San Juan Skyway
Visitor Services

Service	Description	Service	Description
	Fees There are no fees for driving the byway. However, there are park entrance fees, area use fees, and fees for attractions along the byway.		Bicycle/Pedestrian Facilities The San Juan Skyway is a popular and extremely challenging bicycle route. The byway crosses four mountain passes that range in... [more]
	Camping Camping is available along the byway. Links to reserveUSA.com to make reservations at nearby National Forest Campgrounds: House Creek McPhee Recreation Complex		Food There are places to buy food along this byway.
	Gasoline Gasoline is available.		Information Maps, books, brochures, and additional information can be found at information centers and visitor service centers all along the byway.... [more]
	Lodging The byway features exceptional inns along the route. These inns are located in Durango, Telluride, Ridgway, Ouray, and Silverton.... [more]		Phone Public phones are available along this byway.
	Restrooms There are toilet facilities along this byway.		Retail There are places to shop along this byway.

NOTE: The America's Byways® website is federally funded and cannot promote commercial businesses. This data may not be complete or up to date. The National Scenic Byways Program is not responsible for the quality of your travel experience. See the right column on the Byway Overview page for local contact information.

Special Considerations

• Due to the many attractions found along this byway (like mountain driving), traveling the byway in just one day would be "pushing it." The country along the San Juan Skyway is exciting to explore, but safety and caution should always be a major concern.
• When driving, hiking, or exploring prehistoric and historic sites, remember to take nothing but pictures and leave nothing but footprints.
• It is illegal to remove artifacts of any sort.
• It is unsafe to explore old, unstable mills, mines, and timber structures that are decaying and hazardous.
• Much of the property along the route is privately owned, so please show due respect and restraint.
• Be prepared for changing weather both while driving and while hiking.
• Because of the high altitude, be aware of altitude sickness. If you are not accustomed to high altitudes, get plenty of rest and resist overdoing activities during your first two days at high altitude.

Restrictions

There is year-round maintenance on this byway. Mountain passes are sometimes closed for an hour or two (sometimes even a day or two) in the case of heavy snowstorms or slides during the winter.

The 2-lane road between Ouray and Silverton has incredibly beautiful views. Drivers should know that while this is a perfectly adequate and well-maintained road, it is also narrow and steep, has many hairpin switchbacks and a tunnel, tremendous dropoffs with no railings or shoulders, and few places to pass. Some curves are signed at 10 mph. There are some pullouts, particularly at scenic vistas. Large vehicles do drive this road regularly, but we recommend all drivers take care and call ahead to check road conditions, especially in winter or inclement weather.

The road south from Durango Ski Resort to Durango becomes three lanes with shoulders. It remains steep in places but the curves are less sharp and the countryside is more open.

Travelers should note that Colorado State Highway 110 is restricted to 4x4 vehicles only.

Seasons

Best Time to Drive

The best time to drive the byway is June through October, although the byway can be enjoyed year round because each season has its own attractions. Fall is one of the most spectacular seasons along the byway because of the many fall colors.

High Season

July and August are the busiest months on the byway.

Road Conditions

To find up to date information about the road conditions along San Juan Skyway, please visit the FHWA listing of web sites for more information.

Colorado