Houston to Durango, CO

I can help with route from Palo Duro to Durango. You've chosen the most benign route ie: not much in the way of elevation changes. No super hairy curves, pulls or downhill's. There is a short steep hill going into Durango on 550 but nothing that easy going won't take care of. There is a fairly steep hill(not long either) going into Palo Duro Canyon but well worth it. In Amarillo we enjoyed the Quarter Horse Museum and the Big Texan. In Albuquerque there is lot's to see. We have a Tram that takes you to the top of Sandia Mountain 10,673 ft., Old Town Plaza, recently people have been visiting to take 'The Breaking Bad' tour, we have several nearby Indian Pueblo's, we have 4 Casino's if you're into gambling, lot's of places to eat, several microbreweries. In Durango, there is Steam train that goes from Durango to Silverton, a great ride something not to miss, we love Durango it is just a quaint mountain town.

A caution or safety note. Please keep in mind the elevation. When you get to Albuquerque you will be just about a mile high, so you may feel short of breath and more tired than usual. Drink plenty of water this will help, give yourself time to acclimatize before hiking up a mountain or even a steep hill even if you are fit. You'll be over 6,500 ft in Durango. Otherwise, have a great time!

Sheila aka...

If you have the time, a detour to Santa Fe before going to ABQ would be cool. Lot of neat things to see there. This older post has details for the Detour & Santa Fe Sights & Sites.

Near Santa Rosa just Off I-40, Santa Rosa Lake State Park would be another nice place to overnight. Never been there myself.

NM State Parks are a good bargain. $10 without electric, $4 more for electric. Most have nice showers (no extra cost) & no entry fee or day fee on top of camping fee as in TX & CO.

Navajo Lake State Park is East of Bloomfield.

Between Cuba & Bloomfield (US 550); There seems to be a new Apache Nugget Travel Center & Casino at the junction of US 550 & NM 537. The gas prices were the best we saw up in the area. In 2012 when we made a trip to Chaco Canyon. They do have RV sites:
RV Hook-Up at $25.00 a night (electrical/water, no sewer dump available).
Shower Room at $8.00 per person (provide your own towels/soap/etc.).

At the US 550 Exit, Just minutes north of Albuquerque (off of I-25, exit 242) in Bernalillo, is Coronado State Monument where Francisco Vásquez de Coronado—with 300 soldiers and 800 Indian allies from New Spain—entered the valley while looking for the fabled Seven Cities of Gold. Monument

Coronado CampgroundThere is a Bernalillo city campground (used to be a state part) at the entrance to the State Monument. Wasn't a bad site some years ago, haven't been there in some time.

Aztec Ruins National Monument is off US 64 in Aztec (just off US 550 in Bloomfield). http://www.nps.gov/azru

While in Durango, drive over and spend a day at Mesa Verde National Park.

We are in Durango now. Staying at a great find little campground call Lightner Creek Campground. So far while here we've been on the train ride, which was great. 4 corners monument, Mesa Verde National Park. Today thinking about the ride to Silverton and Ouray. The ride on 550 is a 6% down hill grade to Durango so you need to use lower gears coming in. Feel free to PM if you have questions.

Gunnison is a scenic area and not too far off your route.
From Gunnison go north on hwy 135 to Almont turn right
2 rivers meet there. A good restaurant on right plus
you can register for a river raft ride for beginners
and it is a lot of fun. Then go up same hwy to taylor
lake, beautiful views and old town Tincup is interesting.
If you go in am you will see some bighorn sheep on top
of hills. Happy travels.

You will enjoy the trip...but be sure to drink plenty of water and go slow the first couple of days...there is a lot of difference of elevation from Houston! (I'm from Texas too)...The drive from Durango to Silverton across the Million Dollar Highway is awesome...go slow and enjoy the views...We have rented jeeps in Ouray and explored some of the 4 wheel drive roads...Also the train ride from Durango to Silverton is pretty...My daughter and I enjoyed it (we asked for the caboose)but hubby did not like the black smoke. Take plenty of pictures. You can ride it to Silverton and then take a shuttle back if you do not think you would enjoy the entire train trip. I would do it again if I ever have the chance...We love the area, you will too....Have Fun....