How about Durango. (Denver, Grand Junction, Salida: hotels, college, live in)

[topaz3335]

Hey guys, I'm going on a road trip from California to Denver in a few weeks and in the course of plotting out my route I thought perhaps I could pass through (and spend a couple days in) Durango. I had a friend pass through there once years ago and she said it was lovely and I was wondering if in fact the stop is worth the time and the detour-it's not on the direct route, but I could fudge the itinerary to get there if I so decided. I've never been to southwestern Colorado, I have no idea what it's like there, but I've heard good things. So is it worth the time? What's the town like? Are there things to do and see? I'm pretty simple, I like the outdoors and history. Anything pretty or historical and I'm set. I'm looking for any information you guys have, anybody who has been there or visited there or anything else. Thanks in advance!

[80skeys]

Durango's a great place to visit, very beautiful. It's in a sort of valley that butts against the mountains. The Animas river, a pretty large one, runs right through it. It's a neat place. You should enjoy it.

[Mike from back east]

By all means, spend some time in Durango, ideally two days, so that one day you can ride the granddaddy of all train trip in the USA, the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge RR, arguably the best of its kind, with scenery you can ONLY see by train.

When you leave Durango, take the highway up through Silverton, Ouray and on to Denver, it's a trip you'll treasure and never forget.

[McGowdog]

Ditto what Mike says on the narrow gauge and the trip up 550 through Silverton and Ouray on the way to Denver. Now that's the REAL Colorado.

Durango is kind of an artzy mountain town. Kind of a college town too. The night life can be kind of wild. You might stay at the Double Tree or one of the nice and historical hotels there on the main drag. I don't think the view from Durango proper is all that, but if you go on that train, you've got the scenery covered. The drive across that Million Dollar Highway is spectacular... and doable this time of year. I wish I could do that now. The question is, how will go finish your trip to Denver. I would probably go from Ouray to Gunnison and east on Hwy 50 through the Blue Mesa area to Monarch, then to Salida and onto Hwy 285, through South Park, and ultimately through Bailey, Conifer, then to SW Denver Metro at C-470 and 285 (aka Hampden).

But, there are many other ways to go depending on what you want to do and see.

[chilaili]

45 minutes West of Durango is the Mesa Verde National Park but you will need at least 1 whole day for that

[swcolorado]

I live in Durango and we can keep you busy for at least a week with all our sights and things to do.

If you have a couple of days:
Ride the train to Silverton. It will take all day to go up and back but the scenery is spectacular and there's nothing like old time transportation
If you are looking for a historical hotel to stay in, we have the Strater Hotel and the General Palmer House. A little $$$ but the rooms are like they were in the 1800's except with indoor plumbing and a comfy bed
Great places to eat: The Irish Embassy, The Ore House, Ken and Sue's on Main, The Palace
I would recommend that you drive west on I-70 to Grand Junction then south on Hwy 50 to Hwy 550 to Durango. Beautiful!
Try to visit Mesa Verde National Park. It's a great place and will really let you see the diversity of what we have to offer in SW Colorado!

[chilaili]

Originally Posted by McGowdog

Ditto what Mike says on the narrow gauge and the trip up 550 through Silverton and Ouray on the way to Denver. Now that's the REAL Colorado.

Durango is kind of an artzy mountain town. Kind of a college town too. The night life can be kind of wild. You might stay at the Double Tree or one of the nice and historical hotels there on the main drag. I don't think the view from Durango proper is all that, but if you go on that train, you've got the scenery covered. The drive across that Million Dollar Highway is spectacular... and doable this time of year. I wish I could do that now. The question is, how will go finish your trip to Denver. I would probably go from Ouray to Gunnison and east on Hwy 50 through the Blue Mesa area to Monarch, then to Salida and onto Hwy 285, through South Park, and ultimately through Bailey, Conifer, then to SW Denver Metro at C-470 and 285 (aka Hampden).

But, there are many other ways to go depending on what you want to do and see.

I did that exact route back in May and it was spectacular!

[DOUBLE H]

A quick note on the Durango Silverton train. Earlier this year, I'm guessing late March, a story came out of the Denver Post where they were offering season passes this year for $100, where you could ride the train as much as you want for that price, just for this year. Not a bad deal!

[jmmcnally]

Ride the Silverton and Narrow Gauge Railway. Its worth the money and is so much fun! It is AMAZING!