Welcome to the San Juan Skyway

Welcome to the San Juan Skyway. an “All-American Road”. , Welcome to Durango, Colorado, and the San Juan Skyway , a 232-mile loop drive that will take you into the heart of the San Juan Mountains on state-maintained, paved highways. , The San Juan Skyway was designated a Forest Service Scenic Byway in 1988 and a State Scenic and Historic Byway in 1989. The San Juan Skyway was recognized for its national significance and as a destination in itself as an All-American Road in 1997. , The San Juan Skyway crosses the San Juan and Uncompahgre National Forests, spanning elevations from 6,200 feet near Cortez to 11,008 feet on Red Mountain Pass. Your journey will take you from rolling, sagebrush-covered mesas with ancient sites and artifacts to Victorian mining towns, ranching communities, historic mining districts, high-elevation mountain passes, and views of 14,000-foot peaks. The San Juan Skyway is truly one of the most scenic drives in America. , [photo captions] , . Water cascades as snow melts in the high country. , . Summer bursts with wildflowers as visitors hike on one of the many trails accessible from the San Juan Skyway. , . Autumn is the time for golden aspens and cottonwoods, and brilliant Gambel oaks as the trees prepare themselves for the coming winter. , . A winter wonderland greets skiers at area ski resorts and in the backcountry. , The San Juan Skyway , The 232-mile San Juan Skyway connects the towns of Durango, Silverton, Ouray, Ridgway, Telluride, Rico, Dolores, Cortez, and Mancos. These communities were settled in the late 1800s when gold and silver were discovered in the San Juan Mountains and miners rushed to the area to strike it rich. Today, museums in each community tell the story of the boom-and-bust days of hard rock mining. , Durango , Durango's downtown Historic District offers Old West and Victorian charm as well as all the amenities of a modern community. From historic train rides to dude ranches, hot springs, hiking trails, hotels, and restaurants, Durango has first-class accommodations for everyone. , Interpretive Stops , Interpretive information along the San Juan Skyway explains the natural and cultural history of the San Juan Mountains. , While visiting the San Juan and Uncompahgre National Forests, you will find numerous campgrounds and picnic areas, downhill ski areas, winter sports areas, trailheads, thousands of miles of trails, and enough mountains to last a lifetime. , Ancestral Puebloans , The Ancestral Puebloans were the first inhabitants of southwest Colorado. For hundreds of years, they hunted, gathered, and farmed on river terraces and plateaus. You can see evidence of their pithouses, room blocks, and cliff dwellings throughout the Four Corners. Visit Mesa Verde National Park, Hovenweep National Monument, Canyons of the Ancients National Monument, or the Anasazi Heritage Center to gain a better understanding of the Ancestral Puebloans. , Adventure Side Trip , Alpine Loop Backcountry Byway , The 65-mile Alpine Loop is one of the finest examples of our nation's Backcountry Byway system. The four-wheel-drive road carves through the breathtaking San Juan Mountains and connects the towns of Lake City, Ouray, and Silverton. In the late 1800s, miners in search of precious metals widened ancient Indian routes to accommodate mule- and horse-drawn wagons. Today, the remains of ghost towns, mills, and mines are prominent reminders of the 19th century mining history. , Wilderness , Leave no Trace , Wilderness , “Where the earth and its community of life are untrammeled by man, where man himself is a visitor who does not remain.” , , Wilderness Act, September 1964 , The San Juan Skyway provides access to the Lizard Head Wilderness, Mt. Sneffels Wilderness, the Uncompahgre Wilderness, and the largest Wilderness in Colorado, the 499,771-acre Weminuche Wilderness. In wilderness, no motorized or mechanized equipment or travel is permitted. If you embark on a Wilderness venture, please practice Leave No Trace techniques: , . Plan ahead. , . Travel and camp on durable surfaces. , . Dispose of waste properly. , . Leave what you find. , . Minimize campfire impacts. , . Respect wildlife. , . Be considerate of other visitors. , For Your Safety , The San Juan Skyway route follows paved, state-maintained highways. The route is safe to drive year-round; however, driving conditions vary widely, especially during winter months. For up-to-date road, weather, or avalanche conditions, contact the Colorado State Patrol or the Colorado Department of Transportation Durango office, (877) 315-7623. , Taking A Hike? , . Stop by the San Juan Public Lands Center for maps and information. , . Let others know your travel plans and approximate return time. , . Carry a first aid kit. , . Carry extra clothing, jacket, and rain gear. , . Carry water and extra food. , . Wear a hat, sunscreen, and suitable shoes. , [photo captions] , . Mineral Creek on the San Juan Skyway. , . The Silver Lake Mill north of Silverton, circa 1910. , . Packers in Rico, circa 1890. , . Visitors on the San Juan Skyway read about the historic Rio Grande Southern Railroad at Lizard Head Pass. , . Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad winds its way on the highline above the Animas River. , . Fireworks announce the beginning of the annual Snowdown parade. , . Far View Tower at Mesa Verde National Park. , . Ancestral Puebloan village in East Rock Canyon within Canyons of the Ancients National Monument. , . Treading Lightly at Engineer Pass on the Alpine Loop Backcountry Byway. , . Horseback riding and hunting are time-honored traditions in the San Juan Mountains. , . Backpacking in the Weminuche Wilderness. , . Climbing 14,000-foot peaks in the San Juan Mountains.