Big D to Durango CO

**Rgkeaney** · 11-26-2020, 07:41 PM

Originally Posted by cruisinTx

Don't get your hopes up for a huge display of any kind on the Alfred Packer site. While it is an interesting and macbre' story, the display is not much. It is on private property but accessible to the public. It consists of a few plaques at the massacre site on the south side of town and slightly off the hiway.

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Al...4d-107.3011326

My great grandfather was the warden at the state penitentiary in Canon City where Alfred Packer was housed. I have hanging on my wall his old Colt .41 and his journal with the entry of Alfred Packer being incarcerated for a term of 40 years for the crime of “man eater”. Kinda cool if you are from Colorado and know the story. Not many from out of state know it though.

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**Dick Noble** · 11-27-2020, 12:03 PM

Alfred Packer has his own dinning room at the University of Colorado in Boulder. Hope you enjoy Durango - I love it. See if you can visit Pagosa Springs - east of Durango, for the hot springs there. There are is least one RV park there.

**Chuck.N** · 11-28-2020, 06:47 PM

I can't add much to the route information, but if you have the time in Amarillo, stop at Dyer's BBQ. You won't regret it. Depending on time of day, you should be able to park the rigs.

Also, Garcia's Kitchen in ABQ for solid New Mexican chow.

We typically eat our way across the country.

**Rvlife** · 11-28-2020, 08:06 PM

Don’t miss Palo Duro Canyon in Amarillo. During our visit there several years ago, we enjoyed an outdoor musical in the canyon. We pulled our 31’ fifth wheel north on Hwy 550 from Durango to Montrose. As advised, take it slow and don’t be bothered by the crazies honking their horns at you.

**Raider2k3** · 11-28-2020, 09:16 PM

Road Runner RV park in Red River, NM.

**powerscol** · 11-28-2020, 11:42 PM

Originally Posted by Rvlife

Don’t miss Palo Duro Canyon in Amarillo. During our visit there several years ago, we enjoyed an outdoor musical in the canyon. We pulled our 31’ fifth wheel north on Hwy 550 from Durango to Montrose. As advised, take it slow and don’t be bothered by the crazies honking their horns at you.

In Colorado its the law to pull over if impeding traffic. I do it wherever I am. Seen too many close calls of the idiots trying to pass me. Plenty of spots to do that along US 550, even some dedicated slow traffic pull outs.

Drive safe

**RobW-NC** · 11-30-2020, 09:52 PM

Originally Posted by Dawgfever

Next summer another couple and us are planning a trip to Durango, Our fiver and their TT. Planned path is-our homes in Louisiana to Big D down I-20, 625 around Dallas to Amarillo. Traveled that way before but not with RVs. From there on to Durango will be paths unknown.

Would like enroute camping info, highway advice, frequency of fuel along the way as I burn oil but his is gas and needs to refuel about every 200 miles, toll advice etc.

And, last but not least, which gps mapping app do you like for RV adventures?

Thanks a bunch for your advice.

Ed

I have only driven to Durango in a car a few times. A 26' Ryder Truck once helping my brother move there. We will be making a trip next year towing the camper also to visit my brother. As for guidance I just purchased a Garmin RV 780 (they were $100 off) and used it on a trip to Indiana this past weekend. It does live traffic updates. There were wrecks and would pop up and show how long the delay was and give an alternate route if there was one. It gives warnings for speed limit drops, and warnings for curves etc. It can be used as a Bluetooth for your phone. You texts will come up on the screen. I am happy with it. You select if you are in a car or RV.

**powerscol** · 11-30-2020, 09:59 PM

I have noticed the OP has not been active since the 22. Hope all is well. I sent a PM.

**wjpatter** · 12-01-2020, 10:50 AM

It depends on how fast you want to get there. I would go via Rocky Mountain National park. If you don't want to make it that far, at least hit Buena Vista/Canon City area in route. It's close to Leadville and Aspen if you like to drive and tour. White water the Arkansas River if warm enough. Royal Gorge is near Canyon City and is worth the admission cost. The train ride along the gorge is nice. Take in the Great Sand Dune National Park driving to Durango. We stayed at Alpen Rose RV Park (970) 247-5540) while we were there. Nice park, great dog run and you can watch the Silverton Train come and go while sipping coffee. My thoughts.

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**Dawgfever** · 12-01-2020, 09:18 PM

Wow guys! Thanks for all the great information. All the options presented are great and now the four of us have to decided what do we want to do and how do we get there to do it. The expression of “drinking from a fire hose” seems to fit here. I’m going to break down y’alls sightseeing advice and travel routes to present to wifey and the other couple. It may be a while but I’ll post our decision. Thanks again!
Ed