October visit

Question

Please comment on this itinerary:

Fly to Durango spend 2-3 days including Mesa Verde

Drive to Silverton and spend a couple hours

Continue on to Ouray possibly stay over night

Continue to Telluride, spend 2-3 days

Leave Telluride and drive to either Grand Junction or Durango to fly home

Which would you recommend?

How many days do you recommend for each town?

Any must do our see in each?

Answer

Your October Colorado itinerary looks fantastic for fall scenery, historic sites, and mountain towns. Here’s a detailed breakdown and recommendations for timing and must-see experiences.

Durango (2–3 days)

Durango is a great starting point, especially for exploring Mesa Verde National Park. Two full days in Durango are reasonable if you want to see the town itself and nearby attractions.

Mesa Verde National Park: Allocate at least one full day. Explore cliff dwellings such as Cliff Palace and Balcony House. Consider guided tours if available in October.
Durango Town: Stroll the historic downtown, ride the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad (even a short segment if pressed for time).
Scenic drives: Consider the San Juan Skyway loop if time permits and weather is good.

Silverton (couple hours)

A quick stop in Silverton is perfect for a few hours. The town has a historic mining feel and beautiful autumn colors in October.

Walk along the main street, grab a coffee or lunch.
Photo opportunities of historic buildings and surrounding mountains.
Optional: Short hike nearby if you want a taste of the high-altitude scenery.

Ouray (1 night recommended)

Staying overnight in Ouray allows time to enjoy the “Switzerland of America” vibe without rushing. October is less busy than summer, but some tourist services may start to scale back.

Ouray Hot Springs Pool for a relaxing soak.
Box Canyon Falls Park for an easy walk and photos.
Scenic drive on the Million Dollar Highway if heading to Telluride.

Telluride (2–3 days)

Telluride deserves at least two days, preferably three if you want to explore hiking trails, gondola rides, and nearby towns like Mountain Village.

Ride the free gondola for spectacular fall views.
Hike or take a short walk to Bridal Veil Falls.
Stroll historic Telluride town center, enjoy local restaurants and shops.
Optional: Drive to nearby scenic viewpoints or small towns for photography.

Return Flight: Durango vs Grand Junction

If flying out, Durango is easier if your trip started there, as you avoid a long drive back over mountain passes. Grand Junction is feasible if your schedule allows and you want a different route with scenic stops like the San Juan Skyway or Black Canyon of the Gunnison.

Recommendation: Fly out of Durango for convenience unless you want a longer scenic drive and can spare the extra time.

Summary Itinerary Suggestion:

Durango: 2–3 days (Mesa Verde + town)
Silverton: couple hours
Ouray: 1 night
Telluride: 2–3 days
Return flight: Durango preferred, Grand Junction optional

Overall, your plan is very feasible in October. The key is to keep flexibility for weather, especially on mountain passes, and to enjoy scenic drives and small-town charm at a relaxed pace.

October visit

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