Canon City Travel Forum

We are getting up very early to drive from Durango to Canon City in June. We have a choice of driving 4.75 hours going east on 160 through Pagosa Springs and Wolf Creek Pass,then north on 285 and east on 50. The other choice which takes 6 hours would be to go north on 550 along the San Juan Skyway to Montrose, and then going east on 50. I have heard that San Juan Skyway is a pretty drive, but we are limited on our time. We want to spend the afternoon at Royal Gorge, the evening at Seven Falls and the next two days at Colorado Springs. Is it worth taking the extra 1.25 hours to go on the Million Dollar Highway? I imagine the other way has some pretty scenery too. ?

If spending the day at the Royal Gorge is your intent, I woudl opt for the quickest route. the only advantage of going through Silverton and Ouray and on to Montrose, would be the opportunity to stop and see the spectacular Black Canyon of the Gunnison. This is a National Monument located just outside of Montrose.

Take the 550 to 50 route. It's a bit longer, but it's gorgeous. Royal Gorge won't take much of your time.
Gunnison is also a really pretty town, as is Silverton. Worth the detour, IMHO.