Re: Thanks ziacamper...
Mid October you will miss the beautiful color. Possibility of snow between Ouray and Silverton but it should still be warm enough to make it OK. This is a very narrow winding road called Red Mountain Pass, it is usually closed part of the winter due to avalance threat, usually in the spring. Less than 50 miles but will take you at least an hour to make it. The other passes are usually good all year may require some winter tires and 4 wheel drive in December/January. Just watch the weather and look for blizzard conditions, then stay away. While in Ouray see the Box Canyon Falls, pretty spectacular. They have hot springs in Ouray with the largest "goldfish" you will ever see in a pond next to the springs & pool. The Beaumont Hotel is a restored hotel from the 1800-early 1900's ask for a tour. You should be fine any way you want to go as long there is not a bad winter storm watch. Silverton should be rather quiet since the train from Durango should be through running by then so you will have the town to yourself. Rico is a semi-restored mining camp between Telluride and Delores, great graveyard if you are into stones. Delores has a german restaurant that is only open in the evenings Bavarian, I have heard it's great but have never been there when it's open. Mancos is close to Mesa Verde and is a sawmill town, cute downtown. Kennebeck Cafe is the only thing in Hesperus and has great atmosphere and food. The Durango has so much it's hard to pick. From there you can go to Silverton and back to Ouray. We call it the "loop" Durango, Silverton, Ouray, Ridgeway, Telluride, Rico, Mancos, Hesperus,and back to Druango. If youo don't dawdle too much it's a day drive, however it can turn into a 3-5 day trip of you pause. Telluride used to be a neat place but the millionaires have taken over from Aspen and it's really expensive now. Lots of Natl Forrest to camp in if you want that type. Have a good trip and don't let the altitude get to you.
