San Juan Skyway

Travel to the top of the world and back in time on the San Juan Skyway, a National Forest and Scenic Byway.

This loop trip through the San Juan Mountains of Southwest Colorado follows 236 miles of highways on a journey from towering mountains and alpine forests to the rolling vistas and ancient ruins of Indian country.

View stunning scenery from your vehicle or pull off at the the many points of interest and fill your camera with beautiful memories.

The Skyway takes you over high mountain passes and quaint historic towns. Start your journey at any point along the loop.

Some of the material for this page is provided by the U.S. Forest Service.

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. Its 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 Ute Indian Reservation and Tribal Park as well as Mesa Verde National Park.

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.

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The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad runs between those two towns through the Animas Canyon and spectacular mountain country.

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Mountains surrounding Ouray.

Telluride lies in the small, narrow valley in the very center of this picture.

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Lizard Head Peak between Telluride and Rico rises to 13,113 feet in elevation. Nearby Lizard Head Pass is 10,222 feet high.

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Mesa Verde is the only National Park dedicated to solely to the works of man. These cliff dwelling were mysteriously abandoned by the Anasazi Indians over 200 years before Columbus discovered America.