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CB1025 · 05-19-2012, 08:24 PM

I am going to be in the Durango, CO area for 1 or 2 week early in July. Any recommendations on what I should do and see while there would be appreciated. Thanks.

rocknrun · 05-19-2012, 08:33 PM

My wife and I were in Durango a few years ago. We took the steam train up to Silverton where I had arranged a guide who took us around to the old mining camps. Absolutely an awesome experience!

Wayne M · 05-19-2012, 08:35 PM

What route does one take to get a 40' with TOAD to Durango, coming out or the South?

Theberrys · 05-19-2012, 08:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wayne M

What route does one take to get a 40' with TOAD to Durango, coming out or the South?

I 25 North out of Albuquerque to US 550 north straight into Durango. 550 is a nice drive, not much traffic and reasonably flat until you get into Co.
Dick

So Cal Roo · 05-19-2012, 08:54 PM

Take the time see the Mesa Verde Indian ruins. Hailed almost every day we in the area. We enjoyed the round trip train ride to Silverton and scenery so much we decided to take the drive in our Jeep. Absolutely beautiful ride. Enjoy

Wayne M · 05-19-2012, 09:05 PM

Thanks Dick. I'm in Santa Fe for a couple days. How about from there?

pagosajoe · 05-19-2012, 09:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wayne M

Thanks Dick. I'm in Santa Fe for a couple days. How about from there?

Two options -

Head south on I25 to Bernalillo, then take 550 west to Farmington and up to Durango (still on 550). Easy drive, and 4 lane most of the way. If you're interested in Anasazi Indian heritage, Chaco Canyon is not to be missed - fantastic! But you need a toad to get to it - lots of bumpy road.

Chaco Culture National Historical Park - Chaco Culture National Historical Park

Another option is to take highway 84 north out of Santa Fe up to Pagosa Springs, CO, then turn west on highway 160 to Durango. Beautiful country, with a short section of twisty curves about 20 miles out of Pagosa - easy drive as well, and prettier (but then again we live in Pagosa.)

If you're in no rush, stop in Chama, NM (55 miles from Pagosa), and take the old steam train up to CO and return. Beautiful trip.

Home :: Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad :: hrm, heritage rail management, narrow gauge, scenic railroad, western railroad, colorado railroad, new mexico railroad, tourist railroad, rocky mountain railroad, steam engine, coal-fired, best tourist rail

Hope that helps...

4Knights · 05-19-2012, 09:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by So Cal Roo

Take the time see the Mesa Verde Indian ruins. Hailed almost every day we in the area. We enjoyed the round trip train ride to Silverton and scenery so much we decided to take the drive in our Jeep. Absolutely beautiful ride. Enjoy

Agree! Very nice sites and 4x4 roads prove even more scenic. We did the whole west part of the state 2 years ago. If you have time on the way up Pagosa Springs has some fun tubing on the river.

Dick Noble · 05-19-2012, 10:00 PM

Pagosa Springs has some wonderful hot springs in it.

twogypsies · 05-19-2012, 10:27 PM

Take Hwy 84 and head to Pagosa Springs, then head west to Durango. Abiqui Corps of Engineers campground is very nice and in the heart of the renowned painter, Georgia O'Keefe's favorite place for inspiration for her paintings. Beautiful area. In Pagosa spend a a few hours in the Hot Springs pools. They come in all temperatures and it's a beautiful setting. Durango - drive (or train) up to Silverton is a MUST! The whole trip is beautiful. We were there last summer. Have a good one!!

chief02 · 05-19-2012, 10:28 PM

X2 what all has been said...Welcome to the Four Corners,,, plenty to do and enjoy, Sliverton has a awesome 4th july celebration with fireworks in the mnts,

Mekanic · 05-20-2012, 07:39 AM

X3 on all post(s) Chaco Canyon, Mesa verda Park, the silverton train ride.....all very good.

Theberrys · 05-20-2012, 08:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wayne M

Thanks Dick. I'm in Santa Fe for a couple days. How about from there?

Wayne

Your best bet from Santa Fe is to drive south to 550. You can try US84 to County 96 but it's not much closer and I'd not go through the mountains on a county road.

Dick

pagosajoe · 05-20-2012, 08:13 AM

One more spot to consider while you're in Pagosa - Chimney Rock, about 17 miles west of town. Currently under consideration by Congress to become a national monument. It too is part of the Chaco/Mesa Verde empire. Easy to get to, educational, and the hikes are fairly easy.

If you elect to go through Farmington NM en route to Durango, stop at the Aztec ruins in Aztec, NM. Wonderful displays of the ancient ruins, and it features a huge, completely restored Kiva - the only one I've ever seen. It is IMPRESSIVE!