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My daughter (age 23) and myself are taking off to Colorado from May 30-June 5. We have been to Colorado Springs, Denver, Boulder, and RMNP many times and were looking to see something new. Since we are driving in from Arkansas, we will be in Pueblo the first night. From there, we were thinking about going to see the Sand Dunes, then to Durango for a night, then take the Million Dollar Highway and explore Telluride, Silverton, and Ouray and stay a night or two somewhere in this area. From Ouray, I planned on driving to Canon City to go across the Royal Gorge Bridge (since it was closed last time) and then go white water rafting at the gorge. After that, its either to Colorado Springs or back to Pueblo to begin our journey home. In your opinion is this doable? I have been on mapquest looking up drive times but wanted experts opinions. Also, are there any must sees in these areas? Thanks so much for your input!

It is doable. I am not a fan of the Royal Gorge since it is primarily set up as tourist site. If you are in Durango you really should spend a night in Mesa Verde. I would do the rafting in Brown canyon. Far better site. From the Ouray area I continue on to Gunnison and the Black Canyon. From there either swing north into Aspen and Glenwood Springs and Glenwood canyon or south back to Colorado Springs.

I totally agree with fmpden, spend a night in Mesa Verde when you are in the Durango area.

Be aware that the times the mapping programs give do not take into account road closures/construction and you need to check with the Colorado DOT site for information on those. When we were on the million dollar highway in October, there were places where landslides were being cleared from one lane and we were stopped for a half hour or so. We weren't pressed for time and the scenery was beautiful so it was ok. I-70 had miles of grinding and paving and has been having work in the Glenwood Canyon area, so I would check the main roads too.

We did the Royal Gorge RR trip and it was fine but If I were choosing between that and Mesa Verde for a day, Mesa Verde would win every time.

Mesa Verde is a not to be missed wonder of the world, IMO. Just another vote for it.

Thank you so much to all who replied! I appreciate your insight and we are changing our itinerary to scrap royal gorge and go instead to Mesa Verde and float in Brown Canyon. Thanks again!!

Brown Canyon is NOT a float trip. It is a serious, white watering adventure. Some are class 4 rapids - no 5s. So far with the snowpack it looks it could be a very high water year in June. Be sure you know what you are getting into.

Thank you to all who replied. We have decided not to take this trip due to time constraints. Thanks again.

Actually I think we were played.

7.19am trip is being reorganized
1.37pm explaining new schedule
1.42pm trip cancelled

Really fmpden? Being played? How dare I change my vacay from southern colorado to central colorado and think this would be a great place to get some expert opinions. Sure didn't know this would be so much drama or I wouldn't have posted anything. Feel like I'm in high school again. LMAO