Southwest Colorado Road Trip: Durango, Silverton & Million Dollar Highway

Experiencing Southwest Colorado

• ⛰️ Southwest Colorado offers towering mountains, Alpine lakes, and ancient ruins, with a feeling of excitement and euphoria upon entering the state.
• 🌲 The western part of the state is incredibly beautiful, abundant with lush trees, rivers, and diverse wildlife, providing a stark contrast to flatter regions.
• 🚗 For a week-long itinerary, consider starting in Durango for 3-4 nights, then heading north to Silverton for another 2-3 nights, focusing on the lower-left portion of the state.

Exploring Durango

• 🛍️ Durango is a charming mountain town with numerous shops, great restaurants, and bars, including the unique Speak Easy called Bookcase and Barber.
• 🚂 A must-do is the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, a historic steam train that travels 52 miles to Silverton, offering a glimpse into the mining industry's past.
• 🏞️ Outdoor activities abound, from hiking and off-roading near Vallecito Reservoir to white water rafting on the Animas River.
• 🏛️ Nearby attractions include Mesa Verde National Park, famous for its Pueblo cliff dwellings, and Chimney Rock National Monument with its smaller ruins.
• 🎿 Purgatory Ski Resort offers summer activities like tubing and zip lines, and is known for its value in winter.

Discovering Silverton

• 🏔️ Silverton, situated at a higher elevation, is a picturesque town surrounded by stunning mountain scenery, especially beautiful during the fall Aspen season.
• 🦌 Wildlife sightings are common, including moose, black bears, porcupines, and beavers, particularly along roads like 585 north of town.
• 🌲 Ice Lakes is a highly recommended hike, a challenging trek to a beautiful Alpine Lake, though be mindful of snow even in summer.
• ⛏️ The town's history is deeply rooted in mining, with the Old 100 Mine offering tours to explore the underground mining experience.
• 🍻 Local favorites include Avalanche Brewing for pizzas and wraps, and Rocky Mountain Funnel Cake Factory for a sweet treat.

The Million Dollar Highway and Beyond

• 🚗 The Million Dollar Highway (part of US 550) between Silverton and Ouray is a spectacular, albeit thrilling, drive with no guardrails on certain stretches, offering incredible mountain vistas.
• 🏞️ Molas Lake and Little Molas Lake offer stunning views and hiking opportunities between Durango and Silverton.
• 👻 The region is rich with ghost towns, remnants of the mining boom, offering a glimpse into the past.
• 🚗 For those seeking adventure, off-roading is abundant, with numerous passes and trails accessible with a suitable vehicle.
• ⚠️ Travelers should be prepared for mountain weather, which can change rapidly, and be aware of altitude sickness, especially when traveling between different elevations.
• 🏕️ Free camping on public lands like National Forests and Bureau of Land Management areas offers incredible views and a chance to stay close to nature.