San Juan Skyway Loop

Length: 233 miles

Five hours to ride or 1 to 2 days if you look around and experience what the byway has to offer

This ride will take you through the most beautiful sections of the Rocky Mountains as you follow a circular path through southwestern Colorado. You will pass through historic mining towns, national parks, forests and world-class ski resort areas. On this trip you will see the San Juan Mountains, home to many of Colorado’s elite group of 14,000-foot mountain peaks. Along the way you will see red-rock canyons, lush river valleys, hot springs and majestic mountain peaks. This ride will take you through arguably the most beautiful sections of the Rocky Mountains as you follow a circular path through southwestern Colorado. You will pass through historic mining towns, national parks and forests and world- class ski resort areas. On this trip you will see the San Juan Mountains, home to many of Colorado’s elite group of 14,000 foot mountain peaks. Along the way you will see red-rock canyons, lush river valleys, hot springs and majestic mountain peaks..The segment from Ouray to Silverton is called the "Million Dollar Highway." It derives its name from the low-grade gold ore present in its roadbed. You want to be careful on this route. It has many hairpin turns and switchbacks and the descents and climbs are almost endless. Take advantage of the many turnouts to take a good long look at the scenery. Keep in mind, you will be riding at over 10,000 feet three times on this loop. Some bikes (like humans) struggle at these kinds of altitudes and keep in mind that the snow sticks around longer in the spring and returns more quickly in the fall up here. You’re best bet is to go in July or August. The town of Ridgeway was home to the set of Wild West movies such as True Grit and How the West Was Won. You can also visit old mining towns such as Ouray, Silverton and Telluride. Silverton offers a look at a preserved Rocky Mountain mining town with its once elegant hotels and even a former red light district where the town locals stage mock gunfights on some summer evenings. The city has a museum and ample gift shops and places to grab a bite or a brew. Durango is the largest city in southwestern Colorado and as you walk its gas-lamp lit streets you will see its vast collection of beautiful brick and stone Victorian buildings that offer a multitude of souvenir shops, restaurants and hotels. It is also the starting point for the “Durango to Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad.”

This is a must do if you are I the area. The authentic coal burning steam engine pulled train runs several times a day across the breathtaking route from Durango to Silverton. You will pass buy Mesa Verde National Park and will definitely want to stop by and visit the ancient Ansazi villages and cliff dwellings built here over 700 years ago. There you will see the “Cliff Palace” that served as the home of more than 200 Anasazis. On the southwestern corner of the trip you will pass through Cherry Creek and see the area that gave western novelist Louis L’Amour the inspiration for his many novels. As you finish the loop of this route, one of the highlights of your trip may be the world famous ski-town of Telluride. Here you will find yourself in a town tucked close to awesome mountains in its own corner of a mountain valley. This Victorian town has ample activities including mountain biking, camping and a large offering of shops and restaurants. It is also houses the historic bank where Butch Cassidy committed his first bank robbery in 1889. While there make sure you hike to Bridal Veil Falls and see the highest freefall waterfall in Colorado (the fall dives 425 ft).

From Durango, head north on US 550 past Hermosa, Silverton, and Ouray. At Highway 62 near Ridgway, go left and follow Highway 62 to Placerville. Once you reach Placerville, take Highway 145 to the southeast. Continue on 145 until you come to the junction with US 160 near Cortez.