The San Juan Skyway is the paved scenic loop through Silverton's passes

The main paved route through San Juan County, US 550, is part of the San Juan Skyway, a loop byway that CDOT recognizes as a National Scenic Byway and All-American Road. The full loop ties together Durango, Silverton, Ouray, Telluride, Dolores, and Cortez. Unlike the county’s rough four-wheel-drive roads, the Skyway itself is paved highway the whole way.

Heading south from Silverton toward Durango, the road climbs over two named passes: Molas Pass and Coal Bank Pass. These are high crossings with long grades and sweeping views, and the Colorado Trail crosses near Molas. North of Silverton, the stretch toward Ouray is the well-known Million Dollar Highway, a narrow shelf road with steep drop-offs.

Paved does not mean carefree in winter. Snow can close the passes temporarily, and CDOT runs seasonal maintenance and avalanche work along this corridor. Grades are steep enough that a careful pace and good brakes matter, especially towing.

So the Skyway is the easy, scenic way to move through the county in good weather, while the passes still demand respect when storms move in.

For byway details, pass information, and current road status, check CDOT’s San Juan Skyway page and live conditions on COtrip before a drive.