Southwest Itinerary
The Facts:
Start Location: Gunnison
Distance: 335 miles
Suggested Duration: 6–8 days
Map of Route
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
After an action-packed trip, spend the last day soaking in the 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