Mesa Verde and Durango 7/24-7/27/25

Finding Trails and Futures: Our Durango & Mesa Verde Adventure
July 24–27 Travel Blog


We planned this trip with one big goal in mind: to help Camilla decide where she might want to spend her college years. Durango had made the shortlist—mostly for its blend of outdoor access and small-town charm. As a bonus, it’s a dream for cyclists, and we’re the kind of family that builds vacations around trails.

As we passed through the park entrance and began the winding, scenic drive up the mesa, it felt like we were climbing into another world. Towering cliffs and deep canyons gave way to forested plateaus and panoramic overlooks. Just four miles in, we reached Morefield Campground, our basecamp for the next few nights.  Our site was tucked among Gambel oaks and shaded by junipers—quiet, private, and surprisingly lush for a high desert landscape. 
We rolled into Morefield Campground in Mesa Verde National Park around 7 p.m. on July 24th, just in time to settle into our site tucked away among the trees. A short staircase led down to our quiet little oasis—secluded, peaceful, and perfect for unwinding.

The next morning (7/25) started early. We dropped the dogs off at the on-site kennel (super convenient!) and made our way into Durango. First stop: Rupert’s for breakfast—hearty, delicious, and a strong cup of coffee to kick off the day. 
After that, we wandered downtown, scoping out bike and run shops. We fell in love with Maria’s Bookshop, and we all agreed the town had great energy.

The college tour lasted about two and a half hours. Fort Lewis offers over 50 undergraduate majors and minors—including standout programs like Adventure Education, Environmental Studies, Health Sciences, Criminology, Visual Arts, and Nursing—as well as several graduate programs in education.  
Small class sizes, accessible faculty, and research opportunities give students genuine mentorship. Adventure Education majors put learning into action via river rafting, hiking, and guided wilderness journeys in the Four Corners region. The school was welcoming, and the campus had that “mountain town university” vibe, but Camilla admitted she’s still leaning toward CU Boulder. Still, the experience gave her a lot to think about.

In the afternoon, Lloyd and Camilla rode along the main road while I headed out on a solo run along the Knife’s Edge Trail—spectacular views and just the right amount of challenge. Afterward, we took advantage of the nearby (and free!) showers, then capped off the day with a campfire under the stars—crackling logs, gooey s’mores, and stories late into the night.
On 7/26, we split up again: Camilla and Lloyd tackled the Phil’s World mountain bike trails, while I took a quiet break at McPhee Reservoir—calm water, wide open skies, and a peaceful change of pace. 

We all met up later for burgers and a well-earned early bedtime.

7/27 began with another ride for Lloyd and Camilla back at Phil’s World while I fit in a morning run. Then we all headed into Durango for a final round of local flavor—11th Street Station’s Raven House hit the spot with excellent coffee and açaí bowls. Before heading back home, we swung by The Malt Shoppe, our favorite little roadside joint, for one last indulgent bite.

This trip wasn’t just about trails and college tours—it was about being together, exploring possibilities, and chasing adventure in one of Colorado’s most scenic corners. 
Whether Camilla ends up in Durango or Boulder, these few days gave us something bigger: shared memories and sore legs, laughter around the fire, and the joy of watching her dream out loud.



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