OKC to Durango/Telluride road trip

Question

Need help planning a road trip from OKC to Durango, CO and then possibly to Telluride.

Family of 4, 2 parents and our 18 and 20 year old kids.

Looking for fun/great restaurants, places to stay (Airbnb/VRBO/hotel) scenic views, great pit stops, anything worth seeing really!

Anticipated route is OKC to Amarillo to Albuquerque to Durango OR OKC to SantaFe through Carson Natl Forest to Chama to Pagosa Springs to Durango

Open to veering from this as well.

Going end of March.

Answer

Awesome trip — that whole corridor (OKC → Amarillo → New Mexico → SW Colorado) is a gorgeous drive and late March can be a fantastic time to see wide open high-desert scenery, snow-topped peaks, hot springs and charming mountain towns. Below I give two practical route options (fast & classic Route-66 style vs. the more scenic Santa Fe / Chama / Pagosa approach), a sample pacing plan, can’t-miss stops, dining & place-to-stay ideas in Durango and Telluride, a hot-springs recommendation, and safety/seasonal tips for late March.

Which route to choose (quick summary)

Route A — OKC → Amarillo → Albuquerque → Durango — faster, more straightforward interstate driving with classic Route 66 and roadside attractions (Cadillac Ranch, Tucumcari, etc.). Great if you want to minimize winding mountain roads and maximize time in towns. There are lots of quirky stops along the way.
Route B — OKC → Santa Fe → Carson Natl Forest → Chama → Pagosa Springs → Durango — slower but far more scenic and “Southwest back-roads” in feel. You’ll drive forested byways and get remote high-desert views; perfect if you want landscapes, art, and a hot-springs soak on the approach to Durango. The Carson National Forest stretch is pleasant and scenic—worthwhile if you prefer scenery over speed.

Which I’d pick

If your family likes interesting roadside Americana (and you want a simpler drive), take Route A via Amarillo and Albuquerque. If you want dramatic high-country scenery, art, and hot springs (and don’t mind slower driving), take Route B through Santa Fe / Chama / Pagosa Springs. Both work — it’s just a question of pace and what you value more on the drive.

Sample 6-day plan (flexible — you can compress or expand)

Day 1 — OKC → Amarillo
- Drive out from OKC and plan a fun stop at Cadillac Ranch for the classic photo and spray-painting moment, then overnight in Amarillo. (Easy to reach off I-40.)
- Restaurant tip (Amarillo): The Big Texan is an iconic, lively stop if you want classic Texas steaks and a showy experience.
Day 2 — Amarillo → Albuquerque (Route A) / Amarillo → Santa Fe (Route B)
- Route A: Drive the I-40 stretch, stop in Tucumcari for murals and Route-66 nostalgia, and arrive in Albuquerque Old Town for an evening stroll. The Route-66 corridor has lots of quirky pit stops.
- Route B: Head southwest toward Santa Fe — enjoy the Plaza, local galleries, and New Mexican cuisine (salsa + green chile!). Use Santa Fe as an overnight; if you have time the Ghost Ranch / Abiquiú area is a famous scenic detour (requires more time).
Day 3 — Albuquerque / Santa Fe → Pagosa Springs → Durango
- If you took Route A, you can push north from Albuquerque toward Durango (longer day) or stop in Santa Fe first for a late lunch.
- If you took Route B, travel the scenic US-84/285 and through Carson National Forest toward Chama and Pagosa Springs; enjoy a soak at The Springs Resort in Pagosa Springs before continuing to Durango—this is an excellent, restorative stop.
Day 4 — Durango: train or town day
- Do the famous Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad — the scenic steam/diesel train ride up to Silverton is a highlight and a relaxing way to see the San Juan scenery without stressful mountain driving. Book early (seasonal).
- Downtown Durango has great restaurants and an enjoyable riverwalk for evening strolling. Consider trying local favorites (brewpubs, chimayo/stone-fired pizza, classic diners) — Durango’s food scene is lively for its size.
Day 5 — Durango → Telluride day trip (or overnight in Telluride)
- Drive over to Telluride (allow time — mountain driving and weather dependent). In Telluride you’ll find a gorgeous box-canyon town, gondola rides to Mountain Village, and excellent dining (Allred’s for a special meal, Brown Dog Pizza for casual). If your family wants relaxation and a special evening, consider staying overnight in Telluride.
Day 6 — Return toward OKC or continue home from Albuquerque
- Depending on your end point and flight logistics you can either drive back via your chosen route or route through Albuquerque for flights. Factor in extra time if weather turns wintery in the high passes.

Top pit-stops & scenic highlights (don’t miss)

Cadillac Ranch (Amarillo) — classic Route 66 photo stop and spray-can fun.
Tucumcari — murals, neon signs and a great retro Route-66 vibe.
Albuquerque Old Town / Sandia Crest — Old Town plaza and views from Sandia Peak (tramway in season).
Santa Fe Plaza & Canyon roads — art, culture, and unique New Mexican food (green chile!).
Pagosa Springs — The Springs Resort for geothermal pools and a true soak break before the mountains.
Durango & Silverton train — a signature scenic experience that’s relaxing and spectacular for photos.
Mesa Verde — if you have time from Durango, the cliff dwellings are extraordinary (day-trip worthy; plan park hours/tour tickets).

Durango — places to eat & stay

Restaurants: Durango has everything from casual diners to rooftop dining — local favorites often include Steamworks Brewing (brewpub), Derailed Pour House for casual eats, Chimayo or Eolus for dinner. Downtown Durango’s dining options are lively and walkable.
Where to stay: Downtown hotels (Strater Hotel, General Palmer) or riverfront inns keep you in the heart of town; there are also many VRBO/Airbnb cottages if you prefer more privacy.

Telluride — what to expect & dining

Telluride is a compact, beautiful box-canyon town with a free gondola that connects to Mountain Village (great for panoramic views). It has an elevated dining scene — Allred’s is a special-occasion spot with spectacular views; Brown Dog Pizza is a beloved casual option. Book ahead if you plan a weekend or dinner at peak times.

Hot springs — best choices on your route

Pagosa Springs — The Springs Resort: dozens of pools and a full resort option with soaking circuits — ideal for a restorative stop between Santa Fe and Durango. It’s family-friendly but also offers adult areas and spa services.
Other options: Durango area has smaller soaking options and Ouray/Glenwood (if you veer further north) are famous — but Pagosa is closest and easiest from the Santa Fe/Chama approach.

Practical tips & late March cautions

Check road conditions & weather: High mountain passes can still have snow or closures in late March — especially near Telluride and some back roads. Have chains or a capable vehicle, and check each state DOT and national forest alerts the morning you travel.
Book key things in advance: If you want the Durango & Silverton train, Mesa Verde guided tours, or a particular hot-spring time slot, reserve early — spring weekends can sell out.
Pace your driving: The Santa Fe → Chama → Pagosa → Durango route is breathtaking but slower; plan extra time and daylight. If you have young adults who want adventure, Telluride’s drives are fun but can be steep and curvy.

Final thoughts

If you want a family trip that mixes history, scenery, light adventure and a memorable train ride, I’d personally recommend the Santa Fe / Pagosa → Durango route if you have the time — it’s more scenic and includes the lovely Pagosa Springs soak before Durango. If you’re after a faster, classic cross-country road-trip vibe with Route-66 nostalgia, take the Amarillo → Albuquerque route and save time for Telluride as an extra overnight stay.

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