Explore hot springs, magnificent waterfalls, breathtaking views of the Red Mountains and the high Rocky peaks, and 365 foot-high Bridal Veil Falls.
Colorado’s San Juan Skyway is a one- to two-day trip that circles from Ridgeway through Ouray, Silverton, Durango, Cortez, Dolores, Telluride, and Placerville. The “round” trip begins at Ridgeway State Park, four miles north of Ridgeway. Driving south on U.S. 550 along the Uncompahgre River brings you past a number of hot springs. The Ouray Hot Springs, a municipal pool, is at the north part of Ouray. Continuing on U.S. 550 reveals superb waterfalls which run off the cliffs into Uncompahgre Gorge. At the heap of the gorge lies a breathtaking view of the Red Mountains. At the top of Red Mountain Pass, you begin a 10-mile descent toward the town of Silverton. The pass bottoms out in the Animas River Valley, where a left turn onto Route 110 leads into the old mining town of Silverton. Silverton is the home of the San Juan County Historical Museum and is known as the ghost town of Animas Forks. Take a break and catch a ride aboard the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad that travels between Silverton an Durango several times a day.
Staying south on U.S. 550 through Molas Pass provides a wonderful panorama of the West Needle Mountains and the Grenadier Range. The Coal Bank Pass, a 4,000-foot descent, lies 7 miles south, where the road plateaus around the Purgatory Ski Area.
Following the Animas River takes you through the town of Hermosa and into the mining town of Durango. You can opt to pick up U.S. 160 in Durango and head west to Mesa Verda National Park. Go on along U.S. 160 toward Cortez, where you’ll pick up U.S. 145 north. Proceed left at the Route 184 junction to visit the Anasazi Heritage Center. Go back 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 the Sheep Mountain, Lizard Head Peak, Yellow Mountain, and the Ophir Needles. A right at the “T” intersection brings you to the ski town of Telluride, where you can see 365 foot-high Bridal Veil Falls. Proceed to Route 145 toward Placerville. Turn right on Route 62, where you ascend eleven miles to the Dallas Divide. You begin your descent into Ridgeway as you top the divide.
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:
Bridal Veil Falls
Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
Mesa Verda National Park
Tagged with: best time:spring and summer • Colorado • hot springs • waterfalls
Filed under: Best Road Trips