Southern Colorado, Northern New Mexico.

Strongly recommend 2 narrow gauge tourist railroads - the Cumbres Toltec in Chama,NM and the Durango Silverton in Durango,CO. Also Great Sand Dunes National Park north of Alamosa,CO. All have RV/camping options nearby. Contact both states for their tourist guides and brochures.

mabel wrote:
I am making plans for a trip to Southern Colorado, and Northern New Mexico, coming from West Michigan. The trip would be in May or June.
What I would like to know is what are some good routes and things to see and do.

Similar thread - might have a few ideas for you, onemore

BOL,

If your in Durango, CO. check out the Bar-D Wrangers supper show. If you like western music it's a must see.

We go to the South Fork area (south central CO) near Wolf Creek Pass every summer. Beautiful area with lots of RV parks and campgrounds. Easy day trips to Pagosa Springs (hot springs), Creede (old mining town/ruins), Sand Dunes, Cumbres & Toltec steam railroad, etc.

It can still be pretty cool in May and early June since the elevation is about 8,500'.

Sand Dunes are interesting, especially when Medano Creek is still flowing with its shallow pulsing waves across the lower dunes. (it typically dries up toward the end of June).

And I also recommend the Cumbres & Toltec steam railroad if that interest you. An all day affair. I recommend taking the train from Antonito to Chama, and the bus back. Starts off in an arid climate, climbs slowing into the high mountains, stops for lunch midway, and then descends into Chama. The bus back lets you relax for a bit.

From I-25 you can take US 160 at Walsenburg across southern CO to South Fork and beyond. Or you can take US 50 from I-25 at Pueblo over to Poncha Springs (taking in Royal Gorge on the way), and then US 285 down to US 160.

A relatively short trip from Alamosa down to Santa Fe if you want to visit that area.

Mesa Verde is very interesting.

What sorts of things interest you, and what is your demographic makeup? Kids or adults? Sitting and relaxing or active activity? City life or natural areas?

I don't know that I personally know enough to make many specific suggestions, but it's much easier with a bit of guidance about what you're interested in nevertheless.

Cumbres Toltec Railroad and Mesa Verde are outstanding.

And I also recommend the Cumbres & Toltec steam railroad if that interest you. An all day affair. I recommend taking the train from Antonito to Chama, and the bus back. Starts off in an arid climate, climbs slowing into the high mountains, stops for lunch midway, and then descends into Chama. The bus back lets you relax for a bit.


X2 on this, especially starting on the Antonito side. There's also some campgrounds to the west of Antonito. Did the Cumbres & Toltec many years ago when my son was big time into trains and it's an experience for kids as well as adults. The scenery is incredible, and the gradual change from the Antonito side is subtle and striking. When we did it, we stayed in Chama and took the bus TO Antonito to start, and then the train back to Chama. Either way works, and is a day to remember.

I'll throw in the alpine loop between Lake City and Silverton in Colorado. Will need to rent a jeep as there are some extremely, rough areas.

May might be a bit early for some of the higher elevation spots.