Follows the route of U.S. 550 between Silverton and Ouray, Colorado. It is part of the San Juan Skyway Scenic Byway and includes winding roads, unbelievable views and includes Red Mountain Pass.
This is the highest and steepest ski area in North America with a peak elevation of 13,487’ and no easy way down. This is the only heli-skiing experience in the continental United States that offers single drops in addition to all day heli-skiing.
Though it is one of the higher passes in Colorado, it has only a few switchbacks on the north approach, is considerably less intimidating than Red Mountain Pass on the same highway, and is generally kept open in the winter months. It is also the last mountain pass of the Iron Horse Bicycle Classic race, where riders race the train from Durango to Silverton.
While the north side of Highway 550 is fairly gentle, the descent on the south side is very steep (6.5%), and has a runaway truck ramp for trucks that lose control. It is basically downhill the entire way to Durango. The scenery of the San Juan’s is unsurpassed and many call this area the American Alps.
Silverton’s main business section was built in the late 1800s. Unlike many other mining towns, Silverton never experienced a major fire, and most of the buildings are still standing. Silverton is a National Historic Landmark, part of the San Juan Skyway (with the Million Dollar Highway connecting Silverton to Ouray), home to Animas Forks and the Alpine Loop, the summer destination for the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad train ride.
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