San Juan Skyway

Red Mountain is reflected in Crystal Lake on a bright fall day near Ironton, Colorado.

Golden aspens grace the roadside on the Red Mountain Pass on a still autumn day.

The bustling, mining town of Leadville is rich in history and beautiful architecture.

Off-road adventurers can explore the Alpine Loop of the San Juan Skyway by taking this dirt road.

An SUV takes to the dirt roads of the San Juan Skyway to catch a view of autumn leaves in the distance.

The Alpine Loop off the San Juan Skyway leads visitors up a dirt path to panoramic views of the San Juan Mountains.

Explore the Alpine Loop by taking this dirt road.

Stop by this interpretive sign to learn more about the geology of the San Juan Skyway.

Snowcapped peaks and spots of golden autumn color greet visitors to the San Juan Skyway.

The lyrics "purple mountain's majesty" might come to mind while driving the San Juan Skyway.

Saffron leaves speckle the mountainside during the fall.

Engineer Mountain rises over other peaks and evergreens.

Learn more about the area's mining history by stopping at mining sites along the San Juan Skyway.

Visitors stop by an informative kiosk at the Durango Visitor Center along the San Juan Skyway.

This interpretive site allows the driver to rest and focus on the view.

Mountain peaks are echoed in the triangular facades of Ouray's buildings.

Ouray is an ideal spot to rest, to gather supplies, or simply to tour this fascinating town.

Residents of Ouray enjoy the serenity and scenery of country living.

With each mile up the San Juan Skyway, Ouray remains scenic as it is nestled in the valley below.

Interpretive signs tell more about the geology of Mesa Verde.

Experience the history of the ancient residents of Colorado while visiting cliff dwellings such as this one, at Mesa Verde National Park.

Stop for both the view and the information on this interpretive sign on the San Juan Skyway.

Orange cones indicate some road damage along the Skyway.

Slight road damage, marked by orange cones, makes the passage around this mountain quite narrow.

Surrounded by mountains and pasture, Telluride is a nice getaway spot.

Joggers, runners, and walkers alike will enjoy using this running trail in Telluride.

Enjoy the mountain scenery while biking the trail in Telluride.

Enjoy a community game of baseball while obeying this bike trail's traffic signage on the Telluride Run Trail.

The Telluride Run Trail makes exercising or just enjoying the fresh air safe and fun.

Tourists regularly ride this steam engine train near the San Juan Skyway.

Trees deck this small town situated at in a valley formed by Uncompahgre and Redcloud Peaks on the San Juan Skyway.

The moon rises over distant Rocky Mountain peaks

The setting sun casts a red-orange glow around Engineer Mountain.

The sun shines through clouds over Sunshine Mountain and Wilson Peak.

Vermillion Peak is capped in snow from this view taken at the top of Lizard Head Pass.

On a clear day, Bridal Veil Falls tumbles over serrated rocks.

A group of first graders learn more about healthcare in historic Telluride in the "Hardships and Healthcare Room."

This woman speaks at the annual Fireside Chat series, held throughout the summer in the Mountain Village Heritage Plaza.

The Telluride Historical Museum looks charmingly historic and pristine after its complete restoration.

This overhead view of the dwellings at Mesa Verde reveals the site's architecturial majesty.

Aspens in their autumn glory adorn Uncompahgre Gorge along the San Juan Skyway.

A brightly colored train rounds a corner along San Juan Skyway.

Along the byway visitors can see evidence of former settlements, such as this cabin.

Silverton is part of Colorado's historic mining country.

Fire has left its mark on the landscape and vegetation of Mesa Verde.

A biker stands adjusts his bike at the Molas Overlook.

Dark mountains dominate this view from the Molas Overlook.

The hot springs at Ouray offer a massage facility along with other features to help visitors relieve stress.

Visitors can relax in the waters of Ouray's hot springs.

This concrete tunnel protects the road from the snow and common to the high elevations of the San Juan Mountains.

Old cabins and other relics from the area's mining past dot the mountainsides along the San Juan Skyway.

Visitors can enjoy high mountain scenery when they drive the San Juan Skyway.

Yucca plants like this one were an important part of life for the park's Native American inhabitants.

Evidence of the area's mining past, such as these trestles, is abundant along the San Juan Skyway.

The Spruce House cliff dwellings rest under a protective overhang of rock.

The sprawling ruins of Cliff Palace are aptly named. View from overlook.

The town of Ouray lays nestled between the peaks of the San Juan Mountains.

A banner hangs across Main Street in Telluride, calling attention to the Wine Festival taking place.

This railroad, built for the mining industry, now carries tourists along the scenic Animas River from Durango to Silverton, CO.

A wooden bridge crosses Bear Creek near Telluride.

These interpretive signs are located at Bear Creek, on the western leg of the Byway near Telluride.

This visitor stops to read interpretive signs at Cherry Creek, located near Mancos.

Near Ridgway, the Dallas Divide provides views of fields, hills, and mountains.

Golden flora and snow-capped peaks surround the Double RL Ranch near Ridgway.

Located near Telluride, the Keystone Hill Overlook reveals the thriving green hills and mountains.

The paved trail at Leopard Creek cuts across the land, providing a peaceful walk through nature.

Located on the northern leg of the San Juan Skyway near Placerville, Leopard Creek features a paved path surrounded by trees.

A deep sapphire sky contrasts the stark white snow that covers the land around Molas Pass.

This view of bronze and green mountains and serious switchbacks is from the overlook on Red Mountain Pass.

This visitor reads the interpretive signs atop Red Mountain Pass and acquires a renewed appreciation for the region's spectacular sights.

A woman stops to view the mountains from the Telluride overlook.

Uncompahgre Trail, near Ouray, lies nestled near the mountains.

Stands of deep green and bright gold trees thrive alongside Trout Lake during autumn months.

Even though winter months leave blankets of snow everywhere in Telluride, Main Street stays busy.

The high altitude of the San Juan Mountains make this combination of summer fields and alpine snow common.

Hay bales lie scattered in a farmer's green field below the snow-tipped San Juan Mountains of the Dallas Divide.

Autumn coats the shoulders of the San Juan Mountains in muted golds and ambers while winter tips the mountain tops with white.

A group of road bikers pedal along grassy meadows as mountain peaks tower in the distance.

A group of road bikers flash peace signs and smiles as they take part in the Colorado Peace Ride.

The moon rises over the Rocky Mountains in the fading light of a snowy day.

Greenery graces the grounds at the entrance to the Anasazi Heritage Center in Dolores, CO.

Visitors climb a ladder while touring the dwellings at Mesa Verde National Park.

Visitors explore the Balcony House at the Pueblo dwellings in Mesa Verde National Park.

Autumn coats the shoulders of the San Juan Mountains in muted gold and amber while winter tips the mountaintops with white.