Best Driving Route (Denver -> Ouray, MesaV -> Denver)
 

We will be driving from Denver to Ouray, and have allocated a whole day for driving, starting so we can take the most scenic route with 1 or 2 stops.

What is the best route to take between Denver and Ouray?

ALso, we will probably drive from Mesa VErde back to DEnver to catch our departing flight, which leaves at 11:30PM - If we leave at 8AM, this gives us 12 hours to drive back. What is the most route driving back to Denver? We can take Rt 160 West, to I25. From I25, we can take a brief stop at Colorado Springs

I think I would take I 70 west out of Denver (very scenic for an interstate) to 91 down Leadville, then hit 24 down to 50, then west to Montrose and down to Ouray.

Or, if you want to see Vail, just go a little further west on I 70 to 24 and then down to 50.

A really neat "shortcut" would be to go west out of Buena Vista over Cottonwood Pass (Continental Divide), through Taylor Canyon, down to Gunnison. A fairly short section is gravel but is usually in excellent condition. Even though it is a back road, lots of people make this drive.

Thanks Connie!

What is your recommendation on the drive back from Mesa Verde to Denver?

I think your drive back to Denver is a good plan.