jal

I haven't been to Colorado in 30 years(high school). We went to Denver, stayed about a week, and took side trips into the mountains. I was amazed by the mountains but have not been back. My husband and I will drive into Colorado from the southeast, stay about four days then drive down through Utah to Hoover Dam. Please give some advice as to where to stay in Colorado for about four nights. What I remember most is the massive, *rocky* mountains. Would also like to see interesting historic or natural sights.

gb

Do you want to stay in the city or in the mountains? Do you have children with you? What kind of activities do you want to do? It will take 2 days to drive to the Hoover Dam from Colorado.Since you are coming in from the southeast, do you want to stay on the southside of the state?

jal

No children will be with us. We are 45 years old. The reason I said Denver is because that's where I went years ago. This is the first trip we've taken on our own (kid's grown). We usually go to the beach in Florida or Disney. I have been telling him how amazing it is just to look at the mountains. We talked about a daytime raft trip (calm). Also,when I went, we went to Silver_____?__ and walked around. I remember the area not being forested like the Smokies. We also went to Red Rock for a concert.
It doesn't really matter where we stay, I just want to get the best views of the Rocky Mountains without being scared to death.We leave on 6-14 and return to N.O. on 6-25. We were trying to figure the best use of those days. Would it be best to stay in a condo in a particular spot and take side trips; or, shoud we move around. We don't want to do things we can do any day in New Orleans. We would like to take walks (not rock climb), see historical places worth seeing. O.K., we want it to be relaxing, but, not boring; exciting, but, not hair-raising; educational, but not solely tour led. We are nature lovers. Would rather spend more time outdoors and less time inside city buildings. Help!

Lily

Jal,
We were in Las Vegas in November and I must tell you the Hoover Dam was the best! What a great time you will have driving thru all that lovely scenery. It is really peaceful and being alone with someone can really give time to talk and listen. The cost of the "Hard Hat" tour is worth every penny.

gb

Hi, I think the best route to take is the southern route. You can take Highway50 towards La Junta. Not too interesting along there though. I heard Bent's Fort can be good when they have the live people doing historical re-enactments. Head west past on Route t0 to Walsenburg. Check with State patrol to make sure of road condition, but I am guessing it will be okay. Go west on Route 160. It's a pretty drive with different kinds of scenery. You might stop for lunch in La Veta. A friend of mine likes the little town, but I've never been there. Continue west toward Alamosa. Just to north are the Great Sand Dunes Natl Mon. It's a nice side trip. Take a short hike if the weather is good on the anamoly in the mountains. Continue west. In Monte Vista, there is a bird refuge, and a Best Western set on a drive inn theater where you can watch the latest movie from your room. (I haven't seen that eitherjust heard about it) Then, start up Wolf Creek Pass. It might be a little scary, but it is a major route. Shouldn't be a problem as long as there isn't an early snowstorm. Aspen viewing should be good late Sept. On the west side, I've hike up to a pretty waterfall. I can't remember the name, but there is a placard on the side of the road directing you toward the falls. Pass through South Fork, site of Chevy Chase's Vacation movie. Then, onto Pagosa Springs. A couple of years ago, the springs was remodeled and is supposed to be great with 12 different natural pools. I think there are a couple of hotels in town. Then,if you like, there is an Indian Reservation casino at Ignacio. In Durango, there a lots of little shops. It could be quiet in Sept. or it could be busy if the aspen are turning. We stayed at the Strater Hotel in center of town. There was a coupon in the Entertainment Book. The Best Western is good too. You might need to book well in advance if it is peak aspen viewing. It is western Victorian, and supposedly is haunted. There is also a private hot tub for guests. Just to the east of Durango is the Valcito Reservoir. It has great scenery, great fishing, and I believe there are some stables for riding. To the north, is the Million Dollar Highway to Silverton. In September, the aspens are at their peak, and this is THE place to see them. Then, to the west is Mesa Verde. You could spend two days there if it interests you. One is probably enough. There are several sites to visit ruins, and several tours. Buy tickets for tours at the Visitor Center-it's a long way back to the center if you don't. Buy early in the day. To the west, is Four Corners monument. A bit tacky, probably not worth the admittance fee, but still a little intriguing. To the south, just east of Farmington New Mexico is Chaco Canyon. Quite a drive, but a very good Anasazi site. North of Four Corners is Hovenweep Nat. Mon. If you like ruins, then this will be interesting. If you had enough, don't go there. Many people like Canyon de Chelley in Arizona. To enjoy it, you have to take the expensive tour. I don't think staying in a condo for several days is the way to go.But if you do stay in one place, I think Durango is the most convenient. you can also rent a jeep to do some touring in the back country of the San Juan Mountains north of Durango. Telluride is also a nice day trip from Durango. Don't forget, it gets cold at night in Colorado in September. Any other questions, please email me.