This scenic byway is located in the southwestern corner of Colorado. It travels through the San Juan Mountains and into the high-plateau country of Mesa Verde. The Uncompahgre, Mancos, Dolores and San Miguel River valleys are included in the terrain covered by the San Juan Scenic Byway.
This byway begins in Ridgway and, traveling clockwise, leads south to Ouray. This segment provides travelers with grand views of the peaks in the San Juan Mountain Range.