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We’ve partnered with <a href="https://www.travelandleisure.com">Travel + Leisure</a> to help you plan the perfect sophisticated Rocky Mountain adventure. The sights along your commute to work have got to be getting old — so how about trading them for the vistas along a route that’s been coined “The Most Beautiful Drive in America”?
Swap out the strangers in your sardine-can-esque train car for a family SUV, your gray cityscape for snow-capped peaks and dark green forests, and your tired eyes for a fresh outlook as you hit the San Juan Skyway Scenic Byway. On this massive loop taking you through some of Colorado’s most picturesque luxury destinations, you’ll see all the grandeur of the Old West without sacrificing modern comforts — and we’ll even provide the itinerary. Here’s how to make the most of your Skyway visit.

Travel + Leisure: The Perfect 5-Day Colorado Vacation Itinerary

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Fresh and local food doesn't have to be expensive. Breakfast, lunch coffee, Wi-Fi, freindly staff and relaxing atmosphere.

College Drive Cafe

Award-winning Animas Chocolate &amp; Coffee Company handcrafts a variety of chocolate confections in the heart of Durango. Visit us for a taste of our famous Smelter Hot Chocolate, stop by for a truffle and espresso, or enjoy a glass of wine and a unique chocolate pairing.

Animas Chocolate Company

On your one-hour drive west from Durango to Cortez, you have optional opportunities to explore the artists’ colony of Mancos or check out Mesa Verde National Park.

Take a Detour

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The Farm Bistro is a casual yet elegant farm to table restaurant in the heart of historic downtown Cortez, Colorado. The lunch and dinner menus are comfort food with style, and features locally grown produce and meat, and is a hub for diners seeking fresh and flavorful cuisine. The cozy lounge serves all-Colorado spirits, beer and wine. Customers can buy local produce and eggs, body care products, locally roasted coffee, music, crafts and more at the year-round farm stand. Travelers seeking good food find a welcoming environment that features an art gallery, a selection of used books focused on sustainable living and a community bulletin board. 
At The Farm Bistro in Cortez, you're likely to be sitting next to the farmer who grew your lunch or dinner! Rusty and Laurie Hall's restaurant is an extension of their Mancos farm which, along with other local growers, provides much of the meat and produce. They believe that access to locally grown food is key to a community's well being.

The Farm Bistro

Just a quick jaunt north of Cortez is Dolores, which sits on the edge of both San Juan National Forest and is home to McPhee Reservoir, the second-largest body of water in Colorado. Naturally, you have to get in some jet skiing before heading deeper into the wilderness, so zoom around the lake or rent kayaks to explore some of its quieter creek arms.

McPhee Reservoir

Every community should have a comfortable place to hang out with somebody!

Dolores River Brewery

Head to your home for the evening — swanky Dunton Hot Springs, where you can revel in a post-dinner soak in one of their six natural hot springs.

Soak It All In

This meticulously restored 19th century ghost town and mineral hot springs are tucked deep in the mountains of southwestern Colorado. Rugged buildings hide luxurious interiors. Discover uncompromising service and food of startling quality, absolute comfort and real mountain adventure. 13 luxury cabins can accommodate up to 44 guests and the entire town can be rented for weddings, corporate retreats and special events. Rates include all meals and beverages (alcoholic &amp; non-alcoholic.)

Dunton Hot Springs

Dunton Hot Springs provides a full breakfast every morning at its saloon, using a variety of local and regional ingredients. After getting your fill, hit the pavement again and follow the San Juan Skyway Scenic Byway northeast to Telluride, a quaint mountain resort town.

Fuel Up

Perched on the slopes above Telluride is Mountain Village — a dizzyingly beautiful (free) gondola ride up the cliffs makes for a supremely laid-back way to take in views of the valley.

Gondola to Telluride Mountain Village

Take a spectacular gondola up from Telluride, or a slow stroll within the core of the Mtn. Village, the Sunset Plaza boasting incredible views and an incredible out door patio! Spacious and beautiful bar and a lovely fireplace area.

La Piazza Del Villaggio

The 2.5-mile Boulevard Trail traverses both the town and the surrounding landscape and provides new perspectives of mountain life.

Hike the Boulevard Trail

Once dusk approaches, make sure to hustle back to the gondola to descend with the sun — as it settles behind the mountains, you’ll settle into a table at La Marmotte in Telluride, where you’ll enjoy French delicacies like coq au vin in an intimate atmosphere.

Sunset Vistas

For over 20 years La Marmotte has provided elegant bistro fare in the mountain town of Telluride, Colorado. It is set in one of the oldest buildings in town, the historic Ice House.

La Marmotte

Adventure brought us to these mountains. Friendship made us stay. Community made Telluride our home. These beers brings the best of these to you. Our beer comes straight from Rocky Mountain snowmelt and is made from premium malts, hops, and yeasts that create rich aromas and smooth-tasting flavors. Please join us in celebrating the special spirit of Telluride from one of the highest microbreweries in the world.

Telluride Brewing

The Hotel Telluride is the premier Telluride hotel for the foremost in hospitality and comfort. Nestled in the heart of historic Telluride, Colorado, The Hotel Telluride offers our guests the best in service, convenience and accommodations. Guests can find everything they need while on vacation at The Hotel Telluride. Outdoor enthusiasts will find ski, snowboard and bike storage and a complimentary shuttle to take you to the Gondola. For reservations and information, call our Vacation Planners at 866-468-3501 or book online now.

The Hotel Telluride

Our bakery and cafe specializes in handcrafted, fresh and local cuisine. We feature handmade breads and artisan pastries, fresh salads composed of local greens, fruit and vegetables, locally sourced and house-roasted meats, cheeses\ and handmade sausages.

The Butcher & Baker Cafe

Whether you’re hiking or taking a guided ATV tour, you’re going to need something to warm your soul as you head up to the eerie ghost town of Tomboy. It’s an 18th-century mining town that still retains free-standing elements of its heyday but was abandoned when the ore beneath the town ran dry.

Tomboy Ghost Town

The route to Tomboy ghost town can be strenuous and daunting, so if you’re not feeling up to it, there are plenty of other activities in Telluride, like shopping or museums.

Be Prepared

Come to Brown Dog Pizza and try our award winning Detroit Square Pizza. Our regular customers love the new addition to our menu. The pizza is made with a sweet tomato sauce, blended Wisconsin brick cheeses and your choice of toppings

Brown Dog Pizza

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Hop back on the scenic byway to make your way to Ridgway, a historic mountain town surrounded by the rugged San Juan Mountains and Cimarron Range that got its start as an 1800s railroad hub.

Ridgway Bound

Partake in one of Colorado’s time-honored leisure activities at Ridgway State Park, where the Uncompahgre River is a favorite spot for hooking hard-fighting rainbow and cutthroat trout.

Fly-Fishing on the Uncompahgre River

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Grab a cup of joe at Ridgway’s Cimarron Coffee &amp; Books before you hop back on the San Juan Skyway toward Ouray, known as the Switzerland of America.

Coffee for the Road

The Outlaw Restaurant still has the same sign hung in 1969. Those who return come back with happy memories of the past, while newcomers take away experiences they will fondly remember.

Outlaw Restaurant

Nearly one million gallons of clear hot springs water, without the sulfur smell common in many hot springs. There are 3 pools ranging from 80 to 105 degree, plus lap lanes and a Wibit obstacle course and slides, which are open in the summer. Some areas are shallow enough for toddlers (parents must be within arms reach) and have benches.

Ouray Hot Springs Swimming Pool

The historic Beaumont Hotel &amp; Spa is the only luxury hotel in Ouray, Colorado. Modern amenities include wireless high-speed internet &amp; outstanding personalized service paired with timeless old world ambience. Elegant, authentic decor, exquisite antiques &amp; custom-made furnishings, on-site dining, shopping, a luxurious spa &amp; concierge services make this award-winning boutique hotel a delightful destination. 12 elegantly furnished luxury rooms &amp; suites, each uniquely furnished &amp; decorated with antiques.

Beaumont Hotel & Spa

Come enjoy breakfast, lunch, or just a pastry and coffee, in a cozy little restaurant on main street, Ouray CO. Located at the south side of town, right on Main Street, in the old Wright Opera house.

Artisan Bakery & Cafe

Ouray Alchemist Museum was pieced together by a lover of pharmacological history and chock full of artifacts from previous eras of medicine — the passion here is evident, so don’t hesitate to ask questions. You can impress your coworkers with your knowledge when you get home.

Ouray Alchemist

After touring the Ouray Alchemist Museum, drive from Ouray to Silverton. The canyon-clinging stretch of the San Juan Skyway between the towns is called “The Million Dollar Highway” either because it cost so much to build or the amount of gold ore that remained in the roadway’s fill. Ouray is also close to Yankee Boy Basin, one of the area’s best places for incomparable mountain views. The best (and only) way to get here is to hire an ATV or an off-road vehicle tour. Once there, you’ll see waterfalls, wildlife, and a whole lot of sky.

Million Dollar Views

A hidden treasure off the beaten path. Good homestyle food!

Kendall Mountain Cafe

Trek across the mountains with your furry friends to engage in some interspecies bonding and learn the natural history of the area (not from the llamas, from Mr. Redwood himself).

Llama Hike with Redwood Llamas

Lacey Rose Saloon, located in the historic Grand Imperial Hotel, is a trip into the past with ragtime piano, old west charm and a selection of food we are excited to share with our guests. Whether you are road tripping or taking the Durango-Silverton Train, come say hi!

Lacey Rose Saloon

Fresh and bursting with flavor is the experience Golden Block Brewery provides. Serving Silverton, CO we offer great tasting craft beer brewed on premise. Create the perfect meal by combining an artisan wood fired pizza from our delicious menu and pairing it with the perfect brew. At Golden Block Brewery you are sure to enjoy the great atmosphere, friendly service, and affordable prices.

Golden Block Brewery

We are a traditional and historic Bed and Breakfast located in Silverton, Colorado.

Inn of the Rockies at the Historic Alma House

Your final day begins with a home-cooked meal away from home, courtesy of Silverton’s Inn of the Rockies. Your hosts are accommodating and skilled, so indulge in some French toast and freshly brewed coffee before you join a horseback ride with Bears Ranch in Durango.

Made-From-Scratch Deliciousness

Offering horseback rides and sleigh rides in the heart of the San Juan Mountains.

Trail Rides at Bears Ranch

Your lunch is down the road at Harvest Grill &amp; Greens at James Ranch, 10 miles north of Durango, where you can nosh on sandwiches made with organic produce and locally raised meats and cheeses.

Après-Ride Bites

Our delicious meats, cheeses and vegetables are produced on the James Ranch using organic, sustainable, grass-based practices and have been for over 50 years. We strive to use organic ingredients in everything we serve from our peppercorns, sauces to pickles. What the families at James Ranch do not produce, we do our best to purchase from local, organic vendors that take pride in their quality products and ingredients. "Summer seasonal specials include: Our Signature Veggie Burger, Steak Salad, Strawberry Spinach Salad and more.

James Ranch Grill

Durango is the final stop on your San Juan Skyway loop tour. Once you arrive, stroll the town’s National Historic District, lined with shops, eateries and hotels housed in perfectly restored 19th-century buildings.

Journey Back to Durango

Majestic Mt. Eolus is the namesake of our dining establishment.  We offer rooftop dining year round on our warm heated patio or an interior dining area which offers a warm and inviting atmosphere. We pride ourselves on creating the highest quality food from local sources for our customers.  From farm to table and vine to wine Eolus Bar &amp; Dining offers something for everyone. The local bounty shines through as the restaurant features an array of local products from farms, ranches, vinters, and breweries around southwest Colorado.

Eolus Bar & Dining

If you're standing in the Diamond Belle Saloon, located in Durango, Colorado, you just may have stepped back in time. Revered as one of the most famous original ragtime piano bars in the Wild West, the Belle plays host to the world's finest ragtime entertainers.

Diamond Belle Saloon

Listed on the National and State Historic Register, is an elegant Queen Anne Victorian home in the heart of historic Durango, Colorado. Enjoy the charm and warmth of a true B&amp;B.