Tour the scenic and friendly towns of the Mountains & Mesas region, from the red-stone canyons to ancient cliff dwellings to towering and jagged peaks of the San Juan mountains and beyond.
Here are some ways to be conscientious and caring on your adventures, while ensuring you make the most out of every second of your vacation. Learn More
The wild horse area north of Grand Junction is one of only three wild horse reserves in the country.
Swing by Betty's Gourmet Coffee — in the Hotel Maverick — before hopping on the Grand Mesa Scenic Byway headed toward the town of Delta, making a stop for adventure in Cedaredge along the way.
Munch breakfast from ingredients grown on site at the Living Farm before leaving Paonia and hitting the road on the West Elk Loop Scenic Byway with an eye toward Gunnison.
Get up early and head south toward Pagosa Springs, with a scenic stop for late breakfast in Lake City along the way.
Take in the alpine scenery on the beautiful three-hour drive to Pagosa Springs, passing through the mountain towns of Creede and South Fork along the way.
Along the way, you'll pas the Durango State Fish Hatchery and Wildlife Museum, as well as Ska Brewing Company — both must-make stops.
Ride the bus back from Silverton to Durango over a portion of the San Juan Skyway Scenic Byway, then hop in your own car and head for Cortez for the evening.
The 1.2-mile Soda Canyon Overlook walk in the morning gives visitors a chance to view Balcony House, taking advantage of its east facing exposure.
Drive along the Trail of the Ancients Scenic Byway, hike Sand Canyon and visit the Canyons of the Ancients National Monument.
In less than two hours, you'll find the alpine paradise of Telluride tucked away in a lovely box canyon lined with historic buildings and boutique cafes and shops.
Walk around town and enjoy the Old West and Victorian ambiance on the beautifully preserved Main Street.
Many trails begin in the foothills right outside downtown, so access is easy and the views are magnificent. The Ouray Trails Group maintains more than 75 trails ranging from short, easy hikes to more challenging ones.
Make the winding half-hour drive from Ridgway to Montrose, past Ridgway State Park, farms and ranches set beneath bluffs and mountains.
The sheer walls and extreme narrowness of the Black Canyon are appreciated along this trail as well as views from the base of the Morrow Point Dam.
