Southern Colorado!!!

The state of Colorado became a state in 1876 and was part of the western expansion that President Grant saw as the future of the United States. Over the lasts four years I have enjoyed visiting this state along with the two post it note trips to this great state but I have been traveling to Colorado since the 1990's. There are plenty of great areas of this state to explore and it differentiates between each area you explore.

The southern part of Colorado offers extensive beauty that is much different the northern part. Just three hours south of Denver you will find the Great Sand Dunes National Park. It is an extraordinary sight where you have a sand dunes that have risen along a mountain area along an river that has shifted over time but was the life blood to the native Americans at as the found this area as a religious site. There is a great visitor center that offers a tremendous amount of information about the history of the dunes along with a great gift shop. Right up the road you will find a parking area that offers an amazing walk to the dunes. the dunes are immaculate and will not disappoint with the beauty. The park is open 24 hours a day and is worth the stop just off of Highway 150 in southern Colorado.

After a stop at The Great Sand Dunes head west along Highway 160 where you will find a awesome drive through places like Rio Grande National Forest, Wolf Creek Pass, Pagosa Springs, Chimney Rock National Monument, and a hidden gem for the southern Colorado cities. The town of Durango is a place that offers incredible beauty, shops, and restaurants. There is one restaurant here that you will not want to miss. El Moro Spirits and Tavern will not leave you disappointed. The appetizers with the charcuterie did not disappoint. The main course was the highlight of the meal with the Rainbow trout that was pan seared and topped with a sauce gribiche and served with asparagus, yukon potatoes, and crispy leeks along with awesome flavor. The service was awesome and ambiance amazing along with a fantastic wine selection.

Just past Durango you will find Mesa Verde National Park just off of highway 160. This is a stop that takes you back to 700 to 1000 years worth of history with the various buildings, cliff dwellings, and pits. There is plenty of great hiking throughout the park and areas to pull off to explore this area of Colorado. There are self guided tours along with a couple visitor center that offer great information along with gift shops. The park rangers are very informative and provide great information.

If you are looking for a great adventure to the west then add Southern Colorado to your lists. I found late May as a great time to travel here. There are plenty of great hotels in the Durango area and offer easy access to Mesa Verde. #ridingwithkurt #postit #colorado