starrsville

Let's see, rippowan.

You like RMNP - check.
You like Ouray - check.
You think Sand Dunes isn't worth the drive - and it's out of the way.

So, what other route would you suggest that includes RMNP and Ouray and gets them back to Austin. Either, they head back east towards Great Sand Dunes (which I think is a good idea - pretty drive along that highway), or head south from Durango - which takes you through Santa Fe.

Is there some other secret passage from say, Ouray, to Austin that I don't know about that you would recommend.

I won't even go there with you about Mesa Verde. Your comments on that incredible and unique cultural landmark colors my perception on your other suggestions.

But, do please tell, how would you suggest they go from Ouray to Austin?

BetsyG

Anywhere - Where you go really depends on what your interests are (if you haven't gathered that!). I can recommend a couple of books, may be available at your local library or they may have to order them from another library district. One is The Colorado Guide by Bruce Caughey, try to get the latest edition. The other is a book called the Journey to the High Southwest. This is an older book & I'm not sure if there are new editions but it is a great guide to the Southern Colorado, Northern New Mexico area (actually 4 corners.) Just wondering, how much driving do you want to do on your honeymoon? You can always come back, there are many former Texans who live in our state (I am one). Best wishes! Betsy

rippowam

Ok, I'm not trying to be confrontational, but I celebrated my honeymoon two years ago...so I know how important it is to hear EVERYONE's opinion.

I've lived in CO for 13 years and I'm an avid traveler. I have seen most of the US and Canada and I've traveled overseas as well.

Many people think that Mesa Verde is a "huge excavated series of villages or communities", it is not. It's a fairly simple series of adobe dwellings tucked under some cliff face. Sorry, but that's the fact. Was it interesting? Yeah, but it won't be for everyone. IMO, it doesn't compare to the beauty that a first-time visitor (on a honeymoon no less) would want to see. It's not exactly romantic. It's dry, dusty and the exhibits aren't worthy of the Smithsonian.

As far as routing is concerned, I'm not going to argue with anyone about this road or that. YOU offered an itinerary based on YOUR recommendations, I never said that ALL of what I mentioned should be done in one trip. Did I?

Driving from TX to CO is an ambitious undertaking, especially with only one week to do it. If it were me, I'd fly in to Denver, rent a car and hit some highlights, but $$ might be an issue. CO is simply too big of a state to do all at once.

As far as Santa Fe and Taos are concerned, I found them to be once beautiful towns that have been ruined by commercialism. An adobe McDonalds? Please.

My favorite towns here in CO are: Steamboat Springs, Denver Metro, Breckenridge, Crested Butte, Durango and Ouray. Unfortunately these towns are spread throughout the state (ie: 7 hours to Durango from Denver).

Least favorite: Vail, Aspen, Estes Park and the ski towns that are only for skiers (like Keystone). These towns are expensive, often crowded and aren't what I would consider relaxing and/or interesting choices compared to others.

If the original poster is concerned about $$ (as most are) the resort towns offer little value and less charm.

Hopefully the OP will find a great itinerary that fits their needs and desires and we've all helped here.

virginia

casa bonita is junk. you do not want to see the front range anyway. for the best mexican in colo go to leadville to the grill. any person in town will give you directions. the martinez's have owned and operated it for prob 40 years. they roast and crush their own chiles every fall. it is GOOD!
also please excuse the fodorite bickering.