Critique my Colorado itinerary...
Jun 2nd, 2006 | 02:36 PM
#1
Original Poster
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 93
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Critique my Colorado itinerary...
...and help me round it out. Wife and I, both in our late 30s. Enjoy scenic drives, quiet hotels, train rides, casual dining.
Day 1:
- Land in Colorado Springs
- Olympic Training Center
- Royal Gorge
- Garden of the Gods (sunset)
- Rest over night (R.O.N.) at Manitou Springs
Day 2
- Cog Railway up Pike's Peak
- Scenic drive from Manitou Springs...to Buena Vista via Highway 24. Take 360W from Buena Vista to Gunnison
- RON Gunnison
Day 3
- See Black Canyon
- Drive from Gunnison to Ouray
- In Ouray, enjoy town, see waterfalls, hot springs
- RON Ouray at Box Canyon Lodge
Day 4
- Drive from Ouray to Durango
- See Mesa Verde
- Dinner at Metate Room
- RON Durango at Best Western in town
Day 5
- Train ride in Durango; parlor class train
Day 6
- ????
Day 7
- ?????
- RON Colorado Springs
Day 8
- Return home COS to DCA
Day 1:
- Land in Colorado Springs
- Olympic Training Center
- Royal Gorge
- Garden of the Gods (sunset)
- Rest over night (R.O.N.) at Manitou Springs
Day 2
- Cog Railway up Pike's Peak
- Scenic drive from Manitou Springs...to Buena Vista via Highway 24. Take 360W from Buena Vista to Gunnison
- RON Gunnison
Day 3
- See Black Canyon
- Drive from Gunnison to Ouray
- In Ouray, enjoy town, see waterfalls, hot springs
- RON Ouray at Box Canyon Lodge
Day 4
- Drive from Ouray to Durango
- See Mesa Verde
- Dinner at Metate Room
- RON Durango at Best Western in town
Day 5
- Train ride in Durango; parlor class train
Day 6
- ????
Day 7
- ?????
- RON Colorado Springs
Day 8
- Return home COS to DCA
Jun 2nd, 2006 | 03:00 PM
#5
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 27,868
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I would suggest that you take the train only one way. The ride back is same as there and time could be better used doing something else. If you have a first class parlor seat, there is no charge to take the motorcoach back.
http://www.durangotrain.com/about/schedule.htm
This is just my humble opinion....
Debi
http://www.durangotrain.com/about/schedule.htm
This is just my humble opinion....
Debi
Jun 2nd, 2006 | 03:53 PM
#7
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 5,429
Likes: 0
My advice is to slow it down. First, I would spend an extra night in Ouray and add a jeep trip to your itinerary.
Also your current Day 4 is way too rushed. The drive from Ouray to Durango should be enjoyed at a leisurely pace. You are going to experience some magnificent scenery as well as driving over three mountain passes. Doing this and Mesa Verde in one day is too much IMHO. It is best to arrive at Mesa Verde early to beat the crowds. I made the mistake of arriving late morning and had to fight crowds and heat.
I agree with the others about taking the Durango-Silverton train one-way and the motorcoach back.
Have fun!
Also your current Day 4 is way too rushed. The drive from Ouray to Durango should be enjoyed at a leisurely pace. You are going to experience some magnificent scenery as well as driving over three mountain passes. Doing this and Mesa Verde in one day is too much IMHO. It is best to arrive at Mesa Verde early to beat the crowds. I made the mistake of arriving late morning and had to fight crowds and heat.
I agree with the others about taking the Durango-Silverton train one-way and the motorcoach back.
Have fun!
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Jun 2nd, 2006 | 04:16 PM
#9
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 2,254
Likes: 0
Hello Shade - my fall trip last year visited many of the sites you're seeing. It's sure beautiful country!
I have just a couple thoughts:
After reading all about the Royal Gorge, I must admit that it did not live up to the expectations. It is now mostly a tourist trap, with amusements and all sorts of raunchy-looking "stuff" at the bridge. It used to be that you could just drive or walk across the bridge for free. Now they get you for an admission. I can't remember what it costs, but we decided not to go across, rather we stopped just before the bridge and took some photos, and then were on our way. I'm thinking it's like $10 apiece or more just to go back and forth.
Re the Durango-Silverton train. Good job getting the Parlor car. You will love it! We went round trip on the train. We were there for the train, not for a bus ride. The neat thing about the Parlor Car is that you are in the very back car of the train and you have this little neat place outside the car that you can stand and take pictures. We really enjoyed it both ways. You get a different view coming down than up. And I'm sure this is just one of those rare occurrences, but the people who had signed on to return by bus, well, they were scrambling to get back on the train because a couple of the buses broke down. But that's really not the reason not to take it. We just thoroughly enjoyed the train, both directions.
Dinner at the Metate Room in Mesa Verde was delicious! Try the elk and buffalo, real local treats!
I wrote a trip report last fall after I came home. Wish I could figure out how to get the link. But you could probably click on my name and find it, if you're interested.
I don't see a jeep ride in your plans. It's real big in Ouray to Silverton, and then up to the passes. You might want to look into that as well.
Have fun!
Happy travels!
I have just a couple thoughts:
After reading all about the Royal Gorge, I must admit that it did not live up to the expectations. It is now mostly a tourist trap, with amusements and all sorts of raunchy-looking "stuff" at the bridge. It used to be that you could just drive or walk across the bridge for free. Now they get you for an admission. I can't remember what it costs, but we decided not to go across, rather we stopped just before the bridge and took some photos, and then were on our way. I'm thinking it's like $10 apiece or more just to go back and forth.
Re the Durango-Silverton train. Good job getting the Parlor car. You will love it! We went round trip on the train. We were there for the train, not for a bus ride. The neat thing about the Parlor Car is that you are in the very back car of the train and you have this little neat place outside the car that you can stand and take pictures. We really enjoyed it both ways. You get a different view coming down than up. And I'm sure this is just one of those rare occurrences, but the people who had signed on to return by bus, well, they were scrambling to get back on the train because a couple of the buses broke down. But that's really not the reason not to take it. We just thoroughly enjoyed the train, both directions.
Dinner at the Metate Room in Mesa Verde was delicious! Try the elk and buffalo, real local treats!
I wrote a trip report last fall after I came home. Wish I could figure out how to get the link. But you could probably click on my name and find it, if you're interested.
I don't see a jeep ride in your plans. It's real big in Ouray to Silverton, and then up to the passes. You might want to look into that as well.
Have fun!
Happy travels!
Jun 2nd, 2006 | 04:54 PM
#10
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
I agree with kopp and several other posters. Skip Royal Gorge unless you are into ultra touristy stuff. We went there and decided not to pay the ridiculous admission fee, but rather look at the gorge and bridge from outside the park (almost a Chevy Chase at the Grand Canyon moment). I also would do the train ride both ways, unless you ride trains a lot, or you want to spend extra time in Silverton. Add a Jeep tour (we brought our own Jeep and had a total blast exploring the back country for several days ... never got stuck once!! 
) and spend more time on the Million Dollar Highway loop. Do the whole loop and add Telluride in ... it's a really cool town and you can take the ski lift into the mountains. I also suggest an entire day (mostly morning) in Mesa Verde. Have fun ... it's beautiful!!
) and spend more time on the Million Dollar Highway loop. Do the whole loop and add Telluride in ... it's a really cool town and you can take the ski lift into the mountains. I also suggest an entire day (mostly morning) in Mesa Verde. Have fun ... it's beautiful!!
Jun 2nd, 2006 | 05:08 PM
#11
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Posts: n/a
2 things:
1) Royal Gorge (the gorge itself, not the tourist stuff around it) looks very similar to Black Canyon of the Gunnison, except Black Canyon is much deeper. If you're already going to Black Canyon, skip Royal Gorge unless you really, really want to drive/walk across, or take the tram thing to the bottom.
2) If you decide to go to Royal Gorge, why not do that either on your way to Black Canyon, or on your way back to CO Springs. The way you have it scheduled means you'll be driving an extra couple of hours round-trip. You could take the scenic drive to Buena Vista on day 2, but schedule Royal Gorge for day 7 on your way back. Or vice versa - RG on day 2 and scenic Buena Vista drive on day 7.
If you do either skip Royal Gorge completely, or do it on a different day like I just suggested, try to book your cog railway trip for the Day 1 perhaps. That way if there's any sort of cancellation due to weather, you'll have the chance to reschedule for the following day (or even on day 7). I don't think it cancels often, but the one time I tried to do it, it cancelled literally 1 minute before we were to depart. And we didn't have any time to fit it into the rest of our schedule, so we just got our money back.
1) Royal Gorge (the gorge itself, not the tourist stuff around it) looks very similar to Black Canyon of the Gunnison, except Black Canyon is much deeper. If you're already going to Black Canyon, skip Royal Gorge unless you really, really want to drive/walk across, or take the tram thing to the bottom.
2) If you decide to go to Royal Gorge, why not do that either on your way to Black Canyon, or on your way back to CO Springs. The way you have it scheduled means you'll be driving an extra couple of hours round-trip. You could take the scenic drive to Buena Vista on day 2, but schedule Royal Gorge for day 7 on your way back. Or vice versa - RG on day 2 and scenic Buena Vista drive on day 7.
If you do either skip Royal Gorge completely, or do it on a different day like I just suggested, try to book your cog railway trip for the Day 1 perhaps. That way if there's any sort of cancellation due to weather, you'll have the chance to reschedule for the following day (or even on day 7). I don't think it cancels often, but the one time I tried to do it, it cancelled literally 1 minute before we were to depart. And we didn't have any time to fit it into the rest of our schedule, so we just got our money back.
Jun 2nd, 2006 | 06:30 PM
#12
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 5,429
Likes: 0
It is possible to do the Royal Gorge without doing the touristy stuff at the top. Last weekend we took the train through the gorge and really enjoyed the trip. You ride alongside the Arkansas River, enjoy great views and are able to view the bridge from below. I was pleasantly surprised. It was also fun to watch and wave at all the rafters on the river.
www.royalgorgeroute.com
If you still want to visit the Royal Gorge, I agree with Weasel about visiting on the way back to Colorado Springs. That way your first day isn't spent driving all over the place.
I would also maybe consider heading straight to Gunnison on Day 1 and then finishing up your trip in Colorado Springs. You'll enjoy the Cog Railway.
www.royalgorgeroute.com
If you still want to visit the Royal Gorge, I agree with Weasel about visiting on the way back to Colorado Springs. That way your first day isn't spent driving all over the place.
I would also maybe consider heading straight to Gunnison on Day 1 and then finishing up your trip in Colorado Springs. You'll enjoy the Cog Railway.
Jun 3rd, 2006 | 07:43 AM
#14
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 8,586
Likes: 0
since you have 2 days unplanned, can you spend extra time in Ouray/Mesa Verde?
I think Mesa Verde needs more time than you planned b/c if you want to tour the bigger ruins, you need a timed ticket. You could arrive in the late afternoon and be out of luck as you currently have planned for Day 4.
*I* would spend extra time in Ouray - take a Jeep tour to Yankee Boy, tour the historical museum, walk around Box Canyon Falls and soak in the hot springs pool. You won't be disappointed spending more time here.
I think Mesa Verde needs more time than you planned b/c if you want to tour the bigger ruins, you need a timed ticket. You could arrive in the late afternoon and be out of luck as you currently have planned for Day 4.
*I* would spend extra time in Ouray - take a Jeep tour to Yankee Boy, tour the historical museum, walk around Box Canyon Falls and soak in the hot springs pool. You won't be disappointed spending more time here.
Jun 3rd, 2006 | 07:54 AM
#15
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 64
Likes: 0
i must agree that rocky mountain national park deserves at least 1 night. i'm guessing you havent seen it before because i think you'd prefer to see it again as i have never tired of the drive on trail ridge road and estes park is awesome. its not far from denver all things considered. this is what i'd try to work into your time frame. black canyon is awesome and underrated too-try to see the north side too. great trip!
Jun 3rd, 2006 | 09:18 AM
#16
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,299
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Between Durango and Co. Springs you could see Great Sand Dunes National Park-it's a very cool place. Otherwise, I'd agree with the posters that said take the extra time and spend it as Mesa Verde, or at some location you already have planned-your trip seems VERY rushed (I can't believe some are telling you to ADD Rocky Mountain-that would really make the trip way too busy! Also, I find the mountains of SW Colorado much prettier).
Jun 4th, 2006 | 08:32 PM
#17
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 509
Likes: 0
Day 1:
- Land in Colorado Springs
- Olympic Training Center (Enough Time for this on your arrival day?)
- Garden of the Gods (sunset)
- Rest over night (R.O.N.) at Manitou Springs (Good Choice)
(Skip Royal Gorge because it's out of the way and really not worth it. This would be too much in one day to see anyways)If you really insist on seeing it I would head there on your way to Buena Vista.
Day 2
- Cog Railway up Pike's Peak
- Scenic drive from Manitou Springs...to Buena Vista via Highway 24. Take 360W from Buena Vista to Gunnison
- RON Gunnison
Day 3
- See Black Canyon
- Drive from Gunnison to Ouray
- In Ouray, enjoy town, see waterfalls, hot springs
- RON Ouray at Box Canyon Lodge
Day 4
- Drive from Ouray to Durango
- See Mesa Verde
- Dinner at Metate Room
- RON Durango at Best Western in town
Day 5
- Train ride in Durango; parlor class train
Day 6
- Stay a couple extra days in either Ouray or Durango (possbily check out Telluride near Ouray).
Day 7
- ????? (probably better to leave from Durango in the AM - this will be about a 6 hour drive)
- RON Colorado Springs
Day 8
- Return home COS to DCA
- Land in Colorado Springs
- Olympic Training Center (Enough Time for this on your arrival day?)
- Garden of the Gods (sunset)
- Rest over night (R.O.N.) at Manitou Springs (Good Choice)
(Skip Royal Gorge because it's out of the way and really not worth it. This would be too much in one day to see anyways)If you really insist on seeing it I would head there on your way to Buena Vista.
Day 2
- Cog Railway up Pike's Peak
- Scenic drive from Manitou Springs...to Buena Vista via Highway 24. Take 360W from Buena Vista to Gunnison
- RON Gunnison
Day 3
- See Black Canyon
- Drive from Gunnison to Ouray
- In Ouray, enjoy town, see waterfalls, hot springs
- RON Ouray at Box Canyon Lodge
Day 4
- Drive from Ouray to Durango
- See Mesa Verde
- Dinner at Metate Room
- RON Durango at Best Western in town
Day 5
- Train ride in Durango; parlor class train
Day 6
- Stay a couple extra days in either Ouray or Durango (possbily check out Telluride near Ouray).
Day 7
- ????? (probably better to leave from Durango in the AM - this will be about a 6 hour drive)
- RON Colorado Springs
Day 8
- Return home COS to DCA
