Durango to Denver
 

Hi, this is my first post after lurking for many a year! The forum group provides great information. We are attending the 2007 Balloon Festival in Albuquerque and spending five nights there and another two nights in Sante Fe. We are flying into Albuquerque and flying back to New England from Denver.

We would like to drive from Santa FE to Durango, spend two nights there so we'll have a complete day at Mesa Verde NP. I've done Mapquest and AAA to map the route from Durango to Denver. My question is what is the best route? Back to Rt. 25 or something more scenic? My husband and I have never been to either Colorado or New Mexico. Also, we're a little concerned about driving the mountain roads. I've read lots of your forum answers but haven't seen a post that covers this particular issue. We'll have two days for the Durango to Denver trip. Thanks again. KathyCK

Here are a couple of choices.

1. east from Durango on highway 160 to Walsenburg then north on I-25 to Denver. That will take you through Pagosa Springs, over Wolf Creek Pass, into the north end of the San Luis Valley very close to the Great Sand Dunes National Park, over La Veta Pass into Walsenburg--a very scenic drive. Walsenburg is about 2 1/2-3 hours from Denver and is a not so scenic drive.

2. this would be my choice since you have two days--take highway 550 north from Durango through Silverton and Ouray. At Montrose, take highway 50 east. You could take a quick side trip to Black Canyon of the Gunnison, then go past Blue Mesa reservoir, through Gunnison over Monarch Pass. Go north on highway 285 at Poncha Springs and take 285 all the way to Denver. Pretty scenic all the way. You might want to consider staying in Ouray or Telluride one night. It is a long day's drive from there to Denver--about 350 miles but absolutely doable.

I second going through Silverton and Ouray. Can you not make time to see a little of Rocky Mountain National Park? It's beautiful--my favorite NP.

Thanks for the replies Martym and Carolyn.

Your route through Silverton and Ouray sounds great, Martym. We live in pretty flat country here in southern Massachusetts and we are somewhat concerned about driving the mountain roads. What will the typical weather be like Oct 10 thru Oct 14? Hopefully, no snow in the mountains!

Carolyn, Rocky Mountain NP sounds great but we want to take our time and I guess that means we'll have to make a second trip to see it!

Looking forward to October and thanks again. Regards, KathyCK

Snow here is a real possibility, especially in mountain elevation after 9/15 or so. That said, there should be any huge amounts of snow in mid October.

Also, even if you wanted to get from Durango to Denver without doing "the scenic route" you don't have much of a choice. Durango is a couple of hours from I25 and takes going on regular roads. There are no interstates in this corner of Colorado!
Debi

Just what is your concern about mountain roads? You drive down Interstates at 85 mph which all kinds of trucks and crazy drivers cutting in and out and never blink. Why should a curve on a mountain road bother you? The margin of error is much greater and the road is not going to serve into you or cut you off.

The road from Durango to Ouray is the stuff of memories. Then from there on to Gunnison and go over Monarch Pass. Then from there, probably on to Colorado Springs and then north to Denver.

Or you can go west over Wolf Creek Pass toward I 25.

In all I can think of several variations.

I remember my wife fearing Wolf Creek Pass for some unknown reason. (She was a rookie driver at the time.) She told me that I could drive when we got to Wolf Creek Pass. So she found a wide spot and pulled over and told me I could take it over the pass. I was amused because we were sitting at the crest of the pass and she did not know that she had reached the top of Wolf Creek.

Now I think she should be a little more concerned about zipping over the passes in Switzerland. Like the Grimsel Pass!! Piece of cake to her now.

Have you considered the Durango-Silverton train as part of your visit to the area? This is very popular in the Fall. If you're interested, book ahead.

If you head east to I25 at Walsenburg, you will have plenty of scenery. You will also pass through Colorado Springs as you drive north on I25. A brief stop at the Garden of the Gods is a possibility.

Driving to Denver from Durango by heading directly through the mountains would likely be an all-day ordeal with little time for stopping.

Are advance bookings for the train required for mid week travel in September? Thanks.

cmcfong - yes! book immediatley. Sept and OCt are typically very busy here with lots of visitors. IF you are coming to Durango, we can have a GTG!! LEt me know.
Debi

Thanks, Debi. Blue Lake Ranch is in the running for our hiking trip in Sept 2008. Not finalized yet, but if it wins the group vote (organizing a vacation for four couples is remarkably like herding cats) I will be in touch directly. Food is a huge priority with us and I know you will be my gotogirl for restaurant suggestions.

One of our dearest friends' daughter is now working at Blue Lake!! I am hoping to get over there for a look see soon. After spending a few days with us, our friend stayed overnight there last week and had breakfast so I will be pumping him for details. Will post back with the skinny!
Debi

That is wonderful, Debi. I need a local expert's help on this. If you see any of the suites, etc. I would love your recos.