traveling around Ouray, Durango, Silverton
 

I have been reading the roads are very winding, and quite scary to travel. Is this really true? Would really like to see this area but wondering about the road conditions the end of April thru May 5.

The roads are very windy and the views are awesome. I enjoyed the driving - just go slowly and pull into turnouts to enjoy the views and let others pass.

Don't let the roads keep you from visiting! I live in this area and it is wonderful! And it is possible to do an entire loop of the area and not have to be on the outside lane [closest to the drop off] if you do it right.

There will be no snow on roads at that time of year [98% certainty].

If I can answer specific question, ask away!

Hope this helps...
Debi

Thanks for the infor Debi. Do you recommend having reservations this time of year, or just drive and stop when you feel like it.

I'm glad there won't be any snow. Hurrah for spring.

It should be pretty easy to get places to stay this time of year. Where are you coming from, have you been out to the SW before, how long will you be here, what do you want to see/do, what level of accomodations/restaurants interest you?

I'll help you figure out your trip if you'd like.

Perhaps this will be helpful -

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34895115

Also, if type my name in the search box and then highlight Colorado in the drop down box, you can read some of my other posts on Ouray, Telluride, Durango.

Hope this helps,
Debi

Thanks. I'll check it out.
We are flying into Denver April 29th. We have made reservations at Boulder Brook in Estes Park. Planning to stay in that area 3 days.
We thought about traveling to Colorado Springs for a couple of days, but a fellow co worker with my husband visits Colorado twice a year and suggested the Ouray, Silverton area.

We fly out back to Indiana on Sat. May 5th. I know this isn't a long time, but at least we can get an idea of what Colorado is like. We never have been here, but we have been to Sedona, Grand Canyon, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Arizona.
We are really into seeing the sights and scenery. I love to take lots of pics.

Hey scottie,
How are you planning to get from Estes Park to Durango? On a map there is Trailridge Road over to Grand Lake, but that will still be closed in April/May.

Well, looking at the map, we would probably have to go back towards Denver and and then possibly go towards Colorado Springs and maybe then pick up a highway 50 to Ouray? I'm not sure without using mapquest. Any ideas if this is feasable?

It is a pretty long drive from Denver or Spring here. From Denver, it is close to 7 hours. That is really not going to leave you much time here. You have to figure a day drive from Den to here and a day back. Doesn't leave much time here in Durango area. To drive the loop, you really need two full days, with an overnight and that is kind of rushing it.

Debi

Thank you for the info. I guess maybe we will have to wait and see Durango and do the loop our next trip. I'm sure we'll see plenty of beautiful country in Colorado. Taking our time from Estes Park to Colorado Springs and back to Denver.

I really appreciate your thoughts and information.

If you decide to do more of a driving tour, my favorite loop is -
Estes Park to Glenwood Springs or Grand Junction & spend the night
Drive on down to Ouray and Durango through "Little Switzerland". at least 2 nights in Durango with a day trip to Mesa Verde National Park
Head east to Great Sand Dunes NP
then back north to Colorado Springs - Garden of the Gods, Cripple Creek Gold Mine and other stuff

I've done variations of this loop several times - with a variety of traveling companions - and it's a great way to see Colorado.