Blog Summary

Southern Colorado is one of the best regions in the United States for fall foliage road trips. Crisp mountain air, golden aspen groves, winding highways, and historic mountain towns make it a favorite for travelers seeking unforgettable autumn views. Whether you’re planning a quick day trip or a longer adventure, RV sites and cozy rental cabins at Durango RV Resort are perfectly located as your basecamp for exploring. This guide highlights the top five scenic fall drives in Southern Colorado, complete with drive times, travel tips, and the must-see stops that bring the season to life.

Top 5 Scenic Fall Drives in Southern Colorado

Every fall, Southern Colorado transforms into a breathtaking landscape of golden aspen trees, snow-dusted peaks, and crisp blue skies. For RV travelers and road-trippers, the region offers some of the most rewarding scenic drives in the Rockies. Staying at Durango RV Resort places you in the heart of this autumn paradise, with easy access to winding byways, national parks, and charming mountain towns.

In this guide, we’ll cover the Top 5 Scenic Fall Drives in Southern Colorado, each offering its own unique beauty, attractions, and photo opportunities. We’ll also provide drive times from Durango RV Resort, tips for the road, and a handy map to help you plan your routes.

1. The Million Dollar Highway (US 550: Durango to Ouray)

The Million Dollar Highway is one of the most famous scenic drives in the country, and autumn is when it truly shines. Stretching from Durango through Silverton to Ouray, this drive offers hairpin turns, dramatic cliffs, and golden aspens that line the mountainsides.

Highlights:

1. Historic mining town of Silverton with Victorian charm
2. The “Switzerland of America” in Ouray, surrounded by peaks
3. Endless aspen groves turning vibrant shades of gold and orange

Drive Times from Durango RV Resort:

1. Durango to Silverton: 50 miles, about 1.5 hours
2. Silverton to Ouray: 24 miles, about 1 hour
3. Full route Durango to Ouray: about 2.5 hours one way

Travel Tip: The road has steep drop-offs and no guardrails in some sections. Take it slow and enjoy the views.

 

2. San Juan Skyway Scenic Byway (Loop Drive)

The San Juan Skyway forms a spectacular 236-mile loop through the heart of the San Juan Mountains. If you have a full day to explore, this is the ultimate fall road trip.

Highlights:

1. Passes through Durango, Silverton, Ouray, Telluride, Dolores, and Cortez
2. Towering 14,000-foot peaks, deep canyons, and alpine meadows
3. Peak fall colors usually occur late September through early October

Drive Times from Durango RV Resort:

1. Full loop: 236 miles, about 7 hours without extended stops
2. Durango to Telluride: about 3 hours
3. Durango to Cortez: about 1 hour

Travel Tip: Break up the loop into two days if possible, staying overnight in Telluride or Ouray for a more relaxed trip.

 

3. La Plata Canyon (County Road 124)

Just 15 minutes from Durango RV Resort, La Plata Canyon offers an intimate and less crowded fall foliage experience. The road winds along the La Plata River with brilliant aspen groves at every turn.

Highlights:

1. Short but stunning drive through aspen forests
2. Great for hiking, photography, and picnicking
3. Less traffic than major byways

Drive Times from Durango RV Resort:

1. Durango RV Resort to La Plata Canyon entrance: 15 miles, about 20 minutes
2. Drive through canyon: 15 miles, about 45 minutes round-trip

Travel Tip: The road is partly unpaved, so check conditions before heading out in a larger RV. A towed car is recommended.

 

4. Mesa Verde National Park Scenic Drive

Mesa Verde is known for its ancient cliff dwellings, but in fall, the drive through the park is just as captivating. The road climbs from the base up to the mesa top, offering sweeping views of the Montezuma Valley below and aspen groves above.

Highlights:

1. UNESCO World Heritage site with cliff dwellings
2. Panoramic overlooks across Four Corners
3. Fiery fall colors mixed with evergreen forests

Drive Times from Durango RV Resort:

1. Durango RV Resort to Mesa Verde Visitor Center: 36 miles, about 40 minutes
2. Scenic loop drives within the park: 45 minutes to 2 hours

Travel Tip: Start early to maximize time exploring both the drives and archaeological sites.

 

5. Highway 160: Durango to Pagosa Springs and Wolf Creek Pass

Highway 160 eastbound from Durango is a fall favorite. The road takes you through rolling valleys, mountain passes, and finally over Wolf Creek Pass, one of the highest in the state. The combination of colorful aspens and high-altitude vistas makes this drive unforgettable.

Highlights:

1. Relaxing hot springs in Pagosa Springs
2. Wolf Creek Pass with jaw-dropping views
3. Endless roadside photography opportunities

Drive Times from Durango RV Resort:

1. Durango to Pagosa Springs: 60 miles, about 1 hour
2. Pagosa Springs to Wolf Creek Pass: 25 miles, about 45 minutes

Travel Tip: Bring layers, as weather at Wolf Creek Pass can shift quickly in fall.

 

Planning Your Fall Drives from Durango

Durango RV Resort provides the perfect hub for fall adventures in Southern Colorado. With spacious RV sites, modern amenities, and proximity to historic downtown Durango, you can explore by day and return to comfort in the evening.

Drive-Time Overview (From Durango RV Resort):

1. Million Dollar Highway (Ouray): ~2.5 hours one way
2. San Juan Skyway Loop: ~7 hours full loop
3. La Plata Canyon: ~20 minutes
4. Mesa Verde National Park: ~40 minutes
5. Pagosa Springs/Wolf Creek Pass: ~1.5–2 hours

Key Takeaways

1. Southern Colorado offers world-class scenic drives, especially during fall foliage season.
2. Top routes include the Million Dollar Highway, San Juan Skyway, La Plata Canyon, Mesa Verde, and Wolf Creek Pass.
3. Staying at Durango RV Resort places you near all major routes for easy day trips.
4. Peak foliage is typically late September through mid-October, depending on elevation.
5. Always check weather and road conditions before heading out in the mountains.

FAQ

When is the best time to see fall colors in Southern Colorado?

The peak season usually runs from late September through mid-October. Higher elevations change earlier, while lower valleys peak later.

Can I drive the Million Dollar Highway with an RV?

Yes, but it can be intimidating due to steep grades and drop-offs. Many RV travelers prefer to drive this route with a tow vehicle instead of a large rig.

Are pets allowed on these drives or in parks?

Yes, pets are welcome on drives. For national parks like Mesa Verde, pets are allowed in campgrounds and some paved areas but not on most trails.

How long should I plan for the San Juan Skyway?

The full loop takes about 7 hours without stops, but ideally plan a full day or split into two days for a more relaxed experience.

Is Durango a good basecamp for fall drives?

Absolutely. Durango offers easy access to multiple scenic routes plus great dining, culture, and outdoor activities. Durango RV Resort makes it simple to return to comfort each night.