Chama NM, Durango CO, or Pagosa Springs CO

Chama is the smallest of the three. The big attraction there is the Cumbres-Toltec Narrow Gauge Railroad. Ride one way, take the bus back. Chama is a cute little town. One can day trip to Taos or Santa Fe for other cultural places. Comparatively limited selection of restaurants due to the small size of Chama. If you're just wanting to hang around the camp and veg out, this is a quiet place to do it.

Pagosa Springs is of course home to Pagosa Hot Springs. There is a swimming pool, but mostly it is a series of smaller, hot tub sized soaking pools plus access to the river. We did it once but it's not our favorite hot springs experience in the state (try Ouray). One can also float the river through town on tubes and get shuttled back to do it again (we're AARP members and that's still something that we'd do!). East of Pagosa there is some good hiking off of Wolf Creek Pass and side roads off of US 160. Spectacular, high elevation scenery as you get that direction from Pagosa. Chimney Rock NM isn't too far away either.

Durango has the greatest number and variety of attractions. There's the Durango-Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad (a don't miss in our book - amazing scenery), Mesa Verde NP (take a guided tour or two), Anasazi Heritage Museum near Dolores (where you can get info on other Native American ruins in the area), and a number of day trips to the high country, whether it's Silverton, Ouray, or Telluride. Overall, these day trips will take you to higher elevations and cooler temps if that's what you're looking for. By the time you get there, I imagine there will be rafting and tubing available again on the Animas. Durango is the largest of the three towns you've mentioned with a greater selection of restaurants. Durango is also the busiest as the railroad is a huge draw.

In our book, Durango would be our first choice because of the scenery, availability of activities, and restaurant selection.

We always stay in NFS or NPS CG's in the area, so can't help you with resorts, although the CG at Mesa Verde does have a handful of FHU sites up there (quite a haul to get up on the mesa, but it is noticeably cooler up there).

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.

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

For quiet relaxation; Chama (Rio Chama CG)

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

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.

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.

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.

Fun Valley at South Fork just east of Pagosa Springs.

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.

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.