First trip to Colorado and need suggestions
Jan 8th, 2010, 04:28 AM
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First trip to Colorado and need suggestions
Hi!!
I'm looking to plan a week-long trip to CO either for April school vacation (mid-April) or the end of June for my husband and I, both in our 30s. We love to hike and good views, and don't mind road trips (have travelled all around AZ and WA doing this), and prefer staying at either B&B's or more historic hotels. Mid-range prices are good, we are trying to not spend a fortune. We would be travelling from Boston and leaving (for the first time!!) our baby with the grandparents. I have the following questions to help us get started:
1. Which time would be best: April or end of June?
2. Is there a recommended airport that would perhaps allow us to make a loop to several locations then fly back out of the same airport, or would it be better to fly in and out of two airports (maybe this would allow us to do more)? Southwest has been advertising good flight prices from Manchester, NH (close to where we live) to Denver, but is this the best airport for what we are looking to do?
3. Telluride has caught my attention, but is it better to stay in the town or find a B&B/hotel outside of town because it may be less expensive to do this? I also have been looking into the drive from Durango to Telluride, but again, a little confused about which airport(s) to use.
Thank you so much--all suggestions are greatly appreciated!!
Melissa
I'm looking to plan a week-long trip to CO either for April school vacation (mid-April) or the end of June for my husband and I, both in our 30s. We love to hike and good views, and don't mind road trips (have travelled all around AZ and WA doing this), and prefer staying at either B&B's or more historic hotels. Mid-range prices are good, we are trying to not spend a fortune. We would be travelling from Boston and leaving (for the first time!!) our baby with the grandparents. I have the following questions to help us get started:
1. Which time would be best: April or end of June?
2. Is there a recommended airport that would perhaps allow us to make a loop to several locations then fly back out of the same airport, or would it be better to fly in and out of two airports (maybe this would allow us to do more)? Southwest has been advertising good flight prices from Manchester, NH (close to where we live) to Denver, but is this the best airport for what we are looking to do?
3. Telluride has caught my attention, but is it better to stay in the town or find a B&B/hotel outside of town because it may be less expensive to do this? I also have been looking into the drive from Durango to Telluride, but again, a little confused about which airport(s) to use.
Thank you so much--all suggestions are greatly appreciated!!
Melissa
Jan 8th, 2010, 07:18 AM
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Your question is so broad that is difficult to respond to in a reason amount of time. I am flying to New York for week. What should I do??? First, look at a map, so you understand the geography.
Colorado is a big state. The principal airport in the state is Denver with smaller airports through out the state. Obviously DIA has the most direct flights followed by Colorado Springs. With a couple of exceptions (Eagle/Vail in the winter) most of the other airport will connect through Denver.
Telluride would be a six/eight hour drive from Denver and would be easier to get to from Albuquerque.
If you want hiking late June is much better. April can still have heavy snow at the higher elevations. The ski resorts will be open or closing in early April. Generally they close on Easter weekend but Easter is earlier this yeara so some will stay open past Easter.
Denver would be your best airport if doing a loop in the central mountains -- Coloirado Springs, Breckenridge, Vail, Aspen, Glenwood Springs, Estes Park, Grandby, Rocky Mt National Park, etc. Trail Ridge road through RMNP will not open till Memorial Day weekend.
Accommodations would be less expensive in late April than late June because you are in the charge over season between skiing and summer which some locals refer to as the mud season.
Refine yout thinking some so we can have better answers for you.
Colorado is a big state. The principal airport in the state is Denver with smaller airports through out the state. Obviously DIA has the most direct flights followed by Colorado Springs. With a couple of exceptions (Eagle/Vail in the winter) most of the other airport will connect through Denver.
Telluride would be a six/eight hour drive from Denver and would be easier to get to from Albuquerque.
If you want hiking late June is much better. April can still have heavy snow at the higher elevations. The ski resorts will be open or closing in early April. Generally they close on Easter weekend but Easter is earlier this yeara so some will stay open past Easter.
Denver would be your best airport if doing a loop in the central mountains -- Coloirado Springs, Breckenridge, Vail, Aspen, Glenwood Springs, Estes Park, Grandby, Rocky Mt National Park, etc. Trail Ridge road through RMNP will not open till Memorial Day weekend.
Accommodations would be less expensive in late April than late June because you are in the charge over season between skiing and summer which some locals refer to as the mud season.
Refine yout thinking some so we can have better answers for you.
Jan 8th, 2010, 07:30 AM
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The first decision will be easy - mid-April is still the ski season at some resorts; others will have closed (Telluride closes April 4). In the mountainous portions of the state, there will definitely be too much snow to do any hiking, and the towns will be very quiet, taking a break between the ski crowds and the summer crowds (quiet as in, places may be closed). I'm not sure how much snow there's likely to be in mid-April at places like Mesa Verde.
If you want to hike, end of June will be your best bet - and you may still be seeing some snow on the trails, depending on where you hike.
Are you focusing your thoughts on the western side of the state, the Durango - Telluride area? If so, then flying into that area might make more sense, except that the flight costs may be higher. Or you could fly into Denver and visit other places along the way. If I were making the decision, it would depend on the flight prices, and I would also want to visit some other places that are between Denver and Telluride. I'm not sure any airline could provide great prices from Manchester to Durango.
I would guess lodging prices in Telluride in June should be pretty good, and you should be able to find a B&B or hotel in town, within walking distance of any restaurants you might want to have dinner at. Don't stay in the Mountain Village (by the ski resort), as that's about a 10-minute drive from the town of Telluride.
You'll find great hiking anywhere you go in Colorado!
If you want to hike, end of June will be your best bet - and you may still be seeing some snow on the trails, depending on where you hike.
Are you focusing your thoughts on the western side of the state, the Durango - Telluride area? If so, then flying into that area might make more sense, except that the flight costs may be higher. Or you could fly into Denver and visit other places along the way. If I were making the decision, it would depend on the flight prices, and I would also want to visit some other places that are between Denver and Telluride. I'm not sure any airline could provide great prices from Manchester to Durango.
I would guess lodging prices in Telluride in June should be pretty good, and you should be able to find a B&B or hotel in town, within walking distance of any restaurants you might want to have dinner at. Don't stay in the Mountain Village (by the ski resort), as that's about a 10-minute drive from the town of Telluride.
You'll find great hiking anywhere you go in Colorado!
Jan 8th, 2010, 07:35 AM
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It sounds like to me you know you want to go to Colorado, but just not sure where or what? I would lean more towards June.
Here is some of my favorite spots in Colorado.
Durango/Mesa Verde
Any of the major ski resort in winter or summer.
Rocky Mountain National Park
It just depends on what kind of hiking and other activities you are interested in.
You could fly into Denver. Swing up to Rocky Mountain NP, then down to Telluride/Durango/Mesa Verde, Maybe hit The Great Sand Dunes on you way back to Denver on a loop.
You could include Breckenridge or somewhere like that along the way as well.
You can fly into other places, but not on Southwest. It is usually far cheaper to fly into Denver than the smaller feeder airports.
We have friends that spend a week in Crested Butte every singe summer and they hike a lot.
Here is some of my favorite spots in Colorado.
Durango/Mesa Verde
Any of the major ski resort in winter or summer.
Rocky Mountain National Park
It just depends on what kind of hiking and other activities you are interested in.
You could fly into Denver. Swing up to Rocky Mountain NP, then down to Telluride/Durango/Mesa Verde, Maybe hit The Great Sand Dunes on you way back to Denver on a loop.
You could include Breckenridge or somewhere like that along the way as well.
You can fly into other places, but not on Southwest. It is usually far cheaper to fly into Denver than the smaller feeder airports.
We have friends that spend a week in Crested Butte every singe summer and they hike a lot.
Jan 8th, 2010, 08:27 AM
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You have been given some good info here.
I live in SW Colorado, midpoint between Durango and Colorado. I have lots of posts on here, do a search using my name.
I suggest you pick a region and make plans from there. As others have said, it's a BIG state and you could spend your time driving if you try to do too much, too many places.
IF you want to do SW Colorado, fly into Albuquerque on Southwest. The drive to Durango is about 3 hours. Stay a couple of days there, taking the Narrow Rail and seeing Mesa Verde.
Then drive the Million Dollar Highwas to Telluride. Spend a couple of days there.
June is preferable to April for reasons given above.
Telluride is actually 2 different towns - the actual town of Telluride and Mountain Village. It is a short drive between them [certainly not enough to avoid staying in one or the other]. There is also a free gondola connecting the 2 and a lovely way to commute.
Mountain Village has mostly condos that can be rented. VRBO would be a good place to find rentals. It has a nice market and a few places to eat. Think of it like a ski village, as that is really what it is.
Telluride has hotels, shops, restuarants etc. It is the actual town. There are no real B&B in either location. The Victorian Inn is the most reasonably priced place to stay. There are also condos to rent here too.
There are many festivals throughout the summer. It can get crowded during some of the more popular ones and the prices go up a lot. Usually there are min. # of days on rentals during festivals. Google Telluride Festivals to see the list.
For that reason, midweek is best for Telluride.
Durango has a wide variety of accomodations from chain motels, to condos to B&B's -- Apple Orchard Inn is a favorite of ours, though they have new owner and we've not been there since the changeover.
Lots of things to do in Durango. More reasonably priced all around than Telluride.
Be sure to allow at least a day, maybe 1 1/2 at Mesa Verde. You might even want to spend a night there. Far View Lodge has modest rooms, but great sunsets.
I have restaurants suggestion threads on here for all of these areas. Again, do a search on my name.
Hope this helps.
Deb
I live in SW Colorado, midpoint between Durango and Colorado. I have lots of posts on here, do a search using my name.
I suggest you pick a region and make plans from there. As others have said, it's a BIG state and you could spend your time driving if you try to do too much, too many places.
IF you want to do SW Colorado, fly into Albuquerque on Southwest. The drive to Durango is about 3 hours. Stay a couple of days there, taking the Narrow Rail and seeing Mesa Verde.
Then drive the Million Dollar Highwas to Telluride. Spend a couple of days there.
June is preferable to April for reasons given above.
Telluride is actually 2 different towns - the actual town of Telluride and Mountain Village. It is a short drive between them [certainly not enough to avoid staying in one or the other]. There is also a free gondola connecting the 2 and a lovely way to commute.
Mountain Village has mostly condos that can be rented. VRBO would be a good place to find rentals. It has a nice market and a few places to eat. Think of it like a ski village, as that is really what it is.
Telluride has hotels, shops, restuarants etc. It is the actual town. There are no real B&B in either location. The Victorian Inn is the most reasonably priced place to stay. There are also condos to rent here too.
There are many festivals throughout the summer. It can get crowded during some of the more popular ones and the prices go up a lot. Usually there are min. # of days on rentals during festivals. Google Telluride Festivals to see the list.
For that reason, midweek is best for Telluride.
Durango has a wide variety of accomodations from chain motels, to condos to B&B's -- Apple Orchard Inn is a favorite of ours, though they have new owner and we've not been there since the changeover.
Lots of things to do in Durango. More reasonably priced all around than Telluride.
Be sure to allow at least a day, maybe 1 1/2 at Mesa Verde. You might even want to spend a night there. Far View Lodge has modest rooms, but great sunsets.
I have restaurants suggestion threads on here for all of these areas. Again, do a search on my name.
Hope this helps.
Deb
Jan 8th, 2010, 05:01 PM
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Thank you all so much for your replies and info--I am already doing more research (planning to go in June after reading these posts) and am sure I will have more questions as time goes on!!
Melissa
Melissa
Jan 9th, 2010, 06:14 AM
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Hi Dan & Melissa,
I've read some other responses to your questions and I'll add my two cents worth. Everyone is right about Colorado being a big state when it comes to outdoor pursuits. I live in SW Colorado and so I'm partial to this part of the state. Since you only have 1 week, I would focus on an area such as SW Colorado. If you did choose this area, I would fly into Durango and start your trip from there and head to Silverton which is about an hour away and move on to Ouray and then Telluride and back to Durango. This would be a great loop for 1 week and there is lots of history and natural beauty. The end of June would be best so you can get some hikes in. Keep in mind you will need to acclimate to this altitude before you jump into anything too strenuous. If you want to see some ideas for hikes and photos, check out my website Coloradohikersguide.com and good luck!
I've read some other responses to your questions and I'll add my two cents worth. Everyone is right about Colorado being a big state when it comes to outdoor pursuits. I live in SW Colorado and so I'm partial to this part of the state. Since you only have 1 week, I would focus on an area such as SW Colorado. If you did choose this area, I would fly into Durango and start your trip from there and head to Silverton which is about an hour away and move on to Ouray and then Telluride and back to Durango. This would be a great loop for 1 week and there is lots of history and natural beauty. The end of June would be best so you can get some hikes in. Keep in mind you will need to acclimate to this altitude before you jump into anything too strenuous. If you want to see some ideas for hikes and photos, check out my website Coloradohikersguide.com and good luck!
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Jan 9th, 2010, 06:35 AM
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Howdy neighbor! I live down the road a piece from you! That's a nice site. Welcome to Fodors.
The only thing I will disagree about is flying into Durango. Depending on whee Dan & Melissa are coming from - flying into DRO can add some big $$$ to their airfare. It is often much less money to fly into ABQ and rent a vehicle [which may also be cheaper due to more rental places and competition] in Albuquerque and drive to Durango.
The loop you describe is called San Juan Skyway and the Million Dollar Highway is part of it.
Dan & Melissa - you might also throw a couple of days in for seeing Santa Fe, ABQ since you'd be near by. Chaco Canyon is on the drive from ABQ to Durango, and is worth a stop.
This is an old thread with LOTS of good ideas and links.
http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...suggestion.cfm
This site is a great resource for the area:
This page is about San Juan Skyway -
http://www.visittelluride.com/things...an-juan-skyway
There is also a page listing the festivals in Telluride, so you can use it to help ensure you miss the throngs that apprear on festival weekends.
Deb
The only thing I will disagree about is flying into Durango. Depending on whee Dan & Melissa are coming from - flying into DRO can add some big $$$ to their airfare. It is often much less money to fly into ABQ and rent a vehicle [which may also be cheaper due to more rental places and competition] in Albuquerque and drive to Durango.
The loop you describe is called San Juan Skyway and the Million Dollar Highway is part of it.
Dan & Melissa - you might also throw a couple of days in for seeing Santa Fe, ABQ since you'd be near by. Chaco Canyon is on the drive from ABQ to Durango, and is worth a stop.
This is an old thread with LOTS of good ideas and links.
http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...suggestion.cfm
This site is a great resource for the area:
This page is about San Juan Skyway -
http://www.visittelluride.com/things...an-juan-skyway
There is also a page listing the festivals in Telluride, so you can use it to help ensure you miss the throngs that apprear on festival weekends.
Deb
Jan 9th, 2010, 04:27 PM
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km2kiwi and Deb,
As I have been doing more research, I too think that concentrating on this area would be good. This is the tentative plan so far:
Fly into ABQ and rent car (thinking about staying a night or two here--maybe the first and last nights of the trip??)
Drive and stay in Durango
Drive part of the San Juan Highway north to stay in Telluride/Ouray area
Drive back down to fly back out of ABQ
I just need to decide the amount of days in each spot (we will have a week) and if either of you know the driving distance between ABQ and Durango? This definitely seems more doable than trying to make a loop from Denver to SW Colorado and back, especially because we are really interested in a lot of the sights in this area. We love bed and breakfasts and/or hotels that are smaller and more historic, so I have started researching this to begin to make reservations.
Thanks for all the info--we have planned many trips using these forums and are always impressed by the help and advice we have gotten!!
Melissa
As I have been doing more research, I too think that concentrating on this area would be good. This is the tentative plan so far:
Fly into ABQ and rent car (thinking about staying a night or two here--maybe the first and last nights of the trip??)
Drive and stay in Durango
Drive part of the San Juan Highway north to stay in Telluride/Ouray area
Drive back down to fly back out of ABQ
I just need to decide the amount of days in each spot (we will have a week) and if either of you know the driving distance between ABQ and Durango? This definitely seems more doable than trying to make a loop from Denver to SW Colorado and back, especially because we are really interested in a lot of the sights in this area. We love bed and breakfasts and/or hotels that are smaller and more historic, so I have started researching this to begin to make reservations.
Thanks for all the info--we have planned many trips using these forums and are always impressed by the help and advice we have gotten!!
Melissa
Jan 9th, 2010, 07:05 PM
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Drive distance from ABQ to Durango is about 180 miles; about 3 hours. {Denver to Durango is close to 7}
I suggest that you stay in ABQ the night before your flight, especially if it is a morning flight.
You would stay in either Ouray OR Telluride; they aren't that far apart to warrant staying in both.
Have you ever hiked at altitude? It is a whole other thing than hiking at sea level. The hiking in and around the area is spectacular, but can be difficult even for those who are very good at sea level. A week doesn't give you much time to acclimate.
Here's a start --
Assuming you have 7 nights - arrive mid day in ABQ. Drive to Durango, spend 3 nights there, then 2 nights in Telluride and do the last 2 nights in ABQ, which will let you see Santa Fe and some of ABQ.
Feel free to run hotels ideas by here and to ask lots of questions.
http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...by-debitnm.cfm
http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...by-debitnm.cfm
http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...cuts-costs.cfm
Deb
I suggest that you stay in ABQ the night before your flight, especially if it is a morning flight.
You would stay in either Ouray OR Telluride; they aren't that far apart to warrant staying in both.
Have you ever hiked at altitude? It is a whole other thing than hiking at sea level. The hiking in and around the area is spectacular, but can be difficult even for those who are very good at sea level. A week doesn't give you much time to acclimate.
Here's a start --
Assuming you have 7 nights - arrive mid day in ABQ. Drive to Durango, spend 3 nights there, then 2 nights in Telluride and do the last 2 nights in ABQ, which will let you see Santa Fe and some of ABQ.
Feel free to run hotels ideas by here and to ask lots of questions.
http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...by-debitnm.cfm
http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...by-debitnm.cfm
http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...cuts-costs.cfm
Deb
Jan 13th, 2010, 08:51 AM
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My name is Levi Silva and I work with the Victorian Inn here in Telluride, Colorado. I would've responded sooner to this thread but Fodors registration kept giving me issues
First time to Colorado? I was lucky to be born and raised here, and I've lived here in Telluride since 1993. I love Telluride and would like to offer you one free night for your stay (caveat: just not during a major festival or holiday
I'm really impressed by all the great information other Fodorites have given you.
We could also further help you with arrangements. You might look at Kayak.com - check on flights into Montrose, Colorado - (airport code - MTJ) It's an hour and fifteen minute drive/shuttle. Many people make a very nice looping trip visiting Telluride, Ouray, Silverton and Durango.
Let us know and we hope you accept our invitation.
First time to Colorado? I was lucky to be born and raised here, and I've lived here in Telluride since 1993. I love Telluride and would like to offer you one free night for your stay (caveat: just not during a major festival or holiday
I'm really impressed by all the great information other Fodorites have given you.
We could also further help you with arrangements. You might look at Kayak.com - check on flights into Montrose, Colorado - (airport code - MTJ) It's an hour and fifteen minute drive/shuttle. Many people make a very nice looping trip visiting Telluride, Ouray, Silverton and Durango.
Let us know and we hope you accept our invitation.
Jan 15th, 2010, 03:44 AM
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Of course, there is the entire mountain area nearer Denver which could be a loop through RMNP with wonderful hiking, down to I 70 to Breckenridge, on to Aspen and the Glen Canyon part of I70, hiking around Aspen (Marroon Bells), and back to Denver through Leadville perhaps. Don't hold me to the exact loop--just off the top of my head--but you really might like to look at a map for these areas also. DIA to Aspen is about 3 hours.
It is a beautiful and wonderful state.
It is a beautiful and wonderful state.
Jan 15th, 2010, 10:56 AM
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Here's what we really liked in SW Colorado:
Ouray (my favorite CO small town) - jeep tour to Yankee Boy Basin, their small but interesting historical society, a soak in the hot springs
Mesa Verde NP
Telluride - loved walking around the historic town and driving up to the waterfall
Ouray (my favorite CO small town) - jeep tour to Yankee Boy Basin, their small but interesting historical society, a soak in the hot springs
Mesa Verde NP
Telluride - loved walking around the historic town and driving up to the waterfall
Jan 19th, 2010, 06:30 AM
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June will be warmer. Be sure to experience Rocky Mountain National Park and Grand Lake (Colorado's largest natural lake) located at the west entrance to the Park. There are lots of hiking trails in the Park, and some which can be accessed directly from the Village of Grand Lake where you will find lakeside lodging, restaurants and shops. We always stay on the lake with beautiful views and easy access to the activities we love -- kayaking, hiking, wildlife and nature viewing.
