San Juan Skyway - Accomodation in May?? (Durango, Monument: where to stay, rental)

[HayHaz]

Hi, In May we are coming over from Australia and plan to tour the Grand Canyon - Monument Valley and are looking at the San Juan Skyway as part of the journey.

We'll be travelling in the last week of May and wonder should we be booking ahead for motel/lodge/hotel room accomodation at around $80-$100 per night OR are there plenty of accomodation options available in towns such as Durango and Silverton at that time of the year.

Ideas much appreciated

cheers,
Haydon

[winglady]

HayHaz,

The last week of May is the kick-off time for many Americans to begin their summer travels. The 3-day weekend of May 24,25,26 is Memorial Day Weekend -- one of the busiest travel times of the year. So, because of that timing, I would recommend that you make reservations well in advance for Durango and Silverton if that is the week you will be in that area.

Be aware that there may still be significant amounts of snow at the higher elevations in late May. The highways and paved roads will likely be clear of snow (with the large number of holiday travelers, that will be a big priority for the highway department!), but some backcountry roads and passes may still be closed due to snow. Jeep rental companies put a lot of pressure on trying to open up some of the most popular 4-wheel-drive roads in the region by Memorial Day, and some years that's easy to accomplish; other years it is just impossible.

The scenery should be quite spectacular that time of year!

[HayHaz]

Thanks WingLady,

we will be there 19 to 22nd May, so a bit before Memorial Day holiday weekend, do you think we'd be ok not booking?

Basically when we tour around Australia off season it's nice to just pick a place to stay when we find a town we like, that's what we're hoping to do on the Skyway trip....but really to need to know the chances of doing so with ease.

And, yes, it does sound a great few days driving and stopping for walks, certainly a contrast to the desert drive of the preceding days.

best

Haydon

[dgoboy204]

Originally Posted by HayHaz

Basically when we tour around Australia off season it's nice to just pick a place to stay when we find a town we like, that's what we're hoping to do on the Skyway trip....but really to need to know the chances of doing so with ease.

Hi Haydon ~

I know what you mean ... thats the best way to go. You might be somewhat able to "just find your place" along the San Juan Skyway, but winglady makes some good points.

Durango probably has the most lodging on the trip by far .. but on the last weekend in May, we have a big series of bike races (Iron Horse Bicycle Classic § Home) .. the biggest visitor weekend of the year. Lodging will be really slim that whole week, as people book ahead many months in advance. If you come through in the early part of the week, you may be ok, but I would definately have something reserved just in case.
Durango Lodging | Durango Colorado Central Reservations

Silverton may have some people from the bike race (but not too many) Silverton Colorado

Ouray has some really cool places to stay, too (some have underground hot springs, but I don't remember which ) .. Ouray Colorado :: Lodging

Unfortunately I don't really know too much about lodging the rest of the way.

enjoy a great trip, friends .. best wishes

[esya]

Durango has a lot of affordable lodging but you should call or email to find out when "the season" starts. Because everyone hikes rates then, and don't forget to ask if rates include the local lodging taxes which keep going up.

Don't worry about May weather--even the snow storms then are spring snows, and melt fast. Have fun.

[justmyopinion]

HayHaz -
May I also recommend:
Should you choose to spend the night in Silverton, The Wyman Hotel is the nicest in town. The rooms are beautifully done, and the owners cook you a wonderful breakfast in the morning.

Also, if you go to Mesa Verde, the drive up the mountain takes longer than you would think, and it can be close to a 1 hour drive into Durango. BUT... there is a lovely motel up at Mesa Verde, on top of the mesa. Basic, but very clean, and you can't beat the view. (On a clear night, you can see forever.) Also, a wonderful dinner house with bar. We were pleasantly suprised, and it was nice, after a day of climbing around Mesa Verde to just get a room, and a nice dinner, and come down the mountain early the next morning!

And, there are wonderful restaurants in Durango.

Welcome, and I wish you a great trip! I went to Australia a few years ago and loved it. The nicest people on earth live in Australia. Hope to go back very soon.

[HayHaz]

Thank you all for some great advice. We will be there in the early part of the week so I reckon we'll take our chance of finding somewhere to stay - but booking the Mesa Verde seems like a great idea.

Again, thanks for the help
Haydon