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San Juan Skyway Scenic Byway

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Colorado Map, San Juan Skyway Scenic Byway, The CVD Map Symbols, Colorado, The CVD Not all towns appear on map. The publisher does not assume any responsibility for accuracy or completeness of maps. This information was compiled as accurately as possible.

In 600 AD the ancient Anasazi, or Pueblo Indians, lived and worked in southwest Colorado. When resources became scarce and drought and frost hit their crops, the Anasazi left the region to settle in other parts of Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico. The Spanish followed about 500 years later, striking gold. Miners established towns, which led to the birth of the railroad in the area. Today, this area is full of ancient ruins, deserted mining towns, national parks, and some of the best scenery in America. The San Juan Skyway Scenic Byway covers 236 miles of terrain across southwestern Colorado. Starting in Durango, you can travel this loop passing Cortez, Delores, Rico, Telluride, Ridgeway, Ouray, and Silverton. Be sure to allow at least two days to see everything this byway has to offer.

san juan skyway, Colorado, The CVD
san juan skyway, Colorado, The CVD

The byway passes through the heart of five million acres of both the San Juan and Uncompahgre National Forests. Traveling the length of the byway will take you through high mountain passes and historical towns, and by waterfalls and acres of wildflowers. In autumn, the aspen trees turn brilliant colors. Sunset Magazine recognized the area's superior beauty by writing, "The San Juan Skyway... possibly America's greatest fall-color drive...its Aspen views are alternately breathtaking and intimate."

There are many fascinating historical features in the area. Once a landmark for missionaries, conquistadors and prospectors settling in the region, Chimney Rock is a designated Archaeology Area and National Historical Site. Many state and national parks also populate the route of the byway. Both the Mancos State Park and Ridgeway State Park are home to many recreational activities. Mesa Verde National Park is the home of the cliff dwellings of the ancient people and recognized as one of the most preserved archeological sites. Also, a narrow gauge railroad still operates from Durango to Silverton, carrying 200,000 passengers a year.

Recreational activities include four wheeling, hiking, bicycling, hunting, photography, fishing, kayaking, dirt biking, and motorcycle tours. For a more relaxing stay, visit town shops and hot springs in the area. In the winter, Telluride and Purgatory provide elite downhill skiing. Winter also creates opportunity for snow shoeing, ice climbing, snowmobiling, and cross country skiing on a well-groomed Nordic center. Purgatory ski resort also provides summer activities. The ski lift will take you to the top of the mountain for sight seeing, wild flower viewing, and a toboggan-like Alpine slide.

Places to Stay and Fun Things to Do

Bachelor-Syracuse Mine Tour & Cafe email link button on advertiser page photos on advertiser page mutual link button on advertiser page
Fun for the entire family! Whether your staying in Ouray, Silverton or Durango spend an afternoon on a tour of a real gold mine, then pan for gold. Have breakfast or a Texas BBQ lunch. Gold nugget jewelry!
scenic byway attractions
Cedar Creek RV Park, Cabin & Mini Golf photos on advertiser page book online from advertiser page mutual link button on advertiser page
Closest RV Park to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park in Montrose with shade trees & a creek. Camper Cabin for rent. Open all year. We also rent motorhomes & pop-up campers. 18 Hole Mini-Golf.
cabins rv parks family national parks scenic byway
Cherry Creek Mountain Ranch photos on advertiser page mutual link button on advertiser page
Nestled in Cherry Creek valley outside of Durango, guests have the chance to experience ranch life the way the cowboys did. . . ranch-style breakfasts. . . solitude & tranquility. . . plus horse & cattle activities.
cabins b & b inns pets ok scenic byway
Circle K Guest Ranch & Outfitters email link button on advertiser page photos on advertiser page mutual link button on advertiser page
A Colorado guest ranch & hunting/fishing outfitter without a high price tag & minimum stay! Enjoy scenic horseback riding, home-cooked meals & friendly hospitality in Dolores. Families, reunions & groups.
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Groundhog Lake RV Park, Campground & Cabins photos on advertiser page mutual link button on advertiser page
Majestic mountain peaks and serene high country meadows, near Dolores. Groundhog Lake is a favorite spot for local fisherman. Enjoy fishing, trophy hunting, tremendous photography, or just relax.
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Ouray Chamber Resort Visitors Center photos on advertiser page
Escape to Ouray! Enjoy the Victorian architecture. Discover our incredible Native American & mining history. Meet the friendly people. Relax in our naturally heated mineral springs. Explore our mountains.
weddings groups scenic byway fishing restaurants atving jeeping rafting hot springs fun stuff cross country skiing snowshoeing
Rico Hotel Mountain Lodge & Argentine Grill email link button on advertiser page mutual link button on advertiser page
Rustic Alpine lodge near Telluride, originally opened as a miner's boarding house in 1925. The historic Rico Hotel features charming rooms, a hot tub and a full service restaurant with a fine dining menu.
motels lodges scenic byway

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More Activities & Information

Durango Local Area Map

Alpine Scenic Loop • Cache La Poudre Scenic Drive • Colorado River Headwaters • Collegiate Peaks Byway • Dinosaur Diamond • Flat Tops Trail • Frontier Pathway • Goldbelt Tour • Grand Mesa Scenic Byway • Guanella Pass • Highway of Legends • Lariat Loop • Los Caminos Antiguos

Mount Evans • Pawnee Pioneer Trail • Peak to Peak Highway • Pikes Peak Road
• San Juan Skyway • Santa Fe Trail • Silver Thread Scenic Byway • South Platte River Trail • Top of the Rockies • Trail of the Ancients • Trail Ridge Road • Unaweep/Tabeguache Scenic Drive • West Elk Scenic Loop
 

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Copyright by The Colorado Directory, Inc. This is a directory only; it is not and does not contain a recommendation,warranty, guaranty, inducement or endorsement of any kind. Representations herein were supplied by the individual businesses. The publisher, The Colorado Directory, Inc., does not assume any responsibility for truth, falsity or completeness of any representation made herein or any errors, changes, services rendered, or changes made in the use of this directory. This information was compiled as accurately as possible. Prices and services are frequently subject to change. Errors called to the publisher's attention will be corrected in the future. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored or transmitted in any form or by any means, without permission in writing from the publisher.