rguably one of the most scenic roads in the U.S., Colorado’s 235-mile San Juan Skyway showcases a diverse landscape featuring high mountains, striking rock formations, gorgeous alpine lakes, and meadows.

Surrounded by the 14,000-foot-high San Juan Mountains, the road takes travelers through popular resorts and historic mining towns, but also through some of the most spectacular and best-preserved Ancestral Puebloan ruins. Passing through the Uncompahgre Wilderness and the San Juan National Forest, the road navigates high mountain passes and aspen and evergreen forests, while showcasing some of the best alpine views.

You’ll find recreation opportunities along the route, from hiking and biking trails to hot springs and ski slopes, and even a narrow-gauge railroad. Here are 10 sites worth stopping for along this National Scenic Byway.

1. Durango

The largest town along the route, Durango, is the perfect place to start and end this trip. Explore the Historic Downtown, which is on the National Register of Historic Places and dominated by the landmark Strater Hotel built in the 1880s, and dine at the El Moro Tavern.

Stop at the Colorado Wildlife Museum to learn about the local animals, and walk or bike areas of the Animas River Trail, through family-friendly parks, nature trails, and city sidewalks, crossing several picturesque bridges. Before leaving town, stop at the historic train depot where the Durango-Silverton Narrow-Gauge Railroad starts. You can take it to Silverton for a day trip for a different perspective, before driving the same route on the road.