Drive the San Juan Skyway from Durango to Ouray

Durango, Colorado

4.7/5

based on 7 reviews

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Added by Kristen May

Enjoy breathtaking scenery, small mountain towns, and excellent wildlife viewing. If you have the time, there are plenty of hiking trails right off the road.

The drive from Durango to Ouray via Colorado 550 (The San Juan Skyway) is one of the most gorgeous roads in the country. The drive itself is worth your time, but if you have time be sure to make stops along the way at the many waterfalls, hiking trails, and lakes along the road. This drive passes the Continental Divide as well as many other extreme elevation changes, so make sure your car has good breaks and you pack warm clothing!

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Forest

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River

Romantic

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Waterfall

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ADA Accessible

Drive the San Juan Skyway from Durango to Ouray Reviews

Explorer

Jason Hatfield

Explorer

Drive the San Juan Skyway from Durango to Ouray

12/23/15

One of the most scenic drives in Colorado. Drive this in early fall for spectacular mountains covered in forests of gold.

5.0

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Hike the Falls Creek Loop

The Falls Creek Loop is a 4.1 mile trail in the San Juan National Forest, just outside of Durango, Colorado. Lots of side trails jut out from the main trail, and it is easy to lose your way. Take the middle trail at the first split, and keep following the main splits. You will find yourself on a steep downhill, which will lead to views of the waterfall. The trail is good for all skill levels, a...

Hike the Animas Mountain Trail

The Animas Mountain Trail is a 6 mile loop trail, easily accessible from town, and best used from March until October. In the early spring and late fall, it is advised to bring YakTrax or similar in case there are icy patches on the trail. This trail is located in the San Juan National Forest near Durango, Colorado. It features a phenomenal forest setting, and is rated as moderate. The trail is...

Mountain Bike in Dalla Mountain Park

The Dalla Park shares a trailhead and parking lot with the Animas Mountain trail, frequently used for hiking and trail running. There is plenty of room in this lot, as well as several picnic tables. Immediately after crossing through the gate, the trail divides. The bike park takes up the south and south-eastern faces of the hill, but it's best to climb up the more moderate grade of the switchb...

Hike the Colorado Trail to Gudy's Rest

This hike, a local favorite is less than five miles from downtown Durango. The entire hike offers beautiful views especially once your reach the top of Gudy's Rest. The trail starts off with a gradual uphill along Junction Creek. On this section of the trail, you will likely run into locals probably walking their dogs. Continue over the wooden footbridge and enjoy the 1.5 mile hike up to Gudy'...

Trimble Hot Springs

Hike the First Fork/Red Creek Loop

Leaving from Durango, head north on Florida Road/CR 240. From the intersection with County Road 250 (the last stoplight), drive about 8 miles until you reach Colvig Summer Camp. Turn northwest here. The road will soon narrow and turn to dirt - continue straight. 1 mile further, there will be a large gate. You can either park your vehicle here or continue through the gate, closing it behind you ...

Drive the San Juan Skyway from Durango to Ouray

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Drive the San Juan Skyway from Durango to Ouray Reviews

Leave No Trace

Nearby

Hike the Falls Creek Loop

Hike the Animas Mountain Trail

Mountain Bike in Dalla Mountain Park

Hike the Colorado Trail to Gudy's Rest

Trimble Hot Springs

Hike the First Fork/Red Creek Loop

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