Didn't read all the posts but another vote for Ouray and Weisbaden with the vapor cave. Really a beautiful place. Box Canyon falls is really pretty too.

I like moab over Jemez too.

ANOTHER QUESTION:

We have been thinking of staying first night in Durango, doing the train the next morning then the bus back. After that, driving to Ouray for the night. Not concerned about retracing our steps and all the driving, more concerned about time. We don't want to miss the great scenery into Ouray either, so don't want to go in after dark. Is this a good/bad idea?

We are playing Moab by ear. We'll see how the weather is when we get there.

We're not afraid of a little snow, asusa_street, but I'd probably be afraid of a foot and icing while driving in the mountains.

Dutch, we have lots of local NO flavor in our music - looking more for SW Colorado/NM inspirational tunes.

Thank you all for the continued great advice.

BG, the drive from Durango to Ouray isn't that many miles (about 70). Granted it's not the I-10 freeway and driving will be slower, but when calculating driving time, be sure to include time for photo and scenery stops along the way!

Getting to Ouray before dark would be best as the scenery driving into town is wonderful.

Here is a handy chart which gives sunrise/sunset times in Ouray for October. Perhaps if you knew what time your Silverton bus is expected to arrive back in Durango, then you could see if you'd have enough time to get to Ouray before dark:

http://www.sunrisesunset.com/calendar.asp

Happy travels!

Well, I thought I had the Ouray link on there, but I see it just gave the main page.

To find sunrise/sunset times for Ouray (or whatever city you want), simply click on "this link" at the top of the page (Ouray isn't one of the predefined locations.)

Good luck.

Thank you so much, swiss!

I think it will be a wonderful trip, but I hope I'm up to the physical challenges. Even if we have to see it all from our car window, it will be a great escape to me!

Drive time is about 2 hours from Durango to Ouray; figure a bit more if you are going to pull over and look at the scenery. {You will want to do that}

Be sure to stop at Box Canyon Falls just as you enter Ouray. There is an easy walk to the falls, if you aren't up to climbing to the top [lots of steps].

St. Elmos' B&B is really a nice place with a good breakfast. Room #4. Dinner across the street at Buen Tiempo {Mexican}.

Deb

BG - I know - it was a poor attempt at humor from a fellow southerner. Have fun out west.

Thanks, Dutch, I can always use some good humor!

Deb, you have been so helpful with our planning, and I know you are very busy right now. Thank you so much!

Deb, is the grandbaby here yet? ;-)

The Telluride gondola closes Oct 19 for off season. Disappointed, but it'll give us something new to do next time, right?

The Ouray Hot Springs pool is closed Oct 14 thur Oct 23. It just keeps getting better!

Okay, anyone have any NEW ideas or suggestions for non-strenuous vacation activities?

Oh, and Box Canyon Falls will be closed too.

Is there anything left to do? Or should we just focus on Mesa Verde and Moab?

Thanks!

Let me know if you decide on Moab, I can help out. School is out on Thursday and Friday, but I don't think there is a mass exodus of students to Moab in the fall, like there is for Spring Break.

It takes about 7 - 9 hours of driving to reach Moab from Abq. You might consider Pagosa Springs as a place to spend a night. The weather should be great - it's cold right now, but expected to warm up. Bring a bottle of Old Grandad to ward off the chills.

Welcome to the wild west.