Making summer vacation plans and looking at 5-7 days in one of these 2 areas; not been to either. Would be interested in hearing a comparison by someone who has been to both. No kids; just self, wife, and father. Typically, we like to do a 1/2 day hike in the morning, and then wife either relaxes or visit shops while dad and I flyfish in the afternoon. Also will be spending time in Rocky Mountain NP, but have been there many times. Thanks in advance !
Of the two, I would prefer Durango particularly in the summer. You have the river for tubing or rafting. You have Silverton & Ouray. Then there is Telluride. Lake City and Williams Resevoir (West of Pagosa) as two of the unspoiled areas in Colorado. If you are interested, Mesa Verde is another day trip. Breckenridge (used to own a condo there) is centrally located and an easy drive to Estes Park for RMNP. You are a quick drive to many resort areas to diversify your visit.
Heading to Breck this summer for the first time, so not sure. We've stayed in Durango (at a condo at the resort) one summer, and there was plenty to do, though the river starts getting low/slow for rafting later in the summer. Stayed in Steamboat last summer -- very nice, lots to do, and there are more rafting options with different skill levels. That said, our fav, which keeps drawing ud back (especially for skiing, but great in the summer as well) is Telluride. None of the other places compare for the natural beauty. Oh -- you can also take a day trip to Moab to see the natural arches, and a day trip to Mesa Verde.
