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Hotel Class: 
3 Stars - 94 Opinions
21691 US Hwy 160 W, Durango, Colorado, 81301, United States
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of people enjoy staying here
94 Opinions
This is the View from our cabin in Bayfield
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We have 6 days to spend in Colorado. We are very anxious to get to the mountains to take in all the breathtaking scenery, do some hiking to waterfalls and take lots of pictures. We will be spending the night in Cortez prior to Day one, so we will be able to get a very early start in Mesa Verde. We want to take a couple guided tours with climbing ladders, and take pictures from the overlooks etc. What time will be able to get out of the Mesa Verde park? Should we stay in Durango (is it scenic with mountains?) or should we drive on up to Ouray that first day ? We want to spend Day 2 driving through and exploring Ouray (hiking to Bear Creek Falls, Cascade Falls and Box Canyon Falls),Ridgway (eating at True Grit Cafe?) and taking some pictures at the overlooks of Black Canyon of the Gunnison. We would probably stay in Gunnison or Canon City if that is not too far to drive? Day 3 we were thinking of seeing Royal Gorge and Cheyenne Park (to see Silver Cascade Falls and Seven Falls). Day 4 we will do Pikes Cogway and Garden of the Gods. Day 5 and 6 we were thinking of going to RMNP. Is this a feasible iteiniary? If not what should we eliminate?
When are you doing this?
> What time will be able to get out of the Mesa Verde park?
You can get there when the gate opens, but, since you want to do a ranger-guided tour, then you should check the schedule for the one that you want and show up for that. http://www.nps.gov/meve/planyourvisit/hours.htm
It only takes about 15 minutes to get from Cortez to Mesa Verde.
> Should we stay in Durango (is it scenic with mountains?) or should we drive on up to Ouray that first day ?
Durango has a lot more going on over Ouray as far as restaurants and nightlife, so it may be better for you to spend the night in Durango. It's very pretty and there are mountains, but not quite to the point of Ouray and points north.
> Day 5 and 6 we were thinking of going to RMNP.
You're missing Denver. I guess if you're just looking for outdoor stuff, then, yeah, you can go to RMNP. I really like Denver though. You're also missing Boulder and Golden Gate State Park.
How soon you can leave Mesa Verde depends on how much you want to see. I'd plan on being there first thing in the morning and booking your tours right away. Having been there (and stayed in Cortez) a few years back, I should warn you that the drive up the mesa isn't a quickie. I think it took an hour or so to get to the top on a winding, switchback road. There are numerous pulloffs along the way with fantastic vistas so you want to do some of those.
If doing Black Canyon, I highly recommend staying in Montrose. It's very close to the park and a really nice little town with good restaurants. The overlooks at Black Canyon are just gorgeous!
The train trip from Durango to Silverton is a definite MUST when visiting Durango. If the price is too steep, consider a one-way train trip, boarding a bus to Silverton and taking the train back. This city has lots of walking trails and parks, my favorite is the paved trail along the Animas River which runs through the city.
Whatever Walking/Hiking shoes, whether you are touring main street or taking advantage of the many excellent trails in the area (the Colorado trail runs from Durango to Denver), chances are you will be spending a lot of time on your feet.
Light, comfortable clothing in the summer, warm layers in winter (depending on the day I wear anything from a t-shirt to a winter coat)
Many people would want to bring a hat, the sun is much more intense in dry climate at 6500 feet than it is at sea level.
Mid-July through mid-September is our monsoon season, accompanied by sudden, brief downpours and thunderstorms in the afternoon. Sunscreen!
If camping, don't use fruity shampoo if you can help it, the bears are really hungry this year! Anything you want! If you decide to go camping or hiking in the mountains or the desert, be sure to bring plenty of water! Every person in your group should have their own supply when hiking, preferably more than those dinky little 8-12 oz bottles. The dry climate, wind, intense sun, altitude, and physical exertion all conspire to dehydrate you. A properly hydrated person will have more energy and will be less susceptable to altitude sickness. Remember, if you start to feel thirsty, your already 2 quarts behind!
Also, if you are camping, make sure you keep your food in a bear-resistant location and never sleep with food or wrappers in your tent! Nylon will not stop a bear!
This is the oldest hotel in Durango, which was finished in 1893. The hotel has a good collection of antique items from Durango's past. Included with the hotel is the famous Diamond Belle Saloon. Please note that I am listing this as a must see activity because I did not stay in this hotel.
Durango is the largest town in southwestern Colorado. Durango's claim to fame is its railroad, the Durango and Silverton Railroad. We came to Durango to take an excursion on the railroad. Durango also has a nice downtown, which definitely has an old western appeal to it. The town is large enough to have a lot of services too. Durango is a great location for a vacation destination.
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Address: 21691 US Hwy 160 W, Durango, Colorado, 81301, United States
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