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
As Colorado continues to take steady and thoughtful steps to reopening, the health and safety of visitors remains our highest priority. 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 >>
Sustainability Activity
Day
1
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.
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.
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.
Day
4
Insider's Tip
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.
Day
5
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.
Day
6
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.
Day
7
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.
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.COTREX
Map the Trail
Day
8
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.
Activity
Explore Telluride
Walk around town and enjoy the Old West and Victorian ambiance on the beautifully preserved Main Street.
Day
9
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.
Day
10
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.
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