judyz

We are planning on driving from Manitou Springs to Cortez in a day and wondered what to see on the way. Planning on visiting Mesa Verde in Cortez area the following day. I know this is not much time so I want to use it well. Thought about driving through Black Canyon/Gunnison for an hour. Any quaint towns we should stop in? Thanks.

laurieb_nyny

We are doing that too -- when we leave Manitou, we will be stopping in Gunnison, CO (overnight), early next morning river float trip on the Gunnison River, & then on to Black Canyon NP & Cortez (overnight) & Mesa Verde next morning.

utahtea

Yes, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is worth a stop. At Montrose, you will be driving down Hwy 550 which is also known as the "Million Dollar Highwy" This is a very scenic drive. Ouray and Silverton are very quaint towns. Durango is big on small guage trains.

You're day will be FILLED!

Utahtea

rbs360

Definetely, Black Canyon is worth the time. We drove from COS to Ouray last June, and only had about an hour in the park (it was already after the visitor center had closed for the day.) We would have LOVED more time there! It is breath-taking!
We had spent 2 nts in Ouray on our way to Mesa Verde and could have stayed longer there, too!
Manitou Springs to Cortez will be a tremendous drive. You might consider 1 nt between.
Good luck with your plans! RBS

bob_brown

Yankee Boy Basin, Ouray Colorado.
Jeep ride to Telluride, if you like and don't get scared witless on mountain shelf roads, where the bottom is 2,500 feet away.