Not sure this is the best place to post this, but I’ll give it a shot:
I live in TN but I am thinking about spending a couple of days after Fest either in SE Utah (a state I’ve never set foot in) or somewhere of comparable distance; does anyone have any suggestions for don’t-miss spots that direction? I might be with my mom, who wouldn’t be super into hiking, but I might not. Curious to see how some experienced travelers would recommend I spend a couple of days before I head back east. My guy tells me to go to Canyonlands, but I’m open to whatever. Will not be camping, so lodging recommendations would be great too.
I’ve spent quite a bit of time in Yellowstone; was hoping to stick to the SW near-ish to Telluride. Thought about Grand Canyon - is that worth double the car time compared to the Utah sights if I only have a day or two to spend there?
Do Moab if you haven’t been there, you won’t regret it. Just a few hours from T-Ride, and endless fun things to do. Hiking, canyoneering, rafting, etc… If you just like driving around, then Dead Horse Point, Canyonlands, and Arches are all amazing and close to Moab. If you want to do some short hikes, Arches has some classics (delicate arch, double-o arch, fiery furnace), you can do Corona Arch to the west of town, or any number of other options. I have only taken two short trips there (one of them on the way to the festival), so I have only barely scraped the surface, but it’s one of my favorite places outside the San Juans.
^ what SA said re: Moab & proximity to Arches & Canyonlands.
If it turns out you’re more into driving & looking to add stuff to see from your vehicle, you could drive up north from Telluride and hit any or all of the following on a northern route via GJ to Moab:
Black Canyon National Park (outside of Montrose)
Grand Mesa (Delta → Cedarridge)
Colorado National Monument (GJ)
Or, you could hit Mesa Verde National Park first then swing up to Moab.
Likewise, the quickest route (by 20 min) to Moab from Telluride is via Norwood / Naturita - which is very nice ride.
Especially if you’re with your mother, Moab has lots of lodging options and large parts of Canyonlands and Arches can be seen with short walks down easy paths to the view points. And that part of Utah is just so visually striking and different than the Southeastern landscape that it’s really worth seeing.
Be aware of weather though. One year it was beauiful in Moab festival week, but when we drove there on Monday post-fest, it was 106 and forecast to get ht the next day! We spent a inght in an airconditioned hotel and beat it out of dodge first thing in the morning!
“Or, you could hit Mesa Verde National Park first then swing up to Moab.”
This is great advice, but I don’t have suggestions for lodging because we always camp. Given that both are big tourist draws, I think you should be able to find something reasonable if you start looking now.
I also like Durango a lot. Vallecito Lake, which is very nearby, is beautiful. There are a couple hotels in town and you might also want to check out VRBO for lodging there.
Heading to Moab and Arches NP after the fest this year (then points NW before looping back to Cleveland)! Moab is an easy drive from T-ride. We’ve done Mesa Verde a couple times, Bryce Canyon, and all kinds of stuff farther west and north. You can’t go wrong visiting Utah (or AZ, or NM)…lots to see and do. Nat Park lodges are probably mostly full by now, but there are lots of hotels outside the boundaries and in nearby towns. We’ve found places last-minute on sites like priceline and kayak. Happy planning!
I agree with all the suggestions, especially Moab and it’s easy-access parks. Some other options …
If you want to enjoy CO and the San Juans more or plan to head to Mesa Verde, the trip from T-ride through Ridgway->Ouray->Durango is well worth the extra drive time. Stop for rejuvenation at one of the hot springs.
If you’re hitting SE Utah, Monument Valley is worth visiting. It’s the backdrop of so many Westerns for a reason.
If you can add a few more days, extending the trip into the rest of Utah is well worth it. Zion and Bryce should not be missed.
Durango, Silverton and Mesa Verde are great and close. If you can drive a little more I would go to Bryce and Zion. While it is close to tourist season, you can often find a cancelation for 2 people if you check on a regular basis. you could loop from their through Escalante and Arches/Moab and Canyonlands. Can walk short distances. It will be HOT… there is a public pool in Moab which is totally worth it in the middle of the day in summer. Have a great time!