jdawgmsu25

Ok I've been to Colorado many times as a child but this is the first time as an adult. I don't remember alot from previous trips. It'll be 3 adults and 1 child. We'll be driving so we're not limited to were we can start. I'm looking at more of the southwest parts of Colorado. Here's places of interest. Mesa Verde, Durango, Silverton, million dollar highway, Ouray, Telluride, Black Canyon, Aspen, Maroon Bells looks awesome. Independence pass. We like to hike and sight see. Any advice for the train? My main questions would this be okay for 7 full days? Any tips from the areas as far as hiking, sightseeing, driving? Seems like some of these areas are less popular is it because distance from Denver or should I be considering closer to Denver? Are these areas good for late May? Thanks any advice would be greatly appreciated!!!

fmpden

Where are you coming from? It is far too much for a week but you probably know that. M Verde is seen best if you spend at least one night in the park. Reservations go fast so book it soon for next May. For late May I would stay in the SW because the further north you go the more snow you will encountered. In mid Colorado and north May, sometimes early June is referred to as mud season for obvious reasons.

I like the train in Durango and we ride it both ways but if time is important ride one way. Should probably book the train in advance.

For seven days - Durango, M Verde, Ouray and Telluride would be about it.

emalloy

We did not do the train, based on advice from friends who said that we would get pretty much the same views driving and could stop and take pictures whenever we wanted. It was fine for us and we also stopped for lunch in Silverton.

I agree that staying in Mesa Verde is good because it takes quite a bit of time getting up the mesa and you wouldn't want to drive back down after dark. The VC is now pretty near the bottom of the mesa, do stop there and make any reservations to do a ranger led trip into one of the ruins.

fmpden

There is a huge difference in the scenery from the train and from the road to Silverton. In no way would I considerable them the same other than in the mountains with lots of trees and rocks.

jdawgmsu25

Thanks for the helpful information! We would be coming from from Mississippi with separate days for driving the 7 days are for Colorado only. Entering Colorado from Albuquerque New Mexico, or Santa Fe. Was thinking about staying 2 nights in Durango driving to Mesa Verde for a day and the next doing the Durango Silverton train. Riding the train one way maybe bus or jeep back to Durango seems like it would be a little long to ride it both ways. Then on day 3 heading to Ouray going thru million dollar highway. And possibly checking out Telluride or stay and see more of Ouray and stay the night in Ouray. Day 4 check out black canyon most of the day. Then heading to Aspen Snowmass Village area for the last couple of days which by that schedule would be be 2 days.


I didn't think about stay at Mesa Verde that's something I'll think about. Thanks again!!! Anymore input would be appreciated.

BeachGirl247

If you're planning to drive to Aspen/Snowmass via Independence Pass know it may or may not be open for travel yet for your May dates. This year it opened Memorial weekend so keep that in mind when planning your routes.

Driving the area of Silverton & Ouray is so beautiful from the car where you can stop along the way to take in the vistas. I think the drive into Telluride is one of the prettiest views of the San Juan Mountains I've seen. You'll pass Ralph Lauren's ranch and the view with his teepees and the mountain range in the distance is beautiful.

Overnighting in Mesa Verde is magical.

fmpden

M Verde is not easy to do as a day trip from Durango. It can be done but part of the problem is the access road from Cortez is narrow, windy, crummy road with a max speed of about 30 mph and it will be crowded so plan on an hour to get into the park from Cortez. Then Cortez, itself is another hour from Durango. Crowds will not too bad in late May but it is very nice to overnight in the park.

Aspen will be difficult and time consuming to reach. From the south Independence Pass is the best approach but it will not be open till Memorial Day weekend. Maybe a couple of days earlier IF the snow pack is light next year. But I would not count on it. So the next approach is via I-70, Glenwood Springs. That is a long ways around and, of course, the only way out. I would cut Aspen from your list this time.

If you want somewhat of an Aspen experience I would hit Crested Butte after Black Canyon for a couple of days. Aspen and Crested Butte really share the mountain but just on the opposite side. You can actually hike to Aspen from the back side of C Butte but a five hour drive in good weather over Independence. Or you could hit Buena Vista and white water rafting thought Brown Canyon on the way out of Colorado. Another option on your way home would be the Great Sand Dunes Nat Park.

I would save anything north of Montrose and the Black Canyon for your next time. With seven days you just don't have the time.

jdawgmsu25

Thanks once again for the informative information! I have taken your advice and scratched Aspen out for this trip. Since we'd be in the area is it important to see the San Juan scenic byway loop. We are going to Telluride either way. Would it conflict with doing Durango Silverton train? What would be the most recommended for the area?