Scenic Driving

There are many places to go for a scenic drive in the San Juan National Forest. The San Juan Skyway and the Alpine Loop are just two of the beautiful drives available to those wanting to explore in their vehicles.

San Juan Skyway

his 232-mile loop is a National Scenic Byway and one of the most scenic drives in America. It is open year-round (except when passes are closed temporarily by snow) and all travel is on paved highway. The San Juan Skyway allows visitors to travel through several communities linked by the Byway including Durango, Silverton, Ouray, Telluride, Dolores, and Cortez.

For more information on the San Juan Skyway:

• https://www.colorado.com/byways/san-juan-skyway

Alpine Loop

he 65-mile Alpine Loop Backcountry Byway winds through the alpine terrain of the San Juan Mountains, connecting the towns of Lake City, Ouray, and Silverton. This gorgeous route is recommended for four-wheel drive vehicles, all-terrain vehicles, motorcycles, and mountain bikes. This scenic byway is managed by the BLM as well as the counties that it loops through (San Juan, Hinsdale, and Ouray Counties).

For more information on the Alpine Loop:

• BLM Alpine Loop Information:

  • BLM Alpine Loop Map

  • BLM Alpine Loop VIDEO

• Alpine Loop Brochure, map and regulations

• Lake City Alpine Loop Information

Additional Resources

• Scenic & Historic Byways Guide funded by the History Colorado State Historical Fund

• The Official Guide to Colorado's Scenic and Historic Byways describing all 26 of Colorado's byways in detail

• San Juan National Forest Roads - Your Access to Public Lands for more information about driving on the San Juan National Forest, including road classifications and access.