It seems to be Colorado

LowRyter wrote:

LowRyter wrote:
Where did you camp when you were visiting Gateway Canyons resort?

I've heard it's a first class place that was opened by the guy that started the History Channel.

bump

Start a new post with this title and you'll get responses.

LowRyter wrote:
Where did you camp when you were visiting Gateway Canyons resort?

I've heard it's a first class place that was opened by the guy that started the History Channel.

bump

Thanks, but we are probably gonna actually skip Colorado next year and go somewhere closer. The more we started researching, the more expensive it started getting. Starting out with gas. We are looking at more than $1500 round trip, just in gas.

Bionic Man wrote:
You would miss so much renting a small car. You need to look into renting a Wrangler.

x2

A small car simply won't get you many places in this part of Colorado. If you want to get an idea as to some of the options available, check out this link.

We may consider doing it for a day. The cost of renting a jeep for a day through one of the jeep rental places is almost the same as having a car for a week.

You would miss so much renting a small car. You need to look into renting a Wrangler.

Thinking about the car thing. We don't have a way to tow our car. Would cost at least $800 to just rent a tow dolly from Uhaul for the 2 weeks. Was thinking about just renting a car when we get out there. Maybe do it for a week or there abouts out of Durango. Can get a compact for around $200.

While out there in 2011 we camped at Ridgway State Park not far north of Ouray. I'm surprised no one made mention of Highway 550, the road from Durango to Ouray. Quite the ride with 3 passes about 11,000'. If you want to see what the highway is like just click on the YouTube video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9KGIFb-hJDA

Where did you camp when you were visiting Gateway Canyons resort?

I've heard it's a first class place that was opened by the guy that started the History Channel.

Rifle Gap is a long ways from Ouray, as is Air Force Academy and Pikes Peak. We spent four weeks in the Durango-Silverton-Ouray-Telluride area this summer. There is a lot to see and do to keep you busy for months.

As noted, many people enjoy Ridgway SP for the Ouray area. KOA is also mentioned often. Yankee Boy Basin is a great drive if you have a toad or rent a jeep. Flowers in July and August are amazing. If you want an interesting hike, the Bear Creek Trail just south of Ouray (just through the tunnel) is a National Scenic Trail. Pretty interesting after the first half mile. Not for those for whom exposure is an issue. While you're in the Ouray area, a day trip to Black Canyon of the Gunnison NP is definitely worthwhile. A great NPS CG up there if you can camp with only electricity.

Like 2gypsies, we like Haviland Lake NFS CG north of Durango. You can travel to Silverton from either Ouray or Durango. Do both, as the scenery is unique along both roads. We often spend five to seven days boondocking in the Silverton area in August. Amazing wildflowers, and Silverton changes its personality once the trains leave in the afternoon. (Do take the Durango - Silverton NGRR if you have the chance. One of the few "touristy" things we've done several times.)

As noted, Mesa Verde NP isn't that far from Durango. Plan on camping at the CG up there (a few FHU sites can be reserved). Being up on the mesa, it's definitely cooler than those CG's around Mancos, Durango, etc. Closer to Cortez, we also stay at McPhee Reservoir NFS CO. IIRC, they have some sites with FHU. Near McPhee is the Anasazi Heritage Center. Worth some time. They can also direct you to other, less visited ruins in the area. Mesa Verde is impressive, but you can get a better feel for the societal evolution in the 4-corners area by visiting some of these other places. Hovenweep just over the border in Utah is worth a visit if you have the time.

One other area to visit in the area is around Telluride. The town itself doesn't do much for us, but the nearby scenery is spectacular. Matterhorn NFS CG south of town has a few FHU sites.

For the Durango-Silverton-Telluride area, renting a jeep is really worth for a day or two or more. There's so much of the backcountry one can reach via jeep. The wildflowers with the colorful rocks make for amazing sights in July and August.