Day 1 – Wolf Creek Pass to Durango, Colorado

Herb’s Blog, Herbdate 23502 – 1212

Here’s the haps:

Back in 2022, when we went to the Grand Canyon for TNT’s graduation, our intention was to drive over Wolf Creek Pass, stop in Pagosa Springs and then go to Durango to ride the train. Well, we did the drive but the train ride didn’t happen that year because of the wildfire danger. At that time, the smallest spark could have burned the San Juan National Forest to the ground. Fire is no joke in Colorado. At that time we did drive the Pass, which was cool but not nearly as hair-raising as the song because the road was widened and modernized in the 1980s with runaway truck ramps installed at various key locations. A safer ride but still a mountain road. I was told that before they widened it it was barely two lanes and no shoulder.

I found this video on YouTube of a guy in an ’87 Chevy Blazer traveling it. He has two versions of the song and the whole video is 8:09. If you want to see authentic Colorado scenery it’s pretty good. The quality isn’t the best but it gives you an idea.

We got to Durango, checked into our hotel, which was a brand name we always use and trust but it was mediocre at best. I think if there was a downside to the whole trip it was that. Not that the hotel was bad or anything, just nothing to ooo and aah over. The staff were nice, though and we were recommended to a place called Serious Texas BBQ and it was good. The portions were big and flavorful and the sauce was…well… awesome sauce, really. I tried to include a link to the place but their website won’t come up. Here is their Trip Advisor page. Overall it was a good start to a nice weekend.