Answer: Visiting Durango in mid-March can be a delightful spring break getaway, but you should be prepared for a mix of winter and early spring conditions. Snow is still possible, especially at higher elevations, and temperatures can range from the mid-30s to mid-50s Fahrenheit during the day, with chilly nights. Roads in town are generally clear, but mountain passes can still have snow or ice.

Answer: Early September is a wonderful time to visit the Four Corners region—comfortable weather, beautiful scenery, and fewer crowds. With 5 nights, flying in and out of Albuquerque, and wanting easier drives, light walking, scenery, the Durango & Silverton train, Mesa Verde, and a possible hot spring, you can absolutely build a relaxed and enjoyable itinerary. Below is a detailed plan designed for active seniors who prefer minimal hiking and comfortable routes.

Answer: For a 7-day New Mexico and Southwest Colorado trip focusing on outdoor exploration, it’s smart to limit yourself to three bases. You’ve already chosen Santa Fe and Pagosa Springs, so your middle stop is the main question: Durango (and surrounding attractions) or Ouray (and the Million Dollar Highway). Both options offer unique experiences, and the choice depends on the activities you prioritize.

Answer: When considering a hotel in Durango for someone with multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS), there are several factors to keep in mind. Most hotels do not automatically advertise as fully fragrance-free or MCS-friendly, so advance planning and communication with the property are essential.

Answer: Durango in early April is a beautiful spot for an anniversary trip, with charming streets, mountain scenery, and plenty of activities to enjoy together. While Mainstay Suites offers a very reasonable price and comfortable accommodations, for a 39th anniversary you might consider a more romantic option to make the occasion feel special.

Answer: Driving from Albuquerque, New Mexico to Durango, Colorado in December can be challenging if you are not experienced with winter driving. The route is roughly 215 miles and takes about 4–5 hours under normal conditions, but winter weather can make the trip longer and more difficult. Snow, ice, and mountain passes are common, especially as you approach northern New Mexico and southern Colorado. If you have little to no experience driving in snow, it is generally not recommended to drive this route alone.

Answer: Great idea to hire a family photographer while you’re in Durango — the scenery there is absolutely stunning and makes for beautiful portraits. Here are several excellent local photographers to consider, plus tips on planning your session.

Answer: Planning a trip to Durango, Telluride, and Moab in early January can be beautiful but requires careful attention to winter weather and road conditions. Here’s a detailed guide to help you plan efficiently.

Answer: Durango offers several excellent steakhouses that combine great food with a pleasant ambiance. Depending on your preferences—whether classic, upscale, or casual—there are a few standout options to consider.

Answer: Choosing whether to stay near Purgatory Resort or in Durango depends on how you want to balance convenience for skiing with access to restaurants, shops, and après-ski activities. Because you’re a family of six planning to ski during spring break, both locations have advantages — the right choice comes down to your priorities.

Answer: The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is one of the most popular attractions in Durango, and it is highly recommended to purchase train tickets in advance, especially if you are visiting during busy travel periods such as May, when spring weather and early tourist season draw many visitors.

Answer: It sounds like your experience in Durango was disappointing despite enjoying the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad ride. While the train is often cited as a highlight of the area, the town itself can be less appealing depending on expectations, especially regarding lodging and dining options.

Answer: The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is famous for its scenic train ride through the San Juan Mountains. Many travelers choose to take the train up to Silverton and return via the bus option, especially if they want to save time or experience a different perspective on the way back.

Answer: The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is a classic Colorado experience, and choosing between diesel and steam engines can impact your ride in several ways beyond just price.

Answer: Great plan to spend a couple of nights in Durango — it gives you time to ride the train, explore downtown, and enjoy the mountain-town atmosphere. Here are some solid hotel options, along with useful info on parking at the train station:

Answer: The drive between Pagosa Springs and Durango is a scenic route through the southwestern Colorado mountains. In the summer, the road is generally well-maintained and fully paved, but it is a mountain route with curves, elevation changes, and some narrow stretches.

Answer: Camping between Durango and Mesa Verde National Park offers several options for those traveling with trailers or pop-up campers. June is a popular month, so early reservations are recommended. Since you need electricity and potentially water, it’s important to select campgrounds that can accommodate your 24-foot pop-up and possibly an additional tent site for a second family.

Answer: Yes, it is feasible to combine a day trip from Durango to Mesa Verde National Park and the Four Corners Monument in mid-April, but there are several important considerations regarding timing, road conditions, and sightseeing expectations.

Answer: Visiting Mesa Verde National Park and the Four Corners in December is possible, but there are several important considerations due to winter weather and limited services.

Answer: Seeing the northern lights (aurora borealis) from Durango is extremely rare because it is quite far south compared to the usual aurora zone, which is generally much closer to the Arctic Circle. However, very strong solar storms can occasionally make them visible at more southern latitudes. October can have some geomagnetic activity, so it’s worth trying if conditions are right.

Answer: Awesome trip — that whole corridor (OKC → Amarillo → New Mexico → SW Colorado) is a gorgeous drive and late March can be a fantastic time to see wide open high-desert scenery, snow-topped peaks, hot springs and charming mountain towns. Below I give two practical route options (fast & classic Route-66 style vs. the more scenic Santa Fe / Chama / Pagosa approach), a sample pacing plan, can’t-miss stops, dining & place-to-stay ideas in Durango and Telluride, a hot-springs recommendation, and safety/seasonal tips for late March.

Answer: If you are looking for early morning transportation to Durango-La Plata County Airport (DRO), there are several reliable options depending on your preferences for convenience, cost, and group size.