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Colorado Scenic Drive: Part IV
San Juan Range circle drive
This may be the most thrilling day of your Colorado scenic drive, even more exciting than the Trail Ridge highway through Rocky Mountain National Park in Part II.
Million Dollar Highway
On a clear day while in Ouray, head straight south from Ouray on U.S. Highway 550 toward Durango. Get an EARLY start.
You immediately begin to climb steeply (very steeply) up the front range of the San Juan Mountains along the “Million Dollar Highway.”
This is exciting driving. In fact, you may wish the highway department had spent a few more millions to make this road a little less exciting.
With nearly no guardrails, precipitous drops, curves for which you need to slow to as little as 10 MPH, 550 is like no U.S. highway you have ever experienced. Just be careful and you’ll have no problems.
This area is awesomely beautiful.
Nearly everywhere you look, interesting old mining equipment and excavations cling to the mountainsides, but this does not detract from the natural setting.
You finally reach the top of Red Mountain Pass and descend a little more serenely toward Silverton.
Silverton
When you reach flat ground, take the turnoff that leads you into Silverton visible on your left. Silverton was once one of the greatest mining camps in Colorado, but it is not a true ghost town.
People still live here so you’ll see a satellite dish or two among the old buildings. That doesn’t matter. You can almost feel the thirst for opportunity that brought so many here.
Just south of Silverton, you again climb another pass—this one not so intimidating—until you reach the summit of Molas Divide.
From here, you experience more outstanding mountain scenery as you glide down toward Durango.
Some five miles north of Durango, watch for the Trimble Hot Springs resort on your right. This makes a great stop for swimming and for working out the stress of the Million Dollar Highway in a hot soaking pool.
Durango
When you reach central Durango, the historic downtown is just to your left. Follow the signs for the Durango and Silverton Railway depot, and then get out and explore on foot.
You may also wish to visit the old residential neighborhood to the east of downtown.
Mesa Verde National Park
From Durango, head westbound on U.S. Highway 160 toward Cortez.
Past Mancos, branch south into Mesa Verde National Park.
One of the great Native American historical sites, the awesome remnants of Mesa Verde are easy to visit. See its website for more details.
Continue westbound on 160.
Just before Cortez, turn right—northbound--onto Highway 145.
Telluride
Well, here you go again, you say. You’re sending us back into the San Juans. The horror.
What can I say? This is another beautiful route.
If you think the Million Dollar Highway was bad, you ought to drive the unpaved roads here, which we avoid.
Continue northbound on Highway 145.
After you pass over Lizard Pass and drive through Mountain Village, turn right into Telluride.
Once a major mining town, Telluride has become a world-class ski resort.
You’ll have fun exploring this historic city. You may even wish to have a celebratory dinner here after surviving so far.
However, please don’t drink as you still have a bit of mountain driving to do (but nothing too serious).
The last portion of your drive today—after Placerville—duplicates what you’ve already driven so you can do it after dark, if you wish to spend extra time in Telluride.
From Telluride, return the way you came to Highway 145.
Turn right on 145, and drive north toward Placerville.
At Placerville, turn right--eastbound—on Highway 62 toward Ridgway.
At Ridgway, turn right—southbound—toward Ouray.
Go on to from Ouray to Colorado Springs and Denver (Part V)
Part I, Introduction
Part II, Denver to Glenwood Springs via Rocky Mountain National Park
Part III, Glenwood Springs to Ouray at the base of the San Juan's
Part IV, San Juan range circle tour
Part V, Ouray to Colorado Springs and Denver
Part VI, Overnight stops and accommodation suggestions
Part VII, Mountain safe driving and health hints
