San Juan Skyway

The San Juan Skyway is one of the most scenic high elevation drives in the United States, spanning elevations from 6,200 feet near Cortez to 11,008 feet at Red Mountain Pass.  The route can be started at any point and goes along U.S. Route 550 from Durango to Silverton, Ouray and Ridgway, and then along Colorado State Highway 62 to Placerville, Colorado State Highway 145 to Telluride, Rico, Dolores and Cortez, before looping back to Mancos and Durango via U.S. Route 160.  Along the route you’ll find subalpine forests, historic mountain towns, expansive cattle ranges, and prehistoric Indian ruins.

It takes about 7 hours to drive the 232 mile San Juan Skyway loop.  The route is a great 2 or 3 day trip with multiple opportunities to stop and enjoy scenic, recreational, and historic sites.

For more information, call SJMA’s visitor information team at (970) 247-4874.