Colorado in the Fall
Aug 4, 2018 16:40:01 #
wrk1234
Loc: Russellville, Arkansas
Lokking fgor advsie from anyone who knows Colorado. My wife and I are going to take a trip to Colorado in late September. We already have plans to go on the Durango- Silverton Railroad and plan on going to Telluride , Montrose, Maroon Bells and Aspen. When we leave Durango, I am looking for advise on whether to go from Durango to Telluride via Silverton, Ouray, and Ridgway or going through Dolores and Rico. I also understand that Kebler Pass is very nice in the fall but the road is unpaved. Is the road suitable for an SUV (Toyota Highlander) or a 4 wheel drive vehicle needed? Any more advise on spots we need to see would be appreciated.
Aug 4, 2018 17:08:52 #
Lucius
Loc: Denver, Colorado
There is a photo train trip in Durango you have to book early. Crested Bute is in the Southwest is a good location. Are you going to be near Denver. There is Rocky Mountain National park
Aug 4, 2018 17:42:17 #
wrk1234 wrote:
Lokking fgor advsie from anyone who knows Colorado... (show quote)
I grew up in Denver, but left too long ago to offer serious advice.
But, I will say the area that you are planning to visit is a beautiful place in the fall that you and your wife will truly enjoy.
Have fun, and be prepared to shoot.
Aug 4, 2018 20:00:02 #
Be prepared for some killer landscapes with the most beautiful Aspens in the world. Your travel plans look good to me.
Aug 4, 2018 22:45:30 #
You'll have to watch the weather. Even that time of year can bring snow to the high elevations. I've seen blizzards in July. Good luck.
Aug 5, 2018 05:43:19 #
Wanderer2
Loc: Colorado Rocky Mountains
<<I also understand that Kebler Pass is very nice in the fall but the road is unpaved. Is the road suitable for an SUV (Toyota Highlander) or a 4 wheel drive vehicle needed? >>
I went over Kebler Pass last summer and it was a very well maintained gravel road. Any automobile could go over it easily, at least as it was at that time. If I recall correctly I read somewhere then that Kebler Pass has the largest stand of Aspens in the US.
I went over Kebler Pass last summer and it was a very well maintained gravel road. Any automobile could go over it easily, at least as it was at that time. If I recall correctly I read somewhere then that Kebler Pass has the largest stand of Aspens in the US.
Aug 5, 2018 06:19:52 #
hookedupin2005
Loc: Northwestern New Mexico
wrk1234 wrote:
Lokking fgor advsie from anyone who knows Colorado... (show quote)
You might also want to check out the Cumbres & Toltec Railroad from Chama, New Mexico, to Antonito, Colorado. Also a very beautiful and scenic narrowguage RR.
Aug 5, 2018 06:36:20 #
I was in Durango and went straight up the San Juan Skyway to Silverton. It was unnerving. The road is paved and in excellent condition but there are high, steep drop-offs next to the road and very few guard rails. I had to pull over couple of times when I saw a steep drop-off coming up to get my nerves together. I forced myself to look just straight ahead when I drove through those areas and not look to the side. I found out they don't have many guard rails so the snow plow trucks can push the snow over the edge in the winter. I went to Ouray also but that time I went around the western portion of the San Juan skyway through Dolores and Rico. I remember there was a mock-up of an old west town with gallows just as you would see in a western movie I don't know about the Kebler Pass.
Aug 5, 2018 07:12:02 #
Either way you find an awesome array. Go forget the details and capture the moments both in memory and on SD's. Just be prepared to be impressed.
Aug 5, 2018 07:59:48 #
Make sure you take a few minutes to just sit in a aspen grove and listen as the trees move and the leaves rustle while taking in the wonderous smell. It’s truly magical.
Aug 5, 2018 08:07:48 #
gorgehiker
Loc: Lexington, Ky
I did an amazing 3 week road trip to Colorado from Kentucky last September. I camped at the Amphitheater Campground in Ouray and drove the "million dollar highway" to Silverton many times and loved it. I also enjoyed soaking in the public hot springs pool in Ouray. If you are in Montrose, don't miss the Black Canyon of the Gunnison which is just amazing with numerous overlooks next to the road with minimal walking. Sand Dunes National Park is also very nice, especially if you can do some hiking up the dunes or to Zapata Falls. My favorite national Park is Rocky Mountain National Park with short or long trails and a road through the middle of the park that takes you to really high mountains. If you are a camper, camp at Morraine Park Campground and fall asleep listening to the wild sounds of the elk bugle in the fall. Have fun!
Aug 5, 2018 08:15:12 #
Kebler pass is a beautiful and a well maintained gravel road passable by most cars (SUV no problem). While at Ridgway you have to eat at True Grit Cafe (John Wayne) and check out the Sneffles mountain range from the roadside viewpoint at Dallas Divide west of Ridgway (if you like that scenery and you do not mind narrow gravel roads in your high clearance vehicle, try gravel county roads (CR) CR5, CR7, and/or CR9 southwest of Ridgway for spectacular roadside views). In addition to the very nice Durango Silverton Railroad, the Cumbres Toltec narrow gauge railroad in south east Colorado is also very nice and is a longer ride! Have fun!
Aug 5, 2018 08:22:57 #
"Million Dollar Highway", "Silver Thread" (South Fork to Lake City). Delores to Ridgeway, Great Sand Dunes, Crested Butte, Black Canyon, and Rocky Mountain National Park.
And for photographers, the Silverton Train is having a photographer's special Sept. 22 and 23. The photography train does not go all the way to Silverton, but it stops several times, lets passengers off, then backs up and comes steaming toward you. I did the winter version of this last year and it was great. Am planning to do this one also.
Bill
And for photographers, the Silverton Train is having a photographer's special Sept. 22 and 23. The photography train does not go all the way to Silverton, but it stops several times, lets passengers off, then backs up and comes steaming toward you. I did the winter version of this last year and it was great. Am planning to do this one also.
Bill
Aug 5, 2018 08:55:49 #
Definetly go see Mesa Verde National Park. Late afternoon sun the best for many of the cliff dwellings to be in full light. And it's a beautiful drive from Durango with old wooden barns in green fields along the highway. Not to be missed!
Aug 5, 2018 09:18:31 #
wrk1234 wrote:
Lokking fgor advsie from anyone who knows Colorado... (show quote)
First, have a great trip. Second, post lots-o photos when you return. I did the Colorado Front Range a few years back from Estes Park to Mt. Evans to Garden of the Gods. Have started to make plans for a Fall 2019 trip to see Telluride. Aspen and The Bells. I remember how good your shots of Mabry Mill were so when you get back, how about you post and show me what I should look for.
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.