What to see in South west Colorado

[RockRanger]

I am headed to Grand Junction area in two weeks for vacation and visit family. We have three days two nights free that we can go exploring. Only spot we plan on hitting so far is Pagoasa Springs so I can show my wife where my grandparents use to live.

We will be driving a 2wd Dodge diesel truck, hotel stays along the way, and will have our 17 month old daughter with us as well.

Where would you go and what kind of loop would you do?

 

[Brian1]

Junction -> Moab -> Arches NP or Canyonlands -> Monticello -> Hovenweep Nat'l Monument -> Cortez -> Mesa Verde -> Durango -> Durango & Silverton RR -> Silverton -> Ouray -> Montrose -> Black Canyon of the Gunnison -> Back to Junction

That would make a great loop with lots to see. Probably too much to fit into your schedule so you could take out ~2 of those attractions.

 

[RockRanger]

Junction -> Moab -> Arches NP or Canyonlands -> Monticello -> Hovenweep Nat'l Monument -> Cortez -> Jimmy's4x4 -> Mesa Verde -> Durango -> Durango & Silverton RR -> Silverton -> Ouray -> Montrose -> Black Canyon of the Gunnison -> Back to Junction

That would make a great loop with lots to see. Probably too much to fit into your schedule so you could take out ~2 of those attractions.

Fixed it for you.


That might not be bad. Stay the first night in Moab and visit the parks around there. second night in Pagosa Springs Then head back to junction from there.

Will probably skip the Silverton railroad. I have done it before and would like to do it again when our daughter gets older.

I will see what the boss has to say.

 

[Brian1]

Fixed it for you.

Well, since you are already going to be driving what sounds like a good tow rig you might as well hook up a trailer to bring home a "souvenir" :

 

[RockRanger]

It is the same truck I used to tow my ranger to Moab in 2006 I think it was. I still haven't touched my ranger sense KOH.....

 

[Turdle]

Brian's list is so good it will keep you coming back for more.

 

[RockRanger]

Tracy is making the reservations today. Sunday night in Moab and Monday Night in Pagosa Springs.

We might hit the Bar D Chuckwagon show in Durango. I remember doing it way back when. Plus our daughter likes music and might find it interesting.