Great Itineraries

Great Itineraries

Great Itineraries

If You Have 3 Days

From Ridgway, drive south for 10 mi to visit Ouray, a Victorian-era gem along the stupendously beautiful San Juan Skyway. Retrace your route, then head to Telluride for lunch and a gondola ride up the mountain. Continue over Lizard Head Pass, stopping at the Anasazi Heritage Center in Dolores before spending the night in Cortez or Mancos. The next day, drive east to Durango, a good place to spend the night. The next morning, board the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, one of the state's must-see attractions. Spend a few hours in Silverton, and return for dinner at one of Durango's world-class restaurants.

If You Have 5 Days

Begin your trip in Gunnison, passing Blue Mesa Reservoir on your way to the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. Spend the night in Montrose or Ridgway before hooking into the three-day itinerary above. After your return to Durango, drive east via Pagosa Springs and over Wolf Creek Pass. Continue north through Creede and Lake City to return to Blue Mesa Reservoir.

If You Have 7 Days

Start your itinerary in Crested Butte, spending a day hiking amid the wildflowers, fishing in the crystal-clear streams, or just exploring this quaint mountain town. Spend a night there or in nearby Gunnison, and then follow the suggested five-day itinerary above, leaving enough time to visit Yankee Boy Basin, soak in the hot springs of either Ouray or Ridgway, and overnight in either of those towns before driving to Telluride.