Southwest Itinerary

The Facts:
Start Location: Gunnison
Distance: 335 miles
Suggested Duration: 6–8 days
Map of Route 
 

 

 

Itinerary Summary: This Colorado journey travels through varied terrain, including the arid canyon lands near Durango and the lush forests and alpine peaks near Telluride. In addition to changing landscapes, the history and attractions of the area change often and quickly. In the extreme southwest, near Cortez, explore Mesa Verde National Park, home to Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings, and near Silverton, travel deep beneath the earth at the Old Hundred Gold Mine Tour. Along this route lie miles of intriguing terrain and multiple reasons to vacation in Southwest Colorado.

 

Destinations Include

Taylor River

Gunnison River

Anglers rejoice! The southwest is a fisherman’s paradise. Start your trip in Gunnison by casting your line into the gold-medal rated Taylor River. Or, fish from a drift boat for rainbow and brown trout—and occasionally even salmon—in the Gunnison River.
 

Day Two
From Gunnison, head west on Highway 50 toward Montrose and explore the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. Hold tight to the railing as you peer down a canyon that descends 2,722 feet below. There are great hiking trails in the area, so pack a picnic lunch and discover one of Colorado’s great treasures.

Day Three

From Montrose, travel south on Highway 550 to Ouray. Check into the historic St. Elmo Hotel and go panning for gold on the Old Hundred Gold Mine Tour. And don't forget to check out the area ghost towns. Try four-wheeling while you’re visiting—the city has earned the much-deserved reputation as the "Jeeping Capital of the World". 4x4 roads, rated from easy to difficult, traverse a variety of terrain from extreme high mountain passes to areas of spectacular wildflowers that blanket the ground. In the evening, enjoy a hearty dinner at a local restaurant.

Day Four and Five

Continue on to Telluride via Highway 550 north to Highway 62 west then onto highway 145 heading east. This picturesque mountain town located at the base of the San Juan Mountains leaves visitors marveling at its beauty. Feed your adventurous side by enjoying a rafting trip on the San Miguel, Dolores or Uncompahgre Rivers. Then explore the town of Telluride which includes great shops and art galleries. Spend the evening at the notable New Sheridan Hotel, Telluride’s most popular resting place.

Day Six and Seven

Leaving Telluride, continue driving south on highway 145 and follow the San Juan Skyway Scenic & Historic Byway south to Cortez. From Cortez, head east on Highway 160. Stop to explore Mesa Verde National Park and the one-of-a-kind cliff dwellings of the Ancestral Puebloans. Then, discover the old west in Durango. Once you arrive in Durango, saddle up for a horseback trail ride, or check into the historic Strater Hotel and enjoy a drink at the Diamond Belle Saloon and dinner at the Mahogany Grille. Hop aboard the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad for a 45-mile trip through the rugged San Juan Mountains to Silverton where visitors can lunch and shop before re-boarding for the trip home.

Day Eight

After an action-packed trip, spend the last day soaking in The Springs Resort in Pagosa Springs. Go east on Highway 160 to Pagosa Springs and check out The Ancestral Puebloan ruins at Chimney Rock Archeological Area. Hike, bike or go on a horseback ride along serene mountain trails to local waterfalls and breathtaking vistas.

Insiders Tip:
Telluride has been coined the City of Festivals, and the title pretty-much guarantees that any summer weekend, you're likely to stumble upon a fun event or festival. This mountain community's most famous fest is the Telluride Bluegrass Festival, which draws national acts to the outdoor amphitheater each June.

Travel Information:
Colorado Welcome Center, Cortez
US Highway 160, 928 Main Street
(970) 565-4048