10 Reasons Why Colorado Loves Traveling the San Juan Skyway

Time flies in Colorado once the first day of summer arrives. The 4th of July arrives before we know it and not long after that, we are talking about getting ready to go 'back to school.' This is the time of year for vacations, hiking up your favorite 14er mountain, and jumping in the car with friends for a summer road trip.

Read More: The Ultimate Colorado National Parks and Monuments Road Trip

247Tempo.com recently released a list of the best road trips found in each of the fifty states in 2024. Can you guess where Colorado's best road trip is located? West slope, best slope, anyone?

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Western Colorado's Best Road Trip

The best road trip to be found in Colorado is one you can enjoy during the summer months, as well as during the fall color change in early October. If you have never driven the 236-mile San Juan Skyway, this summer is as good as any to check it out.

How Old is the San Juan Skyway?

In 2024, Colorado's San Juan Skyway turns 35-years-old. It seems like this incredible route through the southwestern mountains and National Forests would be older, but the Skyway wasn't named an official Scenic Byway until 1989.

Read More: See All 11 of Colorado's Beautiful National Forests

Lodging Along the San Juan Skyway

In the photo gallery below, we'll show off some incredible photos of the San Juan mountains, and highlight some of the must-see stops along the east and west sides of the route. While it's possible to go non-stop around this byway in about 8 hours, you would be missing the chance to stop in some of Colorado's most scenic towns.

Enjoy some of the incredible 13er and 14er peaks by staying in Ouray or Telluride. Staying in historic Durango, Colorado, is another great option allowing you to see Mesa Verde National Park.

Take a closer look at Colorado's best road trip in the photo gallery below.