New Mexico / Colorado

[Sigarms]

Attending a concert at Red Rocks amphitheater outside of Denver in August (really looking forward to that as wife got great seats by the stage). From Red Rocks, looking like we will be staying in Red River New Mexico for a week to check out New Mexico as well (we were thinking about spending more time in Moab UT, but I told the misses since we've already had memories out there, lets check someplace new out).

Red River looks to be a 4.5 hour drive from Red Rocks Colorado, and Red River is only about 2 hours to Santa Fe.

We need to look at airfare, but thinking will fly in and out of Denver.

Just looking for ideas on what to check out while in both states. Looking at least 1.5 weeks, perhaps pushing two.

Everyone was a GREAT help on California and Lake Tahoe, so open to all suggestions for us to check out while out there.

On the train trip thread this topic started on, will already be looking at train rides in Colorado.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Hughman]

Silverton, Ouray, Telluride, US 550 (million dollar highway). Spent a week there last year on our way back from New Orleans to Moab. Fantastic trip. Rent a Jeep.

 

[1Mech]

I highly recommend state highway 536 / 165 in New Mexico between San Antonito and Bernalillo. A little east and northeast of Albuquerque, on the east side of the Sandia Mountains. Very scenic and some history, hiking trails. You can access the top of Sandia Peak for a nice view of Albuquerque and way beyond from the top. I did it at night the last time.
If you were to decide to go further west towards Page, Arizona, I would also recommend a drive down the Cottonwood Canyon Rd (K7000) about 14 miles west of Big Water, Utah off of U.S. highway 89, just west of the Paria Contact Station and visitor center, a good place to inquire as to the road condition. The first time I drove it in a Chrysler Town & Country van, the second time was in a Kia Rondo, made it with no trouble both times. It is a dirt road for about 45 miles, but little traffic and graded.

 

[jyoutz]

Attending a concert at Red Rocks amphitheater outside of Denver in August (really looking forward to that as wife got great seats by the stage). From Red Rocks, looking like we will be staying in Red River New Mexico for a week to check out New Mexico as well (we were thinking about spending more time in Moab UT, but I told the misses since we've already had memories out there, lets check someplace new out).

Red River looks to be a 4.5 hour drive from Red Rocks Colorado, and Red River is only about 2 hours to Santa Fe.

We need to look at airfare, but thinking will fly in and out of Denver.

Just looking for ideas on what to check out while in both states. Looking at least 1.5 weeks, perhaps pushing two.

Everyone was a GREAT help on California and Lake Tahoe, so open to all suggestions for us to check out while out there.

On the train trip thread this topic started on, will already be looking at train rides in Colorado.

Thanks in advance!

August is a beautiful time to visit CO and NM. In northern NM be sure to drive the enchanted circle. As you come south on I-25, about 3 hours from Colorado Springs, you will see the highway exit to the west to Cimarron, NM. That starts the enchanted circle and goes to Red River also. Visit Red River, Eagles Nest, and Taos. Search for the enchanted circle and you’ll find maps of the route. Also plan a day to ride the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad. This is the best and longest scenic railway in the Rocky Mountains and the August scenery will be stunning. Because of the direction you’re coming from, I recommend taking the trip from Antonito, CO to Chama, NM and back to Antonito (return trip is by bus). It a full day from 10-5, but truly is some of the best scenery in the region and well worth the price which includes a hot lunch. If you have time, go to Santa Fe (about 2 hours from Antonito) and visit the old plaza and see the state museum (exhibits from the 1500s colonial days up to the current space age). And while you’re here, be sure to eat plenty of the local dishes with red and green chile. Contact me if you want more specific information. Also, unless you plan to visit Denver, consider flying in and out of Colorado Springs. No need to fight the Denver traffic if you’re not planning to visit there.

Cumbres and Toltec Railroad | Colorado and New Mexico

Journey through stunning landscapes aboard the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad, America's most historic and scenic steam-powered train ride.

cumbrestoltec.com

Home

www.nmhistorymuseum.org

 

[lman]

Silverton, Ouray, Telluride, US 550 (million dollar highway). Spent a week there last year on our way back from New Orleans to Moab. Fantastic trip. Rent a Jeep.

My brother lives near Durango so I've been out there several times. We rented a Jeep at Silverton last trip. Don't forget about the train. I remember riding the train and Gerald Ford and his team got on for the ride to Silverton. Downtown Durango has gone downhill unless you like to smoke weed. A lot of shops converted to selling weed and paraphernalia.

All Aboard! - Official Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Train

Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Train provides historic and entertaining vintage train rides to the public year round.

www.durangotrain.com

 

[jyoutz]

My brother lives near Durango so I've been out there several times. We rented a Jeep at Silverton last trip. Don't forget about the train. I remember riding the train and Gerald Ford and his team got on for the ride to Silverton. Downtown Durango has gone downhill unless you like to smoke weed. A lot of shops converted to selling weed and paraphernalia.

All Aboard! - Official Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Train

Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Train provides historic and entertaining vintage train rides to the public year round.

www.durangotrain.com

The Durango-Silverton train is very nice, but the Cumbres-Toltec section of the railway is longer and more scenic. They are both part of the same track section of the old Denver and Rio Grande railway. Riding both would be awesome, but if I had to only pick one, it would be the Cumbres.

 

[Sigarms]

Thanks for the info!

Thinking about perhaps staying in Pogosa springs Colorado for 4 or 5 days, then do Red River NM for another 4 or 5 days. Thinking this will give us different directions to explore different areas of both states "in a general area" if that makes sense.

Don't see the logic in staying up north in Colorado if we want to check out NM. Also will give us an option to hit Utah just to revisit the area which we'll probably do (our wedding pic was us standing at the needles overlook LOL).

 

[ericm979]

And while you’re here, be sure to eat plenty of the local dishes with red and green chile.

This!

California mexican food is good but the southwest and particularly NM does it better.

 

[Hay Dude]

I liked Rocky Mountain National Park.

 

[jyoutz]

This!

California mexican food is good but the southwest and particularly NM does it better.

NM = Chile capital of the world. The restaurants here distinguish between Mexican and New Mexican cuisine.