One of the most scenic drives in the country: the San Juan Skyway in Colorado forms a loop from Durango through Silverton, Ouray, Placerville, Telluride, Rico, Cortez, Marcos and then back to Durango.
This 263-mile scenic loop was one of the prettiest drives we have ever taken and it was a lot of fun on a motorcycle. We stayed in Durango, so our ride started from there. We left the city following state highway 550 towards Silverton following the Silverton train. For awhile we were riding side by side.
Hwy 550 takes you past Baldy Mountain and winds through Hermosa, Pinkerton Springs and the San Juan National Forest. Past Purgatory and Cascade skiing resorts, the road has some fantastic curves.
You will be climbing up high winding mountain pass roads with no guard rails. There is a spot to stop and take photos at the second mountain pass Molas Pass Summit at 10, 910 feet.
Silverton is a former silver-mining town, it is now a national historical district. We grabbed a bite to eat at at Handlebar’s Food & Saloon.
Million Dollar Highway
The Million Dollar Highway is part of the San Juan Scenic skyway that connects the towns of Silverton and Ouray. Carved out of the Anvil Mountain it was built in the late 1800’s and is 25-miles in length. After lunch we left Silverton and started on the Million Dollar Highway to Ouray.
The views on the Million Dollar Highway are outstanding.
Next stop town of Ouray.