THIS MONTH: Back in time to Durango, Colorado
GETTING THERE:
Head north of Tucson toward Flagstaff, and you’re headed into cooler territory -- but go even further, and you can experience territory of another era, with a few other stops back in time, along the way.
Upon leaving Tucson on west I-10, switch to I-17 north in Phoenix and head
toward Flagstaff. A total 4.5 hour drive will place you just south of Flagstaff
on SR 89 viewing the entrance to Sunset Crater, your first “step back
in time”.
A small fee of $5 per person, or $25 per carload covers both national parks located along Loop Road (which eventually connects back to SR89) -- Sunset Crater and Wupatki National Monuments.
Arizona’s Sunset Crater Volcano was born in a series of eruptions sometime between 1040 and 1100. Lava flows and cinders still look as fresh and rugged as the day they were formed. A brief 1 mile walk through the Lava Flow Trail will enthrall your group and help rejuvenate them for the remaining drive ahead.
Follow Loop Road by car through it’s 36 mile journey back in time and view changes in landscape that can be evidenced from the volcanic eruptions -- it’s a view to behold.
Shortly before connecting back to the interstate, also consider a brief stop at the visitors center for Wupatki National Monument and walk the paved trail to the Wupatki Pueblo ruins, a 100-room restored pueblo built less than 800 years ago by the Hopi, Zuni, Navajo, and other tribes.
When connecting back to SR89, continue north for another 4 hours passing through the Four Corners of Arizona, New Mexico, Utah and Colorado (A great photo opportunity and break time for the kids). From Four Corners it’s a little over an hours drive to arrive in Durango, Colorado.
NOTE: A slightly shorter route is available taking AZ-77 north from Tucson. If you are using our suggested route and are not limited by time -- consider an overnight stay in Flagstaff or the Grand Canyon area.
YOUR ITINERARY
Durango, Colorado is a hot spot for adventure easily capable of filling a single day with a 7 hour train ride on the Historic Durango to Silverton narrow-gauge railroad, or a entire week of outdoor fun with river rafting, jeep tours, horseback riding and more. Catering to the true outdoorsman, plus those who enjoy a more ‘indoor’ approach to vacations, Durango has something for everyone. From festivals and parks to special tours and museums, Durango is a family friendly place.
If planning to ride the train, there are discount packages available through numerous resources. We found it easiest to reserve both our activities, and accommodations, through an online travel coordinator at www.gatewayreservations.com.
Gateway lets you plan your itinerary yourself and offers a great website for researching everything -- including prices. Hint: As with any locale that experiences all the seasons, plan accordingly. Rates will vary based upon the time of year, and different activities are offered based upon the weather. If you are headed to Durango to ski, expect higher prices. If you are planning a rafting trip down the Animas River, remember that water levels will determine available options.
The key highlight for Durango is obviously the D&SNG narrow gauge steam-powered
railroad. Nearly 170,000 passengers embark upon this memorable journey through
the San Juan National Forest, every year.
Through lush green valleys and over steep mountain passes, the steam engine chugs on a steep uphill grade along the Animas River. Passengers gasp in delight at the high mountain views and deep chasms below, as the train passes through tight canyons with only inches to spare.
Offering several cars to choose from, summer ticket prices varied from $65-$129
per adult (children ride at a lesser rate of $35). Cars are both open or
closed, depending upon your selection. We recommend the open Gondola or the
Silver Vista (glass roof) cars -- but be advised that the train runs off
coal, which produces smoke and soot that can get into eyes or on clothing.
Take eyewear, and dress for the elements.
Memorial Day weekend, the crowds and excitement get even more interesting with the Iron Horse Bicycle Classic, an annual race between 2,500 cyclists and the Durango to Silverton train. The Iron Horse challenge is open to citizen-class and elite cyclists willing to trek via Hwy. 550 for 50 miles, over two 11,000-foot mountain passes, to Silverton.
LODGING OPTIONS:
In a city like Durango, hotel options are numerous -- including options like the historic Strater Hotel built in 1887. However, if staying long term, do some research. Many hotels, condos and the Durango Mountain Resort offer long-term packages at special rates, depending upon the season.
If staying short-term, or if you’re on a budget, consider making your vacation even more memorable with a camping or RV option: www.durango.org/RVCamping.
RETURNING HOME:
When leaving Durango, consider the alternate route of heading south, on US-550 through New Mexico to US-491. Halfway home take exit 311 for a 28 mile trip through the Painted Desert and the Petrified Forest. The park will connect with Hwy 180 at the south end, and direct you through the refreshing journey of Arizona’s beautiful (and cool) White Mountains and on to the the red soil stained waters of the Salt River. Be sure to take your camera, and leave plenty of time to stop for photos!
© 2008 Good News Tucson™
