Southwestern Colorado in late September/early October

Question

Hi all, my husband and I are planning a little roadtrip for our anniversary. We'll be coming from the Tucson area and spending the first few days in northern New Mexico, then want to spend the bulk of the trip in southwestern Colorado before coming back through northern Arizona. The entire trip will likely be about 10-12 days, with probably 6-7 days dedicated to Colorado.

We've done several trips to Colorado before, including southwestern Colorado specifically and even spent a month in Pagosa Springs several years ago, so we're somewhat familiar with the area. We've visited Mesa Verde National Park and all the other Colorado national parks/monuments a number of times. Our primary objectives for this trip are beautiful scenery, Fall foliage, easier scenic hikes, good food, and hot springs/relaxing.

We've not necessarily been the biggest fans of Pagosa Springs and Durango in the past, but to be fair, we were mostly there during peak Covid times, so we weren't really doing inside or crowded things at all. We have not yet done the scenic railroad, so that's one thing we would consider adding to the list. We also want to do the Million Dollar Highway again, this time spending more time/nights on the drive versus just driving through. We're also considering a multi-day stay at Gateway Canyons Resort & Spa.

We'd particularly like recommendations for pretty spots for photography and/or picnicking, easier hikes (we're pretty experienced hikers, but I have several chronic health conditions and am also recovering from a knee injury, so they would need to be relatively flat without steep/rocky sections), and good meals (we like virtually any kind of cuisine and particularly like wild game and seafood). We'd also be open to any recommendations for places to stay along the way, especially if they had onsite hiking, views, good food, etc. (we will have our well behaved medium sized dog with us).

We've been to Orvis Hot Springs before, but other than that, I don't think we've actually been to any others in Colorado. We've been spoiled by our favorites in New Mexico (Riverbend Hot Springs in T or C/Ojo Sante Fe, Ojo Caliente, and Ten Thousand Waves near Sante Fe), so I'm not sure if the options in Colorado are going to be on par with those or not, but would certainly like recommendations.

We'd also really like to do anything Fall related, so Fall festivals, harvest markets, farmer's markets, etc. Really open to any and all recommendations for the area. Thanks in advance!

Answer

Your Southwestern Colorado road trip in late September/early October sounds fantastic! This time of year is ideal for Fall foliage, scenic drives, and easier hiking, and your plan to focus on photography, relaxing hot springs, and good food fits perfectly with the region’s offerings. Since you have prior experience in Pagosa Springs, Durango, and Mesa Verde, you can prioritize new experiences and less-traveled spots for this trip.

Here are some recommendations based on your interests:

Million Dollar Highway (US 550) & Scenic Stops: Spend multiple nights along the highway to fully enjoy the drive. Consider staying in:
- Ouray – Charming mountain town with hot springs, excellent dining, and access to easy hikes such as the Cascade Falls Trail.
- Silverton – Small historic town with photo opportunities, Victorian architecture, and a few easy walking trails.
- Ridgway – Quaint town with art galleries, restaurants, and access to Ridgway State Park for flat lakeside trails.
Scenic Photography & Picnicking:
- Uncompahgre Gorge Overlook near Ouray – Great for dramatic canyon photography.
- Red Mountain Pass – Excellent viewpoints along the Million Dollar Highway, especially with Fall colors.
- Ridgway State Park – Easy walking paths, lakeside picnic areas, and lovely sunsets.
- San Juan Skyway scenic pullouts – Multiple points along the loop offer stunning vistas.
Easier Scenic Hikes: Focus on trails that are relatively flat and well-maintained:
- Ridgway State Park – Lakeside loop trails are gentle and dog-friendly.
- Box Canyon Falls in Ouray – Short, easy walk to a beautiful waterfall with picnic areas.
- Lake City trails – Columbine Lake Trail or shorter lakeside walks offer Fall foliage without steep climbs.
- South Rim Trail at Mesa Verde (previously visited but still mild) – Some segments are flat and scenic.
Hot Springs & Relaxation:
- Ouray Hot Springs Pool – Large public pool with soaking areas and mild temperatures, dog-friendly parking.
- Trimble Hot Springs near Durango – Quieter alternative with private soaking tubs.
- Pagosa Springs – Since you’ve been there before, you might skip, but Springs Resort has multiple pools if desired.
- Strawberry Park Hot Springs in Steamboat or nearby towns – Note that some require mild walking, so check accessibility.
Food & Dining:
- Ouray Brewery or Bon Ton Restaurant – Casual to upscale with local flavors and game meats.
- Silverton’s historic restaurants – Good for hearty meals and local fare.
- Ridgway – Artisan cafes and bistros serving international cuisine, including seafood and vegetarian options.
- Gateway Canyons Resort – Onsite dining with Southwestern-inspired menus, perfect for a multi-day stay.
Fall Activities:
- Local farmer’s markets in Ouray, Ridgway, or Durango – Often open through September/early October.
- Apple orchards or pumpkin patches near Montrose and Paonia.
- Annual harvest festivals – Check local town websites for small Fall celebrations or art fairs during your dates.
- Leaf-peeping along San Juan Skyway – Plan drives mid-morning for best lighting for photos.
Scenic Railroad Option:
- Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad – Offers breathtaking mountain scenery with options for shorter rides if you prefer not to commit to the full route.
Accommodations: Focus on places with mountain views, easy hiking access, and onsite amenities:
- Gateway Canyons Resort & Spa – Excellent for relaxation, dining, and photography.
- Ouray or Ridgway boutique inns – Offer dog-friendly lodging, convenient access to trails and hot springs.
- Airbnb or cabin rentals along Million Dollar Highway – Ideal for Fall foliage immersion and scenic views.

Additional tips:

Check the weather forecast carefully; late September can bring early snow at higher elevations, particularly along the Million Dollar Highway.
Plan scenic drives mid-morning or late afternoon for the best light for photography and to avoid glare.
Reserve any hot springs or train rides in advance to secure spots, especially with Fall travel starting to pick up.
Bring layers, as temperatures can vary dramatically between canyon floors and mountain passes.
Since you’re bringing your dog, confirm dog policies at trails, parks, and accommodations.

In summary, your trip can combine scenic drives along the Million Dollar Highway, multiple easy hikes, hot springs soaking, photography stops, and good dining. Staying in Ouray, Ridgway, and/or Gateway Canyons will allow you to maximize your experience while enjoying Fall foliage and relaxing anniversary activities.