The scenic town of Ouray (pronounced "you-ray") tempted us to stop for a few days. Son James had told me about the hot springs there -- and we passed it full of people enjoying the "waters." A quaint and fun little hamlet. Before the first sliver strike in 1875, the Ute Indians came to the area to enjoy the hot springs. Ouray is the halfway point along the San Juan Skyway, Colorado's first scenic byway. Since the San Juan Mountains are geologically younger than other Colorado ranges, the San Juans present a more jagged, precipitous appearance. The town also marks the northern terminus of the byway known as the Million Dollar Highway, which is cut from nearly vertical cliffs ...with STEEP drop-offs and NO guardrails. Proceed with caution!.
From there we began climbing quickly up the first of three 11,000 foot mountains.
Around EVERY sharp switchback was yet another breathtaking view.
After awhile it was hard to decide just what we "needed" to memorialize -- too many opportunities -- never a bad view. 
I loved the Aspen trees we found high on the mountains -- and with rain threatening and the wind blowing, the leaves danced (helping distract me from the next hairpin switchback -- I wasn't driving).
Wonder if the folks who drive these mountains ever tire of these views?
The last climb was over the Red Mountains -- appropriately named as you can see from the picture.
I was a happy camper to see the bottom of this last mountain and the valley of Durango!Durango began as a railroad town with Victorian vestiges of the past accenting the downtown area. What a fun town -- this is another place to which I'd love to return. And it's a happening place.
Coming down the mountain with all the switchbacks were legions of mountain bikers. We even saw a dozen or so going over the mountains...move over Lance Armstrong. There are all kinds of typical mountain recreational activities, great shopping, cultural events, whitewater rafting, and nice folks. Durango with a population of 17,000 has farmers, ranchers, herbalists, artisans, entertainers, a college, and great cuisine.
Tonight after a recommendation from several locals, we opted for a "nice" supper since many of our recent meals have been "on the fly." If YOU are ever in Durango, the Mahogany Grille on Main Street is my recommendation -- and it will be a treat. Besides waiters who are well trained and a complimentary "Mahogany Cheer" libation, the ambiance adds to the experience. See the beautiful lighting on the ceiling?
We really enjoyed the pianist who played throughout our meal.
I had the BEST appetizer that would have suited me as dessert: Caramelized Mission Figs with Chardonnay Honey Reduction served with Panko Encrusted Brie and Pear/Apple Slices/Toasted Almond Slivers and Toast Slices. Oh, yum. The main course was Chilean Sea Bass. (Just to set the record straight, there is no such thing as Chilean Sea Bass; that is just the name used in restaurants -- the official name is Patagonian Toothfish...but who would order that?). Double yum. 
Great decor. We walked down the street after this sumptuous repast, window shopped -- I love this Storyteller Doll in the window,
checked on the Durango-Silverton schedules,
and settled back in the room. The pubs and entertainment places were gearing up -- lively sounds wafting into the streets. This town is set for the Fourth of July festivities. 
Not sure just where we will be on that date.
And, I have officially run out of superlative adjectives to describe the landscape. My lexicon is depleted. :-)
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