San Juan Skyway

[cool]

Hi,
We will be going to the San Juan Skyway this memorial day weekend.
How long will it take to do the complete loop?
We are doing clockwise from Cortez, Telluride, Ouray...
Will we miss something because of this side?
Will it be icy? Will it be ok to drive early morning / late night?
Would be great if anyone can throw any insight...:)

[Robert Schaller]

Is the complete loop back to Cortez via Durango, then? If so, this can be driven in a day, but I recommend you take more time than that. Two days would be good, three better! You could spend a whole day at Mesa Verde alone! The San Juans area has some GREAT back roads!

I have encountered snowstorms in progress on these roads more than once on the Memorial Day weekend (3 times, 1965, 1989 & one other year that has slipped my memory at this moment, but it was mid-90s I think). But typically, you'll find good driving conditions. Even on those occasions where I ran into snow, the driving conditions were still OK (if a bit COLD when out of the vehicle). Bob

[cool]

Is the complete loop back to Cortez via Durango, then? If so, this can be driven in a day, but I recommend you take more time than that. Two days would be good, three better! You could spend a whole day at Mesa Verde alone! The San Juans area has some GREAT back roads!

I have encountered snowstorms in progress on these roads more than once on the Memorial Day weekend (3 times, 1965, 1989 & one other year that has slipped my memory at this moment, but it was mid-90s I think). But typically, you'll find good driving conditions. Even on those occasions where I ran into snow, the driving conditions were still OK (if a bit COLD when out of the vehicle). Bob

We are staying at Cortez the previous night.
Early morning, we plan to drive to the four corners monument.
Then Mesa Verde. Then start clockwise on the San Juan.
We managed to squeeze time and allow 2 days. So we drive thru Telluride and stat at ouray. The next day, we plan to drive upto Durango.
Is the drive from Durango to Cortez worth? If not, we might go back from Durango.
Do we need to carry chains? We are renting a 2wd from Salt lake City Airport.
What is the general speed limit along the San Juan?
Do you have any "not to miss" places to see on the way?
We are interested in some short hikes also.

really appreciate your help.
thanks:)