Illinois to Grand Canyon by way of Mesa Verde

[CWJK55]

We're thinking about taking a trip after Labor Day to the Grand Canyon south rim by way of Mesa Verde and returning on a more southern route going to White Sands New Mexico.

I've worked out a route as far as Bueno Vista Colorado. From there to Mesa Verde I see two routes. The first takes 285 south and then 160 to Durango. The other 50 to 550 to 145.

I'd appreciate any input on the advantages or problems with either route.

[Big Dude]

I've done the first one in a coach and would not hesitate to go that way. I've done the other in a car and would also go that way - each way has a pass to cross. Our friends in Farmington, NM go the second route for their annual visit to Montrose.

[Spk64]

We took the second route last spring, no problems and the scenery was nice. We almost missed turn off of 550 onto 62 over to 145 as the GPS tried to keep us on 550.

[twogypsies]

We've done both routes a few times with our 40' motorhome. As stated, both are beautiful and both will have a steep pass but very doable as they are very popular routes for RVers. Hwy 50 will have Monarch Pass & then 145 will have Lizard Head Pass. 160 has Wolf Creek Pass. Mountain driving = downshifting before you start the descent, not in the middle of it.

You're choosing a wonderful time of year for your trip. If you take the Pagosa Springs route plan to stop in Pagosa for a nice warm soak in the immaculate small pools of varying temperatures overlooking the river. We do that for 3 hours or so - just testing out each pool and relaxing. Pack a small cooler and enjoy your time. It'll certainly relax you after coming down Wolf Creek Pass.

If you take 145 to Cortez plan a stop in Ouray before getting on 62/145. Ouray also has a hot springs pool. Then take your vehicle for an awesome drive for a day trip to Silverton. It's a very neat mining town. Ridgeway State Park is a nice place to stay.

Mesa Verde's national park has a large dry campground but also has a few electric hookups.

From Mesa Verde you could take 191 into New Mexico and tour Canyon de Chelly which has a dry campground. You can do a circular drive on your own or the best way to experience it is to get below the Rim by taking a tour - Jeep or horse or there's also a hiking trail.

If not going to Canyon de Chelly then from Mesa Verde take 160 to Kayenta then north a short distance on 163 to tour Monument Valley.

Then continue from Kayenta to Tuba City to AZ 89 south and pick up 64 west into Grand Canyon NP. Stay in the park at Trailer Village for the best overall experience. The free shuttle picks you up at the RV park and you can even walk to the Rim.

So much to see in that whole area of SW Colorado, NM & AZ and you're not even getting into the awesome Utah national parks!!

Have a great trip! It's all favorite places of ours. Both months of September and October are great weather-wise. Plan to use all the time on these fabulous parks!

[Busskipper]

Originally Posted by twogypsies

We've done both routes a few times with our 40' motorhome. As stated, both are beautiful and both will have a steep pass but very doable as they are very popular routes for RVers. Hwy 50 will have Monarch Pass & then 145 will have Lizard Head Pass. 160 has Wolf Creek Pass. Mountain driving = downshifting before you start the descent, not in the middle of it.

You're choosing a wonderful time of year for your trip. If you take the Pagosa Springs route plan to stop in Pagosa for a nice warm soak in the immaculate small pools of varying temperatures overlooking the river. We do that for 3 hours or so - just testing out each pool and relaxing. Pack a small cooler and enjoy your time. It'll certainly relax you after coming down Wolf Creek Pass.

If you take 145 to Cortez plan a stop in Ouray before getting on 62/145. Ouray also has a hot springs pool. Then take your vehicle for an awesome drive for a day trip to Silverton. It's a very neat mining town. Ridgeway State Park is a nice place to stay.

Mesa Verde's national park has a large dry campground but also has a few electric hookups.

From Mesa Verde you could take 191 into New Mexico and tour Canyon de Chelly which has a dry campground. You can do a circular drive on your own or the best way to experience it is to get below the Rim by taking a tour - Jeep or horse or there's also a hiking trail.

If not going to Canyon de Chelly then from Mesa Verde take 160 to Kayenta then north a short distance on 163 to tour Monument Valley.

Then continue from Kayenta to Tuba City to AZ 89 south and pick up 64 west into Grand Canyon NP. Stay in the park at Trailer Village for the best overall experience. The free shuttle picks you up at the RV park and you can even walk to the Rim.

So much to see in that whole area of SW Colorado, NM & AZ and you're not even getting into the awesome Utah national parks!!

Have a great trip! It's all favorite places of ours. Both months of September and October are great weather-wise. Plan to use all the time on these fabulous parks!

Hard to argue with this as it mentions many of the options - BUT - I'll add a few more thing to remember or at least think about - Buena Vista/Leadville - Collegiates - Quincy's - Black Canyon of the Gunnison - Telluride and Trout Lake - possibly a trip to Lake City and catching the Alpine Loop - https://lynn.smugmug.com/Travel/Colo...pens/i-tsVRkXg - the Aspen will turn late in september depending on Elevations and Temperatures - of all the things in Colorado this is IMHO one of the most beautiful so I always suggest to try to schedule your drive/trip around them.

Canyon de Chelly and Monument Valley are both well worth the effort.

When you head to GCNP you should come in on the East entrance of RT 64, less crowded and IMHO makes the drive better. As you have driven so far it might not be a bad idea to try to catch the North Rim Also - just Different than the south, and for us is special.

Hope this is of some help.

Best of Luck,

....

..