Ouray Section of Road Trip

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Hi all, I posted this over in the Road Trip forum, but also wanted to post each relevant section in the local forums to solicit more recommendations.

I have my itinerary mostly complete for a 2-week road trip through New Mexico, Colorado, and Arizona in late September and early October, but I have a few gaps I would like to fill, primarily with recommendations for scenic stops, easy hikes, Fall/harvest themed events/markets, and restaurants along our way. My husband and I are in our late 30s/early 40s, will be celebrating our anniversary, will be traveling with our dog in our Tesla Model Y, and are fairly familiar with most of the areas we’re traveling to, but Aspen and Telluride will both be new to us. We’re mostly just looking forward to the beautiful scenery and cooler temps, but I particularly enjoy photography (especially sunrise/sunset/nature/landscape). We also really enjoy hiking, but the elevation will be much higher than we’re used to and I have a few chronic health conditions slowing me down, so easier, relatively short/flat hikes would be what we’re looking for.

Day 8 – Breakfast included at hotel. Drive from Aspen to Paonia with scenic stops in Marble and Kebler Pass (tell me more about any specifics, please). Visit Big B’s Delicious Orchards. Have a glamping reservation that evening, would love recommendations for lunch and/or dinner on this day.

Day 9 – Place advance order for pastries from Mountain Oven. Drive to Ouray, possibly driving the rest of Million Dollar Highway to Silverton on this day. Possibly visit Silverton Farmers Market and/or Ridgway First Friday. Need both lunch and dinner options for this day. Check into Box Canyon Lodge and Hot Springs.

Day 10 – Breakfast included at hotel, explore nearby towns, including Telluride and enjoy hot springs. Need both lunch and dinner options for this day. Spend second night at Box Canyon Lodge and Hot Springs.

Day 11 – Breakfast included at hotel then drive to Flagstaff. This is already a longer day with fewer EV charging options, but possibly detour to Monument Valley if time allows. (We’re pretty familiar with traveling through the Navajo Nation but this will be our first time in the Tesla.) Would be open to any lunch recommendations but will also have snacks on hand. Check into High Country Motor Lodge.

Answer

Day 8 – Driving from Aspen to Paonia via Marble and Kebler Pass is a beautiful journey, particularly in late September when fall colors are emerging. Marble is famous for its historic marble quarries and the charming small town feel. A short stop at the Marble Museum or a brief walk around the town can be a great photo opportunity. Kebler Pass is renowned for its aspen groves, and the road itself offers multiple pull-offs perfect for scenic photography. Since the road is unpaved but generally well-maintained, take your time and enjoy the views.

For lunch on this day, you might consider a casual stop at:

Marble Distilling Co. – Light bites and drinks with local flavor, casual atmosphere.
Paonia Main Street Cafés – Several small cafés offering sandwiches, salads, and local produce. Big B’s Delicious Orchards could also provide a snack stop if you’re picking fruit or trying cider.

Dinner options for your glamping evening in Paonia:

Paonia Tavern – Cozy atmosphere with hearty meals and local ingredients.
Stone Cottage Bakery & Café – If you prefer a lighter, European-style meal or fresh-baked breads.

Day 9 – Traveling to Ouray along the Million Dollar Highway is spectacular. The drive offers multiple overlooks, including Red Mountain Pass, where you can stop for photos. Silverton is a charming mining town worth a brief visit if time allows. In late September, Silverton may still have some harvest-themed markets or small local events, but check local listings for the Silverton Farmers Market.

Lunch options en route or in Ouray:

Silverton – The Handlebar – Casual American fare, burgers, sandwiches, and a fun atmosphere.
Ouray Brewery – A local favorite with good pub-style food and vegetarian options.

Dinner in Ouray after checking into Box Canyon Lodge and Hot Springs:

Outlaw Restaurant – Fine dining with local ingredients, offering vegetarian options and a scenic setting.
Brickhouse 737 – Contemporary American menu with a cozy, intimate vibe and good wine selection.

Day 10 – Exploring nearby towns, including Telluride, is a must. Take the scenic drive over to Telluride for the day, enjoying the fall colors and historic downtown. The gondola between Telluride and Mountain Village is free and offers spectacular views if you want a quick ride without strenuous hiking. You can enjoy shorter, easy trails in the area like Bear Creek Trail or Grassy Lake for minimal elevation change.

Lunch options in Telluride:

Telluride Joe’s – Casual and convenient, with sandwiches, salads, and vegetarian options.
Smugglers Brew Pub – Craft beer and light bites in a historic building.

Dinner options back in Ouray:

The Outlaw Restaurant – If you didn’t go the night before, offers fine dining with local flair.
Bon Ton Restaurant – Italian-inspired menu with vegetarian-friendly dishes and a welcoming atmosphere.

Day 11 – Driving from Ouray to Flagstaff is a long stretch, especially in a Tesla with fewer charging options through rural areas. Planning your route carefully with EV charging in Montrose, Durango, or Farmington can make the trip smoother. Snacks and pre-packed meals are a good idea since restaurants can be sparse on this stretch. Monument Valley is a stunning detour if time allows; even a short scenic drive through the valley can provide iconic photography opportunities.

Lunch options along the way:

Durango – Steamworks Brewing Company – Good stop for hearty meals and local beer, vegetarian options available.
Farmington, NM – Elevated Coffee or local cafés – Quick, casual options to refuel before continuing your drive.

By planning short scenic stops and keeping hikes easy and low-elevation, you’ll be able to enjoy the natural beauty, fall colors, and local flavors along this section of your road trip while accommodating both your health considerations and the EV travel logistics.

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