San Juan Skyway: Durango to Ouray

The road between Durango and Ouray crosses Coal Bank, Molas and Red Mountain passes, passes Silverton and runs along the cliffs of the Million Dollar section. Guardrails are scarce and drop-offs are steep, so it feels dramatic. It suits confident drivers who like mining towns, hot springs and autumn aspens.

The stops

1. Start

   Durango

2. Town

   Durango

   Start in a railway town; the narrow-gauge train goes to Silverton

3. Worth a look

   Durango Mountain Resort

   Summer lifts and the high valley

4. Viewpoint

   Coal Bank Pass

   10,640 ft pass with trailheads

5. Viewpoint

   Molas Pass

   10,910 ft pass above the Animas Valley

6. Town · Overnight

   Silverton

   Preserved mining town

7. Viewpoint

   Red Mountain Pass

   11,018 ft with old mines either side

8. Hike

   Box Canyon Falls

   Short walk into a narrow gorge above Ouray

9. Worth a look

   Ouray Hot Springs

   Soak in town after the drive

10. Finish

    Ouray

Where to stay

• Night 1

  Silverton

  Molas Lake campground · Silverton motels

• Night 2

  Ouray

  Ouray KOA · Amphitheater Campground (San Juan NF)

When to go

Jun-Oct; fall colour peaks late September

On the road

Winter snow and avalanches can close the passes; check CDOT COtrip. Allow extra time behind slow trucks.