Scenic drive from Phoenix, Arizona to Denver, Colorado
 

My husband and I will be driving from Phoenix, AZ to Chicago, IL (we're moving), and we want to take the best scenic route through Colorado. Mapquest has given me several options, and I have heard that going through Durango is a good choice. We don't want anything that will take too long, but we would like to see the best of that area while we're there. Does anyone have any other specific recommendations of routes to take?

I forgot to say, thank you in advance!

The Million Dollar Highway 550 between Durango, Silverton, Ouray to Montrose is very scenic.

Interstate-70 between Grand Junction and Denver is also very scenic.

I would also suggest taking Hwy 160 to Kayenta with a short side trip to Monument Valley if you haven't already been. You will also pass by Mesa Verde National Park on your way to Durango. Worth a day but a couple of hours will do too.

What time of the year will you be moving?

Utahtea

We leave next week. Thank you for the suggestions!

Azilie,

From Durango to Ouray sould be even more beautiful at this time of the year. The aspens are changing colors!

http://www.fs.fed.us/r2/sanjuan/recr...olor-rpt.shtml

Utahtea

After you come up the Million Dollar Hwy from Durango to Ouray, I recommend you head east on US-50 from Montrose and make a stop at the Black Canyon of the Gunnison. You'll not regret it.

After you pass Idaho Springs on I-70 near Denver, I suggest you get off the freeway at the Lookout Mountain/Buffalo Bill Musueum exit and get back on westbound, only to the next exit.

The view of the continental divide westbound from that exit to the next is breathtaking. It will only take a few minutes and it is well worth it.