Riding San Juan Skyway will take you through to the most beautiful sections of the Rocky Mountains. An all-American scenic road and a component in the Colorado Scenic and Historic Byway System. It is located in southwest Colorado through the San Juan Mountains and it passes by Telluride, Silverton, Ouray and Durango.

A 12-mile section of this route (the section between Ouray & Silverton) is a very famous section of road known as the “Million Dollar Highway” either because it cost so much to build or the amount of gold ore that remained in the roadway’s fill.

Fortunate bikers who find themselves here will encounter red rock canyons, amazing river valleys, hot springs and majestic mountain peaks in a spot sometimes known as the “Switzerland of America.”

How many kilometres is it / How long does it take to ride it?
The San Juan Skyway is a 233 mile (375 km) loop traversing the heart of the San Juan National Forest, Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests. It takes about five-seven hours to ride but it is well worth spending at least one night en route.

Are there any accommodation or camping options along the way?
Camping is available along the skyway. Both Ridgway and Mancos state parks have campgrounds, as well as numerous national campgrounds including Mesa Verde. Free wild camping is easy to find in the national forests.

What is the best time of year to travel the route?
The best time to drive the byway is June through October, although the byway can be enjoyed year-round because each season has its own attractions. Fall is one of the most spectacular seasons along the byway because of the many fall colours. July and August are the busiest months on the byway. The two-lane road between Ouray and Silverton has incredibly beautiful views. The San Juan Skyway is open year-round (except when passes are closed temporarily by snow) and all travel is on paved highway.

Where are people able to get fuel when they are riding the route?
Fuel stations along the route can be found in the cities of Cortez, Dolores, Durango, Mancos, Ouray, Ridgway, Silverton and Telluride.

Photo credit: daveynin / CC BY

Photo credit: Mark Goebel / CC BY

Photo credit: vickiWatkins / CC BY

Photo credit: daveynin / CC BY

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