SCENIC DRIVES

View more miles of vistas

For those who believe life is about the journey, not the destination, the region surrounding Ouray is surrounded with spectacular scenery and breathtaking vistas.

CAMP BIRD ROAD Round trip 1 hour

During its heyday, the Camp Bird Mine produced over a million troy ounces of gold. The road to this famous mine is a compacted dirt surface that can be rough to travel. Though it won’t require four-wheel drive, you will need a vehicle with high clearance. Heading south on 550, just past the first switchback, turn right at the sign for Box Canyon Falls then continue left at the Y-shaped intersection, following signage for Yankee Boy Basin. The mine is approximately 5 miles. Don’t attempt to take a two-wheel-drive vehicle past the Camp Bird Mine as the road quickly becomes rugged. OWL CREEK PASS Round trip 2 hours

This pass is the setting for popular Western films, including John Wayne’s True Grit. The dirt road is smooth and well maintained but it can be rutted in places. A high-clearance vehicle is optimal for this drive. Turn right 2 miles north of Ridgway on County Road 10 when you see the sign reading Owl Creek Pass and Silver Jack Reservoir. After that, continue to follow the signs for Owl Creek Pass.

THE MILLION DOLLAR HIGHWAY

Round trip 3 hours

For reasons not entirely clear, this scenic stretch of road has acquired the nickname of “Million Dollar Highway”. As part of the larger San Juan Skyway, this 25 miles is filled with majestic mountain vistas, ghost towns and abandoned mines. The drive between Ouray and Silverton is beautiful and breathtaking. Simply take Highway 550 following signs to Silverton. The road is fully paved and accessible year-round.

BLACK CANYON OF THE GUNNISON

Round trip 3 hours

No other canyon in North America combines the narrow opening, sheer walls and startling depths of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison. Take Highway 550 to Montrose. From there turn on Highway 50 East, then turn left onto Highway 347 N for 4.5 miles. Start at the Park Visitor Center and its amazing overlook. From there explore the many overlooks or drive the rim to see the entire canyon.

COLORADO NATIONAL MONUMENT

Round trip 5 hours

Along the 7-mile Rim Rock Drive, take in towering masses of naturally sculpted rock from the many scenic overlooks. To reach the entrance to the Colorado National Monument, drive north from Ouray on Highway 550/50 to Grand Junction. When you reach Grand Junction, follow Highway 50 north to the intersection of Grand Avenue (Highway 340) and turn left onto Highway 340. From there, follow the signs to Colorado National Monument to enter the park at the East Grand Junction Entrance.

GRAND MESA SCENIC BYWAY

Round trip 5 hours

Although this scenic drive is pretty year-round, it’s best enjoyed in the fall months. Drive north from Ouray to Delta and turn east onto Highway 92. Just east of Delta, you’ll turn north onto Highway 65 toward Cedaredge. During your journey, you’ll climb to an altitude of over 10,000 feet. The 530 square miles of the Grand Mesa makes it the largest flat-topped mountain in the country.

THE SAN JUAN SKYWAY LOOP

Round trip 7 hours

This 232-mile loop passes through the mountain towns of Ridgway, Telluride, Cortez, Durango and Silverton. You can start the loop by driving either direction on Highway 550 – south through Silverton or north via Ridgway. The San Juan Skyway is considered one of the most scenic drives in America.