Pagosa Springs vacation

[Chad4000]

I did a search but didn't come up with a whole lot of info.

Taking the girlfriend to Pagosa Springs next month and am ready to book everything and finalize the plans. Staying at the resort is about $200 a night, which seems like the best place to stay, but not super cheap. I don't suppose any of you frequent the area and have some good ideas on things to do/see? Or maybe even a better place to stay than the resort? Doesn't have to be the nicest hotel of all time, just something with a decent vibe, clean etc.

I'm fine with the touristy thing cause you know what you're going to get, but also enjoy some of the more local aspects. Her and I really don't mind sitting in the hot springs and relaxing, lol, but want to eat like kings for a couple days etc. Anybody ski or board Wolf Creek? (Shes a beginner).

Routes on how to get there would be nice too. Had a friend try to take his wife there once, and they got 4 hours away and there was a closed road lol.

Thanks in advance!

[Zundfolge]

The Durango to Silverton train is pretty cool http://www.durangotrain.com/

[Chad4000]

The Durango to Silverton train is pretty cool http://www.durangotrain.com/

interesting! I'll check in to it!

[BushMasterBoy]

yeah check http://www.cotrip.org/ before you go

[Chad4000]

yeah check http://www.cotrip.org/ before you go

Ooh good. thanks!

[cstone]

IMO, the drive down the west side of Wolf Creek Pass is one of the prettiest drives in the lower 48, or is that 55 (so hard with all the misinformation you get these days

Ouray is really nice if you decide to take the long way around. I25 or US285 to US160 is the normal drive, but you can take I70 then go south on US50 to US550. Just depends on how much butt time behind the wheel you are willing to do.

No help on hotels as I normally stay in Durango when I am in the SW part of the state.

Have fun. Be safe.

[Chad4000]

IMO, the drive down the west side of Wolf Creek Pass is one of the prettiest drives in the lower 48, or is that 55 (so hard with all the misinformation you get these days

Ouray is really nice if you decide to take the long way around. I25 or US285 to US160 is the normal drive, but you can take I70 then go south on US50 to US550. Just depends on how much butt time behind the wheel you are willing to do.

No help on hotels as I normally stay in Durango when I am in the SW part of the state.

Have fun. Be safe.

Thank you stone!!!!

[rondog]

Pretty sure the train won't be running in the winter. But it's an awesome ride, consider booking it now for a summer trip.

My parents used to have a place in Pagosa, haven't been there in years though. Last time we were there was about 15 years ago, I seem to recall there wasn't much to do. Not even a Starbucks or McDonalds. Hope it's a little livelier now.

[Chad4000]

Ya know really, it's just about getting a little alone time. Doesnt have to be much going on. Still hoping to have a good dinner one night, we might try skiing wolf creek, not sure.. I was thinking of the cheesy stuff like couples massages and shit.. I'll have to figure something out lol

[nzachman]

I-25 to Walsenburg then 160 all the way to Durango if your in a hurry. Or Highway 285 to Del Norte then 160 to Durango.
South from Parker come down to the Springs to Highway 24 west over to Johnson's Village south of Buena Vista. Or 115 to Penrose and Highway 50 to Poncha Junction.
Also if Wolf Creek Pass in closed, go south out of Alamosa to Antonito Colorado, then Highway 17 to Chama, NM. Highway 64/84 from Chama to Pagosa.

The D&S operates their winter train half way to Cascade Canyon were it turns and travels back to Durango. Leaves at 9:45 and is back by 3:30 only Thursday through Saturday. Book the Parlor car if at all possible!!!!!!!!!
Wolf Creek is an amazing place to ski, lots of snow and a lot of trails.

Take a bathing suit, there is a big hot spring resort in downtown. "Way" North of town on Piedra Road are a lot of neat side roads with some cool lakes.
Chimney Rock is closed in the winter, there are casino's at Navajo in northern New Mexico.

Good places to eat, I like Kip's. It's a small place on the east side of town in a little house. The Mexican food is so-so, Boss Hoggs is always busy.
If you drink beer, Wolfe Brewing Company is good. Riff raff is ok, Pagosa Brewing is so-so.
Side note, in Del Norte 3 barrel brewing is really good also have great pizza. Also in Alamosa San Luis Brewing is a great place to stop for lunch.