From Mesa Verde to G Junction?
Apr 19th, 2005, 04:52 PM
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From Mesa Verde to G Junction?
We plan to spend 2 days travelling from MV to GJT in early July. We are looking to take 160 to Durango and then up 550 on our way back to GJT. In addition, we are (very) amateur photographers and love mountain scenery. Any suggestions on where to spend the two nights ? Also, are there any don't miss short hikes, drives , etc?
Apr 20th, 2005, 06:33 AM
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I would definitely spend one night in Ouray - it is my favorite spot in CO. Quiet, quaint town with lots of history and scenic beauty. Between Durango and Ouray, take a break and enjoy Silverton. It is a very small town that used to be one of the most productive mining centers in the world. Plan to spend a full day between MV and Ouray - there are lots of pull offs where you can stop and take pictures.
Apr 20th, 2005, 06:50 AM
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I agree with beckers2482, the drive between Durango and Ouray is very scenic! You might consider the second night at Montrose so you can make a little detour to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.
Utahtea
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Apr 20th, 2005, 06:58 AM
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Given that the route can be driven in less than a full day, you have several options.
If you take 2 whole days, does that mean one night? If 2 nights, you have options. I have two suggestions.
One is Ouray. The second is Moab, Utah.
And visit Arches NP and the northern part of Canyonlands.
Not that far really and there is not much traffic.
Another suggestions, wander up through Telluride to Ouray. Spend the night there and then go on to Grand Junction.
You could go to GJ via the Land's End look out up on the mesa top that overlooks that whole region. Quite spectacular.
The Black Canyon is worth it too as is a detour by Silverton which is off of US 550.
Or you could spend one night in Ouray. Then drive to Moab. See Arches to some degree, and then go on to Grand Junction. It is not a long drive at all.
Once in Grand Junction there is Colorado National Monument.
You can drive through it, see the major formations, and be finished in about 2 hours. I stayed there overnight, but we got there late in the afternoon.
If you take 2 whole days, does that mean one night? If 2 nights, you have options. I have two suggestions.
One is Ouray. The second is Moab, Utah.
And visit Arches NP and the northern part of Canyonlands.
Not that far really and there is not much traffic.
Another suggestions, wander up through Telluride to Ouray. Spend the night there and then go on to Grand Junction.
You could go to GJ via the Land's End look out up on the mesa top that overlooks that whole region. Quite spectacular.
The Black Canyon is worth it too as is a detour by Silverton which is off of US 550.
Or you could spend one night in Ouray. Then drive to Moab. See Arches to some degree, and then go on to Grand Junction. It is not a long drive at all.
Once in Grand Junction there is Colorado National Monument.
You can drive through it, see the major formations, and be finished in about 2 hours. I stayed there overnight, but we got there late in the afternoon.
Apr 20th, 2005, 07:02 AM
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You've gotten great advice here.
How about a Jeep drive or tour out of Ouray. You'll get into some fabulous mountain scenery for taking pictures. I consider Jeeping in Ouray to be a "don't miss". Hopefully the wildflowers will be in full bloom.
There are all levels of drives considering your 4WD experience or you can just let them take you on a tour.
Box Canyon Falls is a quick, inexpensive and fun thing to do. There's also a swimming pool size hot springs in town.
Ouray has a great website www.ouraycolorado.com
If you do a search here you'll get tons of good advice for Ouray.
Have you considered the Durango/Silverton train? It's another "don't miss".
How about a Jeep drive or tour out of Ouray. You'll get into some fabulous mountain scenery for taking pictures. I consider Jeeping in Ouray to be a "don't miss". Hopefully the wildflowers will be in full bloom.
There are all levels of drives considering your 4WD experience or you can just let them take you on a tour.
Box Canyon Falls is a quick, inexpensive and fun thing to do. There's also a swimming pool size hot springs in town.
Ouray has a great website www.ouraycolorado.com
If you do a search here you'll get tons of good advice for Ouray.
Have you considered the Durango/Silverton train? It's another "don't miss".
