Southwest Colorado & the San Juan Skyway

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Swing through some of southwest Colorado's most charming mountain towns — Montrose, Ridgway, Ouray, Silverton, Durango and Telluride — to experience the true flavor of this tucked-away area of the state.

Sustainability Activity
How to Give Back to These Special Places

Based in Durango, Trails 2000 builds and maintains trails and educates trail users and encourages connectivity on road, path and trail. Visit their site to learn how to particpate.

Day
1
black canyon of the gunnison national park photo
Activity
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
No other canyon in North America combines the narrow opening, sheer walls, and startling depths offered by the Black Canyon of the Gunnison. Hiking…
Lunch
Camp Robber
Creative cuisine restaurant and catering. Proud to offer our food prepared by our chefs using local ingredients where possible (mixed salad greens…
Activity
Head South to Ridgway

Make the half-hour drive to Ridgway. Stop in Colona at the LaZona Colona Coffee shop and try the delicious handmade donuts. Visit Ridgway State Park for fishing, kayaking, paddle boarding, boating and more.

Dinner
Four Corners Cafe
Four Corners Cafe and Sky Bar at Chipeta Solar Springs Resort is the perfect place to dine al fresco with incredible views from the Sky Bar on our…
Activity
Colorado Boy Pub & Brewery
A wee humble pub in a wonderful 1915 brick building in the old section of downtown Ridgway. The brewery is in full view from the antique oak bar,…
Lodging
Chipeta Lodge Resort + Spa
Relaxation meets adventure at Chipeta Lodge. Explore the region's offerings, like Jeeping, hiking, mine tours, shopping, snowshoeing and skiing…
Day
2
Breakfast
Kate's Place
Cuisine with heart and soul, freshly prepared using the highest quality ingredients (local when feasible).
Activity
Hit the Trail

Ride bikes or walk the Uncompahgre River Trail, which starts in town and then leads to the Dennis Weaver Memorial and all the way to the state park for a good workout.

Lunch
Taco Del Gnar Ridgway
An “elevated fast food restaurant” with the mantra that a tortilla is solely a vessel to sail fresh thought-provoking cuisine with amazing flavors to…
Activity
Million Dollar Highway
Offering breathtaking mountain, valley and gorge views, the Million Dollar Highway cost a reported million dollars a mile to build. The road winds…
Dinner
Primi Pasta & Wine Bar
One of the most unique dining experiences in Durango can be found at Primi Pasta and Wine Bar. The owners of Primi brought the tastes of their…
Activity
Explore Durango

Explore Durango at night, a lively college town with a variety of restaurants, bars, Western shopping, river trails and more.

Insider's Tip
Stop Along the Way

Take time to explore the historic mining town of Silverton along the way before continuing on to Durango.

Lodging
Rochester Hotel
The Rochester Hotel provides unique historic accommodations in the heart of downtown Durango, walking distance to shops, restaurants, activities…
Day
3
Insider's Tip
Stick Around for Breakfast

You'd be crazy not to stay for breakfast at the Leland House and Rochester Hotel — homemade goodness will keep you going all day long.

Activity
Mesa Verde National Park
We want to welcome you as our guest to the nation's richest archeological preserve, where amazing cliff dwellings and more than 4,000 ancient…
Lunch
Far View Terrace Cafe
Casual food-court setting features breakfast burritos and omelet station, a yogurt bar, and standard breakfast fare. For lunch, daily specials…
Insider's Tip
Head for Telluride

From the park, make the hour-and-a-half drive north to the mountain enclave of Telluride.

Dinner
Siam - Telluride
Siam has been serving traditional and contemporary Thai food in downtown Telluride since 2006. Our family owned and operated restaurant offers…
Dinner
Stroll Telluride

After dinner, take in the nightlife in Telluride, shopping, bars, and live music at the Historic Sheridan Opera House.

Lodging
Telluride Lodge
As the only property in Telluride spread over five acres in a park-like setting, Telluride Lodge offers space and convenience. Located 200 yards…