Chama NM, Durango CO, or Pagosa Springs CO

[jonrjen]

I have a period of between a week and a half to two weeks to take a break. We are located in the Dallas, TX area and the heat has been pretty rough this last week. We are ready to move on to somewhere cooler for a bit.

Other then cooler temps some nice scenery would be welcome. A nice selection of various places to sample local food, a few nice day trips to explore is always a welcome way to spend time.

Of the three locations above which would be the better choice to choose? Any recommendations on a campground/resort to stay?

FWIW: 2 adults, no kids, no pets, AARP carrying card members, 40' 5th wheel in tow.

So please chime in and educate us with your knowledge of the area.

[jonrjen]

Great feedback and suggestions. I thank you all very much.

[eubank]

Speaking of cool, here's something to make you Texans suffering in the heat just die: It was a 37 degrees this morning in Angel Fire.

🙂
Lynn

[Captain_Happy]

While in Durango, don't miss the famous Bar D Wrangler supper/western music show.

[Busskipper]

jonrjen wrote:
I have a period of between a week and a half to two weeks to take a break. We are located in the Dallas, TX area and the heat has been pretty rough this last week. We are ready to move on to somewhere cooler for a bit.

Other then cooler temps some nice scenery would be welcome. A nice selection of various places to sample local food, a few nice day trips to explore is always a welcome way to spend time.

Of the three locations above which would be the better choice to choose? Any recommendations on a campground/resort to stay?

FWIW: 2 adults, no kids, no pets, AARP carrying card members, 40' 5th wheel in tow.

So please chime in and educate us with your knowledge of the area.

If just cooler use the Temperature Map and get to where you feel comfortable if looking to enjoy the time get some real elevation - Leadville and 10,000' is always just what the Doctor ordered when we need to really cool down - Cooler days - Lot's to explore - Crisp nights - and some pretty good food (Quincy's)

Just depends on what you are after and how far you are willing to go.

BOL,

[dan-nickie]

2gypsies wrote:
You might also consider Ruidoso, New Mexico. The whole town is from Texas - so it seems. 🙂 The temps are great.
.

I agree. No need to go to Colorado for cooler weather.
We left Ruidoso on Monday after a week stay.
Every camper there was from Texas to escape the heat.

[hbillsmith]

Checkout Cloudcroft NM. Same distance as Ruidosa and about 1000 ft higher. Temps are high 72 to low 50s. Easy drive from Dallas area were I also live.

[2gypsies1]

You might also consider Ruidoso, New Mexico. The whole town is from Texas - so it seems. 🙂 The temps are great.

Of the three you mentioned, Pagosa Springs is our favorite because we do enjoy the springs, hiking and fishing. It's a small town.

Durango itself is not a favorite because it is hot there and crowded. Now with the mine spill, we would not be in the river even if they're saying it's o.k. Perhaps next year....

Chama is too small of a town.

Durango is hot but if you move up in elevation to Silverton - that's an ideal place to stay for coolness and a fun western town.

[pawatt]

Fun Valley at South Fork just east of Pagosa Springs.

[BB_TX]

I agree with all the above. But another option is South Fork, about 10 miles east of Wolf Creek pass. A number of private RV parks as well as NFS campgrounds in the area. Easy day trips to Creede, Lake City, Great Sand Dunes NP, float trips on Rio Grande, and also access to the Cumbres & Toltec steam RR at Antonito south of Alamosa.

[4runnerguy]

AJBert wrote:
Just an FYI on the Animas river, I've yet to hear that the water has been deemed safe. All of the folks that live along/receive water from the Animas are trying to get by on bottled water. Irrigation has been shut down also. If you head that way try to call and find out about the water situation.

Those with private wells fronting the river may be using bottled water, but any water source away from the river hasn't been affected. Based on water quality tests, Durango is free to use Animas River water in its water system. The metal levels are back to what they were before the spill.

[AJBert]

Just an FYI on the Animas river, I've yet to hear that the water has been deemed safe. All of the folks that live along/receive water from the Animas are trying to get by on bottled water. Irrigation has been shut down also. If you head that way try to call and find out about the water situation.

[Allworth]

For quiet relaxation; Chama (Rio Chama CG)

For things to do; Durango (Any of the parks on the Silverton Highway)

[eubank]

Bunch of variables. You're not looking for kid activities, so exclude that kind of stuff. Your time is somewhat limited, given that it's about a two-day drive from your area to the region, so four days of driving total.

Personally, I'd do a combination of Chama and Pagosa. Stay in Chama, do the train ride, chill out at the river. Drive up to Pagosa for a day trip or two and soak in the springs.

Here's a smidgen of elevation info for you:

Chama 7,871 ft
Pagosa 7,126 ft
Durango: 6,512 ft

Lynn

[NEOK]

I agree with what 4runnerguy says, however if you like peace and quiet and enjoy fishing in a river Chama has a great RV campground at Sky Mountain Resort. They have many different sized sites with shade and some that are next to the Rio Chama river. The owners and very helpful and friendly. There is also some very pretty scenery around the mountains in northern New Mexico and a short drive into southern Colorado. We spent a week there in 2011 and plan to go back.