I am going on a trip to the Durango region July 2nd to the 11th. Anybody know of a must-see place to go, or something that most people miss? Anybody from the area that want to get together for a photo outing? Anybody have pics they would like to show off? I'd love to hear from you.
I am going on a trip to the Durango region July 2nd to the 11th. Anybody know of a must-see place to go, or something that most people miss? Anybody from the area that want to get together for a photo outing? Anybody have pics they would like to show off? I'd love to hear from you.
Drake
I live in Colorado Springs which is several hours away from Durango so I'm not too familiar. You have to check out the Sand Dunes. My 2nd highest rated photo on DPC was taken at the Sand Dunes. It's my personal favorite photo and I like to show it off so thanks for asking. =)
I am going on a trip to the Durango region July 2nd to the 11th. Anybody know of a must-see place to go, or something that most people miss? Anybody from the area that want to get together for a photo outing? Anybody have pics they would like to show off? I'd love to hear from you.
Drake
I live in Colorado Springs which is several hours away from Durango so I'm not too familiar. You have to check out the Sand Dunes. My 2nd highest rated photo on DPC was taken at the Sand Dunes. It's my personal favorite photo and I like to show it off so thanks for asking. =)
The sand dunes are a good 4+ hours drive from Durango - but it's a spectacular drive across Wolf Creek Pass. The whole area in southwest Colorado is very scenic. It's the home to some of the most rugged mountains in Colorado, which makes for fantastic views, but makes getting around a pain. Some ideas, depending on how much time you have:
-Durango and Silverton narrow gague railroad. This is, IMO, the number one don't miss if you have the time thing to do. Take one of the open cars for better photo ops. If I remember correctly, it's about 3 hours up and an hour back, plus whatever time spent hanging out in Silverton. If you have less time, you can take a bus up to Silverton (45 minutes to an hour) and ride the train back.
-Mesa Verde National Park. About an hour west of Durango - plan to spend the day if you go.
-Rafting trip on the Animas River. Whitewater rafting is lots of fun. Leave the Sony and take a waterproof disposable if you want to bring a camera along though.
Don't bother with Four Corners unless you really, really need to be able to say you've stood in four states at once. It's just a concrete marker surrounded by souvenir stalls in the middle of the desert.
You should have no problem filling nine days with interesting things while there. Speaking as a Colorado native (born and raised but unfortunately no longer living there), it's one of my top places to visit in the state.
The narrow guage train from Durango to Silverton is a must if ya have time. Defininately drive north of Durango to Ouray on Hwy 555 Red Mountain Pass (San Juan Range); one of my favorite passes in Colorado On top of the pass is a memorial for all the folks killed in cars/snow plows on the pass due to avalanches. The scenery is excellent, lots of high mtns and waterfalls. In Ouray go falls in town, a very narrow canyon with a rapid stream and you can get close.
If you head e. on US 160, Pagosa Springs has excellent hot springs to soak in.
Going west, do Mesa Verde National Monument. You'll be able to see the cliff dwellings and hiking is very good there.
There's much more. to do. Van in southeastern Colorado.
I have been to Forbes Park located about an hour and a 1/2 south of Colorado Springs. And all around the region. It is a beautiful area. I have some great digitals I took the last time I went about 3 years ago. Cant wait to go back.
I live in La Jara, Colorado - in the San Luis Valley. There are lots and lots of photogenic sites around southern Colorado. One lovely drive it from Durango to Pagosa Springs then over Wolf Creek Pass to South Fork. From South Fork head through Del Norte and Monte Vista. Once you get to Monte Vista turn south and take the back way to La Jara bypassing Alamosa. Drive south from La Jara to Antonito; turn west at Antonito and head to Chama, New Mexico (the prettiest part of the drive, I think) over the La Manga and Cumbres passes. When you get to Chama you can head back to Pagosa Springs and then back to Durango. There are so many beautiful things along this route.
Definately hit Silverton, Ouray, Creed if you have time, Wolf Creek Pass, Southfork is nice, Buena Vista, the list goes on :) Have a great trip, I will probably be up there this winter.
