It’s been awhile since I’ve written anything on here. As medical school looms in the very near future, I’ve decided to make an effort to write more often. It calms me to be able to put my thoughts into words. (not to mention I like looking back on my travel experiences).
Day 1: Arrival
Transportation
We flew into Albuquerque from Little Rock and flew back into Memphis. It was hundreds of dollars cheaper than flying into Southern Colorado. We were planning on getting a rental car anyway, so the 3 hour drive to Durango, Colorado was worth it. 
Hotel
We stayed at the Residence Inn, because anything in Downtown Durango was double the price. One thing I learned was there was little to no thought about the outside appearance of buildings (unless was a very expensive building). Thus, the outside of the hotel looked ran-down, but the inside was super nice! We were within walking distance of downtown, so the fact we were outside of it did not bother us.
Dinner
Steamworks was a popular restaurant downtown known for its all-around good food and drink. We ordered the BBQ Lettuce Wraps, and I got the loaded 6 Cheese-Mac (Macv& Cheese). Although the Lettuce Wraps tasted amazing, they were way too spicy for my mouth! The fancy Mac & Cheese was amazing. It had just the right amount of creaminess.
Day 2: Culture Day
Mesa Verde National Park
We drove 45mins to Mesa Verde to see the cliff ruins left by the Pueblo Native Americans. It was $20 per car in the summer to get through the gate. We opted to visit the Visitor’s Center, spent $3 dollars on history brochures of each ruin and a free map, and take our time. It was remarkable! Those structures were almost totally preserved!
Now, if you wanted to actually step onto the ruins, you would have to buy a tour which cost around $50ish per person. We decided taking pictures of the Cliff Palace and the Spruce Tree House from the overlook was fine for us. (you cannot see the Balcony House without a tour). There were multiple stops along the road for pictures of the surround landscape and trails if you plan on hiking. Doing the park our way, we spent 3 hours there. Get gas before you go!!!! It was around 50 miles round-trip around the park, and the gas on-site was extremely expensive.
Lunch: Michael’s Corner Crepes
This permanent food truck was adorable and had lovely patio seating (and next to Starbucks if you need a bathroom). I haven’t had crepes that good since Europe! I opted for the savory turkey, avocado, and cheese. It was $12, but I thought it was sharable making it around $6 a piece. The desert ones also looked scrumptious, but I sadly did not get the chance to try one of those. It was only open for lunch, but please check it out! You won’t be disappointed!
Shopping
Just walk up and down Main Street. There were so many stores you will find something you like.
Lodging
We stayed at a friend’s house located in the Mountains about 30mins outside Durango, so many of our meals and time were spent there.
Day 3: Redneck Day
The neighborhood we were staying in had tons of 4 wheeler and ATV trails. There were several places to rent inside town, but our friend had his own. (I picked up a couple free magazines by the Michael’s Crepes, so it showed everywhere to do outdoor activities). I recommend wearing a helmet for safety, but some choose not to. It was more fun than I pictured!
We wanted to go White Water Rafting, but the Animas River was so low, it would not have been much fun.
Day 4: Mountain Day
We basically drove all day long through the mountains. It was not a terrible drive due to the picturesque landscape, but it was long.
Brunch: Carver’s
Normally a brewery and beer garden, this place was open for brunch on Sunday’s. I had the Vegi Omlet and a slice of French Toast. I thought it was average, but it was nice to have in a small town.
Lemon Lake Reservoir
We took a detour to check this place out, and I’m so glad we did! It was perfect! The great thing about Colorado was you could pick almost anything, and it would be breath-taking.
Purgatory
This place was usually a ski-resort, but it offered summer-time activities as well. We did the alpine slide ($15 a ride) and the Scenic Chair Lift ($12 a ride). Expensive, but I expected that. The alpine slide looked very sketchy, and numourous people got off saying they fell over. You controlled how fast you went. If you didn’t pull the break a-little-bit on the curves, you would slide off or fall over. I didn’t think it was as fun as I pictured it.
The Scenic Chair Lift was 100% worth it. It took you all the way up the mountain, and the scene didn’t look real it was so awesome. (being in awe).
They also had other activities geared tours children, paddle boating, and mountain biking.
Silverton
Silverton was supposedly the highest town in the United States. I believe them, because I could hardly breathe up there. It was an old mining town, so it was set to look like the olden times. In winter they offer skiing, but you would face a good chance of getting trapped there. We shopped and ate at the Three Pigs Again restaurant. Guy Fiere (famous food show guy), praised them on their BBQ when he visited. It did not disappoint!
Day 5: Going Home
We drove back to Albuquerque and flew home!
General Tips and Things to Know:
- Cost of living is super high! (Literally and figuratively)
- Most places don’t have A/C
- Don’t leave your windows open at night if you stay in the Mountains. (Because Bears)
- Southern Colorado is mostly older people, due to the Cost of Living
- Restaurants have long wait times. Always ask to sit at the bar. You can order food.
- Durango only has one section of road that acts as the Interstate. Traffic can get super busy.
- The weather is freaking amazing, but be aware of afternoon thunderstorms.
- Altitude sickness is a thing. Even if you don’t feel ill, even walking is 50% harder.
- Drink more water than you normally would to avoid Altitude sickness.
- New Mexico and Colorado cops are serious about speeding. Even 5 miles over.
- You may get allergies from the trees.
- Mule deer are everywhere!!!!
I hope this helps anyone trying to plan a Southern Colorado trip in the summer! Obviously, many of this will be different in the winter, so as always do your own research.
Casually,
Cecily
Casually Cecily 