We're planning a trip to Red Rocks in CO this summer. We'll be coming from Oklahoma. I thought about breaking up the drive in to two days. Anyone have any suggestions for roads/places to go thru or stay in northern NM or CO on the way?

 

Are you driving your F Type or something else?

My favorite restaurants are:

La Choza in Santa Fe, NM (make reservations in advance)

Kakawa Chocolate House in Santa Fe, NM

Olio Restaurant in Mancos, CO (make reservations tonight!)

Chimayo Stone Fired Grill in Durango, CO

Visit Mesa Verde National Park near Mancos, CO.
Fly fish the Animas River in Durango (If you’re married, you can earn brownie points by sending your spouse to The Woodhouse Day Spa)

A spectacular drive would be Santa Fe to Taos to Tierra Amarilla (Via Hwy 64, Stop at Rio Grande Gorge Bridge) to Chama to Pagosa to Durango to Mancos to Dolores to Telluride to Montrose.

I hope this is helpful!

 

Very helpful. And, of course driving the F-Type.

 

I would not miss the drive around Spanish Peaks and the view of the igneous intrusive dikes that stick up vertically out of country rock for hundreds of feet in a radial pattern around the Peaks. If by Taos, take I-25 to Trinidad and exit west on to Rt. 12 that takes you through Stonewall and then up along the west side of the Peaks all the way up to Walsenburg where you can get back onto I-25.

 

Red Rocks is a great venue!

here are a few suggestions for the Colorado leg of your trip…depending on how much time you want to take.

On your way to Red Rocks-
Pikes Peak- near Colorado Springs
Garden of the Gods- just outside of Colorado Springs

San Juan Skyway- look it up- This is a full day all by itself- if you can make the extra time- well worth it!

A bit more North-
Trail Ridge Road- one of my personal favorites

If you re unfamiliar with the 7,000-14,000 feet of elevation with the top down, always have your sun screen or a hat as you can get crispy quickly

Have FUN!

 

Pagosa Springs features a very nice hot springs pretty much right in the town. A dozen or so pools at different temps. Spent a great evening there. Some good single malt in a metal flask is easy to sneak in, just saying.

 

May also check out Monument Valley Utah

9,878 Monument Valley Utah Photos and Premium High Res Pictures - Getty Images

 

As you leave New Mexico you can head WEST and venture into Las Vegas for a fun 2 day lay over! Then North thru Utah for some breathtaking sights as you head back home.
Lunch on ME!

Sounds like FUN.

Sparky

 

Crashxx, you need to extend your trip.

 

I agree with Southsider regarding extending your trip. I would head to Zion National Park since you are going to be so close. It’s spectacular!

 

Hwy 12 between Bryce Canyon and Torrey in Utah is spectacular. Winding, beautiful views, very little traffic. One of the best roads in the west. You'll love it.

 

Looks like it. I may have to re-work the dates and add a few days.

 

On a related topic, I will be driving my F-Type through Chicago at 4pm on a Friday afternoon. Any suggestions?

 

Don't.

 

Don't drive like an ***
Don't confront anyone
Assume everyone is carrying (There is an expressway shooting every other day)
I would say at least 10% of drivers don't have car insurance
If you are going into the city, read the parking signs thoroughly
Beautiful city, too congested for me
If your destination is north of Chicago, use I 294 (tollway)to bypass
Be careful and enjoy ourself