Day 1: The Road to Durango

6:00 AM – The alarm buzzed, and excitement kicked in. Packed the bags, water bottles, food for night, kept all snacks in bags and reachable distance for the road, fueled up Acura RDX, and started from Home around 9:00am. First destination - Peoria at our friend's house and start together. 

10:00 AM – We left Phoenix around 10:00 am, heading north towards our destination—Durango, Colorado.

3:30 PM – A quick stop in Kayenta, AZ (near Monument Valley) to refuel car. The drive up was smooth, so decided to take a detour towards Monument Valley. Spent some time on the entry of Monument Valley clicking photos. Started from Monument Valley at 5:00 pm and could not resist the beautiful sunset views at Mexican Hat, Oljato. Kids were very excited and literally 50-60 people were stopping and taking beautiful photos of that place sitting down on the road and making poses. It was a splendid moment with the orange hues of sunset mood, glorifying the straight road downhill and hitting the hills, a memory was made. 

6:00 PM – Started from Mexican Hat, Oljato and finally, we arrived in Durango around 9:00 pm! The charming historic town welcomed us with cool mountain air. Checked into our hotel, freshened up, and had dinner. 

Day 2: A Journey Through Time – Durango to Silverton

6:30 AM – Woke up to the distant sound of a train whistle—today was the day! A quick breakfast, then off to the Durango & Silverton Train Station.

8:30 AM – The train chugged out of the station, steam billowing, as we slowly wound our way into the San Juan Mountains. The views? Unreal. Towering cliffs, waterfalls, and the rushing Animas River below.

12:15 PM – Stepping off in Silverton was like walking into a time capsule—dirt roads, wooden storefronts, and rugged mountains in every direction. Lunch at Golden Block Brewery & Pizza was a cozy affair, complete with a good pizza for all our families.

2:45 PM – Boarded the train back to Durango, the sun now casting golden hues over the canyon walls. This return ride was even more beautiful than the morning one.

6:30 PM – Back in Durango, tired but happy. Wrapped up the day with dinner at Himalayan Kitchen, indulging tandoori chicken and Biryani. Sleep came easily after a full day of nostalgia and adventure.

Day 3: Million Dollar Views & Telluride’s Magic

10:00 AM – Time to hit the famous Million Dollar Highway. This road, twisting through sheer cliffs and alpine passes, was both thrilling and breathtaking.

2:30 PM – Reached Telluride Mountain Village and parked at Market Plaza. The excitement built up as we boarded the Telluride Gondola—a free ride with panoramic views of the valley below.

4:00 PM – Telluride was straight out of a postcard. Quaint shops, historic buildings, and snow-capped peaks all around. Wandered around Colorado Avenue, explored Telluride Historical Museum, and grabbed lunch at Brown Dog Pizza. 

5:45 PM – Time to head back. Another relaxing gondola ride down, then back on the road.

8:00 PM – Pulled into Durango, the sun setting behind the mountains. One last dinner at a local restaurant, reminiscing about an unforgettable trip.