway

CLICK ON THE MAP YOUR POINT OF INTEREST

LOCATION:	This byway is located in southwest Colorado, between Durango and Ridgway. The eastern half of the skyway travels US Highway 550 between Durango and Ridgeway over Red Mountain Pass. The western half hits the same end points traveling Colorado Highway 62 over Dallas Pass, Colorado Highway 145 over Lizard Head Pass and US Highway 160 between Cortez and Durango.
LENGTH:	This is a 197 mile drive. Three passes are crossed, Red Mountain, Molas, and Coal Bank, each over 10,000 feet in elevation on the eastern half. The western half crosses Lizard Head Pass, also over 10,000 feet.
ROAD CONDITIONS:	During winter months snowy driving conditions may exist. It is recommended that the Colorado Highway Patrol Road Report be contacted for road conditions. All sections of this skyway are paved.
SERVICES:	Food, gas, and lodging are in Durango, Ouray, Ridgeway, Silverton.
ACTIVITIES:	Picnicking, camping, hiking, fishing, boating, biking, 4W driving are available along this skyway.

NOTABLE FEATURES:

Passes:	Red Mountain between Ouray and Silverton. Molas & Coal Bank between Silverton and Durango. Lizard Head between Cortez and Telluride.
Wilderness Areas:	Lizard Head, Mt. Sneffels & Weminuche
National Forests:	San Juan, & Uncompaghre
Peaks 14,000+:	Mt. Sneffels, Mt. Eolus, Sunlight Peak, Windom Peak, Mt. Wilson, & Wilson Peak
Skiing:	Purgatory & Telluride
Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge	Running all year, reservations required, (970) 247-2733
National Historic Districts:	Durango, Ouray & Silverton

CAMPING SITES

San Juan National Forest	Sites located along Highway 550	Chris Park, Haviland Lake, Purgatory, South Mineral, Ampihtheater
Uncompaghre National Forest	Sites located along Highway 145	Sunshine, Matterhorn, Cayton, Burro Bridge

FOR MORE INFORMATION

San Juan National Forest	701 Camino del Rio, Durango, CO 81301	(970) 247-4874
Uncompaghre National Forest	2250 Hwy. 50, Delta, CO 81416	(970) 874-7691
Cortez Chamber of Commerce	PO Box 968, Cortez, CO 81321	(970) 565-3414
Durango Chamber Resort Association	PO Box 2587, Durango, CO 81302	(970) 247-0312 (800) 525-8855
Ouray County Chamber	PO Box 145, Ouray, CO 81427	(800) 228-1876 (970) 325-4746
Silverton Chamber	PO Box 565, Silverton, CO 81427	(800) 752-4494 (970) 387-5654

DURANGO

An "Old West" town that boasts the historic Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. Founded in 1880 as a bustling railhead to serve the booming mining industry, Durango still maintains its Victorian charm. Restored historic landmarks line downtown streets. The Southern Ute Indian Reservation is nearby.

SILVERTON

Silverton is a living mining town tucked in a high mountain valley. This National Historic Landmark features quaint shops at the end of the line for the famous narrow gauge railroad that links with Durango. Hardrocker's Holidays, Brass Band Festival, and hiking are highlights. Victorian housing or local campgrounds are available.

OURAY

This beautiful alpine village is surrounded by towering mountains. Downtown streets feature Victorian shops, restaurants, and hotels. Nearby Box Canyon Falls offer a view of a plummeting waterfall in a deep cave-like canyon. Four-wheel-drive roads lead to gold and silver mines. Scenic campgrounds abound.

RIDGEWAY

This historic railhead was used as a film location for old westerns like "True Grit" and "How The West Was Won." The area features Ridgeway Reservoir State Recreation Area, Owl Creek Pass, and Big Blue Wilderness. Just north is Montrose, home of the Ute Indian Museum, and gateway to the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Monument.

TELLURIDE

Telluride, a famous Victorian mining town founded in the late 1800's, is now an international ski resort. Due to Telluride's unique location, many great hikes can be started right from town. Families with young children may wish to try the SanMiguel River or Bear Creek trails. The heritage includes the first bank robbery by the infamous Butch Cassidy. Today the historic downtown lends the perfect setting for year-round shopping and lodging. Festivals include bluegrass and country music, jazz, international films, and hang gliding competition. Four-wheel-drive roads lead to old mining sites in the mountains. Several peaks towering over 14,000 feet above sealevel surround Telluride.

RICO

The old mining town of Rico was once connected to civilization only by wagon train along the Scotch Creek toll road. The route is now popular for hiking, mountain biking, and four wheeling.

DOLORES

The Rio Grande Southern "Galloping Goose" railcar is on display here. This unique piece of history is part train, bus, and car. Dolores is the gateway to McPhee Reservoir, which boasts quality fishing, boating, picnicking, and camping.

CORTEZ

Cortez is known as the "Archeological Center of the United States." Just south is the Four Corners Monument where you can stand in four states at once. Cortez is the gateway to the Ute Mountain Casino and Ute Indian Reservation and Tribal Park The sites of both Ute and Ancestral Pueblos are yours to visit with a Ute guide. Walk where the Ancestral people walked. Hear the eagle's call and the cry of the soaring birds. Feel the peace of being in these mystifying canyons with the high stone walls, as well as Mesa Verde National Park, Established by Congress on September 29, 1906, Mesa Verde - Spanish for "Green Table" - is the first national park set aside to preserve the work of humankind..

MANCOS

Nestled in the beautiful Mancos Valley, Mancos is an agricultural community that was home to the Weatherhill family who discovered the Mesa Verde Cliff Dwellings.

The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad .This historic train operates along the banks of the Animas River, with round-trip service to the old mining community of Silverton (May thru October) and Cascade Canyon (November thru April) for a majestic snow-covered San Juan Mountain experience.

Ouray. China Clipper Inn. The ambiance, elegance, and comfort of the China Clipper, as well as the friendliness and warmth of the owners, is unrivaled. Ouray's newest Inn combines the romance of a southern mansion with the vitality of the West

Telluride Escape to an undisturbed box canyon, surrounded by 14,000 foot peaks where you'll discover miles of uncrowded slopes and diverse terrain.

Housed in an historic building, the Cortez Center serves as a museum and orientation facility for those who wish to participate in archaeological and Native American cultural experiences.

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Ute Mountain Tribal Park Come experience a special Native American interpretation of the culturally diverse homelands of the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe. Spend time in our incomparable Ute Mountain Tribal Park with one or our knowledgeable Native American Ute tour guides.