San Juan Skyway
United States
Colorado's Million Dollar Highway, the San Juan Skyway loops through Ouray's "Switzerland of America" canyon town, the 3,358m Red Mountain Pass above collapsed mine workings, Silverton's Victorian mining town, the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, and Mesa Verde's Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings. The most dramatic mountain circuit in the Rocky Mountains.
Explore on the interactive map →Stops along the route
- Durango
Victorian railroad town and home of the steam-powered Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, running through the Animas River Canyon since 1882.
- Silverton
An intact 1880s mining townscape at 2,835m, the only municipality in San Juan County. False-front saloons and the 1929 Mayflower Gold Mill still stand.
- Red Mountain Pass
The Million Dollar Highway's most dramatic point at 3,358m. Three iron-oxide peaks loom over guardrail-free drops above the collapsed Idarado Mine workings.
- Ouray
The Switzerland of America, a Victorian box-canyon town at 2,369m with natural hot springs and the world's first man-made ice climbing park, free to climb.
- Telluride
A National Historic Landmark mining town in a blind canyon at 2,667m. Butch Cassidy robbed his first bank here in 1889; the film festival fills it each September.
- Mesa Verde National Park
The finest Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings in North America, built 1190-1300 AD. Cliff Palace's 150 rooms are accessible only on ranger-led tours. UNESCO.
- Durango
The Skyway loop closes back in this Victorian railroad hub after 375 km circling the San Juan Mountains through mining history and canyon country.
Where to Eat
- The Ore HouseSteakhouse
Historic steakhouse in Durango offering prime cuts and seafood in a rustic setting.
- Brown Bear CafeAmerican
Cozy cafe in Silverton known for hearty breakfasts and homemade pies.
- BrickHouse 737Contemporary American
Modern eatery in Ouray serving innovative dishes with local ingredients.
- Allred's RestaurantFine Dining
Elevated dining experience in Telluride with panoramic mountain views.
Things to Do
- Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge RailroadHistoric Train Ride
Scenic steam train journey through the San Juan Mountains between Durango and Silverton.
- Ouray Hot Springs PoolHot Springs
Natural hot springs in Ouray offering relaxing pools with mountain views.
- Telluride GondolaScenic Ride
Free gondola ride connecting Telluride and Mountain Village with stunning vistas.
- Cliff PalaceHistoric Site
Largest cliff dwelling in North America located within Mesa Verde National Park.
Travel advisory
Red Mountain Pass reaches 3,358m with steep drop-offs, no guardrails on sections, and tight switchbacks that demand careful speed management. Snow and ice are possible from October through May and can close sections without warning, so check CDOT road conditions before heading into the San Juans.