A Grand Tour of the Mountains & Mesas Region

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 days
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Tour the scenic and friendly towns of the Mountains & Mesas region, from the red-stone canyons to ancient cliff dwellings to towering and jagged peaks of the San Juan mountains and beyond.

Sustainability Activity
5 Steps to Care for Coloradans

Here are some ways to be conscientious and caring on your adventures, while ensuring you make the most out of every second of your vacation. Learn More

Day
1
colorado national monument photo
Activity
Colorado National Monument
Sheer-walled canyons, monoliths, colorful formations, bighorn sheep, soaring eagles and a spectacular road reflect the environment and history of…
Lunch
Spoons Bistro & Bakery
At Spoons our philosophy is simple - fresh, local, from the heart. Our food not only boasts local flavor but also handmade quality. While you…
Activity
Little Book Cliffs Wild Horse Area

The wild horse area north of Grand Junction is one of only three wild horse reserves in the country.

Dinner
Peche
Sip. Dine. Visit. We serve fresh produce from the Grand Valley in ever-changing ways.
Activity
Carlson Vineyards
While we take the art of winemaking seriously, we like to have fun too. Small farm winery produces premium Colorado-grown wines in the heart of…
Lodging
Hotel Maverick
Grand Junction's premier destination for travelers who seek an upscale, boutique — and at the same time uniquely down-to-earth — "New West"…
Day
2
Activity
Eat & Run

Swing by Betty's Gourmet Coffee — in the Hotel Maverick — before hopping on the Grand Mesa Scenic Byway headed toward the town of Delta, making a stop for adventure in Cedaredge along the way.

Activity
Altitude Outdoor Adventures
We our a local family owned business offering mountain biking, snowmobile, ATV, fly-fishing and ice-fishing tours on Grand Mesa. We also have a…
Lunch
Stockyards Restaurant and Lounge
Homemade comfort food done right. With pies, beer and smoked meats served every day this is Texas-style at its finest.
Activity
Black Bridge Winery
Black Bridge Winery produces a limited number of wines each year.
Dinner
Mountain Oven
Proudly serving our community and visitors in Crested Butte, Colorado since 2009!
Activity
Qutori Wines
Qutori Wines means Creativity and Leadership. We are an award winning family owned vineyard and winery in Paonia, Colorado along the West Elks Scenic…
Lodging
Hotel Maverick
Grand Junction's premier destination for travelers who seek an upscale, boutique — and at the same time uniquely down-to-earth — "New West"…
Day
3
Activity
Eat & Run Again

Munch breakfast from ingredients grown on site at the Living Farm before leaving Paonia and hitting the road on the West Elk Loop Scenic Byway with an eye toward Gunnison.

Lunch
High Alpine Brewing Company
Located in downtown Gunnison, Colorado surrounded by epic terrain that locals embrace all year round. Family owned and operated, Scott and Stacey…
Activity
Hartman Rocks Recreation Area
Located just on the outskirts of the city, Hartman Rocks is one of Gunnison's greatest gems. It's a paradise of desert mountain biking, hiking,…
Dinner
Lil's Sushi Bar & Grill
We are proud to offer you the best selection in town with fresh, never-frozen fish flown in 6 days a week!
Activity
Montanya Distillers
Montanya Distillers is a Colorado craft distiller of award-winning rum, founded in 2008. The company moved its headquarters from Silverton, CO to…
Lodging
Elk Mountain Lodge
Located 1 block from Elk Ave, fine restaurants, and unique shops and galleries, the Elk Mountain Lodge has become the premier hotel in downtown…
Day
4
Insider's Tip
Rise & Shine, Then Dine

Get up early and head south toward Pagosa Springs, with a scenic stop for late breakfast in Lake City along the way.

Breakfast
Climb Elevated Eatery
Elevated comfort food and craft cocktails served with attentive, friendly service.
Activity
Drive to Pagosa Springs

Take in the alpine scenery on the beautiful three-hour drive to Pagosa Springs, passing through the mountain towns of Creede and South Fork along the way.

Lunch
Kip's Grill & Cantina
Kip's Grill started operating out of a caboose on the side of the Highway in Del Norte, Colorado in 1996. The goal was to create seriously fresh,…
Activity
Pagosa Mountain Sports
We are a bicycle and outdoor gear store, including tubes for floating in the San Juan River right in town. We offer clothing, equipment and…
Dinner
Alley House Grille
Alley House Grille is the premier dining destination in Pagosa Springs offering an elegant but casual atmosphere featuring Global/Colorado style…
Lodging
The Springs Resort
Relax and renew at The Springs Resort - hot springs capital of Colorado, with 25 natural geothermal soaking pools, located downtown Pagosa Springs…
Day
5
Breakfast
Two Chicks & A Hippie
Come join us for a cup of joe and a treat with friends. Or come and try our full breakfast and lunch. don't forget about all our baked yummys. The…
Activity
Chimney Rock National Monument
Chimney Rock Interruptive Association in partnership with the Forest Service would like to share with this amazing preserved archaeological…
Lunch
Chimayo Stone Fired Kitchen
Chimayo Stone Fired Kitchen is a modern American bistro. We specialize in from-scratch Southwestern and Mediterranean cuisine, featuring fresh…
Activity
Head to Durango & Stroll Alongside the Animas River Greenway

Along the way, you'll pas the Durango State Fish Hatchery and Wildlife Museum, as well as Ska Brewing Company — both must-make stops.

Dinner
Bar D Chuckwagon
Old West Cowboy music and comedy stage show and barbecue supper. Fun for the entire family. Memorial Day weekend through Labor day. Reservations…
Lodging
Historic Strater Hotel
THE OFFICE SPIRITORIUM, with its lavish and comfortable décor, can't really be called a bar, saloon, tavern, or lounge but a delightful office…
Day
6
Breakfast
College Drive Cafe
Fresh and local food doesn't have to be expensive. Breakfast, lunch coffee, Wi-Fi, freindly staff and relaxing atmosphere.
Activity
Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and Museum
Experience the adventure of traveling by a historic steam-powered or diesel locomotive on the same tracks miners, cowboys and settlers of the Old…
Lunch
Handlebars Food & Saloon
Savor the flavor of our Wild West atmosphere in Silverton while enjoying some of the best grub around.
Activity
Silverton back to Durango & Beyond to Cortez

Ride the bus back from Silverton to Durango over a portion of the San Juan Skyway Scenic Byway, then hop in your own car and head for Cortez for the evening.

Dinner
The Farm Bistro
The Farm Bistro is a casual yet elegant farm to table restaurant in the heart of historic downtown Cortez, Colorado. The lunch and dinner menus…
Activity
Notah Dineh Trading Co
American Indian rugs, jewelry, pottery and an extensive display of historic American Indian art and artifacts.
Lodging
Mesa Verde - Far View Lodge
Far View Lodge is the only lodging inside Mesa Verde NP. Breathtaking views, award winning cuisine, guided tours of Ancestral Puebloan dwellings,…
Day
7
Breakfast
Far View Terrace Cafe
Casual food-court setting features breakfast burritos and omelet station, a yogurt bar, and standard breakfast fare. For lunch, daily specials…
Activity
Soda Canyon Overlook Tour

The 1.2-mile Soda Canyon Overlook walk in the morning gives visitors a chance to view Balcony House, taking advantage of its east facing exposure.

Lunch
Metate Room
Mesa Verde Metate Room Restaurant received "Award of Culinary Excellence" from the American Culinary Federation Colorado Chefs Association in the…
Activity
Drive, Hike & Sightsee the Ancients

Drive along the Trail of the Ancients Scenic Byway, hike Sand Canyon and visit the Canyons of the Ancients National Monument.

Dinner
Stonefish Sushi & More
Delicious sushi rolls, sashimi, nigiri and other specialties. Open for lunch and dinner; happy hour Tuesday through Friday at 4:30pm.
Activity
Fenceline Cider
Sown along the Colorado Plateau, Fenceline is dedicated to reviving America's cider tradition, working with historic local orchards to build…
Lodging
Willowtail Springs Lakeside Cabins
Willowtail Springs has a gallery on site featuring a variety of paintings, sculpture and hand cast paper, mixed media, drawings, pastels and other…
Day
8
Breakfast
Absolute Bakery & Cafe
Dedicated to the art of food, the Absolute Bakery & Cafe prepares food from scratch, using only the finest of organic and local ingredients. It's no…
Activity
Head for Telluride

In less than two hours, you'll find the alpine paradise of Telluride tucked away in a lovely box canyon lined with historic buildings and boutique cafes and shops.

Lunch
Floradora Saloon
The Floradora Saloon is a family-owned and operated restaurant and bar. The menu features fresh, crisp flavors using natural and organic…
Activity
Telluride Mountain Guides
Telluride's longest standing local guide service. Over the years, TMG has evolved into a team of dedicated professionals who orbit the majestic San…
Dinner
221 South Oak
221 South Oak is set in a tastefully refurbished historic home, steps from the Gondola in Telluride Colorado.  Chef Eliza produces eclectic…
Activity
Explore Telluride

Walk around town and enjoy the Old West and Victorian ambiance on the beautifully preserved Main Street.

Lodging
The Peaks Resort & Spa
Located a short walk from the Telluride-Mountain Village Gondola, The Peaks Resort & Spa offers warm, welcoming hospitality, a wide selection of…
Day
9
Breakfast
Kate's Place
Cuisine with heart and soul, freshly prepared using the highest quality ingredients (local when feasible).
Activity
Alpine Loop - Scenic and Historic Byway
Crosses the remote, rugged heart of the San Juan Mountains.
Lunch
Ouray Brewery
The Ouray Brewery is open daily. Our brewery has three levels with fine food and outstanding craft brews offered on each floor. Level one houses…
Activity
Hike the San Juans Around Ouray

Many trails begin in the foothills right outside downtown, so access is easy and the views are magnificent. The Ouray Trails Group maintains more than 75 trails ranging from short, easy hikes to more challenging ones.

Dinner
Brickhouse 737
BrickHouse737 is a gathering place that focuses on community, farm fresh ingredients, hospitality & travel inspired dishes.
Activity
Ouray Hot Springs Swimming Pool
Nearly one million gallons of clear hot springs water, without the sulfur smell common in many hot springs. There are 3 pools ranging from 80 to…
Lodging
Hotel Ouray
Historic boutique hotel specializing in couples getaways. Accommodating children 10 years old and above.
Day
10
Breakfast
Kate's Place
Cuisine with heart and soul, freshly prepared using the highest quality ingredients (local when feasible).
Activity
Head for the Hills (and Canyons) of Montrose

Make the winding half-hour drive from Ridgway to Montrose, past Ridgway State Park, farms and ranches set beneath bluffs and mountains.

Lunch
Horsefly Brewing Company
Horsefly Brewing Company believes that each beer should be as honest as possible …. that is, carefully crafted to the style with some added…
Activity
Hike the Mesa Creek Trail

The sheer walls and extreme narrowness of the Black Canyon are appreciated along this trail as well as views from the base of the Morrow Point Dam.

Dinner
The Stone House
A great place to stop for lunch or dinner on your way to the San Juan mountains! Featuring steaks, seafood and pasta, as well as delectable soups,…
Lodging
Hampton Inn Montrose
A year-round playground, the Hampton Inn Montrose hotel is surrounded by scenic mountains, valleys, canyons and lakes. Outdoor enthusiasts will love…