Skyway Road Trip Itinerary
The Skyway Road Trip is an unforgettable journey through some of the most beautiful landscapes in the United States. Starting in Durango, Colorado, and ending in the same city, this 830 km route takes you through Silverton, Telluride, Blanding and Four Corners. Along the way, you'll experience natural wonders like the San Juan Mountains, the San Juan National Forest, and the Colorado Plateau. The best time of year to take this trip is during the spring and summer months when the weather is mild and the roads are clear. However, be aware that some of the roads may have poor conditions, so make sure to drive carefully.
This road trip is suitable for all drivers and can be managed with a moderate budget. You'll get the best experience and the most memories if you take five days to complete the journey. Don't miss out on this amazing adventure - it's sure to be one you'll never forget!
5
number of days
830 km
route length
fair
budget
tourist
good for
on the right
traffic direction
moderate
accident level
START
Durango
Distance 830 km
Driving time 11.9 h
Pace: fast
249.1 kWh
Airports
ABQ
,
DEN
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Durango, in the state of Colorado, USA, is the perfect starting point for the "Skyway Road Trip". Located in the southwest of the country, Durango is a great destination for those looking for outdoor activities. The city offers a wide range of options for travelers, from the historic downtown area to the nearby San Juan National Forest.
The Animas River offers whitewater rafting, kayaking, and fishing, while the nearby mountains are a popular destination for hikers, mountain bikers, and rock climbers. Durango is also home to the beautiful and historic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, which offers a scenic ride through the mountains.
If you are traveling by air, the closest international airport is Denver International Airport (DEN), which is located about 4 hours away by car. Car rentals are available at the airport.
Durango is a great starting point for the "Skyway Road Trip". With its stunning scenery, outdoor activities, and rich history, travelers will be sure to find something to enjoy.
1
Durango
- Silverton
Distance 77 km
Driving time 1.1 h
Pace: fast
23.2 kWh
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Itinerary
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Welcome, road trippers! Get ready for a thrilling journey from Durango to Silverton, a 48-mile drive that will take you less than two hours. This is one of the most amazing road trips you can ever experience.
Start your journey in Durango, a city full of history and culture. Visit the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum to learn about the local history of the area, then take a ride on the historic train. Also, explore the Animas River Trail, a beautiful, winding trail along the river.
Continue your journey to Silverton, a charming mountain town. Here, you can explore the many hiking trails and discover the incredible views of the San Juan Mountains. You can also visit the Old Hundred Mine Tour, where you can explore the history of the area and learn about the mining industry.
Don't forget to take some time to enjoy the stunning views on your drive! Keep your eyes open for historical sites and other attractions along the way. For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check out the itinerary of this stage. Have a great time on your road trip!
Silverton - United States - North America - Road Trip - www.flickr.com
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2
Silverton
- Ridgway
Distance 54 km
Driving time 1.0 h
Pace: modest
14.0 kWh
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Welcome road-trippers! This stage of your journey will take you from Silverton to Ridgway, a distance of 33 miles that can be covered in less than an hour. Silverton is a charming mountain town situated in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado, known for its historic downtown and outdoor activities. Here you can explore the Animas River Walk and take a ride on the historic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad.
The next stop on your journey is Ridgway, a picturesque town nestled in the Uncompahgre Valley. Here you can enjoy the beauty of the San Juan Mountains and explore the Ridgway State Park. The park features a large reservoir and a variety of trails, perfect for hiking, biking and camping. Don't forget to visit the Ouray County Historical Museum and the Ute Indian Museum to learn more about the area's history.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your trip!
Ridgway - United States - North America - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
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3
Ridgway
- Telluride
Distance 62 km
Driving time 0.8 h
Pace: fast
18.7 kWh
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Welcome road-trippers! Get ready for an amazing journey from Ridgway to Telluride, a 39 mi drive that takes less than an hour. This route takes you through some of the most beautiful parts of Southwest Colorado.
Start your journey in Ridgway, a small town that offers a unique glimpse of the area's history. Spend some time exploring the Ridgway State Park and the Uncompahgre National Forest, both of which offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Continue your journey to Telluride, a picturesque mountain town renowned for its outdoor activities. You'll find plenty of opportunities to hike, bike, and explore the area's many trails. The town also offers a variety of cultural attractions, including the Telluride Historical Museum.
Make sure to keep your eyes open as you drive, as you may catch a glimpse of some of the area's historical sites. Along the way, you'll also find plenty of opportunities to enjoy the area's natural beauty.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check out the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your journey!
Telluride - United States - North America - Road Trip - pixabay.com
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4
Telluride
- Dolores
Distance 103 km
Driving time 1.4 h
Pace: fast
31.0 kWh
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Are you ready for an amazing road trip experience? Start your journey in Telluride, United States, and drive through the stunning landscapes of Colorado, while visiting some of the most interesting places in the area. The first stop is Telluride, a beautiful mountain town surrounded by the San Juan Mountains. Here, you can enjoy the breathtaking views of the rocky peaks, take a cable car ride to the top of the mountain, or explore the streets of the town while admiring its Victorian architecture. Next, head to Dolores, a small town located 64mi away from Telluride. During the drive, you will be able to admire the stunning views of the Rocky Mountains, as well as the deep blue sky. Once you reach Dolores, you can explore the historic downtown, visit the Dolores River Valley, and take a walk through the nearby forests. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!
Dolores - United States - North America - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
Dolores - United States - North America - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
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5
Dolores
- Blanding
Distance 164 km
Driving time 3.0 h
Pace: modest
42.5 kWh
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Welcome to the Dolores-Blanding road trip! This 102mi journey will take you less than 3 hours to complete, and it is one of the stages of a larger tour.
The first stop is Dolores, a small town in the US state of Colorado, with a beautiful landscape, perfect for outdoor activities. Here you can visit the McPhee Reservoir, the largest reservoir in Colorado, and also the Ute Mountain Tribal Park, a great place to learn about the history of the Ute people.
The next stop is the city of Blanding, known for its breathtaking canyon views and the Abajo Mountains. You can also visit the Edge of the Cedars State Park Museum, where you can learn about the ancient Pueblo culture and its history.
Finally, for more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!
Blanding - United States - North America - Road Trip - commons.wikimedia.org
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6
Blanding
- Mexican Hat
Distance 105 km
Driving time 1.5 h
Pace: fast
31.4 kWh
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Are you ready for an amazing road trip experience? Starting in Blanding, United States, you will be driving 65 miles to Mexican Hat, passing through incredible landscapes and visiting some of the most interesting places along the way.
In Blanding, you can explore the Edge of the Cedars State Park Museum, which houses archaeological artifacts, and the Anasazi State Park Museum, which showcases the Ancestral Puebloan culture.
On your way to Mexican Hat, you will be able to admire the breathtaking Monument Valley, a region of the Colorado Plateau characterized by its iconic sandstone buttes, and the Goosenecks State Park, an incredible canyon carved by the San Juan River.
Finally, in Mexican Hat, you can visit the San Juan River, an ideal spot for fishing, boating and rafting, and the Mexican Hat Rock, a unique rock formation that looks like a sombrero.
This is just one of the stages of a larger tour, and more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the "Itinerary" of this stage. The entire trip will take you fewer than 2 hours, so don't miss this amazing experience!
Mexican Hat - United States - North America - Road Trip - www.flickr.com
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7
Mexican Hat
- Four Corners
Distance 129 km
Driving time 1.5 h
Pace: fast
38.7 kWh
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Embark on an unforgettable road trip from Mexican Hat to Four Corners! This 80mi drive will take you less than 2 hours and will be one of the most memorable stages of your tour.
Start your journey in Mexican Hat and make sure to visit the Mexican Hat Rock formation, a sandstone rock shaped like a sombrero. Then, continue your ride towards Four Corners, where you can find the only place in the United States where four states intersect. Here, you can take a picture with your feet in four different states!
For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, make sure to check the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!
Four Corners - United States - North America - Road Trip - www.flickr.com
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8
Four Corners
- Cortez
Distance 63 km
Driving time 0.7 h
Pace: fast
18.9 kWh
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Welcome road-trippers! Get ready to explore the 39mi drive from Four Corners to Cortez, Colorado, a journey that will take you less than 1 hour.
Start your tour in Four Corners, the only place in the United States where four states intersect. Here, you can take a picture of yourself in all four states at once.
Continue your trip to Cortez, a small town with a big heart. Visit the Ute Mountain Tribal Park, where you can explore ancient ruins, petroglyphs, and breathtaking views. Don’t forget to stop at the Cortez Cultural Center, where you can learn about the local culture, arts, and history.
This is just one of the stages of your road trip, so make sure to check the “Itinerary” section for more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route. Enjoy your journey!
Cortez - United States - North America - Road Trip - commons.wikimedia.org
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9
Cortez
- Durango
Distance 73 km
Driving time 0.9 h
Pace: fast
21.9 kWh
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Are you ready for an amazing road trip? Get ready to explore the breathtaking journey from Cortez to Durango, a 45 mile drive that takes less than an hour. Along the way, you'll get to experience the beauty of the Southwest and the history of the area.
Start your journey by visiting the historical sites of Cortez, including the Ute Indian Museum and the Crow Canyon Archaeological Center. Then, take a break at the McPhee Reservoir and enjoy the stunning views of the lake. As you drive to Durango, you'll pass the Mancos State Park, the Navajo State Park, and the San Juan National Forest.
Once you reach Durango, be sure to visit the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and the Durango Fish Hatchery. You can also explore the Durango Heritage Museum and the Durango Arts Center.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check out the Itinerary of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Start your journey and explore the beauty of the Southwest!
Durango - United States - North America - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
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Durango
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Durango, Colorado, is the perfect end to the Skyway Road Trip. Located in the San Juan Mountains, Durango offers stunning mountain views and access to a variety of outdoor activities.
The city is home to a variety of unique attractions that make it a great place to visit. A trip to the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is a must-see. This historic steam train will take you on a journey through the Animas River Valley, providing breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. Another popular attraction is the Powerhouse Science Center, which offers a variety of exhibits and hands-on activities.
Durango is also home to a variety of outdoor activities. Rafting on the Animas River is popular for all skill levels and is a great way to experience the beauty of the area. The Durango Mountain Resort is a great place for skiing, snowboarding, and tubing, while the nearby San Juan National Forest offers plenty of hiking and biking opportunities.
For those traveling by air, the closest international airport is Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ), located about 190 miles away. From there, the Skyway Road Trip can easily be completed with a short drive.
Durango is the perfect place to end the Skyway Road Trip, offering plenty of outdoor activities, unique attractions, and stunning mountain views. So put your car in gear and head to Durango for the perfect end to your journey.
Skyway Road Trip at a glance
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Start:
Durango
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End:
Durango
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Distance:
830 km
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Stay:
5 days
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Getting there:
Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ),
Denver International Airport (DEN)
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When to drive:
April, May, June, July, August, September, October
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More info:
More info you can find in the "Itinerary" section at each stage.
Before you set off
Embark on the Skyway Road Trip, an epic 830 km loop that begins and concludes in the picturesque city of Durango, Colorado. This journey invites explorers to marvel at the breathtaking landscapes of the San Juan Mountains, immerse themselves in the verdant expanses of the San Juan National Forest, and traverse the expansive vistas of the Colorado Plateau.
Key Destinations and Top Sights:
- Durango: This charming town boasts a rich history, epitomized by the iconic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge RailRoad, which transports visitors back to the golden era of steam-powered locomotion.
- Silverton: Step into the past with Silverton's well-preserved mining heritage and stunning Victorian architecture, set against a backdrop of rugged mountain beauty.
- Telluride: Beyond its status as a world-class ski destination, Telluride captivates visitors with its vibrant cultural festivals and a plethora of outdoor activities amidst the majestic San Juan Mountains.
- Blanding: Delve into the region's Native American past and embark on thrilling outdoor adventures in this gateway to Utah's natural wonders.
- Four Corners: Stand in the singular spot in the United States where the borders of Colorado, Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico converge, offering a quirky and memorable photo opportunity.
Best Time to Go:
Set out on the Skyway Road Trip in the spring or summer when the weather is most accommodating, and the Roads are clear, allowing for uninterrupted exploration of this scenic region.
Potential Risks:
Adventurers should be mindful of changing Road conditions, especially in mountainous areas, and prepare for the challenges of high-altitude driving.
Interesting Facts for Roadtrippers:
- This journey is accessible for those with a moderate budget, offering experiences that don't have to break the bank.
- A five-day itinerary is recommended to fully savor the diverse attractions and natural splendor along the route.
- The Skyway Road Trip caters to drivers of all skill levels, with well-maintained Roads and clear signage throughout the circuit.
- It's a perfect blend of natural wonders and cultural landmarks, providing a comprehensive taste of the American Southwest.
A good choice for:
The Skyway Road Trip is an unforgettable adventure that artfully melds the wild grandeur of the American landscape with the enduring legacies of local culture and history. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, history buff, or simply seeking a scenic escape, this Road Trip promises a diverse array of experiences that will linger in your memory long after the journey ends.
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