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Colorado Field Guide Established in 2017

Southwest Colorado & the San Juan Skyway

Southwest Colorado & the San Juan Skyway

3 days

More Itineraries

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

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 and ranger-guided programs. Read More

COTREX

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, cage free eggs, meats, herbs, produce).

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.

COTREX

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 upper deck.

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, so that you can watch the brewing process while... Read More

Lodging

Chipeta Solar Springs Resort

Chipeta Solar Springs Resort and Spa - Where relaxation meets adventure. Enjoy the solitude and beautiful San Juan Gateway views from your classically designed adobe suite. Then venture out and... Read More

Day 2

Breakfast

Kate's Place

Cuisine with heart and soul, freshly prepared using the highest quality ingredients (local when feasible). Read More

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.

COTREX

Lunch

Taco Del Gnar

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 your mouth. Read More

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 and clings to the mountain providing dramatic... Read 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.

Dinner

Cyprus Cafe

Enjoy award-winning Mediterranean cuisine - recommended in Bon Appetit, Sunset Magazine, and The New York Times.

Activity

Explore Durango

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

Lodging

Leland House & Rochester Hotel

The Leland House and Rochester Hotel provide unique historic accommodations in the heart of downtown Durango, walking distance to shops, restaurants, activities and the Durango-Silverton... Read More

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 sites. Read More

COTREX

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 including our signature Navajo tacos, sandwiches and... Read More

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 friendly service, a comfortable, casual atmosphere and... Read More

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 from Lift #7.