Every year, I try to do at least one week long road trip in a new state that I haven’t been. Last year’s big trip was going to Colorado, Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico. Both Colorado and Utah were new states for me. The main place I wanted to go was Telluride and I really wanted to go to Monument Valley so that was added to the list. You basically pass through Mesa Verde on the way there so I decided to stop there as well. Instead of tracking back to Montrose, where I flew in, I decided I would just leave from a major airport since it would be more convenient and cheaper. That made me decide to go to New Mexico since I spent a week there a few years back and really enjoyed it. On the way there, you basically can pass through Canyon de Chelly so I added that to the route as well! Along the way, they have the four corners monument, where you can stand in four states at once, so I added that as well! I’ll post a more thorough description on what I did everywhere, but for now, here is the itinerary.
Day 1- Arrive in Telluride
· Fly to Montrose and pick up rental car
· Drive to Mountain Village Airbnb
Day 2- Ouray
· Drive to Ouray
· 9AM- 12:30PM Alpine Scenic Tours through San Juan Mountains and old mining town (or rent a jeep and go on your own)
· Lunch and shops in Ouray
· Ouray Hot Springs
Day 3- Telluride
· Hike or drive up to Bridal Veil Falls, the highest waterfall in Colorado
· Lunch and shops in Downtown Telluride
· Gondola ride up to Allred Restaurant
Day 4- Telluride, drive to Mesa Verde
· Drive to Alta Lake
· Drive two hours to Mesa Verde
· Self-drive Mesa Verde
· Dinner and check-in to Far View Lodge in the Park
Day 5- Mesa Verde and 4 Corners Monument, drive to Monument Valley stay at The View
· Mesa Verde Balcony House Tour
· Drive an hour 22 minutes to 4 Corners Monument and get fry bread
· Drive an hour 34 minutes to Monument Valley, “The View Hotel”
Day 6- Monument Valley
· 9AM tour of Mystery Valley, 10 minutes from Monument Valley
· Drive through Monument Valley
· Dinner at Gouldings Lodge
Day 7- Canyon De Chelly
· Drive to Canyon De Chelly 2 and a half hours from Monument Valley
· Drive the South Rim through Canyon De Chelly (2 hours)
· Drive 1 and a half hours to Gallup and sleep in hotel
Day 8- Albuquerque
· Drive to Sunrise Sunset Spa for massage, facial, and pools
· Dinner at El Pinto
· Stay at Hampton Inn & Suites Albuquerque Airport
Day 9- Flight
· Fly home
