Following several suggestions here, my wife and I have been looking more into Durango for a trip this year. I had a couple more questions - if you don't mind.
1. Lodging... I would guess that those in the area may not know, but has anyone else stayed in Durango and do you have a hotel/motel/B&B recommendation?
2. Wildflowers in the area... My guess is that mid-July is about wildflower time in the area? Is that right? Are there hotspots in the area for wildflowers or just anywhere?
3. Food...Favorite places in the area to eat?
#2- Mid-July may be the start of wildflower season. My favorite places close by are at the base of Engineer Mtn. about 35 miles north of Durango. If you have a 4WD, the upper reaches of La Plata Canyon up to Kennebec Pass are pretty good. It's a beautiful drive and should be a part of your trip.
Lunch or supper at the Kennebec Café (jct. of L-P. Canyon road and Hwy. 160) is superb. Hopefully, you'll get more input on wildflower locations. How far you're willing to drive and possession of a 4WD will help.
#3- Pretty much every restaurant on this list is excellent. I've tried 'em all, too.
Just depends on what you're in the mood to eat. Many of them are located on Main St. in the heart of downtown.
I just came back from Durango (winter photographer's train event) and have been in the area several times at various times of the year.
1) Hotels I have stayed at in Durango include the Strater (an old 4-story in downtown) and the Marriott Residence Inn (a short drive west from downtown). A great area if you want more quiet, high alpine lodging is up at Purgatory Ski area where full condos can be reserved for cheap (off-season) - and there are a few spectacular restaurants up thee. If you are interested, I can provide a more complete review.
2) I am usually up in Ouray for Flower season - for us in late July. A 4WD vehicle can get you around the Alpine Loop and in particular Yankee Boy Basin and American Basin. There are other areas - all of them a stones throw (or ridgeline) away from each other. Looks like I might be up there around July 24-31 this year.
3) Restaurants - nice, but a bit touristy / pricey. I'll give a thumbs-up to Handlebars in Silverton if you are up that way.
Not necessarily economical, but we will most likely drive our suburban so we will have 4WD - though not a small SUV. We do not mind some driving. We enjoy that part of road trips - so we are fine with anything under a hundred miles, I would think.
Thanks for the food suggestions. We will be sure to look over the list.
I appreciate you taking time to respond. I am getting more and more excited to give Durango a try.
Thanks for your help Karl. I might be interested in the Purgatory ski area option. Any further information that you could give me would appreciated. Thanks for the other thoughts too.
Nathan - For Purgatory - I would check out DurangoMountainResort.com. This is a complex of various condos - most with balconies and kitchens; the smaller ones have a fold-down bed that occupies the same space as a dining area. I also stayed just north at Cascade Village (managed by Purgatory) where the condos appear newer and more home-like, but are further from the services. At Purgatory, you can walk down to the main shop area where the cafe, real-estate, and a few other places are sorta open. Be known tho - this place can be quite empty offseason - reminds of The Shining sometimes :) I booked through Priceline both times. As for food, I had a very nice dinner at Sow's Ear at the neighboring SilverPick lodge just south; there is also a neighborhood bar/grill with Pizza fronted by a School Bus; and some country stores in the same district.
The last 1/4 mile along the road past timberline up to Clear Lake just north of Silverton has one of the most bountiful displays of wildflowers that I've ever seen. Be sure to check in here for near real time wildflower reports.
With 4WD, Kennebec Pass area is a must for wildflowers. By far the best in the Durango area.
From the parking area, hike up to Indian Trail Ridge or head southwest on the Shark's Tooth trail.
Of course, Ice Lake Basin out of Silverton is a must, and while you are there drive up to Clear Lake, with 4WD you can park on the shoreline. Both are spectacular for wildflowers. If you want to cut down on your driving, book a night or two in Silverton.
I strongly second John's recommendation of the Kennebec Café - "A taste of Tuscany in the La Platas"
On Main Street, Ken and Sue's is a good choice. I recently saw it was at the top of the Trip Advisor ratings.
In town, I always stayed at the Residence Inn, when I traveled there on business.
However, you will probably get more for your $$ with the off season rates at the Durango Mtn. Resort.
The summer rates in town can be high.
Posted by Doug Beezley on March 5, 2013 at 10:05 AM
Nathan,
Take a look at the Best Western Plus Rio Grande hotel. It's in downtown Durango about 2 blocks from the train station and within easy walking distance of restaurants, coffee houses, galleries, etc in downtown Durango. The hotel is very good, the staff is outstanding - I've stayed there 3 times and each was excellent. http://www.bwriograndeinn.com/
Regarding excursions, don't overlook the road over Ophir Pass (just north of Silverton) to Telluride. I've done it dozen times and see Suburbans/Excursions on it all the time. There is one section that is narrow but you can see oncoming vehicles (and they, you) so it's not a problem. One turn will require a 3 point turn. Great road, super scenic. http://www.coloradovibes.com/offroad-trails/ophir/. Also, take a look at the Stoney Pass Road just outside of Silverton - scenic, historic and lots of flowers.http://www.coloradovibes.com/offroad-trails/stony-pass/.
Finally, consider a trip on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Guage Railroad - fabulous but you have to book early - not a last minute thing. http://www.durangosilvertonrailroad.com/
Doug Beezley
Snellville, GA
Posted by Nathan Buck on March 5, 2013 at 12:07 PM
Thanks for all of the additional information Karl, John, Bill, and Doug. This all helps us out a lot!
Yeah, the Ophir Pass road is terrific, that's true. But it has a real lack of wildflowers if your goal is to combine a bit of 4 wheeling with photography.
Discussion
10 repliesFollowing several suggestions here, my wife and I have been looking more into Durango for a trip this year. I had a couple more questions - if you don't mind.
1. Lodging... I would guess that those in the area may not know, but has anyone else stayed in Durango and do you have a hotel/motel/B&B recommendation?
2. Wildflowers in the area... My guess is that mid-July is about wildflower time in the area? Is that right? Are there hotspots in the area for wildflowers or just anywhere?
3. Food...Favorite places in the area to eat?
Thanks you very much!
Nathan
Lunch or supper at the Kennebec Café (jct. of L-P. Canyon road and Hwy. 160) is superb. Hopefully, you'll get more input on wildflower locations. How far you're willing to drive and possession of a 4WD will help.
#3- Pretty much every restaurant on this list is excellent. I've tried 'em all, too.
Just depends on what you're in the mood to eat. Many of them are located on Main St. in the heart of downtown.
1) Hotels I have stayed at in Durango include the Strater (an old 4-story in downtown) and the Marriott Residence Inn (a short drive west from downtown). A great area if you want more quiet, high alpine lodging is up at Purgatory Ski area where full condos can be reserved for cheap (off-season) - and there are a few spectacular restaurants up thee. If you are interested, I can provide a more complete review.
2) I am usually up in Ouray for Flower season - for us in late July. A 4WD vehicle can get you around the Alpine Loop and in particular Yankee Boy Basin and American Basin. There are other areas - all of them a stones throw (or ridgeline) away from each other. Looks like I might be up there around July 24-31 this year.
3) Restaurants - nice, but a bit touristy / pricey. I'll give a thumbs-up to Handlebars in Silverton if you are up that way.
Not necessarily economical, but we will most likely drive our suburban so we will have 4WD - though not a small SUV. We do not mind some driving. We enjoy that part of road trips - so we are fine with anything under a hundred miles, I would think.
Thanks for the food suggestions. We will be sure to look over the list.
I appreciate you taking time to respond. I am getting more and more excited to give Durango a try.
Nathan
Nathan
From the parking area, hike up to Indian Trail Ridge or head southwest on the Shark's Tooth trail.
Of course, Ice Lake Basin out of Silverton is a must, and while you are there drive up to Clear Lake, with 4WD you can park on the shoreline. Both are spectacular for wildflowers. If you want to cut down on your driving, book a night or two in Silverton.
I strongly second John's recommendation of the Kennebec Café - "A taste of Tuscany in the La Platas"
On Main Street, Ken and Sue's is a good choice. I recently saw it was at the top of the Trip Advisor ratings.
In town, I always stayed at the Residence Inn, when I traveled there on business.
However, you will probably get more for your $$ with the off season rates at the Durango Mtn. Resort.
The summer rates in town can be high.
Take a look at the Best Western Plus Rio Grande hotel. It's in downtown Durango about 2 blocks from the train station and within easy walking distance of restaurants, coffee houses, galleries, etc in downtown Durango. The hotel is very good, the staff is outstanding - I've stayed there 3 times and each was excellent. http://www.bwriograndeinn.com/
Regarding excursions, don't overlook the road over Ophir Pass (just north of Silverton) to Telluride. I've done it dozen times and see Suburbans/Excursions on it all the time. There is one section that is narrow but you can see oncoming vehicles (and they, you) so it's not a problem. One turn will require a 3 point turn. Great road, super scenic. http://www.coloradovibes.com/offroad-trails/ophir/. Also, take a look at the Stoney Pass Road just outside of Silverton - scenic, historic and lots of flowers.http://www.coloradovibes.com/offroad-trails/stony-pass/.
Finally, consider a trip on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Guage Railroad - fabulous but you have to book early - not a last minute thing. http://www.durangosilvertonrailroad.com/
Doug Beezley
Snellville, GA
Nathan