Southwest Colorado Road Trip: Your Perfect Itinerary
Southwest Colorado Road Trip: Your Perfect Itinerary
Southwest Colorado is one of the most gorgeous areas of the Centennial State, and I can vouch for this after spending a week here. Home to snow-capped San Juan Mountains, and charming mountain towns, this region boasts a one-of-a-kind atmosphere.
With no major airports nearby, it takes at least a few hours to get here depending on where you are traveling from. This makes Southwest Colorado more exclusive compared to other areas along Interstate-70 that are busy year-round.
To begin your Southwest Colorado itinerary, you can catch a flight Grand Junction, the major city on the western slope of Colorado, or take a drive from Denver to Grand Junction along Interstate-70.
What is the best time to visit Southwest Colorado?
While some places in Southwest Colorado are inaccessible during winter and even mid-spring, early June through mid-October is the best time to visit this region. Summer is the busiest time in Southwest Colorado when many travelers come here to enjoy the outdoors.
What towns are in Southwest Colorado?
Southwest Colorado is characterized by some of the best scenery in the state and many small towns that give it a unique character. Some of the towns in Southwest Colorado are Telluride, Durango, Silverton, Cortez, Montrose, Alamosa, and Monte Vista.
Begin your Southwest Colorado road trip in Grand Junction
Where to stay: Comfort Inn Grand Junction
Start your Southwest Colorado road trip in Grand Junction where you can have a dinner and spend a night before heading south next day. Grand Junction has plenty of affordable hotels such as the Bookcliffs Bed&Breakfast, Grand Junction Palomino Inn or the historic Train House
Continue south to on Highway 50 before you get to Montrose. From there, get south on U.S. Highway 550 before you make it to Ridgeway. From there make a left turn on State Highway 62 to reach Telluride.
Renting a car for your Southwest Colorado road trip
To explore Southwest Colorado, you will need a car. I recommend DiscoverCars, a car rental company that offers a great inventory of many types of vehicles, and also has rental cars in Grand Junction.
How to plan your Southwest Colorado itinerary
Start your Southwest Colorado itinerary in Grand Junction and head south from there. It’s the best way to plan your trip, if you are starting in Denver or flying into Grand Junction.
If you are traveling to Colorado from Arizona, New Mexico or Utah, you could begin your road trip in Durango or Cortez before heading to Telluride and Silverton.
Best things to do in Grand Junction
Grand Junction is home to Colorado National Monument, one of the best places in Colorado for camping and stargazing. Many visitors treat Grand Junction as a pit stop on their Colorado road trip, but the area offers plenty of cool activities, if you like the outdoors.
If you are in a good shape, visit the remote Dominguez Canyon, located outside of Grand Junction. The canyon spans for four miles and boasts many well-preserved Native American petroglyphs.
To finish your day, check out Two Rivers Winery just west of downtown Grand Junction where you can sample locally produced wine.
Grand Mesa
The largest flat-top mountain in the world, Grand Mesa sits nearly 6,000 feet above the valley floor. Located about 40 miles east of Grand Junction, it is worth a visit, if you are want to get a break from the heat of Grand Junction.
The best way to reach Grand Mesa is via Grand Mesa Scenic Byway that goes for 63 miles through the forest providing breathtaking views of clear alpine lakes and green meadows sprinkled with beautiful flowers during early-to-mid summer. You can also spot wildlife such as marmots, bald eagles and if you get lucky – even moose!
Another point of interest for Grand Mesa visitors is The Land’s End Observatory. While this historic landmark is no longer in use, it is located near a steep drop-off where visitors can enjoy sprawling views. From here, you can continue going south via a series of switchbacks carved into the side of the cliff toward the town of Delta.
Colorado National Monument
One of the most popular places to visit near Grand Junction – Colorado National Monument is home to steep-walled canyons, wide mesas, and plateaus with millions of years of history. For a second, you might think that you are in Utah – the monument is located just across the state line from the Arches and Canyonlands National Parks.
If you also plan to visit Utah National Parks after checking out Southwest Colorado, check my complete guide.
Camping at Colorado National Monument
Colorado National Monument has one campground that costs $22 a night. It’s a perfect place to enjoy the clear dark skies. If you visit in summer, it can be a bit hot here during the day, but nights bring pleasant temperatures, and speaking from personal experience, I felt comfortable sleeping in a tent.
PRO TIP: If you don’t want to spend a night in Grand Junction, Colorado National Monument is a perfect camping stop on your Southwest Colorado itinerary before heading south.
Entrance to Colorado National Monument costs $25, and if you plan to visit other national monuments and national and state parks, you should purchase America the Beautiful Pass for $80.
Blue Lakes Colorado
Blue Lakes is one of the most beautiful places to visit in all of Colorado, and it has become very popular in recent years.
Tucked between Ridgeway and Telluride in the Uncompaghre National Forest, this trail leads to the pair of stunning alpine lakes surrounded by the jagged peaks. (But don’t confuse it with the Blue Lakes trail above Bridal Veil in Telluride).
The trail to Lower Blue Lake is rated moderate, but it feels more strenuous as you climb a series of steep switchbacks before you arrive at incredible alpine meadows with bright wildflowers (during June and July).
Carry enough water and snacks, because this hike will test you! Luckily, there are many streams along the way, where you can refill your water bottle, so don’t forget a water filter.
The area around Lower and Upper Blue Lakes has plenty of space for dispersed camping, so grab a tent, a sleeping bag and some warm clothes (it gets chilly at night) for the ultimate experience!
Lower Blue Lake: 6.3 miles roundtrip, moderate
Upper Blue Lake: 8.2 miles roundtrip, strenuous
Blue Lakes Pass: 11 miles roundtrip, strenuous
How to find Blue Lakes Colorado
Take Highway 62 toward Telluride and turn left on County Road 7 marked as Dallas Creek. The unpaved road brings you to the parking lot where the trailhead begins. While it’s better to come here in an SUV, a smaller vehicle will do just fine, but it might take you longer to get there on a bumpy road.
Telluride
Where to stay: Mountain Lodge Telluride
If there’s one place you can’t miss on your Southwest Colorado itinerary, it’s Telluride!
Located in the San Juan Mountains, Telluride is one of the most charming mountain towns in North America and a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Telluride history goes back to the days of mining when prospectors from all over the country rushed here after the discovery of gold and other metals in the 1870s. Mining was the main industry of Telluride for about a century until the demand declined, and a group of locals established the first ski resort.
Since then, Telluride has evolved into much more than a ski resort.
Located in the box canyon, this town boasts incredible outdoor scenery year-round, and the Old West history that continues to live on. The summer season brings a slate of Telluride festivals and cultural events – it’s never a dull time here!
Best things to do in Telluride
Bear Creek Trail
This popular 4.6-mile roundtrip trail begins in downtown Telluride and brings you to the scenic falls. The trail climbs just over 1,000 feet in less than 3 miles and provides scenic views of the town and the surrounding cliffs at the end.
Begin the trail at the end of South Pine Street and continue toward Bear Creek Preserve where you will walk through the grove of aspens and surrounding cliffs. It is a relatively easy hike by Telluride standards, and it’s perfect for beginners.
Jud Weibe Memorial Trail
The Judge Weibe Trail is a 3-mile loop that offers panoramic views of Telluride and provides an exercise amid aspen groves. The trail begins in downtown Telluride and takes you up the mountain to an elevation of 10,000 feet, so don’t forget to put on comfortable shoes, get some snacks and water.
Bridal Veil Falls
Bridal Veil Falls is a 1.8-mile hike that takes you to the bottom of the tallest waterfall in Colorado. The waterfall plunges from the height of 365 feet and feeds the San Miguel River in Telluride.
This is another must stop on your Southwest Colorado itinerary, and I also recommend making your way to the top of the waterfalls for sweeping views of the valley.
Blue Lake
Craving a real challenge? Continue to the backcountry of Bridal Veil Basin toward Blue Lake that sits at the elevation of 12,220 feet.
It’s a very demanding hike, so come prepared. Bring good sunscreen (the hike is exposed and there’s very little shade), water, and water filter (when I did this hike, I was refilling my water in the creeks along the way). Wear comfortable hiking shoes and breathable clothing.
The round trip takes about 6 miles, but because of the steep switchbacks and 1,600-feet elevation gain, it feels longer. If you do this hike in June or July, you will walk past incredible waterfalls, creeks, and alpine meadows. You can also spot some mining structures and relics throughout the area.
If you have a 4X4, you can drive to the beginning of the trailhead along the switchbacks carved into the wall of Telluride’s box canyon, instead of hiking.
Mountain Village
After hiking to the Blue Lake, you will need a break. Take FREE Telluride gondola to Mountain Village and take a walk around the area. In summer, you can rent a mountain bike and explore the area’s many trails.
Where to stay in Telluride
Finding hotels in Telluride is not easy in the middle of the high season. Accommodations here are limited, and if you don’t make a reservation ahead of time, you might have to pay the highest price or trying to find available space in one campsite near Telluride. I recommend Hotel Telluride in the city’s downtown.
If you travel during summer, you can also stay in a campground at Alta Lakes south of Telluride or use dispersed camping. One of the dispersed camping areas is located along Mill Creek Road near Shell gas station outside of Telluride.
Imogene Pass
Thrill-seekers should head to Imogene Pass, the second-highest road in Colorado that is popular for off-road driving. This 17-mile pass stretches from Telluride to Ouray and provides incredible views of the surrounding mountains. To travel on this pass you will need to rent a 4X4 vehicle in Telluride.
You can also hike this pass (or a portion of it), and there is even a race here called Imogene Pass Run that takes place every September!
Ouray
Where to stay: Timber Ridge Lodge
Nicknamed “Switzerland of America,” Ouray is a less-famous sibling of Telluride.
This small town makes for a perfect day trip from Telluride, but if you love the outdoors, there are plenty of things to do here to keep you buys for weeks. The area boasts plenty of hikes trails (one of the best areas for hiking in the Bear Creek National Recreation Trail); historic mining ghost towns and opportunities for backcountry camping and off-roading.
And don’t forget to visit the famous Ouray hot springs, one of the best hot springs in Colorado to relax after a day of exploring.
Box Canyon Falls
A place not to miss in Ouray is Box Canyon Falls, a stunning waterfall outside of town. If you have more time, check out Cascade Falls Park where you can see seven stunning waterfalls after hiking the Lower Cascade Falls Trail that begins near the end of 8th Avenue in Ouray. Another option is to hike the Perimeter trail, one of the best hikes in Ouray that allows you get a glimpse at this waterfall.
If you like a fun tour, check out the Bachelor Syracuse Mine that will tell you the history of one of the largest gold producers of gold of the 19th century. Another excellent place to learn the history of the area is the Ouray County Museum that features multiple exhibits and artifacts.
One Million Dollar Highway
When you come to Ouray, don’t miss the chance to drive along One Million Dollar Highway, a portion of U.S. Highway 550 that will take you along the Red Mountain Pass.
From Ouray, the road climbs the two-lane mountain pass with steep drop-offs and no guardrails. It’s a fascinating drive that will take your breath away and tell you the mining history of this remote region with hundreds of small mining towns scattered in the area. This scenic drive is one of the best stops on your Southwest Colorado itinerary.
On the third switchback just south of Ouray you will find an overlook called “Switzerland of America.” This spectacular viewpoint located above Ouray is surrounded by tall mountains.
Silverton
Where to stay: Villa Dallavalle Inn
Silverton is a remote town in Southwest Colorado that is perfect for travelers who want to disconnect and spend a few days in the nature.
Located at the end of One Million Dollar Highway, Silverton is a frontier mining town that is popular for its backcountry hiking, camping, and off-roading. In winter the area is popular with expert skiers who come here to enjoy backcountry skiing trails that are unlike anything you have seen at big ski resorts.
A popular hike in the area is the 7-mile roundtrip Ice Lakes Trail with stunning vistas along the way. It’s often called one of the most beautiful hikes in all of Colorado!
Read my complete guide to hiking Ice Lakes near Silverton to plan your adventure
Durango
Where to stay: Adventure Inn Durango
Durango is another place that you should include in your Southwest Colorado itinerary. It’s one of the most popular Southwest Colorado towns, and unlike other places in this part of the state, it’s pretty easy to access, as it has daily flights from Denver.
From the historic downtown Durango where modern-day coexists with its Old West heritage, to whitewater rafting and zip lining to the famous Colorado Trail that stretches for 500 miles from Durango to Denver, this little corner is a treasure trove of adventures.
One of the best things to do in Durango is the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gage Railway, a historic train that takes you up the valley from Durango to Silverton.
When you finish your Durango adventure, take a drive to Mesa Verde National Park where you can learn about the history of the Ancestral Pueblo people who once populated this part of Colorado.
Best tours of Durango
Mesa Verde National Park
Where to stay near Mesa Verde National Park: Canyon Of The Ancients Guest Ranch
As a final stop on your southwest Colorado itinerary, I suggest Mesa Verde National Park – a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its vast collection of the dwellings and artifacts left by the Ancestral Pueblo people. The park is home to 5,000 archaeological sites and over 600 cliff dwellings built into the cliff sites that were preserved from the time when Pueblos occupied the area.
If you are a history buff, this is by far one of the best places to visit in southwest Colorado, before heading back to Denver or Grand Junction to catch your flight back home.
After learning the history through the ancient cliff dwellings, check out overlooks along the 6-mile Mesa Top Loop Road on the Chapin Mesa, an area that has several hikes.
The cliff dwellings inside this national park are extremely fragile, so make sure not to touch them.
How many days do I need for my Southwest Colorado itinerary?
Plan no less than a week for your Southwest Colorado itinerary. The driving distances are pretty long here, and you need a couple of hours to get from one town to another. Add the many things to do in this part of the state, and you are probably looking at about two weeks for your perfect Southwest Colorado road trip!
Planning your Southwest Colorado itinerary: final word
The southwest corner is one of the most beautiful parts of Colorado with snow-capped mountains, turquoise lakes fed by the snow and stunning alpine meadows. It’s one of those places you have to visit at least once in your lifetime. Spend a couple of days in one of the mountain towns like Telluride or Ouray, camp under the clear dark skies and explore the many cool hiking trails in the area.
Check out more inspiration for your Colorado Road trip:
- 20 Road Trips From Denver For Your Bucket List
- 20 Hot Springs In Colorado That You Need To Visit In Winter
- 32 Awesome Things To Do In Denver
- Perfect Southwest Colorado Road Trip
- Best Hikes In The Rocky Mountain National Park