Telluride is surrounded by some of the most impressive driving routes in the San Juan Mountains. High mountain passes, aspen forests, historic towns, and wide-open overlooks make a drive part of the experience rather than simply a way to reach your next stop.

Some of the best scenic drives near Telluride include the San Juan Skyway, Last Dollar Road, Lizard Head Pass, CO-145 toward Dolores, and Dallas Divide. Each offers a different view of Southwest Colorado, from paved mountain highways to rugged backcountry roads.

San Juan Skyway

The San Juan Skyway is the region’s signature road trip. This 236-mile scenic byway forms a loop through Telluride, Ridgway, Ouray, Silverton, Durango, and other communities in Southwest Colorado. CDOT estimates about six hours of driving time for the full route without extended stops.

For guests staying in Mountain Village, CO lodging, you do not need to drive the entire loop to enjoy it. Several excellent sections are accessible as day trips from Telluride.

Telluride to Ridgway

Travel west from Telluride toward Placerville, then follow CO-62 toward Ridgway. This route passes beneath the San Juan Mountains and leads toward Dallas Divide, one of the area’s standout viewpoints.

Fall is especially impressive as the surrounding aspen forests turn shades of gold and yellow. Give yourself extra time for safe stops at designated pullouts.

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Ridgway to Ouray

Continue south from Ridgway on US-550 to reach Ouray. The road approaches the mountains quickly, providing increasingly dramatic views as you enter the narrow valley around town.

Drivers continuing beyond Ouray toward Silverton enter the famous Million Dollar Highway section of the San Juan Skyway.

Last Dollar Road

Last Dollar Road provides a much different experience. This backcountry route travels through forests and open meadows between the Telluride area and CO-62 near Dallas Divide.

It is particularly popular for its expansive mountain scenery and fall foliage. Unlike Telluride’s paved highways, portions of Last Dollar Road are rough and require more careful trip planning.

What to Know Before Driving Last Dollar Road

The U.S. Forest Service notes that Last Dollar Road becomes rough after the first several miles and can become very slippery when wet. A high-clearance vehicle is recommended for rougher portions.

Conditions can change after rain or snow. Before setting out, check the weather and current road information, and avoid assuming that a vehicle suitable for paved mountain roads will also be appropriate for Last Dollar Road.

Lizard Head Pass

Head south from Telluride on CO-145 for another classic San Juan Mountain drive. Lizard Head Pass takes travelers toward Trout Lake and Rico through a high-elevation landscape of sharp peaks, forests, and broad mountain views.

CO-145 is maintained as a state highway, but winter weather can affect travel. CDOT performs avalanche mitigation and winter maintenance along Lizard Head Pass, so checking conditions before leaving is important during snowy periods.

Telluride to Dolores via CO-145

For a longer outing, continue south on CO-145 beyond Lizard Head Pass and Rico toward Dolores. The landscape changes noticeably as you descend from the high mountains.

This drive is a good choice for travelers who want to see more of Southwest Colorado during their stay. Dolores also connects travelers with the Trail of the Ancients Scenic Byway and access to the Canyons of the Ancients National Monument Visitor Center and Museum.

Dallas Divide

Dallas Divide is west of Ridgway along CO-62 and can easily be combined with the Telluride-to-Ridgway drive. The area provides broad views toward the Sneffels Range and surrounding valleys.

It is especially well known for fall color, when golden aspens contrast with the rugged peaks. Regional tourism information identifies Dallas Divide as one of the San Juan Mountains’ notable fall viewing areas.

Tips for Taking a Scenic Drive Near Telluride

Mountain driving requires a little more preparation than a typical road trip.

  • Check weather and road conditions before leaving.
  • Use COtrip for current Colorado highway conditions.
  • Allow more time than your navigation app suggests for sightseeing and mountain traffic.
  • Keep fuel levels in mind before heading into less-developed areas.
  • Bring water, layers, and sun protection.
  • Stay at designated overlooks and pullouts when stopping for photos.
  • Treat unpaved roads differently from maintained state highways, especially after rain or snow.

CDOT specifically recommends checking COtrip before traveling Colorado’s scenic byways.

Final Thoughts

The best scenic drives around Telluride range from easy paved day trips to more adventurous backcountry routes. The San Juan Skyway offers the broadest look at Southwest Colorado, while Lizard Head Pass and the drive to Dolores showcase the landscape south of town. Dallas Divide delivers sweeping mountain views, and Last Dollar Road is a memorable choice when road and vehicle conditions allow.

Choosing one of our Telluride vacation rentals also gives you a comfortable home base for exploring these routes at your own pace.

Book Your Telluride Vacation Rental with Telluride Luxury Rentals

A scenic drive is even better when you can return to a private mountain retreat at the end of the day. Telluride Luxury Rentals offers a carefully selected collection of high-end homes in Telluride and Mountain Village, including properties with premium locations, mountain views, hot tubs, and convenient ski access.

Our local knowledge can also help make planning easier. Book your stay with Telluride Luxury Rentals and experience the San Juan Mountains from a home designed for an exceptional Telluride vacation.

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