Short Durango, CO Trip?

[more adventurous]

I recently found out that I will be traveling to Durango, CO for work, the week after Labor Day.

Since my costs will be covered, H and I thought it might be fun to make a long weekend out of it, but prices are high (I'm guessing since it's a holiday weekend, but then again maybe they're always high). His RT flight would be around $600, and hotels are $200/night (we would be staying for 3 nights). I can't decide if it will be worth the cost or not for such a short trip. We could also fly into Albuquerque, NM and spend a little time there first (RT flight = $225), but it's a 3.5 hour drive to Durango and again, we would be on limited time (due to limited vacation days). 

So, is 3 nights long enough to get a good feel for Durango? Is $1200 unreasonable for such a short stay? Would the NM route be a good alternative, or, should we just scrap the idea altogether and try to make a trip another time when we have more vacation time available (and more notice)?

If we do decide to go, any recs on things to see or places to eat? I know we would need to see Mesa Verde. We also love visiting breweries. 

[kelley182]

I wouldn't spend $600 for a flight to Durango. That seems pretty overpriced especially considering what the river (which is a major recreation area) looks like right now.

The hotel price is probably about right though. DH goes there for work about 4 times a year and has mentioned that it's not cheap.

DH loves it and wants us to move there. I just can't imagine spending $600 for a flight there.

[definitelyO]

3 nights is enough to see Durango - but I would never pay that to fly into Durango. Hopefully the river will be okay by then - I know the plume is moving downstream and they've opened the Animas back up for rafting, etc... but I'd watch the news to be sure. I'd make Durango more of a central point and then sitesee from there.

Mesa Verde was amazing - we were just there a few weeks ago and loved it. the only thing we did in Durango was eat lunch so I don't have many recommendations. we got there right when the park opened (you can schedule your ranger tours up to 2 days in advance at the vistor's center) and took a 9:30 am tour of the balcony house - stopping along the way for a few sites. there is a short hike when you leave the balcony house there is a 1.5 mile RT hike (actually walk) that you can oversee the balcony house from.

it's an hour from Durango- but I'd spend the day at Pagosa Springs.

[more adventurous]

Thanks for the feedback. I was kind of unsure about the river but figured it would be ok since they've opened it back up now.

After sleeping on it overnight though, $1200 does just seem nutty for Durango. I started thinking that during a normal/non-holiday time we could probably spend that, or less, even with having to pay for my flight. I'm sure we could go somewhere else for the weekend for less, and hopefully my company would still cover my flight back into Durango.

definitelyO Thanks for the tips on Mesa Verde. I had thought about Pagosa Springs, too. I'm pretty sure we could stay a week in that whole area and easily keep ourselves occupied. Can I ask where you guys stayed when you were in the area?

[definitelyO]

We did a road trip and started by camping 2 nights at the Sand Dunes - then drove to 4 corners and stayed the night at the Hampton Inn in Cortez - nothing glamorous but nice large rooms and free breakfast. also - only 10 min from Mesa Verde visitor center. then we drove to Pagosa and stayed at The Springs Resort and Spa (attached to the hot springs). pricey IMO at $270 but great access to the springs.