Albuquerque to Denver
 

Our family (2 adults and 3 teenagers) is planning a 7 day trip this summer. We will be flying into Albuquerque, heading up to Mesa Verde,(for at least 2 days) then over to Durango to the zip lines. We want to end up in Denver so that we can go to a Rockies game before flying home to New York. We would appreciate any suggestions on what we should see and do in between Durango and Denver. We enjoy all kinds of outdoor activities. Thanks for your input!

I can't tell you what to do between Durango and Denver but I can help with Mesa Verde and Durango itself. Ask away!

Keep in mind that it will take a good 6 + hours to drive from Durango to Denver.

Deb

How much time do you have to get from Durango to Denver?

fmp -from me [in Durango] to you [in Denver], we do have it covered.

LOL!

Deb

http://www.photoworks.com/members/Spirobulldog

click view all and find Mesa Verde

We did the ziplines/train and it was fantastic. very very first class operation. my wife wasn't keen on the idea, but she loved it after she did it.

There are several ways to go to Denver.

With teens, I would be tempted to see The Great Sand Dunes and ride an Alpine Slide somewhere. There are several in Colorado at the ski resorts. Be sure and do Balcony House @ Mesa Verde, it is the most adventurous. Petroglyph trail is a nice hike in the park. Metate Dining Room is a good place to eat while in Mesa Verde. I would definately stay in the park for at least one night and preferably two.

There are some spots with hot springs that you could swim at along the way.

Of course, there are several ways to go to Denver from Durango, so there are many other options to consider as well.

We did this trip in June and it snowed a couple of inches on us in Mesa Verde, but was a super good trip.

I think we should have about 2 unplanned days to get from Durango to Denver. Is 2 days enough time to explore Mesa Verde?

Two days is more than enough for MVerde. And I would suggest overnight in the Park.

You have a number of options to get to Denver. I think the train in Durango is worth it. Someone mentioned the Great Sand Dunes. It is unique but it is in the SE part of the state and somewhat by itself in that area. I would stick to the central mountains. Continue north -- The Black Canyon is nice. The huge outdoor, hot spring pool in Glenwood Springs is great. Leadville, Breckenridge, Georgetown. Rent bikes and do the Mineral Trail Loop in Leadville. Rent bikes in Glenwood and ride Glenwood Canyon. It is great ride along the Colorado river. You have lots of options. Tell us what you would like to see and do.

One day in Mesa Verde would give you just a taste. Two Full Days would be better. This way you could see the wetherill area, plus allow for the petroglyph hike.

As has been said, 2 days and an overnight will be great. As spiro said: Cliff Palace, Balcony house and Spruce Tree can be done in a day. The second day should be Wetherill Mesa, which has some unique dwellings, and then some hiking in the park.

Deb