Week at Pagosa

We did not take advantage of the springs in Pagosa Springs, although I heard good things about them also.

One must-do highlight is a trip on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railway (see my entry under attractions). It was an all day affair, but the scenery was breathtaking. We made reservations for that online several months in advance, but Pagosa has a package also.

One of the most relaxing (and inexpensive) things that we enjoyed was the hot tub. After being active all day, and having had a nice dinner, we waited until after dark when it cooled down outside. Then we would soak in the hot tub until we were lobster-like, then go sit on the porch until we were chilled, then repeat the whole process. Maybe I’m just easily amused!

Quick Tips:

Best Way To Get Around:

Also, anything we needed (groceries, bait, mail packages) was within 1 mile...VERY handy. The Sunday night Intro-to-Activities was helpful, and we actually won a free pass to the chuckwagon BBQ! The resort was a little short on free/inexpensive organized activities, but featured some out-of-the-ordinary great stuff. I would have enjoyed an outdoor pool, but we spent several afternoons fishing at the lakes (no pole rental) but complete with awesome scenery and weather. We made day trips to Durango, Chimney Rock, and Pagosa Springs. All in all, a great vacation if you wanted to keep busy...or just wanted to get away and relax!

• Unit Type: 1 Bedroom
• Activities: Very Good
• Amenities: Very Good
• Unit Satisfaction: Excellent
• Family Friendliness: Excellent
• Service: Excellent

When we got to Silverton, we had about 1 1/2 hours to eat or see the sights. We ate at The Pickle Barrel, a nice, little family-owned pub. While we were eating it started to pour, and I heard that the weather in Silverton is routinely unpredictable. I was glad that I had taken a BUNCH of pictures on the way up, because the weather was uncooperative on the trip back to Durango.

If you want to get back sooner, they offer a shuttle bus (advance reservations required.) I was content to just spend the day on the train. All in all, it was a memorable day.

This is one of those must-do things if you have the opportunity.

We drove up to the small visitor's center, which had a multitude of hummingbirds buzzing about! We waited for the next group tour to start while we chatted with the volunteers that staff the place. For $6 each we had a guided group tour that was very educational, interesting, and the views were awesome.

Our guide was quite knowledgeable, and the hike began on a concrete pathway with handrails. That was the first segment. The next segment though, was pretty steep, and it involved some scrambling over rocks. This was narrow and a little scary in places. It was a hike not for young children or anyone with breathing/heart problems, although the ranger center where you start is interesting enough for those not able to make the climb. I'm afraid of open heights, so it was a struggle for me in particular. I'm glad I went, though, because the views from the fire tower, plus the ancestral pueblo ruins, were worth the trip.

We arrived at the parking area of the farm, and along with the other guests (there were about 60), climbed aboard two horse drawn wagons to make the short (about 5 minutes) trip up to the cabin/BBQ site. The food was almost ready, but when a sudden storm came, we waited until it passed.

Mrs. Bramwell did the cooking, and served up a mighty fine BBQ brisket, sausage, chicken, baked beans, corn, rolls, and apple cobbler for dessert. Needless to say, nobody went away hungry!

When we were done eating, we all gathered around the campfire to sing a lot of corny old songs. We were led by someone from the ranch who played guitar, and did a nice job of getting everyone involved, plus had a good sense of humor. Finally the kids--and some big kids--toasted marshmallows before we all piled back in the wagons to go home. It was a thoroughly enjoyable, relaxing way to spend an evening and get fed besides.

Hokey? You bet! Still worth it? Yep!

Nope, it's not cold... just the opposite. Nope, it's not windy. You are moving at air speed, so it is perfectly calm. You can see for miles; where you go, and where you land, depends on the wind that day. When Capt. Mike picks a site for landing, then you help pack up, too. Then the chase vehicle takes you back to the rec center, where you celebrate with a champagne (or OJ) and toast. You get a flight certificate with your adventure, if you wish. The camaraderie, the novelty, and the spectacular views make this a worthwhile activity!