We are looking to do a week in March during spring break (March 4th week of 2016) in Colorado. We are outdoor people and don't mind the snow/cold. We are trying to decide between Pagosa Springs and Estes Park. There is a 2 bedroom at Ram's Horn in Estes Park and a 2 bedroom in Pagosa Springs at Wyndham.
Which area offers more to do? Would make for a better trip?
Any suggestions??? We have never been to either!
You cannot go wrong with either choice. The snow-covered mountains will be spectacular. The first week of March is early for spring break for CO schools, so crowds should not be an issue.
Pagosa Springs:
There are the hot springs in town, of course. A multi-day discount is available through the activities center.
http://www.pagosahotsprings.com/
If you are looking for skiing, then Wolf Creek 1/2 hour east of Pagosa Springs is the best choice versus Eldora Ski Area south of Estes Park.
There is snowmobiling in the Wolf Creek Pass area.
Mesa Verde National Park is two hours west Pagosa Springs. Plan to leave by 8 a.m. and make a day of it. Hike through at least one of the Cliff Houses -- reservations at the Park Office are required. Pack a picnic lunch if it is a sunny day. This leaves time for souvenir shopping in Durango and many restaurants for dinner.
This last spring, the Winter Cascades Train was running during the month of March.
http://www.durangosilvertonrailroad.com/durango-train/schedules-and-fares#WinterTrain
If it has not snowed in a couple of days, and the road from Durango to Silverton is dry and free of ice, that would make for a scenic day trip -- about as long of a day as Mesa Verde.
The community rec center at Wyndham Pagosa is large with indoor swimming pool and hot tub, racquetball courts (with basketball hoops), large selection of weight machines.
There are a lot more people from Texas at Wyndham Pagosa than in Estes Park, if that makes any difference. It must be a more convenient drive. Watch out for the drive over Wolf Creek Pass if it has snowed within a couple of days. It is not the place to learn how to drive on snow and ice.
I think exchanges stay in the older sections of Wyndham Pagosa. A couple of those sections do not get good reviews. Teal Landing is the newest, and Peregrine and Eagle's Loft are also good choices, if you have a choice.
http://www.wyndhampagosa.net/
Estes Park:
Ram's Horn is on the doorstep of the east entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park. Trail Ridge Road will be closed, so access to the park will be somewhat limited, but there will still be lots to see. Elk will also be wintering in and around town. Any hiking in the park will require waterproof boots, likely X-C skis or snowshoes, too, if it has been a normal snow year.
There is souvenir shopping in Estes Park, and Boulder is not far away. Take the peak-to-peak highway (CO highway 7) if the roads are clear.
I stay at WorldMark when in Estes Park, so I do not know about the accommodations at Ram's Horn, but most owners have a favorable opinion.
I think there are more things to do using Pagosa Springs (a very small town) as a base camp for a March trip, and would take my chances on a unit there.
For a summer trip, the choice would be more difficult.
