8 days in Ouray, Mesa Verde National Park & Durango Itinerary

Ouray is a Home Rule Municipality that is the county seat and the most populous city of Ouray County, Colorado, United States. Attractions like Ouray Alchemist Museum and Yankee Boy Basin make great kid-friendly stops. Get out of town with these interesting Ouray side-trips: Bear Creek Falls (in Telluride), Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park (in Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park) and Museum of the Mountain West (in Montrose). There's more to do: see Off-Road Tours and stroll around Box Canyon Waterfall & Park.

Quickly create a custom-made itinerary for Ouray using our trip planner.

Dallas to Ouray is an approximately 6-hour combination of flight and car. You can also drive; or do a combination of bus and car. The time zone difference when traveling from Dallas to Ouray is minus 1 hour. In March, Ouray is colder than Dallas - with highs of 44°F and lows of 25°F. Cap off your sightseeing on the 27th (Mon) early enough to go by car 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.

On the 28th (Tue), delve into the distant past at Cliff Palace, contemplate the long history of Balcony House, and then explore the ancient world of Spruce Tree House.

To find reviews, photos, where to stay, and other tourist information, go to the Mesa Verde National Park trip planner.

You can drive from Ouray to Mesa Verde National Park in 3.5 hours. Other options are to drive; or take a shuttle; or do a combination of shuttle, train, and car. Traveling from Ouray in March, you will find days in Mesa Verde National Park are a bit warmer (59°F), and nights are about the same (24°F). Finish your sightseeing early on the 28th (Tue) so you can drive to Durango.

Originally a frontier mining town, Durango is known today for its scenic setting, outdoor activities, and the 1880s steam-powered railway that takes visitors through sections of the mountains where roads don't reach.

Bring the kids along to Wolf Creek Ski Resort and Off-Road Tours. Get out of town with these interesting Durango side-trips: Pagosa Springs (Piedra River Trail, Spas, &more). There's more to do: don't miss a visit to Historic Downtown Durango.

To find ratings, other places to visit, and more tourist information, you can read our Durango trip planner.

You can drive from Mesa Verde National Park to Durango in 1.5 hours. Another option is to take a shuttle. In March, daily temperatures in Durango can reach 56°F, while at night they dip to 23°F. Cap off your sightseeing on the 1st (Sat) early enough to catch the flight back home.