7 days in Ouray, Mesa Verde National Park & Pagosa Springs Itinerary

Ouray is a Home Rule Municipality that is the county seat and the most populous city of Ouray County, Colorado, United States. On the 25th (Sat), see the interesting displays at Ouray Alchemist Museum and then boost your wellbeing at Ouray Hot Springs Pool. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: fly down the slopes at Telluride Ski Resort, see Off-Road Tours, then take in the dramatic scenery at Bear Creek Falls, and finally admire the sheer force of Cornet Creek Falls.

For traveler tips, reviews, and tourist information, read Ouray road trip site.

Denver to Ouray is an approximately 6-hour car ride. You can also fly; or drive; or do a combination of bus and car. When traveling from Denver in March, plan for a bit cooler days in Ouray, with highs around 44°F, while nights are about the same with lows around 25°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 27th (Mon) so you can drive to Mesa Verde National Park.

Whereas most national parks are primarily devoted to showcasing unique and special landscapes, Mesa Verde National Park focuses on ancient human habitation.

Kick off your visit on the 27th (Mon): tour the pleasant surroundings at Spruce Canyon Trail, then make a trip to Park Point, and then delve into the distant past at Spruce Tree House. On the 28th (Tue), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: delve into the distant past at Long House, trek along Nordenskiold #16 Trail, then don't miss a visit to Far View Sites, and finally steep yourself in history at Petroglyph Point Hike.

Before you visit Mesa Verde National Park, use our trip planner to discover what you can do and see there.

Traveling by car from Ouray to Mesa Verde National Park takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a shuttle; or do a combination of shuttle, train, and car. Traveling from Ouray in March, expect nights in Mesa Verde National Park to be about the same, around 24°F, while days are a bit warmer, around 59°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 28th (Tue) early enough to drive to Pagosa Springs.

Pagosa Springs is a municipality that is the county seat of, and the only incorporated municipality in, Archuleta County, Colorado, United States. Attractions like Wolf Creek Ski Resort and Piedra River Trail make great kid-friendly stops. The adventure continues: take in the dramatic scenery at Treasure Falls, trot along with a tour on horseback, take in the natural beauty of Hot Springs At The Springs Resort, and take in the exciting artwork at Lantern Dancer.

To see more things to do, where to stay, traveler tips, and other tourist information, refer to the Pagosa Springs trip itinerary planner.

Traveling by car from Mesa Verde National Park to Pagosa Springs takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of car and shuttle; or take a shuttle. Traveling from Mesa Verde National Park in March, expect nights in Pagosa Springs to be about the same, around 24°F, while days are little chillier, around 51°F. Cap off your sightseeing on the 31st (Fri) early enough to catch the flight back home.