SW Colorado Drive Itinerary help

Question

My wife and I are 70 and 68 - like the outdoors and are both very healthy, like to hike and see new things. We are planning a spur of the moment trip to see some towns in SW Colorado that we have heard a lot about...but haven't yet seen - so appreciate any help/advice you can give to us. I tried to sketch out a trip - we are flexible and can adjust our timeline (more or less days) as we are both retired and just enjoying life.

Day 1: Drive from Colorado Springs to Salida. Spend the night in Salida. (one night in Salida)

Day 2: Drive to Montrose/Gunnison Black Canyon National Park. Drive along the South Rim road, and if able try to take a hike in the canyon. (one night in Montrose)

Day 3 &4: Drive to Ouray. Spend two nights in Ouray. Organize a 4 hour jeep tour. Explore the town - possibly try to go to a hot springs and/or hike Box Canyon Falls (2 nights in Ouray).

Day 5: Drive to Silverton. Explore the town - Gold Mine Tour? (1 night in Silverton)

Day 6: Drive to Durango - Stop at honeyville and Molas overlook on the way. : Organize a Narrow Gauge RR trip (5 hour trip - Cascade Canyon Express). (1 night in Durango).

Day 7 &8 : Drive to Telluride..visit Mesa Verde on the way- (Book a ranger tour). Explore Telluride. (2 nights in Telluride).

Day 9: Drive to Crested Butte. (1 night in CB).

Day 10: Return to Col Spgs...

Thanks much - Jimbo

Answer

Jimbo, your itinerary looks well thought out and ambitious, but it is certainly doable, especially given your flexibility and enjoyment of the outdoors. Here’s a detailed breakdown with some suggestions to make your SW Colorado trip both manageable and memorable.

Day 1: Colorado Springs → Salida

The drive from Colorado Springs to Salida is about 3–3.5 hours, mostly along scenic US-50. Salida is a charming town with a historic downtown, great art galleries, and access to the Arkansas River. If time permits, take a short hike in the nearby Arkansas Hills or the Fourmile Recreation Area.

Stay in a boutique inn or historic hotel in Salida for a quaint experience.
Consider a casual dinner along the river or in downtown Salida.

Day 2: Salida → Montrose / Black Canyon of the Gunnison

Drive about 2.5–3 hours to Montrose. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is spectacular, especially the South Rim Road. There are several overlooks that are accessible even if you want a gentler experience, plus some moderate hikes such as the Warner Point Trail or Cedar Point Nature Trail.

Take your time on the South Rim drive; there are multiple scenic overlooks.
If you prefer shorter walks rather than long hikes, the Oak Flat Loop and Chasm View are excellent options.

Stay overnight in Montrose; it’s a convenient base and has comfortable lodging options.

Day 3 & 4: Montrose → Ouray

Drive about 1.5 hours to Ouray, known as the "Switzerland of America." Two nights gives you flexibility for both relaxation and exploration. Plan for a 4-hour jeep tour for a rugged mountain experience. You can also hike Box Canyon Falls for a short, accessible hike, or enjoy the Ouray Hot Springs Pool for relaxation.

Explore historic downtown Ouray with its Victorian-era architecture and small shops.
Optional short hikes: Perimeter Trail or Bear Creek Trail.
Stay in a cozy inn or boutique hotel that fits the mountain town charm.

Day 5: Ouray → Silverton

The drive is about 1 hour via the Million Dollar Highway, one of the most scenic drives in the U.S. Silverton is a historic mining town with preserved 19th-century architecture. Consider a gold mine tour or simply walking through town to soak in the history.

Stay overnight in a historic hotel or guesthouse in Silverton.
Optional: short hike nearby or photography of the surrounding mountains.

Day 6: Silverton → Durango

Drive about 1–1.5 hours. Stop at Molas Pass Overlook for scenic views and Honeyville if you want a quaint local stop. The 5-hour Narrow Gauge Railroad trip on the Cascade Canyon Express is a highlight. You’ll enjoy mountain scenery without strenuous effort.

Stay overnight in Durango—choose a charming downtown hotel to be near shops and restaurants.
Consider a short evening walk along the Animas River Trail if time permits.

Day 7 & 8: Durango → Telluride (via Mesa Verde)

Driving from Durango to Telluride is about 2.5 hours without stops, but you’ll want to budget extra time for Mesa Verde National Park. Book a ranger-guided tour to explore cliff dwellings. Spend two nights in Telluride, giving you time to hike, ride the gondola, and stroll through the picturesque town.

Recommended hikes: Bear Creek Trail or Jud Wiebe Trail (moderate, scenic).
Consider dining in town or taking the gondola to Mountain Village for panoramic views.

Day 9: Telluride → Crested Butte

Drive about 3–3.5 hours. Crested Butte is a beautiful mountain town known for wildflowers in the summer and historic charm. Enjoy a stroll around town, visit the small galleries, or do a moderate hike nearby such as Snodgrass Mountain or Lake Irwin Trail.

Stay overnight in a local inn or boutique hotel.
Optional: short evening hike or sunset viewpoint nearby.

Day 10: Crested Butte → Colorado Springs

This is your longest drive, about 4.5–5 hours. You can break it up with a scenic stop in Buena Vista or Salida for a meal and a short walk to stretch your legs. Plan for a relaxed return to Colorado Springs in the afternoon or evening.

Additional Tips:

September is a great time to visit, with cooler temperatures and fewer crowds, but book lodging early, especially in smaller towns.
Carry water, snacks, and sun protection for hikes and scenic stops.
Keep a flexible schedule; weather or unexpected closures may require adjustments.
Enjoy the drives themselves—they are part of the experience in SW Colorado with breathtaking mountain scenery.

This itinerary gives a balance of scenic drives, moderate hikes, historic towns, and relaxing moments while keeping daily driving under 4–5 hours wherever possible. You’ll see some of the most iconic spots of SW Colorado at a pace that lets you savor each location.

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