New Mexico to Ouray Colorado
So after our layover day in Santa Fe, it was time to get back on the road. There was so much ground to cover on this moto trek. So let's just get to it. We had a 6 hour ride this day to Ouray Colorado, just FYI.
And you guys...I love Ouray. I have driven through several times, but have always stayed over in Silverton or Durango. I would chose Ouray because there is just so much more to do that I enjoy. I mean they don't call it The Switzerland of America for nothing!! But you can read my post here on the three to make the best choice for you and your travels.
On your way out of Santa Fe you will pass right by The Ghost Ranch. This is a 21,000-acre retreat and education center located close to the village of Abiquiú in Rio Arriba County in north central New Mexico, United States. It was the home and studio of Georgia O'Keeffe, as well as the subject of many of her paintings. The conference center and lodgings at Ghost Ranch are run by the Presbyterian Church but open to the general public.
Stop in Chama , New Mexico for breakfast at Elk Horn Cafe. Chama and the surrounding area boasts some of the most spectacular scenery in the Rocky Mountains. And the Elk Horn Cafe is just the cutest most delicious place ever! It was actually one of my favorite meals of the whole 35 day trip---and we went to some many places so this is such a compliment! They make everything from scratch. The Carne Adovado is perfection and the Huevos Racheros with red chilé reminded me so much of my family's recipe in El Paso. They also make cinnamon rolls daily. Sit on the patio and take in all the amazing views. We met some other amazing motorcycle enthusiasts here and it was just such an amazing time.
2663 US-84, Chama, NM 87520
The Million Dollar Highway is one of my fave roads ever on the bike. However I know it would be so much fun in a car too. You just have to see it. This high mountain road is one of Colorado's most scenic. The Million Dollar Highway stretches for about 25 miles. It is part of the San Juan Skyway. The road climbs up to 3 very high mountain passes. Coal Bank Pass (10,640 ft /3,240 m); Molas Pass (10,970 ft /3,340 m) and Red Mountain Pass (11,018 ft /3,358 m). It's truly so beautiful. And I love traveling it each direction too for different perspectives.
You will then be in Ouray!! And with only a quick not even 24 hours there...(but so much research done prior) here is a list of my favorites.....
Ouray Faves:
Stay at The Ouray Chalet Inn.
We loved the location ! You can walk anywhere and everywhere from here. The rooms are clean and spacious. The views are breathtaking and free parking is always a plus. Also loved the on-site laundry mat. This was so convenient for us.
Drink at The Ouray Brewery.
Award-winning craft beers and hearty pub-style American cuisine... this gem is tucked at the base of Million Dollar Highway and nearly in ear-shot of Box Canyon Falls, the Ouray Brewery is an unassuming brew pub and restaurant with the best food and home-grown beer of any restaurant in Ouray, Colorado. The views are amazing from the upper level patio.
Eat at The Bon Ton Restaurant:
The Bon Ton is a romantic Colorado restaurant where you can experience upscale casual dining with an Italian flair, serving prime Angus steaks, fresh seafood and pasta, with cocktails, a full wine list and Martini bar.
Located downstairs in the St. Elmo Hotel in Ouray, CO; the restaurant is warmly decorated with rock walls, hardwood floors and a beautiful bar. We opted for the patio because the weather was so crisp and divine! Felt like a fall night actually. I had the tortellini carbonara and Lin had a fish special. The Tiramisu was also divine!
Play:
Whether it's ice climbing in The Winter, world-class Jeeping or hiking in the San Juan Mountains in The Summer, this place has it all. Be sure to check out The Hot Springs Pool on the main street. It's open all day and all seasons!!!
And check out Cascade Falls Park. The Lower Cascade Falls trail is rated an easy hike, which takes you up to the base and last in a series of seven waterfalls that carries snowmelt off the mountains and down one of two flumes through Ouray. The Falls are high in the Red-stone cliffs over looking Ouray, and can be seen from many vantage points around the city. The lower trail is short, but steep. The trailhead starts at a parking area at the east end of 8th Avenue. Several interpretive brochures are available to enhance the hikers experience.
Walk all along the main street too ---there is just so much to see and photograph. I got a little picture crazy so enjoy seeing Ouray through my eyes. And shop the story at the end of the post.
What do you love most about Ouray?!!!
Shop the story here...
XOOXOXOOX
SAM