Folks,
Is this considered the best route to Durango, Co from the south east:
Take I-40 to Gallup, NM, then go north on Highway 491 [Old 666] through Shiprock to Farmington, and then a short jog north on Hwy 550 to Durango.
The other options are I-40 east to I-25 north at Albuquerque to US-550 north, or to come in from further north over US-160?
David,
I've traveled the four corners area quite a bit in a Class B and in a car (for work and for pleasure).
I really like the area and mountain driving (in good weather) on back roads.
That part of the USA is beautiful.
I worked for an architectural firm that designed a hotel in Telluride...
http://www.fairmont.com/klammer-lodge-telluride/
If time or road conditions are not a big deal I'd take a slightly different tack.
I'd head northwest off I 40 at Santa Rosa, NM on US 84 to Pagosa Springs, CO.
Then west on US 60 into Durango, CO.
This route will take you thru the ski town of Taos and the small railroad town of Chama.
The Chama train ride is very scenic and nice and a great warm-up for the Durango train.
http://cumbrestoltec.com/
http://www.durangosilvertonrailroad.com/
Have a safe and fun trip which ever route you take.
David,
I have traveled both the US-491 and US-550 routes and would avoid the Gallup, Shiprock 491 route. The US-550 route, I-40 to Albuquerque, I-25 to Bernallilo and then 550 to Durango is much better and safer. Many wrecks from inebriated drivers on 491. Also, US-550 is mostly 4 lane.
Thanks guys, that helps a great deal. Looks like we'll be traveling I-40 to I-25 to US-550, with probably a side trip to Chama. Frank, the Franz Klammer Lodge is a beautiful hotel - nice work!
Now I need to decide where to stay in Durango and Chama.
http://www.rvparkreviews.com lists Alpen Rose RV Park and the Durango KOA at the top of their lists. Remember, I'm traveling with four very energetic (and loud) children! Any recommendations for a big arse bus and a loud family!
David,
We've stayed at both Alpen Rose and the KOA. The KOA was very hilly and not well suited for a 45'er. The Alpen Rose is flat and a few miles past downtown Durango. Sites A thru H work well for a big bus. J, k & L are huge spaces. If you like fresh trout, you and the kids can catch your own out of the small stocked trout pond located on site.
I would recommend a car or train trip to Silverton but I would not recommend driving a 45' bus to Silverton although I have seen some people doing so.
If you do the train trip to Silverton, ride the bus back, both ways is too much. It is a beautiful trip, not to be missed. Get reservations soon.
Anyone familiar with Angel Fire RV resort just above Taos on RT64? Which is the best route (roads) to take from Santa Fe driving a 45"bus?