Retired couple first time visit to Colorado

Question

We are a retired couple planning a road trip in May or June to Colorado. We will have four full days to spend. Rather than try to see too much of the state in a short time , we would like to stay in a specific area.

We’re thinking of staying in Durango, visiting Mesa Verde, Silverton, Telluride and Ouray. Maybe ride the train and drive the million dollar highway. If time permits maybe even drive to Moab UT but that may not be possible.

Does this sound like a good plan, or is there another area of the state that we might enjoy? I know it’s all beautiful. We’re both in good health, but aren’t interested in hiking. Primarily just want nice scenery , restaurants, etc. Thanks!

Answer

Your plan to base yourselves in Durango for four days is a very sensible approach for a first-time Colorado visit focused on scenery, historic towns, and leisurely experiences rather than hiking or high-adrenaline activities. Southwestern Colorado offers some of the most dramatic landscapes, charming towns, and cultural attractions in the state, all accessible by car.

Here’s how your itinerary could work:

Durango: Use Durango as your home base. The town itself is charming, with a historic downtown, good restaurants, and local shops. It’s also where you can catch the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, a must-do scenic train ride through the San Juan Mountains.
Silverton: A short drive north from Durango along the train route or via road. Silverton is a historic mining town with well-preserved architecture. Even if you don’t ride the train, driving to Silverton offers beautiful scenery, and you can include stops along the way for photos.
Million Dollar Highway / Ouray / Telluride: From Silverton, continue north along the Million Dollar Highway (Highway 550). The drive itself is spectacular, featuring steep cliffs and dramatic mountain views. Ouray is a picturesque mountain town, often called the “Switzerland of America,” with hot springs and quaint streets. Telluride is slightly off the main route but worth visiting for its stunning box canyon setting and vibrant main street with shops and restaurants.
Mesa Verde National Park: Consider a day trip from Durango to Mesa Verde. The park is famous for well-preserved cliff dwellings and accessible viewpoints. Driving through the park is straightforward and provides a sense of history and culture without strenuous hiking.

Optional considerations:

Driving to Moab, UT is feasible but ambitious for a 4-day trip. It’s about a 3-hour drive from Durango to Moab each way. If you do Moab, you may need to cut back on time in Silverton, Ouray, or Telluride.
Staying in just one area reduces packing/unpacking stress and lets you enjoy the scenery at a relaxed pace.
Southwestern Colorado is ideal for a scenic road trip with minimal hiking: mountain passes, river valleys, historic towns, and great dining options.

Alternative regions to consider, if you wanted to compare:

Estes Park / Rocky Mountain National Park: Classic alpine scenery, easy drives, and charming town. Less southwestern flavor, more high-altitude mountain vistas.
Vail / Aspen / Glenwood Springs: Scenic drives and mountain towns, with cultural amenities and mild adventure activities, but more crowded in late spring/early summer.

Overall, your plan for Durango, Silverton, Ouray, Telluride, and Mesa Verde maximizes stunning scenery and cultural highlights while keeping driving manageable and avoiding strenuous activities. It’s a great choice for a relaxed first-time Colorado visit.

Retired couple first time visit to Colorado

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