Car question for a virgin

[Dharmabum]

  My wife had expressed some interest in going over to Arches National Park on Wednesday.  My question is will we be able to drive out of Mary E. on Wed. to do this and return that afternoon/evening without causing a stir with other campers?  My suspicion is this probably isn't a good idea.  Any opinions on this is appreciated.  FIVE MORE DAYS!!!!!

 Listening to: S.C.I. Joyful sound

[Cindy Lou]

My wife had expressed some interest in going over to Arches National Park on Wednesday.  My question is will we be able to drive out of Mary E. on Wed. to do this and return that afternoon/evening without causing a stir with other campers?  My suspicion is this probably isn't a good idea.  Any opinions on this is appreciated.  FIVE MORE DAYS!!!!!

I would recommend that you do not go to Arches that day.  It is an amazing place and deserves your undivided attention when you are there, and it should be at a leisurely pace.  There is so much to do/see in Telluride you can certainly fill your day.   Take a ride on the gondola to the free concert that afternoon, walk through town, go to the museum and or  library, just sit on the corner and watch people rolling into town. 
Save Arches for another trip; I guarantee you'll be glad you did.  I just spent 3 days over there and even that wasn't long enough. And, it is almost 5 hours from Telluride, one way!

[Bevin]

With all due respect to Cindy Lou, who is totally right that 3 days isn't enough time, I'd have to say this...

If you don't get out west all that often, then the trip to Arches might be worth the effort.  The drive itself is even pretty spectacular.  But it is a haul over there and back. 

A similarly impressive 4 corners side trip is a day at Mesa Verde, with a ranger-guided walking tour of Cliff Palace or one of the other major ruins.  Maybe half as far away. 

[BillyBeru]

Dharmabum (and neighbor),

Well, you are going to be in the car 9 hours just getting back and forth from Tride to Arches - not much time to truly enjoy Arches. But if you are game for such an endeavor you can do a pretty good drive through arches in about 1-2 hours and see a lot of stuff.

My recommendation is to come to Rumballs!!!!

[Dharmabum]

Well thanks for the info it was much appreciated and I'm glad to say that we will be in attendance for RUMBALLS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Can't wait to meet you all ....just a few days away now!!  FESTIVAAAL!!!

 Listening to: RRE- Colorado

[rmkcheez]

Is the trip from Moab->Telluride really 4 1/2-5 hours?  I am spending this Sat/Sun in Moab before heading into T-ride on Monday.  Based on Mapquest it is 133 miles and 2 hrs 48 minutes?  I was factoring in about a 3 hour drive.  Is it really 4 1/2-5 hours?

[BillyBeru]

Is the trip from Moab->Telluride really 4 1/2-5 hours?  I am spending this Sat/Sun in Moab before heading into T-ride on Monday.  Based on Mapquest it is 133 miles and 2 hrs 48 minutes?  I was factoring in about a 3 hour drive.  Is it really 4 1/2-5 hours?

3 hours for 133 miles equates to 44.3 MPH on average. We know a good stretch are mountain roads where you are going 25 to 30 mph and need to factor in two-lane highways where inevitably you will get stuck behind a truck. I think if you are aggressive 3 1/2- 3:45 is achievable.... but 4 to 4 1/2 is also a more than likely outcome.

[UselessJo]

Any idea on the lenght of time on the drive from T-ride to CO springs? And which is the better route?

 550/50/25
       or
550/50/285/24

[rmkcheez]

Thanks Billy!

I checked Google maps and they are showing just over 4 hours.  I should know better than trust Mapquest.  No matter how long it takes, I'm sure it will be worth it.

[BillyBeru]

Thanks Billy!

I checked Google maps and they are showing just over 4 hours.  I should know better than trust Mapquest.  No matter how long it takes, I'm sure it will be worth it.

Oh hell yeah it's worth it! We did three days in Moab before the festival back in 2007. Only word of advice: do not start a 16 mile mountain bike trek at 12pm in Moab (no wonder we were the only people on the rock during 99 degree heat). 

Are you camping along the Colorado river? Those spots are awesome - get there early to get one!

[Cindy Lou]

Is the trip from Moab->Telluride really 4 1/2-5 hours?  I am spending this Sat/Sun in Moab before heading into T-ride on Monday.  Based on Mapquest it is 133 miles and 2 hrs 48 minutes?  I was factoring in about a 3 hour drive.  Is it really 4 1/2-5 hours?

Keep in mind that I was talking about coming from Arches, which is farther from Tride than Moab itself.

[ska41]

its only 3 hrs to moab if you go through norwood

[Cindy Lou]

its only 3 hrs to moab if you go through norwood

And don't get stopped for speeding!  You must haul ass if you can get there in 3 hours, and that IS going through Norwood.

[Cindy Lou]

Someone posted that they got to Moab in 2 /12 hours, so I don't know where I came up with 4 1/2.  duh.  So that is great information to have now.  I think the last time I drove that way there was a lot of construction, which may account for the extra time.
I hope you made the trip anyway, cuz it is spectacular.