Durango and Aspen
 

I've been planning a two week vacation to Colorado (10 days really after driving) with a majority of the time in Aspen and Durango before a short stop over in Colorado Springs (basically to go to Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods). Besides some of the 'guidebook' touristy places, does anyone have any suggestions for possible things to checkout?

The only 'must do' things on this trip from my perspective are the National Parks (Black Canyon, Mesa Verde, and Sand Dunes) and the Durango-Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. I have a ton of ideas in my head but thought I'd ask others since it's been 10 years since I lived out that way.

If I were made of money, this is what I'd do in Durango:

http://www.soaringcolorado.com/

I just got home from a week in durango. I spent most of my time kayaking but I always hit the breweries -Ska, carvers, steamworks. If you like beer they are great places to visit. Trimble hot springs is always nice to go for a soak. Enjoy

Very much enjoyed Ouray (north of Silverton). The drive to the top of Mt. Evans was a hoot as well.

If it's a warm weather trip (I'd guess it has to be, if the RR is running), take a quick trip into Telluride. Easily one of my favorite places in Colorado. Tons of great hiking in there, from standard 'walks' to climbing well up into the mountains.

The Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge railroad runs year-round!

November thru May, the railroad runs a 52-mile long trip to Cascade Canyon... here's the link to the schedule and fares they used last winter:

Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad: Cascade Canyon Winter Train Schedule and Fares 2010-2011

Oh, huh, for some reason I was sure I'd seen just 'summer' dates listed for the schedule... Apparently I don't read so well :D

Thanks for some of the ideas. We're leaving in a few weeks and it can't come soon enough :)

Pet peeve...why do companies think you want to listen to their choice of music blasting from the website? Do they not think people look at their websites at work? I automatically refuse to do business with anyone who does this....

Be sure to drive over Independence Pass outside of Aspen.

In the Springs, you could add a quick trip to the North Pole to your drive up Pikes Peak, assuming you have younger kids. If time permits, spend a couple of hours walking around the Broadmoor property, with a quick cocktail at the Golden Bee. Garden of the Gods will be fun of course, be sure to allow time to walk around on some of the trails, and be sure to pose with the Balanced Rock.

If your Aspen portion takes you to Glenwood Springs, dinner at Juicy Lucy's is one of my favorites. For Durango, I like the Red Snapper, great seafood.

Both have an incredible amount of outdoor activity, really depends on how much you want to do.

The "Silver Vista" car on the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
 

One suggestion: consider booking the Silver Vista car when you ride the Durango & Silverton. It costs about twice as much as a regular open-air car, but you get more room and you have a better view since you are able to look straight up.

Here's the link to the railroad's webpage describing the car:
Silver Vista car: Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad

You don't say where you are coming from, but unless you are already living at altitude, remember it will take a few days, at least, to acclimate. Try to plan your more strenuous activities for later in the trip, and be sure to drink lots of water and a minimum amount of alcohol.

Independence Pass (CO-82 between Leadville and Aspen) is indeed really scenic, but be advised that the road closes between November and late May. The detour is several hours around if you happen to miss the notice that it's closed.

I see now that the OP is leaving soon so it should not be a problem, but, so noted for future searches.

Thanks for all of the information. We're leaving in about a week and it can't come fast enough. I actually lived in the Springs for a couple years, but never got too far out west past Vail/Beaver Creek.

If you fly fish (or have ever wanted to) you have the Animas River in Durango and the world famous San Juan River down to the south. Have spent some great days on both!