Seasonal Guides
Sledding Adventures at the Durango Dog Ranch
Best Winter Adventures at Durango Dog Ranch
Winter in Colorado transforms Durango into a hub for outdoor adventure, fresh mountain air, and memorable seasonal experiences. One of the most talked about winter activities is a visit to the Durango Dog Ranch, where guests can experience authentic Durango dog sledding led by knowledgeable mushers and energetic teams of dogs. For travelers looking for things to do in Durango this winter that feel interactive and truly local, this experience stands out.
At the Durango Dog Ranch, guests are introduced to the history and techniques behind sled travel while learning how the dogs work together as a team. No prior experience is required, making it an ideal winter adventure for couples, friends, and small groups. Riders are encouraged to ask questions, meet the dogs, and take part in the experience, which adds depth and meaning to every outing.
The setting enhances the experience even further. Snow-covered valleys and wide open terrain create a sense of space and excitement that captures the essence of winter in Colorado. The balance of adrenaline and scenery makes dog sledding one of the most rewarding sleigh rides in Durango, Colorado, especially for visitors seeking something beyond skiing.
Relax at a Bed and Breakfast in Durango, CO
After a day of winter adventure, choosing a bed and breakfast in Durango, CO makes all the difference. Returning to a warm, welcoming Inn allows guests to relax, enjoy thoughtful hospitality, and settle into comfort. Cozy common areas, inviting guest rooms, and a fresh farm-to-table breakfast each morning create a great contrast to the outdoor excitement.
Beyond the Durango Dog Ranch, winter travelers can explore more of what the area offers. Ride the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad through snowy canyon views, browse downtown shops and galleries, or plan a visit to nearby hot springs. Snowshoeing trails and winter hiking routes offer quieter ways to explore the mountain landscape, while Purgatory Resort offers tubing, scenic lifts, and après-ski dining.
A winter adventure in Durango feels complete when outdoor experiences are paired with welcoming lodging. From dog sledding at the Durango Dog Ranch to peaceful mornings at the Inn, this mountain town delivers a winter getaway worth planning around.
Snowshoe Through a Winter Wonderland at Hurricane Ridge
Best Winter Weekend at Hurricane Ridge, Washington
A winter weekend at Hurricane Ridge Washington delivers mountain scenery, accessible snow adventures, and a refreshing change of pace from city life. Located inside the Olympic National Park, this high-elevation destination transforms into a winter playground once snow blankets the landscape. With well-maintained access via Hurricane Ridge Road, it is an easy drive for travelers planning a Seattle to Hurricane Ridge escape or a longer Olympic Peninsula trip.
Snowshoeing is one of the most rewarding ways to explore Hurricane Ridge in winter. Marked routes near the visitor area make it approachable for beginners, while longer routes toward Hurricane Hill offer elevated views for those ready to explore farther. Snowshoe rentals are readily available in Port Angeles, making this an easy activity to plan even on a short weekend. On clear days, the views stretch across snow-covered peaks and distant waterways, adding to the sense of wide-open space that defines Hurricane Ridge Washington.
For travelers interested in skiing, the Hurricane Ridge Ski Area offers a relaxed alternative to larger resorts. The terrain suits beginners and intermediate skiers, with a friendly, community-driven feel that keeps the experience focused on fun rather than crowds. Whether you choose snowshoeing or skiing, the close proximity between town and mountain allows you to enjoy a full morning in the snow without committing to an all-day excursion.
Where to Stay Near Hurricane Ridge, Olympic National Park
After time outdoors, Port Angeles provides a welcoming base for warming up and slowing down. Coffee shops, local restaurants, and waterfront walks make afternoons just as enjoyable as mornings on the mountain. Staying in a Port Angeles vacation rental puts you close to Hurricane Ridge Road while offering comfort, privacy, and space to relax. Many homes provide water or mountain views, creating a natural extension of the day’s scenery.
A winter weekend at Hurricane Ridge Washington balances adventure with ease. With reliable snow, scenic access, and inviting places to stay nearby, it is a mountain getaway that feels both exciting and approachable.
Snowshoe Through Winter in Wisconsin at Parfrey’s Glen
Snowshoeing Adventure at Parfrey’s Glen in Wisconsin
Winter invites couples to slow their pace and enjoy the natural beauty that surrounds Baraboo. Parfrey’s Glen, one of the standout gems near Devil’s Lake State Park, becomes especially captivating in the colder months. Its dramatic sandstone walls, quartzite boulders, and winding 100-foot gorge showcase a side of the Midwest that feels wonderfully peaceful. For a couple’s winter getaway, Parfrey’s Glen offers refreshing air, quiet trails, and scenery that encourages you to explore at your own rhythm.
The 1.6-mile round-trip route is approachable for most visitors, making it easy to appreciate this unique landscape. Once snowfall settles across the Baraboo Hills, the glen transforms into a beautiful winter corridor. Snow collects along the canyon walls, a gentle stream flows beneath the cold air, and every step feels like a shared adventure. Guests can borrow snowshoes from the Inn or pick them up at the Devil’s Lake nature center, which adds a fun element to exploring this Midwest favorite.
Romantic Bed and Breakfast Getaway This Winter
After your time at Parfrey’s Glen, the right place to stay elevates your trip. Our Romantic Bed and Breakfast in Wisconsin offers inviting spaces designed for comfort and connection. Each suite features luxury linens, plush robes, and full private baths, giving couples a warm and relaxing retreat after time outside. Our hilltop location offers sweeping views of the Lake Wisconsin Valley and easy access to forested trails that lead toward Parfrey’s Glen.
Your day begins with a delicious breakfast prepared with care, from savory egg dishes to homemade pastries. In the afternoon, you can unwind at the outdoor fire pit, enjoy the hot tub, or savor a happy hour drink in the Indigo lounge. Thoughtful amenities and genuine hospitality make it simple to enjoy more time together, whether you are returning from snowshoeing, hiking near Baraboo, or exploring the many winter activities nearby.
Winter in Wisconsin brings endless options for outdoor fun. Couples can continue snowshoeing at Devil’s Lake, ski at Devil’s Head Resort, try cross-country trails at Mirror Lake State Park, or spend time browsing Baraboo’s charming shops and restaurants. With each activity, Parfrey’s Glen remains the scenic centerpiece of your winter getaway. When your day winds down, our Bed and Breakfast offers the perfect place to rest, reconnect, and plan your next adventure.
Southern Oregon Coast Tradition Marks 80 Years
Bandon Cranberry Festival Marks 80 Years on the Southern Oregon Coast
The Bandon Cranberry Festival celebrates its 80th year in 2026, running September 10 through 13, with the main festival weekend on Saturday and Sunday, September 12 and 13. Bandon sits on Highway 101 between Coos Bay and Port Orford, right where the Southern Oregon Coast turns wild and rugged, and this town has been growing cranberries for over a century. Eight decades in, the festival still runs on the same small-town pride that started it, and it remains one of the best Bandon Oregon events on the fall calendar.
Sponsored by Rogue Credit Union, the festival weekend brings together a parade, a kitchen contest, live music, an artisan market, and enough cranberry treats to make you rethink what the berry is capable of. If you have never tried fresh cranberry salsa or a slice of homemade cranberry pie on a crisp coastal afternoon, this festival is the reason to plan the trip.
80th Anniversary Festival Highlights
The Bandon Cranberry Festival opens Thursday evening, September 10, with the Cranberry Court Coronation at Sprague Community Theater. Friday, September 11, brings the Cranberry Kitchen Contest at the VFW in the morning and the Cranberry Bowl football game at Bandon High School that evening. Saturday, September 12, kicks off with the signature Cranberry Parade through Old Town, followed by a festival market and street vendors along Old Town and the Port of Bandon waterfront. Throughout the weekend, look for a cranberry eating contest, a classic car and farm equipment show, live music on the main stage, and the Old Town street dance that closes out Saturday night.
In past years, local farms have also opened their cranberry bogs for tours during the festival, giving visitors a guided look at how the harvest actually works. It is a rare chance to see Oregon’s agricultural side up close while the fall color is at its best.
Beyond the Bandon Cranberry Festival
A cranberry festival weekend is a good excuse to explore the rest of Bandon, too. Face Rock State Scenic Viewpoint is perfect for tidepooling and photos. Old Town’s boutiques and galleries are an easy walk from the festival market, and birders should carve out time for Bandon Marsh National Wildlife Refuge during fall migration. Local restaurants lean into the season with fresh seafood, regional cider, and cranberry-inspired specials.
Before the main festival gets underway, Bandon also hosts pre-festival favorites like the Port of Bandon Art Show and the Bandon Crab Derby, both good reasons to arrive a day or two early.
A Festival Worth the Trip
Eighty years is a long run for any small-town festival, and the Bandon Cranberry Festival has earned its place as one of the most anticipated Bandon, Oregon, events of the year. Between the parade, the bog tours, the coastal air, and a weekend built entirely around a berry this region does better than almost anywhere else, it is easy to see why people plan their fall around it. Stay close to the action at the Inn at Face Rock, and spend the weekend celebrating eight decades of Bandon tradition.
Where to Stay for Bandon Cranberry Festival Weekend
Parking gets tight, and the town fills up fast during festival weekend, so where you stay matters more than usual. The Inn at Face Rock sits about a five-minute drive from Old Town and the festival’s main venues, close enough that you can head back for a break, but far enough to have a quiet room waiting when you need a break.
As one of the top-rated Bandon Oregon Hotels, the Inn at Face Rock offers spacious guest rooms, a private path to the beach, a heated indoor pool and hot tub, and a breakfast buffet to fuel up before a day of festival events. Wide lawns and private patios make it a comfortable base for families, and the property welcomes well-behaved dogs for guests who want to bring the whole crew. Book your stay today and make the Inn at Face Rock your home base for the festival’s 80th year.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Bandon Cranberry Festival in 2026?
The 2026 Bandon Cranberry Festival runs September 10 through 13, marking its 80th year. Pre-festival events take place September 10 and 11, with the main festival weekend on September 12 and 13.
How many years has the Bandon Cranberry Festival been running?
2026 marks the festival’s 80th year, with roots dating back to the 1940s.
What events happen during the Bandon Cranberry Festival?
Highlights include the Cranberry Court Coronation, the Cranberry Kitchen Contest, the Cranberry Bowl football game, the Cranberry Parade, a festival market, live music, a classic car and farm equipment show, a cranberry eating contest, and the Old Town street dance.
Where should I stay for the Bandon Cranberry Festival?
The Inn at Face Rock is about a five-minute drive from Old Town and the festival’s main venues, making it one of the most convenient Bandon Oregon hotels for a festival weekend.
Spooky Galena Ghost Tours to Experience This Fall
Galena ghost tours take on a different atmosphere once the sun goes down. Historic brick buildings line Main Street, nineteenth-century homes climb the surrounding hills, and stories from nearly two centuries of Galena history suddenly seem a little more believable after dark. Add crisp fall weather and October color, and it’s easy to understand why ghost tours have become such a popular part of a fall getaway here.
There are several ways to experience haunted Galena. You can board a climate-controlled bus in search of paranormal hot spots, follow a costumed storyteller through downtown by candlelight, or spend the evening visiting historic pubs while hearing stories about the people who may have never left. Some Galena ghost tours focus heavily on history and folklore, while others bring out ghost-hunting equipment or build drinks and socializing into the experience.
The number of Galena ghost tours makes the town especially fun for couples looking for unusual things to do in Galena. You don’t have to be convinced that ghosts exist to enjoy the stories. Much of the appeal comes from hearing a different side of a town shaped by lead mining, steamboat commerce, Ulysses S. Grant, and generations of residents who lived and worked inside the buildings you still see today.
The Best Galena Ghost Tours
If you’re trying to choose among the many Galena ghost tours, start by deciding what kind of evening you want, whether that’s covering ground by bus, enjoying a candlelight walking experience, or enjoying a social pub crawl.
Amelia’s Galena Ghost Tours offers Galena’s haunted shuttle bus tour, a useful option if you want the stories without spending the entire evening walking. The climate-controlled bus travels more than 14 miles while guides share researched history, local ghost stories, and tales connected to several supposedly haunted locations. Guests get off the bus at two stops, where guides also use equipment such as EMF detectors and a ghost box. Amelia’s recommends the tour for children ages seven and older, and also runs its own Galena haunted pub crawl, a guided walking tour through three historic pubs lasting roughly two and a half hours.
The Haunted Galena Tour Company has been telling Galena’s darker stories for more than 20 years. Its Haunted Galena Ghost Walk is a 90-minute candlelight walking tour led by costumed storytellers, beginning at the historic Dowling House and traveling through downtown while guides share local folklore and stories associated with Galena’s best-known haunts. For an adults-only alternative, the same company offers Spirits and Spirits, a 90-minute haunted happy hour for guests 21 and older that visits three locations with a specialty drink at each stop.
Matthew’s Haunted Pub Crawl is another popular choice among Galena, IL ghost tours, particularly if you want the evening to be social. Matthew leads guests to two or three haunted pubs downtown, weaving together local history, documented ghost stories, and reported paranormal encounters, with a chance to experiment with ghost-hunting equipment along the way. The crawl runs year-round, rain or shine, spending roughly 45 minutes at each pub.
Is Galena Really Haunted?
Whether Galena is one of the haunted places in Illinois is something you’ll have to decide for yourself. What’s not in question is that the city has more than enough history to supply generations of ghost stories, making it an ideal setting for Galena ghost tours.
Galena developed into an important lead mining center in the early nineteenth century and prospered as a river port and commercial hub. By the 1850s, Galena was the busiest river port between St. Paul and St. Louis, sometimes with as many as 15 steamboats docked along Water Street. The town also has a strong connection to the Civil War through Ulysses S. Grant, who moved here with his family in 1860, left to serve after the war began, and returned to Galena in 1865.
Much of that nineteenth-century city remains visible today, and nearly 62 percent of Galena’s buildings sit within a National Register Historic District. These historic places provide much of the setting for today’s Galena haunted tours, where guides share stories about former residents, local tragedies, folklore, and reported paranormal encounters.
Beyond Galena Ghost Tours: Unusual Things to Do in Galena
Galena ghost tours may be the obvious choice for a spooky fall weekend, but they’re not the only unusual things to do in Galena. If your visit falls near Halloween, watch for the annual Galena Halloween Parade and Festival, when Main Street closes for an evening of elaborate floats, marching bands, and costumed participants. During the day, get outside at Casper Bluff Land and Water Reserve, where easy grassy trails wind through prairie and woodland to overlooks of the Mississippi River, past the Aiken Mound Group and the only intact Thunderbird effigy mound in Illinois.
Fall is also an excellent time to leave downtown for a scenic drive through the surrounding hills and valleys. Stop at one of the area’s wineries, walk a section of the Galena River Trail, or simply spend an afternoon browsing Main Street’s independent shops and galleries.
Why Jail Hill Inn Is One of the Best Places to Stay in Galena, IL
After an evening spent exploring haunted Galena through Galena ghost tours, coming back to a former county jail continues your spooky season getaway. Fortunately, the resemblance to nineteenth-century jail accommodations ends with the history.
Our boutique Bed and Breakfast, one of the best places to stay in Galena, IL, occupies the former Jo Daviess County Jail, constructed in 1878 and used as a county jail until 1977, when it was restored and transformed into our six-suite luxury inn. Original architectural details remain throughout the building, including original wooden beams, sections of the original concrete floor, 9-foot windows, and a dramatic 14-foot curved brick ceiling.
Our spacious suites are designed for a very different kind of confinement. Guests have king beds, fine linens, luxurious bathrooms, robes, fireplaces or other suite-specific amenities, and thoughtful extras such as chilled champagne and chocolates waiting on arrival. Mornings begin with a three-course breakfast prepared from scratch, and later in the day, guests can enjoy our complimentary wine and cheese offering before heading back downtown for dinner or one of the Galena ghost tours.
Named the No. 1 B&B/Inn in the United States and No. 2 in the world in Tripadvisor’s 2019 Travelers’ Choice Awards, followed by a No. 3 ranking among U.S. B&Bs in 2020, our historic building with a fascinating past is just a short walk from the restaurants, shops, and nightlife of downtown Galena. Book your fall getaway today.
Galena Ghost Tours: FAQ
Is Galena, Illinois haunted?
Galena has a long reputation for ghost stories and paranormal reports, but whether those stories prove the city is haunted is a matter of belief. What’s certain is that Galena has an unusually rich concentration of nineteenth-century buildings and a long history as a lead mining center, river port, and commercial town, giving local storytellers plenty of material to work with.
Which Galena ghost tour should I choose?
Choose Amelia’s if you prefer a bus-based tour that covers more ground, the Haunted Galena Ghost Walk for a classic 90-minute candlelight walking tour, and Matthew’s Haunted Pub Crawl if you want a longer evening visiting downtown pubs. Haunted Galena’s Spirits and Spirits Tour is another option for guests 21 and older who want drinks included with the experience.
What is there to do in Galena, IL besides ghost tours?
Beyond the after-dark experiences, Galena offers hiking at Casper Bluff Land and Water Reserve, scenic drives through the surrounding hills, local wineries, and a historic Main Street lined with independent shops, galleries, and restaurants.
Where to stay in Galena, IL during a ghost tour weekend?
A historic property enhances the atmosphere of a Galena ghost tour. Staying in a beautifully restored building within walking distance of downtown, like a former county jail turned boutique inn, makes for a fitting and comfortable end to an evening of ghost stories.
Do Galena ghost tours run only in the fall?
No. Some experiences are seasonal, but others operate year-round. Matthew’s Haunted Pub Crawl advertises year-round tours, and Haunted Galena’s Spirits and Spirits Tour is also offered year-round on select days. Fall remains an especially popular time to go, so advance reservations are a good idea when planning an October weekend.
Spring Birding at Horicon Marsh in Wisconsin
Best Midwest Birdwatching Weekend at Horicon Marsh
Spring transforms Horicon Marsh into one of the most rewarding birding destinations in the Midwest. As the largest freshwater cattail marsh in the United States, Horicon Marsh in Wisconsin plays a vital role in seasonal migrations and offers birdwatchers front-row access to one of nature’s most impressive displays. Located within easy reach of Madison and Milwaukee, this protected wetland is an ideal choice for a spring weekend getaway centered around birding, outdoor exploration, and relaxation.
The Horicon National Wildlife Refuge spans more than 22,000 acres and supports over 300 recorded bird species. Spring migration, especially from mid-April through mid-May, brings a remarkable variety of birds to the marsh. Watch for sandhill cranes, white pelicans, great blue herons, waterfowl, and colorful warblers as they stop to rest and refuel. The mix of wetlands, prairie, and woodland habitats makes every visit unique, whether you are a seasoned birder or simply enjoy spending time outdoors.
Beyond birdwatching, Horicon Marsh offers miles of hiking trails, including an accessible boardwalk that provides close-up views of the marsh ecosystem. The Wild Goose State Trail runs along the western edge of the marsh and is popular with cyclists and walkers who want sweeping views of the landscape. Paddling the Horicon Marsh Canoe Trail or joining a guided boat tour adds another perspective, offering opportunities to observe birds and wildlife from the water. It’s no wonder it’s one of the most popular things to do in Wisconsin.
Where to Stay Near Horicon Marsh, Wisconsin
A spring weekend near Horicon Marsh is best enjoyed with a stay at one of the welcoming bed and breakfasts in Wisconsin. Inns near Horicon offer comfortable accommodations, thoughtful amenities, and knowledgeable hosts who are happy to share local tips for birding and nearby attractions. Staying at a bed and breakfast allows you to slow down, enjoy a homemade breakfast, and make the most of early morning and evening bird activity.
Horicon Marsh also serves as a great base for exploring other places to visit in Wisconsin, including Kettle Moraine State Forest, Devil’s Lake State Park, and scenic riverways. With outstanding birding, varied outdoor activities, and inviting places to stay, Horicon Marsh delivers one of the best spring birdwatching weekends in the Midwest.
Spring Things to Do on the Olympic Peninsula
The Best Things to Do on the Olympic Peninsula This Spring
Spring is one of the most rewarding times to experience the Olympic Peninsula. As snowmelt feeds rivers and waterfalls and the forests regain their color, the region feels open, energetic, and refreshingly uncrowded. With cooler temperatures and longer daylight hours, spring is ideal for travelers seeking adventure without the pace of peak summer travel.
One of the most popular things to do on the Olympic Peninsula in spring is exploring Olympic National Park. Waterfalls such as Sol Duc Falls and Marymere Falls are especially impressive this time of year, fueled by seasonal runoff. Lower-elevation Olympic Peninsula hikes begin to open, offering access to mossy forests, river valleys, and coastal trails before summer crowds arrive.
Birdwatching is another highlight of spring across Olympic Peninsula Washington. Migratory species return to wetlands, shorelines, and forest edges, making places like the Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge a favorite for both casual observers and dedicated birders. Scenic driving along the Olympic Peninsula Loop also feels more relaxed in spring, with wide-open views of the Olympic Mountains, quiet coastal stretches, and charming small towns along the way.
Spending time in Port Angeles and Sequim adds a cultural layer to any spring adventure. From waterfront walks and local dining to farm visits and boutique shopping, these towns offer plenty of things to do in Port Angeles and in Sequim that balance outdoor exploration with laid-back enjoyment. Spring is also a great time to explore the beaches along the Strait of Juan de Fuca or the rugged Pacific coastline, where tidepooling and wildlife viewing are seasonal favorites.
Lodging Near Olympic National Park
After full days exploring trails, waterfalls, and scenic viewpoints, having a comfortable place to return to makes all the difference. Our vacation rentals in Port Angeles and Sequim place you close to Olympic National Park, Olympic National Forest, and many of the region’s top attractions. With spacious layouts, well-equipped kitchens, and pet-friendly options, these homes are ideal for couples, families, and adventure-focused travelers. Book your spring stay and experience the best things to do on the Olympic Peninsula at your own pace.
Summer Activities at the Iconic Sugarbush Resort
Best Sugarbush Resort Guide for Summer Adventure
Sugarbush Resort is widely known for winter sports, but summer reveals a different side of this Vermont destination. Set in the Mad River Valley, the resort transitions into a mountain landscape filled with fresh air, open trails, and a wide range of outdoor activities. A summer visit offers the chance to experience Sugarbush Resort from a new perspective, where hiking, biking, and scenic views define the pace of each day.
Hiking is one of the most popular ways to explore the area. Trails at Lincoln Peak range from short, accessible loops to more demanding climbs, such as the Castle Rock Summit route. Scenic lift rides add flexibility, allowing visitors to ride up and hike down or create a customized route. Mountain biking is equally prominent, with lift-served downhill trails designed for experienced riders, along with rental options for those who prefer a more relaxed ride.
Golf is another highlight during the summer in Vermont. The Sugarbush Resort Golf Club, designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr., features an 18-hole course shaped by the natural terrain of the Green Mountains. Disc golf provides a casual alternative, with a wooded course located near the base area. Heading to Sugarbush in the warmer months is one of the best things to do in Vermont!
Vermont Bed and Breakfast near Sugarbush Resort
West Hill House B&B offers convenient access to Sugarbush Resort while providing a comfortable and welcoming place to stay. Located just minutes from the resort, this Sugarbush Bed and Breakfast combines historic character with thoughtful amenities. Guests can start the day with a freshly prepared breakfast before heading out to explore hiking trails, schedule a tee time, or visit nearby dining options.
The property features nine guest rooms, each designed for relaxation after a day outdoors. Common spaces, including a sunroom and gardens, provide quiet areas to unwind. Innkeepers are available to assist with local recommendations, helping guests make the most of their summer itinerary in the Mad River Valley. It’s the perfect place for a couple’s getaway!
From outdoor recreation to local dining and seasonal events, Sugarbush Resort, Vermont, offers a well-rounded summer experience. Booking a stay nearby ensures easy access to the area’s activities while maintaining a comfortable retreat at the end of the day.
Take a Fall Road Trip on the San Juan Skyway
Why This Is Durango’s Best Fall Road Trip
Driving the San Juan Skyway in fall is the best day trip you can take from Durango, and every September our guests ask us the same question at breakfast: when do the aspens turn? Fall foliage runs September through early October, and this 236-mile loop through the San Juan Mountains is the perfect way to see it. Widely considered one of the most spectacular scenic drives in Colorado, the San Juan Skyway scenic byway climbs the famous Million Dollar Highway, threads the high country from Silverton to Telluride, and rolls past gold-drenched hillsides and historic mining towns for hours. The whole loop starts and ends right here in Durango.
With so many things to do in Durango, the San Juan Skyway is just one reason we love autumn here. Our favorite hikes near Durango, like the Colorado Trail at Junction Creek, put you inside those aspen groves instead of just driving past them. Durango Jeep tours for off-road adventure take you deep into the high country on old mining roads. And Durango mountain biking is legendary for good reason, with hundreds of miles of singletrack from mellow river trails to the Horse Gulch network minutes from downtown. It is easy to spend an entire week in this area.
After a day exploring the San Juan Skyway, you will want to relax at the best Durango lodging. Blue Lake Ranch sits on a private ranch just west of Durango with views of the La Plata Mountains, a spring-fed lake, and lush gardens. As Southwest Colorado’s first Bed and Breakfast, we have spent decades perfecting the routine our guests love: a Southwest-inspired breakfast buffet to fuel the day, then an evening back at your own cabin or cottage, many with fireplaces and whirlpool tubs for cool mountain nights.
San Juan Skyway: What to Expect on the Drive
The San Juan Skyway is a 236-mile loop designated as an All-American Road, the highest level of scenic byway recognition the U.S. Secretary of Transportation can give, awarded in 1996. The full loop requires roughly six hours of driving without extended stops, though most visitors spend an entire day exploring the overlooks and mountain towns. Heading north from Durango on Highway 550, you will climb Coal Bank Pass and Molas Pass, both over 10,600 feet, with views of Pigeon and Turret Mountains and three fourteeners: Windom, Eolus, and Sunlight. In late September, the aspen groves along this stretch turn entire mountainsides gold, and the pullouts at Molas Pass are perfect for photos.
Then comes the stretch everyone talks about. From Silverton, the road becomes the Million Dollar Highway, climbing over Red Mountain Pass before clinging to the steep canyon walls of Uncompahgre Gorge as it descends into Ouray. Nobody knows for certain where the name came from, though local lore credits the construction cost, the views, or the gold ore left in the roadway fill.
The Million Dollar Highway is a serious mountain road with drop-offs lacking guardrails, so take it slow and trade drivers if you both want to enjoy the scenery. We always tell our guests to run the loop counterclockwise instead. Driving west from Durango first puts you on the inside of the steepest curves when you reach the Million Dollar Highway, with the rock wall beside you rather than the edge. Always check road conditions before you go, since fall weather in the high country changes fast. Early October can mean sunshine in Durango and snow flurries at the passes.
The towns break up the drive beautifully. Silverton’s downtown is a National Historic Landmark District, its architecture a leftover of early mining wealth, and the Old Hundred Gold Mine tour is a favorite attraction. Ouray, called the “Little Switzerland of America,” is home to Box Cañon Falls and a large natural hot springs pool. The leg from Silverton to Telluride crosses the Dallas Divide past Mount Sneffels, one of Colorado’s most iconic fall viewpoints, before dropping into the box canyon that holds Telluride, where you can ride the free gondola for aerial views of the fall colors. The return leg holds quieter charms, including the galleries and studios of the Mancos Creative District, and the turnoff for Mesa Verde National Park.
Among the scenic drives in Colorado, the San Juan Skyway stands out for its remarkable variety, with alpine passes, Victorian mining towns, river canyons, and ranch country all within a single loop. Start early, fill the tank in Durango, pack layers since higher elevations run cool even in warm months, and skip scheduling anything for the evening.
Durango Lodging Built for This Drive
A full day on the San Juan Skyway deserves an equally special place to begin and end your fall road trip. Blue Lake Ranch can help you make the most of your trip. Before you leave, the kitchen can pack a made-to-order picnic lunch, which beats hunting for a table in Telluride at peak leaf season. When you roll back in, there are 70 acres to stretch your legs on, or skip straight to a wine and cheese platter on your private patio while the La Platas catch the last light. Every room, suite, casita, and cabin here is individually decorated, ranging from the La Plata Vista Room with its whirlpool tub and private balcony to the Cabin on the Lake, which sleeps a full group with three bathrooms, two fireplaces, and a complete kitchen. Bringing the dog along for leaf season? The Cottage in the Woods and the River House are both pet-friendly.
Book Your Fall Road Trip Today
The aspens only give you a few weeks each fall. Book your stay at Blue Lake Ranch and come see why this loop tops every list of scenic drives in Colorado.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Million Dollar Highway?
The Million Dollar Highway is the stretch of U.S. Highway 550 between Silverton and Ouray, Colorado, and it forms one of the most dramatic legs of the San Juan Skyway.
Why is it called the Million Dollar Highway?
No one knows for certain. Local lore credits the original construction cost, the million-dollar views, or gold ore mixed into the roadway fill during construction.
How long is the Million Dollar Highway?
The Million Dollar Highway runs about 25 miles between Silverton and Ouray, though it is often used to describe a longer stretch of Highway 550 through the San Juan Mountains.
Is the San Juan Skyway dangerous to drive?
The Million Dollar Highway section has steep drop-offs without guardrails, so drivers should go slowly and consider running the loop counterclockwise from Durango to stay on the inside of the sharpest curves.