kcteresa

HI all,

Driving to Ouray from Colorado Springs October 6th. Will that be too late for beautiful fall foliage? General weather conditions? Open to any suggestions along the way, as well lodging and restaurants in Ouray. Not in to fancy or expensive. Plan to spend 3 nights in Ouray----recommended day trips? Re lodging--mostly interested in a room with a view, deck/balcony seating, price range $120 or less per night.

Thanks!

DebitNM

Weather- sunny days with blue skies that will feel warmer than the actual temp mid to low 50's day and mid 30's night]. Nights will be cool to cold, could have snow - that area can get it mid Sept.

Foliage - it might be a bit past peak, but will still have golden leaves on Aspens.

Hotel - we like St. Elmo's B&B but there are a number of motel like places that might fit your needs but the $120 or less might be tough. Try to stay in one that is not on Main Street, but rather a side road. Main St has a lot of traffic on it as it is the main road in the area. Try:

Best Western Twin Peaks,

Box Canyon Lodge http://www.boxcanyonouray.com/

Weisbaden http://www.wiesbadenhotsprings.com/

Day trips - Box Canyon Falls is not a full day, an hour or so at most. The water won't be near peak, but will be rushing none the less. There are a lot of stairs and climbing to reach top, but there is a more accessible path if needed to lower part of falls.

Restaurants - Bien Tempo for great Mexican.

Day trip - Durango, Telluride also. If you can do a jeep ride, that's pretty neat.

If you haven't set you plans in stone, I would spend a day at Mesa Verde NP and take a day off Ouray. Ouray is nice, but there isn't much there per se. Mesa Verde is a must see for anyone in the area who hasn't been there

http://www.nps.gov/meve/

Type in Ouray in the search box for more thoughts, I know there are threads on here.

Take a soak in the Hot Springs, they are like big pools and are oh so nice after a long day of hiking.

Deb

kcteresa

Thanks for your reply. We are rethinking the timing due to your mention of snow and post peak. Now we are looking at Sept6-13th. We have been to Mesa Verde a few times in the past, really seen most of CO on several visits with and without children (this time without children)! We love Ouray, but it has been several years since we were there. We will do a jeep ride, hiking, etc. When we leave Ouray, we plan to head down toward Taos, then follow 64 highway west. So any info re that area would be helpful as well.

furledleader

I think Sept. 6-13 will be a bit too early for fall colors.

fmpden

You will have plenty of color. The Aspen have already started turning at the higher elevations. Mid Sept is generally the peak but it will vary.

furledleader

Nope, I'm tellin' ya....


it'll be too early.


Just sayin'

kcteresa

Thanks to all of you for your responses. We are now shooting for Sept. 28th---so perhaps not too late for the fall color and before any real cold/snow.

petsitter

We just got back yesterday from driving the San Juan Skyway loop. We spent the night in Ouray at the Hot Springs Inn. You get a lot for the $$. Our room had 2 king beds, safe, refrig., 2 chairs in front of a fireplace, tv and the best thing - a balcony overlooking the river. We spent the night with the sliding door open and could hear the river all night long. There is a walking path along the river also. The place has a lot of really cute decorations also. The ladies who run the place are very nice. The breakfast was good also. I think we paid $90 a night. Couldn't believe it! Check www.tripadvisor.com for reviews.

utahtea

I know peak color changes from year to year, but spent almost a week in the area last year at the end of September and hit the peak fall colors.

Utahtea

kcteresa

Dear Petsitter and Utahtea,

Thanks for the input. Because of your post, Petsitter, we are staying at the Hot Springs Inn for our 2 nights in Ouray!! $80 a night!

Thanks again. We leave tomorrow for Colorado Springs.