We are leaving in a few days for a trip to Aspen (2 days) and then on to Telluride (8days) we will be driving from Aspen to Telluride and plan on stopping along the way at some sights...does anyone reccomend Dinosaur National Monument Park? Also I heard that there is a grocery store on the way to Telluride in Montrose, any ideas?? We were also thinking of a day trip to Mesa Verde from Telluride any driving suggestions???

Hi!
While I am sure there are grocery stores in Montrose, not sure why you would want to stop there. There is a good grocery store just as you come into Telluride that should have all that you need or want. It is on the right side of road, just past the roundabout.

I absolutely think you should go to Mesa Verde. It will be about a 90 minute ride each way to get to the park entrance.

Driving directions from Telluride: head out of town - south on SR 145 for about 60 miles. Make a left onto SR 184 {heading towards Maancos} and then make another left onto ST 160 East to Mesa Verde -- the entrance will be about 5 minutes away.

I am topping 2 threads that you should find helpful...one on Mesa Verde and one on Ouray.

Also, do a search at the top of the page typing in Telluride or Mesa Verde or Ouray for other threads...there have been lots lately.

Hope this helps...
Debi

thanks for the info, we were stopping at a Walmart in Montrose on the way in to telluride as we are renting a cabin for the week and I heard prices were a little cheaper outside of telluride.

If the grocery Debit mentioned is the one I visited, you must pay it a call while in Telluride. It is in the lower floor of an office building coming into T. It has a wonderful inventory of stuff you never see anywhere else, maybe New York City.

Their prices are probably higher, but so what for a special something. I can picture Ralph Lauren's chef picking out his next meal. Fun place.

I had them pack a picnic lunch to eat at the top of Lizard Head Pass. Loved Telluride, only passed through.

Yes Senior...that is the restaurant I am talking about. And yes, the prices are higher than WalMart, it is convenient and as you mentioned, has really good food. They have prepared food too that is handy for takeout.
Debi

That place sounds great, does it sell staple items such as diapers, wipes, dish detergent, etc? I am picturing a gourmet foodie store (which I will love!)We will probably stop at both...

No, it definitely is not a gourmet foodie store. I know what you mean. It is a regular super market with interesting things. (A public ladies room in floor above saved the day!) I wasn't in the market for diapers etc., but I'm sure they have all that. It is not a new and fancy store, it is an older super market with lots of stuff.

When you get out there, you will realize that this grocery is IT for miles and miles, so carries just about everything.

If you post "Dinosaur National Park", you will get more answers for that.

Have fun.

aspen is in the center of the mountain portion of the state. telluride is very far south. dinosaur in the far north west corner. as such dinosaur is pretty much totally out of your way.
to get to mesa verde drive back out the road into telluride and turn left/south on rte 145 over lizard head pass to cortez. this is only about a 115 miles trip but it will take about 3 1/4 hours each direction.
enjoy colorado!

dcgc--
I did not mean "Restaurant" in my earlier post, I meant supermarket! And yes, they carry diapers, wipes etc. along with really good food.

And no disrespect meant to Viginia, but it doesn't take 3 1/4 hours to get from Telluride to Mesa Verde {entrance}. For one thing, you don't need to go all the way into Cortez. Also, the total mileage from Telluride is more like 80 or so, not 115. I live here and have driven this route often. IF you are meaning all the way into the park, it will take longer [another 30 minutes or so to visitor center].

Hope this helps...
Debi