West from Durango?

[john_harris]

In September, wife, kitty and I are doing a southwestern loop from WV thru CO, UT, AR, returning thru NM, TX, etc. Out of Durango we head to Monument Valley, then to Zion. From Durango, should we head toward Cortez or should we head toward Farmington in our 40 DP. we are from WV so mountains not an issue. Then from Monument valley i am thinking we approach Zion form the southern route and avoid the escort thru the tunnel and switchbacks. Any thoughts or suggestions?

[obedb]

I have run across northern AZ on US160 to Cortez and US 191 north thru Moab to I-70. Also US 491 north from Cortez to US191 and then north. All of those a number of times over the years mostly in 18wheelers and some in our first class a. Sure looks like Cortez would get you in the area you want to be. Mesa Verde is worth a look if you have time. I can be of help to you in Colorado because I have trucked and vacationed in motorhomes there quite a lot. A lot members on this website have also spent time there.

[garyreed]

John

Byron is right. It is a nice drive into Cortez from Durango. South to Farmington is mostly sightless and dry. How are you getting to Durango? Is the one lane and pilot car that you refer to up on I70? If so it might be cleaned up by September.

Gary

[obedb]

If you are running I-40 exit at Clines Corners, head north on US 285 to well north of Sante Fe on 285 and then join US84 north to Pagosa Springs. Interesting Town. West on US160 to Durango. No mountains at all. The RV park of choice for most is Alpen Rose. An older park so you will be close to your neighbors. Marginal cable. Typical park wifi, but there is a Bay and Pinto in the adjoing pasture that run together and love carrots and apples. Nice large fenced in area for dogs, and a good view of the Durango and Silverton Railroad.

Gary is from Rocky Ford Colorado, an RVer and a great source of info. Keep your travels on I-70 to a minimum and you will probably enjoy yourselves more in Colorado. Gary may disagree, but those are my thoughts.

[garyreed]

Byron

I could not have said it better. There are a few places we like to stop along 160. Our favorite is the Sand Dunes Pool north of Alamosa about 17 miles. Very small park that holds about 10 RV's all pull throughs, no sewer dump at the sites but one on the property. Very cool pool and hot tubs with water sraight out of the ground. Really good food at the at the pool, sounds kind of weird doesn't it, but good. Lots of birds, rabbits. frogs and dragonflies. Very peaceful and reasonably priced.

We have never been to the Alpine Rose but it is on our list now.

Gary

[obedb]

We love the San Luis Valley. Largest alpine valley in the world. Pleasant days and cool nights in the summer. Great Sand Dunes National Park. Even an Alligator farm, and if still there, the True Grit Steakhouse (John Wayne theme) in Alamosa. Parked across the street at the Loaf and Jug and enjoyed steaks and huge baked potatoes. Might not be on the preferred route of John Harris but the bonus is a pretty ride across the valley and Wolf Creek Pass on the way to Durango.

The name really is the Alpen Rose.

[obedb]

Gary,

We just talked ourselves into another trip to Colorado. Glacier/ maybe next year. Gonna follow I-81 to I-40 across Tennessee west ro Amarillo. Take a stop at the Big Texan Steakhouse for Rockie Mountain Oysters (delicious 1/2 order/ full order would be too much) split a chicken fried steak order( portions are large there) two beers for me and a Margarita for Betty and be there in time for the band that travels table to table . Met the fiddler last year but too early for the music. Really a neat place.

Some back roads out of Amarillo that I have learned over the years on my way to Alamosa with bushel baskets made in Jacksonville Texas for the salad spinach growers much of which was shipped back east. Head to Walsenburg CO west over Laveta Pass and then we are in a really special part of Colorado.

When we head west from there we will cross one of my favorite passes Wolf Creek on our way to Durango. Anybody want to tag along?

[manholt]

Depends on when your going. I'm free from June 14 to end of July ( got to be in W. Springfield, Mass for FMCA, August 1). Then free until Sep. 24th. The last time I wanted to go over Wolf Creek, it was closed due to a wild fire ! I totally agree with you on I-70, only 2 things on it, that I like is Eagle and Rifle. All other Hwy's you mentioned, I also know from staying in Dolores, up 145 from Cortez towards Telluride.

I too love the lakes and mountains....lots of 4 wheeling. Done Moab, too commercialized for my liking.

Carl

[garyreed]

Sand Dunes Pool is a couple miles from the Colorado Gators, close to the UFO spotting tower, and the biggest herd of buffalo after Yellowstone.

Keep us posted on some dates. Would not be able to make the whole trip, but could meet you along the way. We have to be in Philly in the middle of June. Our son is attending a Youth Leadership thing there.

We to like the 4 wheeling and also found Moab very congested. We did find some trails though for my wife to learn on.

Gary

[obedb]

My goal is to leave Stewartstown early July. I forgot about Olathe Sweet Corn. Another advantage to being there in the summer. The City Market in Alamosa is always well stocked. Anybody reading this should look for some if you want the world's best corn.

Lake City must offer a lot of good riding. Many RVers show up with their ATVs

[akadeadeye]

The tunnel he refers to I believe is the one in Zion NP. For big rigs they have to close it down to traffic and you have to drive in the middle of the tunnel which has many many curves. It would not be fun. We have seen Zion twice approaching from the east. A good plan is to drive a little north to Glendale, UT stay at Bauer's Canyon Ranch RV Park and use the toad to drive through Zion. If you don't have a toad then, yes, you should take the southern route and approach Zion from the west.

I second the notion to drive west from Durango to Cortez, squeeze in Mesa Verde, head southwest to four corners, Monument Valley, travel through Page, AZ and see Lake Powell and the Horseshoe Bend of the Colorado River. Spectacular!! I also agree that traveling through Farmington is kind of like an intermission with no popcorn.

A very scenic trip you have planned. Hope you have time to see Bryce Canyon and Cedar Breaks while you are parked in Glendale, UT.

Don

[garyreed]

Don, that tunnel at Zion looks really cool. I missed it on the website.

Most of our farm markets will start opening around the first of July. Most chillies will not start until late August. Also with the corn, Palisade peaches and apples.

The market in Monte Vista was also impressive when we were there last year.

Gary

[akadeadeye]

Don, that tunnel at Zion looks really cool. I missed it on the website

Gary

It's cool going through it in a toad but I don't think my pucker would last long enough in our big rig!

Don

[john_harris]

great input. thanks for insight on durrango thru cortez to monument valley. sounds like a winner. and yes, AlpenRose was our choice in Durango too. We will arrive at durango from south thru NM. and yes, tunnel in question is for Zion. reservations already made for watchmen. been thru tunnel in auto so figure don't need to experience it in MH if i don't have too.

[manholt]

John.

I take it that you will take Hwy 550 thru Cuba and Bloomfield to Durango? It's a good road ! If you have some time in Durango, take the Million Dollar Hwy, 550N in toad. Unbelievable vista with the San Juan & Cristobal mountains...if your into small gage RR, they have one out off Durango also!

Carl

[obedb]

If you make it to Silverton one way or the other, find the Handle Bar Saloon for some sustenance. Our pick every time we go to Silverton.

[obedb]

Carl/ we could meet in Amarillo for a visit to the Big Texan Steakhouse and then head to the San Luis Valley.

I know that there are some jeep trails in the east end in the Sangre de Cristo range and at least two Fourteeners near by. Lake City is loaded with jeep trails as I am sure you know, that way if we bore you head there.

We will probably head that way after we overload on the valley anyway.

Buy you dinner at Packers or Southern Vittles. Love their gumbo.

[manholt]

Sand Dunes, Gator Reptile Park. Straight up Hwy 285...been years since last time! When do you expect to be in Amarillo?

[obedb]

Mid July. Depends on when you can make it. I no longer rush unless necessary.

[manholt]

ObeB. I sent you a PM !