If you were choosing to spend time in one or two of these towns, which would you choose and why?

Back in the late 1980's, my family took a vacation to SW Colorado. i remember loving Ouray! It was so beautiful up there! We did a horseback ride up into the mountains one day, and then we also did a jeep ride with a steak dinner. Even now, 20 years later, I still remember it!

It's been awhile, but I loved Ouray! It was unique, spectacular - definitely like being in the Alps. Silverton was pleasant enough, but it was just a day trip to us. Am unfamiliar with Lake City.

Ouray has much more to offer than either of the other two towns, especially their hot springs pool. It would have more in the way of lodging and restaurants. All are in spectacular locations. Lake City is more of a jumping off point for four-wheelers venturing up to the Alpine Loop - it's a pretty but tiny town. Silverton one end of the Durango Train loop, and pretty small as well.

I also assume you're talking about spending time in the summer - all would be very isolated and hard to get in or out in the winter!

1) Ouray
2) Lake City

Wow! Thanks to all of you! Sounds like you would all pick Ouray over SIlverton - I've spent quite a bit of time in Colorado over the past MANY summers and have just driven through Ouray on the way somewhere else. Thanks for your advice to jog my memory! Now it's time to plan the accomodations. Any advice? The last time I was there was with a tent, but we're looking a bit more comfortable accomodations now.

Of the 3 you have listed, Ouray is the top bet.

The are several motels that get good reviews.

We stayed at St. Elmo B&B and really liked it. The Beaumont Hotel is a classic, but newly renovated small hotel with excellent dining experiences.

Check out:

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...1&tid=34824783

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...1&tid=34970933

How long do you plan on being there? I ask because it is a small town per se. You might get tired of it after a night or 2. Think about adding in Durango, Telluride etc.

A lot depends on what kind of activities your are seeking and who is in your group.

With more info, better replies.

{As for Silverton, just a touristy stop on the train, skip it. Lake City is great area for camping and off roading.}
Deb

http://www.stelmohotel.com/

http://www.beaumonthotel.com

It is just my husband and I - we are in our late 50's and we like to hike and be outdoors. I recently heard about Crested Butte - I've spent many summers camping on the other side at Maroon Bells - anyone been to Crested Butte and have any comments? I thought about splitting our time between Ouray and Telluride - the last time I was in Telluride was when I was in high school and it was nearly a ghost town, so I'd like to see it again. Looks pretty pricey, though!

It is no ghost town now! Yes, it is pricey. What time of year are you thinking of coming here? That impacts prices of hotels. There are some places that are more reasonable than others; time of year and town makes a difference.

appleorchardinn.com in Durango is wonderful and the price is excellent. Beautiful rooms, great breakfast and the nicest innkeepers.

It is on the north end of Durango, making it closer to Silverton and Ouray.
Deb

We will be traveling in early July.

Crested Butte is a totally cute and charming town. Early July is the Wildflower Festival in Crested Butte and CB is the wildflower capital of Colorado. This year there should tons of flowers because of all the snow. http://www.crestedbuttewildflowerfestival.com/

I highly recommend CB and you can definitely split your time with one of the other towns.

I am not as big a fan of Telluride as others on the board and don't stay at the peaks unless they added air conditioning in their recent renovation.

We have visited the Ouray/Telluride area several times during the summer, and like to divide our time. In Ouray, you might check out the "China Clipper" B&B. It's one block off the main street in Ouray. . .easy to walk from there around the small town. One restaurant we really like is the Bon Ton which is in the building of the St. Elmo Hotel. From Ouray, we always make a day trip of driving the gorgeous "Million Dollar Highway" to Silverton. We think the scenery is spectacular. Silverton is just a spot for lunch and leisurely checking out a couple of shops before heading back. Also from Ouray, there are jeep tours, some of which go over the pass to Lake City.

When making the drive from Ouray to Telluride, you pass the town of Ridgeway and cross the Dallas Divide. . .very pretty views. The drive into Telluride is also gorgeous. We like to stay at the San Sophia B&B. . .more like a little inn. There is hiking in Telluride. . .esp. to Bear Creek Canyon. . .which has stunning scenery and cascading waterfalls. Both Ouray and Telluride are great for jeeping. . .or taking jeep tours.

Hope you find a few of these ideas helpful. Have a great trip!

Ouray looks nice, But have you looked at the towns of La veta and south Fork in SE area?

I think they look much nicer than any of the above IMO.

SW Colorado is a wonderful area and worth visiting, but then I may be partial as I live there. Mountains, ancient puebloan ruins, great vista, trees.... and so much more.

Deb

Lake City is definitely worth a short stop, like a stay of two nights in the fabulous Old Carson Inn bed & breakfast (www.oldcarsoninn.com) outside of town, with a day to wander through the town itself. You can stop for ice cream at the old soda fountain and browse the numerous shops. It's fun to rent a jeep and tackle the mountain passes. But we do usually do this as a side trip from Creede or Durango, not as the ultimate destination.