I did a tour out of the VC at the end of October -didn't prebook, but it WAS the end of October so not sure if advance reservations would be necessary at other times of year.

Uncompahgre falls and Box Canyon falls are just south of Ouray. The first is a pullout off Hwy 550 (Red Mt. Pass), the other is a short drive to parking off 550. Cascade falls are before Silverton. They are not as easy to find and would require hiking. There are several pullouts directly off 550 that provide great views between Purgatory Resort and Silverton. There are a number of beautiful falls at Ice Lakes accessed from Mineral Creek campground between Silverton and the south end of Red Mt. Pass but it requires a strenuous hike to the meadow that is surrounded with waterfalls. You might want to also check out Bridal Veil falls in Telluride.

Other options on the way to Ouray are taking a glider ride over the Animas Valley just north of Durango or drive into Silverton and walk around the Victorian mining town, maybe take the Old Hundred mine tour. There is a visitor center on the right as you enter Silverton that could provide other options.

The road between Dolores and Mancos will be fine. It is flat land and rolling hills in a rural ranch/farming area. Generally well maintained.

While in Telluride, you might want to ride the gondola to Mountain Village to get an aerial view of Telluride. It’s free and doesn’t take long. It runs roundtrip.

Durango activities: walk the river trail. It runs the length of downtown Durango and has several parks. Ride a raft or kayak on the river; there are many commercial rafting cos. in town. Rent bikes and ride the river trail or around town. There are several galleries in town and more restaurants per capita than San Francisco. Ride the train to Silverton, go horseback riding, zip lining, hiking in the mountains. The Strater hotel and the Rochester hotel have live entertainment from time to time. BarDWranglers put on a dinner and show during the summer but I don’t know when the season starts. Visit the Animas Museum. Ride a horse drawn carriage around town. Depending on when in May you are here, there is Taste of Durango; Main Ave is shut down for food, drink and entertainment around mid-May and a big bicycle event Memorial Day weekend that is just as much fun for spectators as it is for riders. If you like craft beer, Durango has several microbreweries. A drive up to the college campus gives a nice view of Durango and the Animas Valley. If you would like to share your visit dates and interests, I may be able to give more suggestions.

Perfect, May 26 will be the best day for spectators at the Iron Horse festivities. Highlights are around noon when the mountain bikers race through Steamworks brew pub (2d Ave and 8th street downtown) and the Cruzer Crit which takes place downtown on Main and nearby streets and takes place around 5pm. You can get more info. by googling Iron Horse Bicycle Classic.

on your drive between Sedona and Flagstaff, take hwy 89A through Oak Creek Canyon. It’s much more scenic than taking I-17.