Durango Travel Forum

We have 6 days to spend in Colorado. We are very anxious to get to the mountains to take in all the breathtaking scenery, do some hiking to waterfalls and take lots of pictures. We will be spending the night in Cortez prior to Day one, so we will be able to get a very early start in Mesa Verde. We want to take a couple guided tours with climbing ladders, and take pictures from the overlooks etc. What time will be able to get out of the Mesa Verde park? Should we stay in Durango (is it scenic with mountains?) or should we drive on up to Ouray that first day ? We want to spend Day 2 driving through and exploring Ouray (hiking to Bear Creek Falls, Cascade Falls and Box Canyon Falls),Ridgway (eating at True Grit Cafe?) and taking some pictures at the overlooks of Black Canyon of the Gunnison. We would probably stay in Gunnison or Canon City if that is not too far to drive? Day 3 we were thinking of seeing Royal Gorge and Cheyenne Park (to see Silver Cascade Falls and Seven Falls). Day 4 we will do Pikes Cogway and Garden of the Gods. Day 5 and 6 we were thinking of going to RMNP. Is this a feasible iteiniary? If not what should we eliminate?

We are thinking of spending the night in Durango after touring through Mesa Verde all day. Is there much to see in Durango to keep us busy all evening (we do not have time to take the train) , or should we drive on two hours to Pagosa Springs to spend the night?

If you take the bus back, is it faster? How long does the trip take?

Hi,

I am going to be heading up to Flagstaff, Durango and Bayfield in Feb. to look around. My daughter and I will be relocating in the summer.

I do not know much about the areas and I was hoping that you would give me some info on it? Is there anyg other town you would suggest I visit?

Will the driving be very hard in those areas?
It would be so appreciated and I thank you in advance for any help you could give.
:)

Greetings to ya'll from Florida. We are two friskie seniors who can't get out there until early November this year. We love active outdoors, such as ATV, horses, jeep tours in the mountain areas, but not into snow sports or freezing to death. Would like to know what kind of weather to expect and if we need to book a flight between blizzards. Please 'scuze ignorance but I've been in snow only once, but three hurricanes last year! Can we still ride the Silverton train then?

Hi there,

I live down in Santa Fe (4 hours away from Durango). My parents are coming to visit me from Scotland and like to show them Durango as well - I've been there before (just for day), so I already know that they'll love it.

I plan to arrive in Durango on May 5th around lunchtime and drive home the following day in the late afternoon (it's a very short visit, I know). My plan is to just explore downtown on Thursday, check into a hotel, and then have dinner/drinks. On the Friday morning, I was planning to go to Mesa Verde and then home.

Can anyone recommend some fun places for my parents? My dad is fascinated by the old west, and we all enjoy bars with live music. I need recommendations on places to eat that are very southwest (e.g. patrons having cowboy hats), and bars that are lively and not filled with a college crowd. Actually, can someone list all the popular bars in town?

Also, where can I find a detailed event listing for Durango? I've found various sites via Google, but they've been lacking. What (online) resources do the locals use to find out who's playing at bars/venues? I realize that we're only there for a short time, but it could be prolonged if there were something great going on!

When I was there we stayed at a Best Western or Holiday Inn (or something) just a few blocks from downtown. It was pretty reasonable, and I'd stay there again. However, is there anything nearby that's a lot more appealing to tourist e.g. log cabins surrounded by trees and rolling hills?

If anyone has any ideas on things to do while we're there, please feel free to share.

Thanks in advance for any replies.

- Best regards,
Lee

PS: Last time we went to Mesa Verde, we couldn't actually walk down to the structures. Is there somewhere we can phone in advance for passes, or is it first-come, first-serve?

We are going to be snowbirds this winter and will be passing through Durango sometime in early January. We love trains, and see that the train runs a trip Wed. - Saturday to Cascade Canyon and back. If you have any information about this, I would like to know if this is a nice winter trip, and whether they use the diesel or steam engine. Also would I have to make reservations well in advance for January, as we do not usually travel on a set schedule.

I am looking some members that might be living in or around Chromo.

I will be in Durango on a business trip from Dubin Ireland - I have the weekend free (25th June - 27th) and plan to hire a car. Any suggestions on what is a "must see / do". I was thinking of doing the Sky road drive (I think its called)...about 230 miles ...or as much of it as I can get done on Saturday...going to Masa Verde in the early part of the journey ...any tips / ideas greatly appreciated. Usually I like to plan travel well in advance but I only found out about this opportunity yesterday.

I am planning a family road trip thru Southwest Colorado the second week of June 04. My goals are to spend the nights in Mesa Verde, Durango, Montrose, Glenwood Springs, and Aspen. I am not sure if we are going to make these destinations on time, but I'm afraid of not being able to find a place to stay. If anyone has any advise on these areas I would appreciate it.

Will someone give me an honest review of the Purgaory Village Condominium Hotel. We are contemplating staying there on a ski trip next winter.
Thanks.

Hi Everyone,
My nephew lives in Durango and is getting married in October there. My brother in law has multiple sclerosis and is in a wheelchair. He and my sister will fly from San Diego to Alb., rent a special van, and hopefully make it to Durango okay. The problem is he fears there won't be any wheelchair accessible bathrooms on that newly widened highway (the 550?) as he needs to stop every hour and maybe less due to his disability. Does anyone have more info. on this highway between the two cities? Thanks so much.
Anita

I'm going to Telluride via Durango in mid August. I'm looking for a Cadillac Escalade or Hummer to rent for a couple of days. Does anyone know of a car rental service that carries luxury cars? I'd be open to a sports car as well. Thanks for th info.