Southwest Colorado
 

We are driving from Kansas City to southwest Colorado in Aug (2 adults, 3 yr old); we're trying to decide how best to spend the 6 full days we have once we get there. The only "must" is the Durango/Silverton train. Looking for advice on which towns to stay in, what to do.

Thanks!

We rode the train and it was wonderful...and slow. Taking the train for a round trip may be too much for the younger one and maybe you too unless you are steam train buff. Our package tour included a jeep trip one way and the train back. The jeep tour leaves from Durango, near the train station, so I'd suggest you stay a night in Durango.

What types of things do you like to do? That will helps with suggestions.

I suggest not staying in Durango the entire time. Lodging is expensive, so think about staying in Cortez.

http://www.cityofcortez.com/visiting.shtml

It is about a 50 minute ride to Durango and there are many motels to choose from as well as restaurants that are easier on your pocket. It is also about an hour and 20 minutes from Telluride, which is fun and has a variety of festivals each weekend during the summer. They have a Farmers Market every Friday with great things. {Cortez has one on Sat. mornings}

I strongly suggest you plan on visiting Mesa Verde which is between Durango and Cortez. This is 100th anniversary and if you have never seen these types of ruins, it is a must.

Thought my name says NM, I live in Cortez now and would be happy to help in any way I can.

You might take a swim in the hot pool in Ouray. Co.

And Mesa Verde is interesting if you are at all curious about the early Native Americans.

I agree Mesa Verde National Park is an excellent choice. My son wasn't even 3 the first time we went.

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is also nice for an afternoon.

Utahtea

Regardless of mapquest, and triptiks,
does anyone know exactly how long it
will take from Durango to Canyon deChelley?
Is it possible to do drive from
Durango to the Canyon and also
tour it the same day?
Thank you.

While you are in the vicinity, visit the Aztec Ruins National Monument in Aztec, NM.

We rode the train both ways, but because it was April we only went as far north as Cascade Canyon. We stayed at the Best Western in Durango and didn't think it was outrageously pricey...plus they let us leave our car in their parking lot (after checking out) until we got back from the train trip.

Addendum...IF you decide to stay in Durango (I recommend it), and IF you opt for the Best Western, there are two; you want the one in town, a block from the train station. Nice pool, continental breakfast, and free wi-fi hotspot.

If you like to get online while traveling, note that on our loop down the coast and across to NM, CO, and UT, we had free online access at all Best Westerns.

There is a nice parking lot next to the train station in Durango where you can park all day for a few $$$, but 3 blocks away there is free on-street parking. I can walk a little ways for the price difference.

Mesa Verde or Canyon de Chelly would be my REAL musts for that area.

Hi,

The Durango-Silverton route is a great ride-however, the all-day trip can be very long and, I think, difficult, especially for a young child. Even a bit much for many adults.

There is a combo train/bus ticket available(at least there used to be) that I would use the next time I go, instead of round-trip on the train.

must sees in that general area-
-black canyon of the gunnison
-ouray and check out the waterfalls there as well as the hot spring
-telluride
-mesa verde

To Wanderlust:

It's 185 miles and about a 4 hour drive from Durango to Canyon de Chelly. You would have some time to tour Canyon de Chelly.

Utahtea

Are you looking for any places to stop on the drive across Kansas?

There is a lot more to see and do than you might think.

Keith

Last summer we 'did' the train with our then 16 and 13 year olds--it was a real highlight of our vacation but I agree, do the one way ride. We purchased the package with the bus ride back to Durango and it was perfect since the bus driver was a real character and played tour guide on the way back.

We stayed at the Doubletree in Durango and walked the couple blocks to the train station.

On my next trip, I'd like to stay overnight in Ouray--I have never seen such spectacular scenery in my life and the Million Dollar Highway is a drive worth taking.

One more thing--purchase seating in the open cars on the train. Much more fun and perfectly comfortable. We walked through the closed cars and they were stuffy. The people sitting there didn't look like they were having as much fun as we were, either :-)

I'd recommend Telluride, Mesa Verde and Ouray. Ouray is one of my favorite Colorado small towns. A soak in the hot springs pool is a treat. We loved taking a jeep tour up to Yankee Boy Basin. And they have a small, but wonderful historical museum. This summer we're making our third visit and we're going to do the mine tour.

ttt

Looks like we wasted our time. amh has never posted at Foders again since this question.

Mesa Verde, Mesa Verde