The San Juan Skyway is a 232-mile loop drive on state-maintained, paved highways through the heart of the San Juan Mountains, beginning at Cortez, Colorado. It was designated a Forest Service Scenic Byway in 1988, a State Scenic and Historic Byway in 1989, and an All-American Road in 1997 for its national significance and as a destination in itself. The route crosses the San Juan and Uncompahgre National Forests and spans elevations from 6,200 feet near Cortez to 11,008 on Red Mountain Pass. Along the way are rolling, sagebrush-covered mesas with ancient sites and artifacts, Victorian mining towns, ranching communities, historic mining districts, high-elevation mountain passes, and views of 14,000-foot peaks.