San Juan Skyway Scenic Byway and the Million Dollar Highway

The Million Dollar Highway connects the old mining town of Silverton to the town of Ouray and is a spectacular scenic drive. This is a 46-kilometer two-lane highway that, in places, hugs the mountainside and looks out over jaw-dropping cliffs and across valleys to inspiring mountain peaks. It is one of Colorado's most beautiful mountain drives. If you have time, you can make this a longer trip by driving the San Juan Skyway Scenic Byway. The Skyway is a full-day excursion that is best done in good weather, but can also be done in winter or summer.

The San Juan Skyway Scenic Byway begins in Durango and travels up to Silverton, along the Million Dollar Highway to Ouray, over to Placerville, south to Telluride, Dolores, Mancos, and back to Durango. If you have less time or only want to go one way, you can do the Silverton to Ouray section, which begins in Durango and continues up to Silverton, over the Million Dollar Highway to Ouray, and beyond to Montrose or further north to Grand Junction. The towns of Silverton, Ouray, and Telluride are among the highlights along the way.

Silverton, located at over 9,300 feet and surrounded by mountains, has one main street with a few shops and restaurants. In the summer, it can be extremely crowded, but in the winter, most of the businesses are closed, and the area can feel like a ghost town. Silverton Mountain, located on the outskirts of town, is an old-school ski "resort" with excellent backcountry downhill skiing for advanced skiers. Ouray, dubbed the "Switzerland of America" by a sign at the main lookout, is another mountain town known for its hot springs.

Google rating: 5.0/5.0

Location: 802 Main Avenue | Durango, CO 81301

Phone: (970) 247-3500

Website: https://www.durango.org/things-to-do/scenic-drives/san-juan-skyway/