Kansas to Sedona, through Durango

[sdawson]

I"m planning a summer road trip leaving from Phillipsburg, KS and ending up in Sedona, AZ, but wish to see the Durango, CO area enroute. We're interested in scenic driving (in minivan) I think we'll have about 2 nights and 3 days to get from Phillipsburg to Sedona. Then we'll be in Sedona for 5-6 nights then heading home to Arkansas. I know I'll really miss seeing Estes Park and much of the great suff around Colorado Springs, but the dh says that will take too much time. We have from June 24 am to June 26 afternoon to get to our lodging in Sedona. We do want to see some of the Rockies on our drive at least since we won't have too much stop-over time before we get to Sedona. Any Suggestions?

[AZBuck]

Welcome aboard the RoadTrip America Forums!

I have to agree with your husband on this one. You're looking at a solid two days of driving just to cover the ground and include Durango. That really only leaves you about a half day to sight see along the way. If you start wandering off, you'll be spending that 'spare' half day just doing more driving rather than seeing anything except through the windshield. Consider that as it is you're going to be driving right by the entrance to one of the great archaeological national parks, Mesa Verde, and you barely have time to visit, and that only if you don't spend a lot of time in Durango or anywhere else en route.

The good news is that the shortest route from Phillipsburg to Durango goes over Wolf Creek Pass on US-160 as it crosses the San Juan Range of the Rockies. Gorgeous.

AZBuck

[Southwest Dave]

Using Bucks great suggestion over Wolf creek pass takes you through Pagosa Springs where you could treat yourself to a soak in the natural hot springs !

An alternative I would consider is to go through Colorado Springs and past Fort carson to Penrose on US 50 and take that to Montrose CO. After Canon City you will take a nice drive through the canyon alongside the Arkansas river to Poncha Springs. Then US 50 goes over Monarch pass, through the Currecanti Recreation area and past Black canyon of the Gunnison, a wonderful drive but the best is yet to come ! From Montrose head South to Durango on the spectacular US550, the 'Million dollar highway' through the lovely mountain towns of Ouray [Box canyon falls] and Silverton to Durango. It adds another 40 miles to your trip, but over 3 days is not going to make a significant difference.

[Lifemagician]

Having driven both the routes suggested above, I would go Wolf Pass and Pagosa Springs anyday, particularly with your limited time.

Oh! to have another soak in the hot springs. I could have stayed there for hours. And, it may be just the break to relax and really enjoy the rest of the trip.