Colorado--San Juan Skyway
Date: 2004-11-14
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 and 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 and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
Bridal Veil Falls
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