# San Juan Skyway

> 4-day road trip of about 245 km (152 mi) with 6 stops, from Durango to Mesa Verde National Park. About 2 h 43 min of driving in total.

Source: https://camping-spirit.com/guides/san-juan-skyway/

**At a glance:** 4-day road trip of about 245 km (152 mi) with 6 stops, from Durango to Mesa Verde National Park. About 2 h 43 min of driving in total. A loop of mining towns and 11,000-foot passes, including the Million Dollar Highway.

| | |
|---|---|
| Distance | 245 km (152 mi) |
| Driving | 2 h 43 min |
| Suggested days | 4 |
| Stops | 6 |
| Route | Durango → Mesa Verde National Park |
| States | CO |
| Updated | August 20, 2026 |

## Route description

From Durango, US-550 heads north into the San Juan Mountains over Coal Bank Pass and Molas Pass to Silverton, a mining town at the end of the narrow-gauge railroad from Durango.

North of Silverton, the Million Dollar Highway crosses Red Mountain Pass with sheer drops, no guardrails in places and old mines on the slopes. Drive slowly, use the pull-outs, and expect tight curves where large motorhomes need care. The road descends to Ouray, a small town in a steep box canyon with a public hot springs pool.

From Ouray, continue north to Ridgway, then west on CO-62 over the Dallas Divide, with views of the Sneffels Range, and CO-145 into Telluride, set in a box canyon ringed by mountains.

CO-145 then crosses Lizard Head Pass and follows the Dolores River down to Cortez, from where US-160 leads to Mesa Verde National Park and its cliff dwellings; ranger-led tours reach Cliff Palace. The passes can see snow in any month, so the loop is best from mid-June to September, with golden aspens in late September.

## Stop-by-stop itinerary

1. **Durango** (CO)
2. **Silverton** (CO)
3. **Million Dollar Highway** (Ouray, CO): US-550 over Red Mountain Pass: sheer drops, no guardrails and old mines on the slopes.
4. **Ouray** (CO)
5. **Telluride** (CO)
6. **Mesa Verde National Park** (Mancos, CO): Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings tucked under canyon overhangs. Ranger-led tours reach Cliff Palace.

## FAQs

**How long is San Juan Skyway?**
4-day road trip of about 245 km (152 mi) with 6 stops, from Durango to Mesa Verde National Park. About 2 h 43 min of driving in total.

**How many days do you need for San Juan Skyway?**
We suggest 4 days: about 2 h 43 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.

**Where does San Juan Skyway start and end?**
It starts in Durango and ends in Mesa Verde National Park.

**Which states does San Juan Skyway pass through?**
Colorado.