We have just returned from what must be one of our best vacations ever in Colorado. Many thanks for all the tips you gave me on this forum, it really helped! We flew to Denver and did a sort of circle clockwise round the western half of the state taking in C.Springs,Durango, Crested Butte, Glenwood Springs and RMNP, would love to return someday to see all we missed,thanks again.

Glad you enjoyed this beautiful state.

Can you give any details about the Durango area of Colorado? We're going this year for the first time (been to Colorado Springs, Denver, Boulder and RMNP). Glad you enjoyed it!

Hi Kelly, we had three nights in Durango staying at the Best Western Mountain Shadows, got a great room rate off their internet sight and it included continental breakfast. We did the Durango Silverton train trip which we both thoroughly enjoyed. We took up the suggestion of people on this forum and opted for the train to Silverton and the bus back, which worked out fine. If you do this though ask for seats on the righthand side of the carriage going to Silverton, that way you see more of the breathtaking scenery. We booked the tickets in advance for the train trip on the net, I think this is a good idea as you get the time you want plus hopefully the seats you want. We also had a day in the Mesa Verde National Park and I have to say that was one of the highlights of the holiday, the ruins are amazing, wish we could have had more time there but as always on holidays it was too much to see not enough time. The journey there fron Durango was easy and scenic in parts. Once you enter the park you are aware of the fire damage, great areas were burnt, but even a month after the park was reopened the oak trees were putting up new green shoots from the burnt ground. There is no damage at all near the main sights, get tickets for tours round Palace or Balcony house from the visitor centre in the park. We liked Durango itself even though it is a bit touristy, we had memorable meals at a couple of restaurants, a mexican one in the main street and one that I think was called the Olive Tree. I haven't got my diary with me at present so I will check them out later and post names. Hope you have a great time.

Just looked up those restaurants and they are:- Francisco's 619 Main St. (Mexican cusine) and The Cyprus Cafe 725E Second St. (Mediterranean style cusine.)