marvelousmouse

I have a trip tentatively planned for early July- leaving from Twin Falls ID and going to Durango, Mesa Verde, Santa Fe, Grand Canyon, Vegas, a few places in California.

First snag is that a friend would love to come along, but it would probably mean starting driving around the end of June. Which means we need to be somewhere over the 4th. I know from past experience that I want to be somewhere for the 3rd and 4th- preferably no driving, fireworks, food, maybe swimming in reach by transit, bikes, or walking. I haven't been to Colorado as an adult, so I'm not sure where would be best. Eastern Utah would work as well, I suppose. But I'd like to get as far as south as possible, and do plan to take 550. Are there any small towns or camping areas in that region that are fun on the 4th? I don't really think lakes are common in Colorado, but the best traveling 4th I've had was at a lake camping resort that had a bbq and a fireworks show. So I'm looking for something like that or a fun small town festival.

Other question: has anyone stayed at the Ouray or Durango KOAs? Would love your opinion. Yes, I know a lot of people dislike KOAs. But I like having a shower and my friend loves campgrounds that have pools. So KOAs usually fit the bill.

Thoughts on Taos? Worth it? Albuquerque? I'm pretty sure we can entertain ourselves just window shopping in Santa Fe, but if something else in the area is worth seeing, I'll make time. Interests: Art, history, scenery, hiking, geekiness.

Comments on other parts of trip are welcome. Will post a more detailed itinerary soon. Just need, right now, to figure out the 4th so I then figure out when we'll be in Vegas because I absolutely do not want to pay weekend hotel rates there.

marvelousmouse

Sigh. Before anyone says, yes, I know, western Colorado not eastern. I wish there was an edit feature...

tomfuller

Outside Grand Junction (Fruita). http://www.visitgrandjunction.com/ev...eworks-display
I always get off the California Zephyr for about 10 minutes to visit Dave's Depot.
Looks like a couple of lakes just off the Colorado River.

marvelousmouse

I'm not sure that fits the no car idea, but grand junction would be convenient! Thanks, Tom. What is at Dave's Depot?

tomfuller

Dave's Depot is a small convenience store next to the platform in Grand Junction. The eastbound and westbound California Zephyr stop there for 10-15 minutes every day while refueling and changing engineers.

DebitNM

There's a KOA in Bernalillo, just off I25 and SR 550. It is very nice, we get our propane tank filled there. Great location for going to Santa Fe, Taos or exploring ABQ. Then on to Durango??

It has a pool too!

http://koa.com/campgrounds/albuquerque-north/

marvelousmouse

I didn't know about the bernalillo Koa. Had been considering getting a hotel in Santa Fe but maybe not; thanks! Is Santa Fe a place where you have to pay for parking or you might have trouble finding parking? Although it sounds like rail runner to Santa Fe would be a possibility, too!

DebitNM

There are several locations for fireworks in ABQ. This is the biggest.

https://www.cabq.gov/culturalservice...ts/freedom-4th

Rio Rancho also has fireworks and it closer to the kOA

marvelousmouse

I'm thinking we won't get that far south by the 3rd. My main problem is I have some kind of ligament/tendon damage in my right foot- it makes it hard to drive long distances. And my friend has a degenerative eye condition so she isn't a spare driver unfortunately. It's the pilgrimage of the lame and the blind lol. but those fireworks do look great!

historytraveler

I'm not a camper so only relying on memory but Ouray has several campgrounds and is a wonderful mountain community. Just north of Ouray is Rideway National Park ( at least I think that's what it's called ) which has a campground. It's located on a small lake and very scenic. South of Ouray off the 550 is Silverton. I know they have several campsites, and it's also great little mountain town with its own 4th of July parade.

marvelousmouse

Thanks, historytraveler! I've been doing a bit of research and Ouray is looking like a great option- can't call my first campground pick til Monday, so living in suspense

Gretchen

We have friends who camp in Ouray every summer and plain LOVE it.

DebitNM

Ouray is called the Switzerland of America.

Be sure to Box Canon Falls!

http://www.ouraycolorado.com/things-...ox-canon-falls

Food:

Bon Ton Restaurant is really good, a bit more upscale, but a solid choice.

Buen Tiempo has excellent Mexican food.

Mouses Chocolates ...yum

historytraveler

BTW, there is a hot spring ( pool ) in Ouray with massage facilities.

williamscb13

Crested Butte has a great 4th of July. Awesome parade in the morning and fireworks at night and tons of their stuff going on in town that day as well.

Just another option besides Ouray.

marvelousmouse

Thanks, William! I'm thinking I'll need another option- the campgrounds that I have checked so far have a minimum stay which does not work for us.

Lexma90

In the area of Ouray, look at Silverton or Telluride (a bit off your route, I know). I would guess most mountain towns will have a great small-town celebration, with fireworks, on the 4th, though neither of those towns is on a lake.

Just checking, you know what Rte 550 (Million Dolloar Highway) is like, right?

Re Taos and Santa Fe. We live in Denver, and just HAVE to go to Taos every couple of years to get our New Mexico fix. Taos is smaller, less touristy than Santa Fe, but with a bunch of little museums and places to visit, as well as great New Mexican cuisine. Santa Fe is also great, more historic and more tourists. If you have the chance, visit both places, and if you can, take the high road between the two.

Sounds like it will be a great trip!

marvelousmouse

Twisty and death defying, I'm assuming. Grew up driving mountain roads- not something I enjoy doing on a daily basis but fun occasionally.

Stupid question, actually...when I was asking about Taos, I actually meant the pueblo, as I'm interested in Native American culture. Reviews seem mixed. I'd neglected to notice it was a town as well. Is the pueblo a section of it ir some distance away? The town does look really interesting, and the food looks drool worthy

I am getting really excited about this trip! It's something I've kept niggling away at, and I think it's finally coming together!

marvelousmouse

And I've looked at Telluride, too, but didn't see any convenient camping. May just end up bumping the trip forward a week to avoid July 4. Forgot what a pain that was...I thought I was planning early enough finally but I apparently should have started this Jan. 1.

historytraveler

Actually 550 is not nearly as bad as some might think. Now it's a different thing if you were traveling it during a snowstorm.

Campgrounds in Colorado get booked very quickly through out the summer so try to book ASAP. Did you try the place at Ridgeway? It's only a few miles from Ouray.

While many people love Taos, I've never been impressed. I have been there about 4/5 times hoping with each trip that I 'd like it. I much prefer Santa Fe. Just a lot more to see and do there. I realize not everyone will agree with my opinion but hey, that's what this forum is for.