wanderingcanadian

Original schedule was arriving Denver Saturday October 8 at 1.50 pm from Toronto, get rental car, drive part way to Cortez, on 285, then 160, stay overnight somewhere, then October 9 balance of trip, accommodation booked in Cortez, for October 9 and 10 while visiting MVNP.
Air Canada has cancelled the original flight, now we arrive Denver at 4pm, we need to pickup rental car before starting drive. Should we still try to drive part way, or stay somewhere (Lakewood?), get up really early and do the drive in one day? We have done many long roadtrips in the past, so the time involved is not the main issue. I have read several reports of snow in the mountains in October and don’t relish the thought of a long drive in snow. Is this a possibility? Yes we have lots of experience driving in snow! But snow in the mountains in the dark doesn’t sound like fun.
Also I had intended to get snacks, cold drinks, wine/beer etc on our way out of Denver, if we stay overnight in Lakewood (probably BW) is there a good place to pick up these supplies close to the hotel? And will stores be open when we get there? BW 3440 S Vance Street, Lakewood
We are headed to Monument Valley and Moab after MVNP, I am assuming it will be easier to buy supplies especially alcohol in the Denver vicinity?
There is an earlier flight arriving Denver at 11am, I don’t know if it is possible to take that flight.
Opinions please and thank you in advance

DebitNM

Drive time from Denver to Cortez is in neighborhood of a good 7+ hours [maybe closer to 8 hours].

There should not be snow at that time of year, but anything is possible.

No need to buy supplies/alcohol in Denver, you can get what you need in Cortez.

I can help with specifics about Cortez area, have a home there.

fmpden

That is an interesting route to Cortez. Any particular reason for that route? Snow is always a possibility especially on the high mountain passes from about mid Sept on. Should not be extensive and the valleys should be clear. Although a freak storm is always possible. You will find lots of shopping center on nearly every major intersection off of 285. King Soopers is the major grocery stores in the area and are open late. Light beer is available in grocery stores but wine and regular beer must be purchased for a liquor store. There will be a liquor store in the same area as your hotel.

I would more encourage you to stay in MVerde. It is a long and slow drive into the park from Cortez. Cortez has little to offer. You might consider a night in Durango and one night in the park.

Good luck

DebitNM

aw, come on fmp, Cortez isn't ALL that bad!

While I agree that staying in the park is nice and Durango has more to offer, Cortez has some decent restaurants, motels, B&B's, and some very nice cultural centers to visit, supermarkets and liquor stores. It is a way longer drive back to Durango after MV than it is to Cortez, too.

http://www.cityofcortez.com/visitors/tourism_resources

DebitNM

I meant to point out, as fmp mentioned, that in Colorado, you cannot get wine in supermarket and the beer they sell in supermarket is low alcohol [ 3.2 or something like that].

fmpden

I have been to and through Cortez, more than once! Remember the manhunt 15 years ago?

DebitNM

yup, didn't live there then, but I know all about it now.

wanderingcanadian

And the answers are! The route is the most recommended by all the driving directions websites, though if it would be better we could always drive south to Pueblo or Walensburg? and then go west? Do you have any other route suggestions.
About alcohol I was thinking before we get to tiny towns in Utah, the lodge in MVNP is sold out and has been for some time. So we are booked at the BW. Debit you commented on my original post about this trip months ago and you were right there is no room at the lodge.
The question of whether to do the whole drive on October 9, or do some small part on the 8th, still needs an answer. Should we still try to drive part way, maybe Colorado Springs or stay somewhere (Lakewood?), get up really early and do the drive in one day, a different travel forum had dire weather predictions.

fmpden

...a different travel forum had dire weather predictions.... would like to see the prediction.

If there was going to be weather problems, then route chosen would have the most problems. The route through Walsenburg would be about 40 miles further but not significantly longer tome wise because of the interstate and would keep you out of the central mountains. Something you might decide based on the weather forecast. You will have problems buying alcohol in Utah. Only sold through state stores and they can be hard to find.

historytraveler

To answer your question, I'd certainly go as far as possible on your arrival. I find an 7/8 hour road trip a bit taxing and if weather is a problem it'll be even more so. You should be okay but don't ever assume it won't snow.

BTW, Lakewood is part of greater Denver. You should try to get further down the road. The Pueblo/Walsenburg route is not that scenic. I'd only take it if there's a real problem with mountain snow.

pisceantraveler

Echoing all of the above regarding weather -- if snow is in the forecast, consider taking 25 south and then heading west, perhaps calling it a night at Walsenberg or Alamosa. This is a fairly industrial route and not particularly scenic but is the one you want to take if winter conditions are present!

Otherwise, 285 is a gorgeous route worth taking!! Push it to Salida/Poncha Springs or at least Buena Vista on this route.

Another consideration... take 70 West and have a pick of towns to stop for the night along the corridor and drop down at 50/550 just before Grand Junction and ride part of the breathtaking San Juan Skyway. It adds a bit of time to the trip, not much, but it is so memorable and worthwhile to take the trip from Ridgeway to Cortez. The Skyway loop has to be one of my husband's favorite bike rides -- so watch for those bikers out there!

wanderingcanadian

We were able to change our flight, now arriving Denver 10am, so we can now take 2 days on the drive to Cortez, lots of time for sightseeing and if the weather is uncooperative it won't be such a problem.
thanks all

DebitNM

Sounds much better, wanderingcanadian. Let me know if you need specifics about Cortez, Mesa Verde area.