Great information guys thanks. We just want to get away in the Jeep and enjoy the scenery and see the country. Neither one of us is getting any younger. We don't want to look back and say should-a, could-a. Here in Louisiana it is beautiful, but it's swamp and maybe a 20 foot hill. No mountains, deserts, waterfalls. We do have alligators though

 

If you can hold off until late June or early July it will be worth the wait. SW Colorado is my favorite place to vacation, the summers here in AL are pretty hot too.

 

Sounds like you're going to have fun, even if it'll still be a little snowed in!

I'm planning on making a run to Colorado this summer as well, although I'm aiming for somewhere around the end of June. On the other hand, I might push it back a month so that more trails are open. Since I'll only have a week off of work, I'll probably just stick to playing on the trails in Colorado. There's a few in the Ouray/Telluride area that I'd like to hit (Black Bear and Imogene Pass), and I want to do Red Cone. Beyond that, I haven't decided where I'll roam.

As for when you're going, all of the roads should be clear and open. Trails on the other hand, well, not so much. You might get lucky with some of the basins, but I'd bet most of the passes are still snowed in.

Hrm... If you're interested in trying something a little different, look into the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. I think they open up their season on May 7th. It may not be as fun as riding on the trails yourself, but it'll give you a different view on traveling through the mountains.

Anyway, I hope you enjoy the trip!

 

You are not that far from MOAB once in SW Colorado....you should add that to your list! Wife and I hit SW Colorado and Moab last year.

 

Good choice.. not sure which route you'll be coming from, but check out The Great Sand Dunes. This is a great stop for the family. There is also an easy trail that goes around back of the dunes called Medano Pass. There was a fire there last summer, but I think its still woth the drive. You'll start out on sand and cross the creek about 7 or 8 times. In May it should be fairly high with spring run off, but is a lot of fun. You can camp at the dunes or pick a spot on the backside.

As said most passes will have snow up top, but it doesn't mean you can't get up them a little ways. Mesa Verde is historic ruins, which is interesting as well. Our mountains had a fair amount of snow this year, but in May you can still do a lot. I'm guessing Durango has a chamber of commerce that can also provide good info on what's open that time of year.

Hit me with a PM if you want more..

 

I just got home from SW Colorado & Moab, UT. Lots of snow in Colorado. We went out the Camp Bird Road in Ouray about 4 miles before deciding the icy spots were too bad.
Trails in & around Moab, UT were great.

 

Dang, I am getting fired up just reading and talking about going. Now I can't wait for July/August to get here. CO here we come.

 

So, we can do a little trail riding in Co. right?
We will just have to move it on over west to get in some more trails. I guess next year we will go to Co. in July

 

Durango is only about 3hrs from Moab. You might want to plan to spend some time on the trails their. Wells also has a good Moab book.

 

Well, after every ones input, we have decided to start at the Grand Canyon. We will then wheel some trails at Moab and finally stop maybe for a day in Co.