Guisado Loc: El Paso, Texas

Absolutely allow some time to roam around Ouray, Co. Don't miss the box canyon falls on the south side of town
This is Gods Country at its finest

Dan Mc Loc: NM

If you go to Gateway, a MUST see is the car museum there!!! A real marvel of a collection that was once owned (and may still be) owned by the owner of the Discovery Network).....do spend some time in there, and talk about photo ops!!!

nhastings Loc: Telluride, CO

I would agree with mansfield. However, if you have a 4 wheel drive vehicle and have time to get "off-road" there are some spectacular shots off the highway just meandering around on the side tracks. Go to a sporting goods store or book store and purchase a good off-road map. Just explore and keep your eyes open. One great road to explore (not difficult) is Black Bear Pass just south of Ouray. You get up high and there are some great shots of the San Juan Mountains just make sure you turn around before taking the plunge into Telluride. VERY DANGEROUS! Spend some time in Silverton and drive up to the old town of Animas. Again, this is all assuming you have 4 wheel drive. If you don't have the appropriate vehicle, just enjoy the beauty of the San Juans from the Highway. A beautiful drive. Another great side trip would be to Telluride for a day. Take the gondola and just roam around the old historic town where Butch Cassidy robed his first bank. And if you have 4 wheel drive you might take the road over Imogene Pass from Ouray to Telluride. Wonderful trip into the high country. If you have any further questions, send me a private message. This is my back yard.

Have fun and enjoy! Neil

Rich1939 Loc: Pike County Penna.

For anyone reading this thread with a future travel interest in the area, if you can fit in another 90 minutes, going by way of Gateway and then to Ridgeway will add much more visual interest and photo ops, to your trip. The usual direct route from Grand Junction to about Ridgeway is pretty boring, my apologies to residents of Delta, Olathe and Montrose et al. but, I’ve taken both routes more than just a few times and this is my honest opinion. The other points of interest like Ouray and Silverton are all south of Ridgeway so you will still get to see them.

nhastings Loc: Telluride, CO

Could not agree with you more. The drive from Ridgway to G. Junction is just a drive through high desert. Also, to another poster's remarks, John Hendricks does indeed own Gateway Canyons Resort and the iconic car museum. I totally agree it is worth the time to see his collection. If you have the time and money it would be worth spending a night at Gateway. Surprising gem in the middle of the desert; but it is expensive.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

If you want to take the scenic route go 70 to 65 over Grand Mesa then to Delta. I would definitely not miss Gunnison Gorge as others have said.
Ths area has so much to see it took me several trips and I still haven't seen all I want.
We were in Montrose for the 4th of July and some people we did not know invited us to their neighborhood party and to watch the fireworks that evening. The small communities are very friendly if you are and take time to visit the locals.
Again there are many places suggested in this thread and they are all good opportunities.

DVZ Loc: Littleton CO

My wife and I just visited Black Canyon of the Gunnison, it's one of my favorite spots. I also prefer turning SouthWest at Ridgway thru Placerville past Telluride. Mesa Verde National Park is very interesting to visit. I don't know if you are planning on camping but neither campground fills up that fast.

Flowergirl

If you do the train from Silverton to Durango or vise versa, try to get in one of the last cars that way you can get the whole train going round the bends. It is a great trip. We did it in the fall.

Sam Dog

Good thread as I will be in the area on the 6th of August on the way back to Denver on the 7th and 8th. Before we will be in Moab, Blanding, Bluff area's for three nights. Again thanks for this thread.