Default Colo Roadtrips Hero with Logo

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

A Grand Tour of the Mountains & Mesas Region

legacy_lii_road_trip_509996

There are special places and unique vistas around nearly every Colorado corner. You can help ensure these places exist for generations to come by staying on roads and trails, keeping speeds in check, leaving campsites and picnic spots just as you found them, and following instructional signs while you’re out and about in our state.

Travel Like a Local

legacy_tip_road_trip_509996

Sheer-walled canyons, monoliths, colorful formations, bighorn sheep, soaring eagles and a spectacular road reflect the environment and history of plateau-and-canyon country. Hike, camp, picnic, rock climb, take ranger-led tours and drive historic Rim Rock Drive.

Colorado National Monument

At Spoons our philosophy is simple - fresh, local, from the heart. Our food not only boasts local flavor but also handmade quality. While you savor your meal, know that you are also supporting HopeWest, a non-profit healthcare organization.

Spoons Bistro & Bakery

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

Little Book Cliffs Wild Horse Area

Sip. Dine. Visit. We serve fresh produce from the Grand Valley in ever-changing ways.

Peche

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 Colorado fruit &amp; wine country. Taste local fruit wines, T-Red, Laughing Cat, Cougar Run wines. Shady back yard. Since 1988.

Carlson Vineyards

Grand Junction's premier destination for travelers who seek an upscale, boutique — and at the same time uniquely down-to-earth — "New West" experience. Located on the Colorado Mesa University campus, we offer an unparalleled location that serves as your base camp for interacting with the university and/or exploring the natural beauty and outdoor recreation that surrounds us.
Breathtaking Landscapes While all the best features of CMU’s campus are a short walk from the hotel, guests can also enjoy close proximity to mountains, rivers, and hiking trails. Plus, the local shops, galleries, and music venues of Downtown Grand Junction are just over a mile away.
Rooftop Drinks &amp; Dinner Whether you’re looking to settle in and study with a freshly-brewed cappuccino at Betty’s Coffee, or you’d like to savor regional fare and craft cocktails with a view at <a href="https://www.devilskitchenrestaurant.com/?utm_source=colorado.com&amp;utm_medium=listing&amp;utm_campaign=hotel_business_listing&#9;https://">Devil’s Kitchen</a>, Hotel Maverick features elevated dining with flavors inspired by our rustic surroundings.

Hotel Maverick

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.

Eat & Run

At Colorado sXs Rentals, LLC, we stock top-of-the-line vehicles from Polaris, the industry’s leader in quality off-road equipment.

Colorado SXS Rentals

Homemade comfort food done right. With pies, beer and smoked meats served every day this is Texas-style at its finest.

Stockyards Restaurant and Lounge

Black Bridge Winery produces a limited number of wines each year.

Black Bridge Winery

Proudly serving our community and visitors in Crested Butte, Colorado since 2009!

Mountain Oven

Qutori Wines means Creativity and Leadership. We are an award winning family owned vineyard and winery in Paonia, Colorado along the West Elks Scenic Byway. The Qutori Vineyard specializes in high altitude Colorado grown Pinot Noir.

Qutori Wines

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.

Eat & Run Again

Located in downtown Gunnison, Colorado surrounded by epic terrain that locals embrace all year round. Family owned and operated, Scott and Stacey started HABC as a way to rule world one delicious pint at a time.

High Alpine Brewing Company

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, motorcycling, rock climbing, horseback riding, trail running, and Nordic skiing.

Hartman Rocks Recreation Area

Our menu includes many surefire ways to destroy your hunger and get you back out there. With Viking Sized Proportions of mountain made burrito magic and a staff that could be described as a collection of burrito prodigies, you can trust us to satisfy.

Teocalli Tamale

Montanya Distillers is a Colorado craft distiller of award-winning rum, founded in 2008. The company moved its headquarters from Silverton, CO to Crested Butte, CO in May 2011. Stop by for a distillery tour, artisan rum cocktail, free rum tasting, appetizer, and a rum experience like no other in the USA! Last call at 9pm. Live music in season!

Montanya Distillers

Located 1 block from Elk Ave, fine restaurants, and unique shops and galleries, the Elk Mountain Lodge has become the premier hotel in downtown Crested Butte. Completely and beautifully renovated, this one-of-a-kind historic inn features complimentary full breakfast and 19 guest rooms with either Queen, Twin, or King beds. Guest rooms are individually decorated. Third floor rooms have balconies with spectacular mountain views. After a long day of skiing or mountain biking, relax in the indoor hot tub or enjoy a drink at the lobby bar.

Elk Mountain Lodge

legacy_itinerary_road_trip_509996

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

Rise & Shine, Then Dine

Elevated comfort food and craft cocktails served with attentive, friendly service.

Climb Elevated Eatery

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.

Drive to Pagosa Springs

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, handmade tacos with amazing flavors and provide our patrons with outstanding customer service.

Kip's Grill & Cantina

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 services to support outdoor adventures. We specialize in biking, hiking, camping, SUP, tubing, cross-county skiing and snowshoeing.

Pagosa Mountain Sports

Alley House Grille is the premier dining destination in Pagosa Springs offering an elegant but casual atmosphere featuring Global/Colorado style fusion cuisine.

Alley House Grille

You &amp; your group of 2-8 people have 60 minutes to find clues, decipher codes &amp; solve puzzles in order to figure your way out of the room before time runs out...CAN YOU ESCAPE?
*Our location has 3 different themed rooms to choose from*

Pagosa Escape Zone

Relax and renew at The Springs Resort - hot springs capital of Colorado, with 25 natural geothermal soaking pools, located downtown Pagosa Springs. The Springs Resort is the perfect escape to soak your worries away. Offering a 79 room boutique hotel you are able to choose your perfect room from a standard king to a luxurious 2 bedroom suite.
Overnight guests of the hotel receive 24-hour access to our 25 soaking pools although day passes are available. Our soaking pools are fed by the ancient waters from the World's Deepest Geothermal Hot Spring. Discover your perfect pool with temperatures ranging from 87–114°F. You are sure to leave with a sense of renewal and rejuvenation, especially after a visit to our spa where we offer massages and facials.

There is a public entrance for non-hotel guests that may purchase daily and annual soaking passes. Please come ready to soak, but shower, towel and robe rentals are also available. *Swimming attire mandatory.

<a href="https://www.pagosahotsprings.com/?utm_source=CTO&amp;utm_medium=website">Book your stay now!</a>

The Springs Resort

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 Two Chicks and a Hippie will be looking for you!

Two Chicks & A Hippie

Chimney Rock Interruptive Association in partnership with the Forest Service would like to share with this amazing preserved archaeological site is located in the Southern edge of the San Juan Mountains in Southwestern Colorado. You’ll walk in the footsteps of the fascinating and enigmatic ancestral Puebloans of Choco Canyon culture, following primitive pathways that haven’t changed for 1,000 years. 
Archaeological structures, abundant wildlife, and it’s setting in the breathtaking San Juan National Forest make Chimney Rock a must see. 
Chimney Rock covers seven square miles and preserves 200 ancient homes and ceremonial buildings. It is the highest in elevation of all of the Chacoan sites, at about 7,600 feet above sea level. The one third mile hike from the Mesa to the top is rewarded with dramatic 360-degree views. 
<a href="http://www.colorado.com/articles/chimney-rock-national-monument-view-ancient-world"></a>

Chimney Rock National Monument

Chimayo Stone Fired Kitchen is a modern American bistro. We specialize in from-scratch Southwestern and Mediterranean cuisine, featuring fresh salads, small plates, artisanal pizzas, fire-roasted steaks, seafood and Latin-inspired entrees-all uniquely prepared in our stone-fired hearth ovens.

Chimayo Stone Fired Kitchen

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

Head to Durango & Stroll Alongside the Animas River Greenway

Old West Cowboy music and comedy stage show and barbecue supper. Fun for the entire family. Memorial Day weekend through Labor day. Reservations required.

Bar D Chuckwagon

THE OFFICE SPIRITORIUM, with its lavish and comfortable décor, can't really be called a bar, saloon, tavern, or lounge but a delightful office away from the office. We are proud to feature one of the best Happy Hours in town. Wine and Beer, Craft Cocktails, and appetizer selection.
DIAMOND BELLE SALOON plays host to the world's finest ragtime entertainers, while costumed dance hall girls and bartenders transport you back to the turn of the last century. Western author Louis L'Amour said the honky-tonk music helped 'set the mood' for his novels of the Old West. The Belle serves a wide variety of delicious lunch, happy hour, and dinner foods, and nightly live entertainment performed by local musicians.
MAHOGANY GRILLE is arguably one of the most unique steak and seafood restaurants in the west. We offer the ambiance of the Victorian Old West as we serve you an array of local traditional favorites and modern small plates. View our fine dining and wine menus at <a href="https://strater.com">www.strater.com</a>.
<a href="https://www.colorado.com/articles/experience-strater-hotel-durango">Experience the Strater Hotel &gt;&gt;</a>
<a href="https://www.colorado.com/visit-durango-channel">Learn more about all there is to see and do in Durango &gt;&gt;</a>

Historic Strater Hotel

Fresh and local food doesn't have to be expensive. Breakfast, lunch coffee, Wi-Fi, freindly staff and relaxing atmosphere.

College Drive Cafe

Experience the adventure of traveling by a historic steam-powered or diesel locomotive on the same tracks miners, cowboys and settlers of the Old West took over a century ago. Wind through spectacular and breathtaking canyons in the remote wilderness of the two-million-acre San Juan National Forest for an unforgettable journey.

Please note: The Durango &amp; Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is open and is running year-round.

<a href="https://www.durangotrain.com/cascade-canyon-winter-train#.X5cRi1NKi3I/?utm_source=colorado_com&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=sponsoredarticle">The Cascade Canyon Winter Train</a> and <a href="https://www.durangotrain.com/events/polar-express%E2%84%A2-train-ride#.X5cRxlNKi3I/?utm_source=colorado_com&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=sponsoredarticle">The POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride</a> begin running mid-November. 

<a href="https://www.colorado.com/articles/durango-silverton-narrow-gauge-railroad-train-colorado-backcountry-packages">Read more about adventures on the Durango Train.</a>

Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and Museum

Savor the flavor of our Wild West atmosphere in Silverton while enjoying some of the best grub around.

Handlebars Food & Saloon

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.

Silverton back to Durango & Beyond to Cortez

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 are comfort food with style, and features locally grown produce and meat, and is a hub for diners seeking fresh and flavorful cuisine. The cozy lounge serves all-Colorado spirits, beer and wine. Customers can buy local produce and eggs, body care products, locally roasted coffee, music, crafts and more at the year-round farm stand. Travelers seeking good food find a welcoming environment that features an art gallery, a selection of used books focused on sustainable living and a community bulletin board. 
At The Farm Bistro in Cortez, you're likely to be sitting next to the farmer who grew your lunch or dinner! Rusty and Laurie Hall's restaurant is an extension of their Mancos farm which, along with other local growers, provides much of the meat and produce. They believe that access to locally grown food is key to a community's well being.

The Farm Bistro

American Indian rugs, jewelry, pottery and an extensive display of historic American Indian art and artifacts.

Notah Dineh Trading Co

Far View Lodge is the only lodging inside Mesa Verde NP. Breathtaking views, award winning cuisine, guided tours of Ancestral Puebloan dwellings, invigorating solitude and endless wildlife watching. RV and camping. Native American handicrafts.
<a href="http://www.colorado.com/articles/10-amazing-experiences-mesa-verde-national-park">Read 10 Amazing Experiences in Mesa Verde &gt;&gt;</a>

Mesa Verde - Far View Lodge

Casual food-court setting features breakfast burritos and omelet station, a yogurt bar, and standard breakfast fare. For lunch, daily specials including our signature Navajo tacos, sandwiches and salad station.

Far View Terrace Cafe

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.

Soda Canyon Overlook Tour

Mesa Verde Metate Room Restaurant received "Award of Culinary Excellence" from the American Culinary Federation Colorado Chefs Association in the area of sustainable cuisine. Colorful Native American artwork surrounds as you enjoy our award winning, contemporary menu.

Metate Room

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

Drive, Hike & Sightsee the Ancients

Delicious sushi rolls, sashimi, nigiri and other specialties. Open for lunch and dinner; happy hour Tuesday through Friday at 4:30pm.

Stonefish Sushi & More

Sown along the Colorado Plateau, Fenceline is dedicated to reviving America's cider tradition, working with historic local orchards to build quality cider from the apple up. Set at the base of the La Plata Mountains, our apples grow amidst the upper tributaries of the mighty Colorado River, flourishing in Montezuma County's rich soil and arid climate.

Fenceline Cider

Mesa Verde vacation in the heart of southwest Colorado. Private, secluded, elegant lakeside cabins, fishing, gear, boats on private lake. Kitchens, wonderful bedding, fireplaces, art, fresh bouquets, libraries, spa products, gardens, streams, woods, views, birding.

Willowtail Springs Nature Preserve and Education Center

Grab fresh-brewed coffee, smoothies, specialty frozen-espresso drinks and breakfast burritos.

Fahrenheit Coffee Roasters

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.

Head for Telluride

The Floradora Saloon is a family-owned and operated restaurant and bar. The menu features fresh, crisp flavors using natural and organic ingredients from the region. Arguably, one of the best burgers in town and don't skimp, get the baked brie!

Floradora Saloon

Telluride's longest standing local guide service. Over the years, TMG has evolved into a team of dedicated professionals who orbit the majestic San Juan Mountains. This intimate, home town knowledge offers a unique portal to adventure.

Telluride Mountain Guides

221 South Oak is set in a tastefully refurbished historic home, steps from the Gondola in Telluride Colorado.  Chef Eliza produces eclectic cuisine in an intimate atmosphere.  221 is perfect for private events, cooking classes or catering for large and small parties.

221 South Oak

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

Explore Telluride

Located a short walk from the Telluride-Mountain Village Gondola, The Peaks Resort &amp; Spa offers warm, welcoming hospitality, a wide selection of comfortable rooms, suites &amp; penthouses, an unmatched collection of onsite amenities, and a convenient ski-in/ski-out location.
The experience at The Peaks Resort includes the ALTEZZA Restaurant, ski valet, fitness center with numerous classes and state-of-the-art equipment, indoor/outdoor pool and lap pool, full-service Spa and salon, as well as spectacular views of the surrounding San Juan Mountains.

The Peaks Resort & Spa

Cuisine with heart and soul, freshly prepared using the highest quality ingredients (local when feasible).

Kate's Place

Alpine Loop Scenic Byway

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 our kitchen and intimate pub. Level two offers our main dining area and brewery. And level three boasts the only rooftop patio in the Switzerland of America. Family-owned and operated, the brewery donates proceeds to local nonprofit organizations. Ouray has all the right ingredients unspoiled scenery and water, a great local community and culture and close proximity to other great breweries. Come join us for a brew and a taste of all Ouray and Ouray Brewery have to offer.

Ouray Brewery

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.

Hike the San Juans Around Ouray

BrickHouse737 is a gathering place that focuses on community, farm fresh ingredients, hospitality &amp; travel inspired dishes.

Brickhouse 737

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 105 degree, plus lap lanes and a Wibit obstacle course and slides, which are open in the summer. Some areas are shallow enough for toddlers (parents must be within arms reach) and have benches.

Ouray Hot Springs Swimming Pool

Historic boutique hotel specializing in couples getaways. Accommodating children 10 years old and above.

Hotel Ouray

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

Head for the Hills (and Canyons) of Montrose

Horsefly Brewing Company believes that each beer should be as honest as possible …. that is, carefully crafted to the style with some added originality. The ingredients are traditional. No cheap adjuncts are used; just locally malted barley, hops, pure water and yeast, with the occasional 'unique' ingredient! Each batch is hand made in small quantities of 7 barrels at a time. Welcome to Montrose's first real brewery!
<a href="http://www.horseflybrewing.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/happyhour-n-stuff.jpg"></a>

Horsefly Brewing Company

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.

Hike the Mesa Creek Trail

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, salads, sandwiches, burgers and desserts, or enjoy a refreshing beverage in our cozy lunge.

The Stone House

See the stars under the stars at the Star Drive-In Theatre.

Star Drive-In Theatre

A year-round playground, the Hampton Inn Montrose hotel is surrounded by scenic mountains, valleys, canyons and lakes. Outdoor enthusiasts will love all the great activities in the area from skiing, to fishing.