If you stay in Durango, I would recommend the Durango KOA. Very nice park. While there, drive on over to Mesa Verde. Spectacular views of the valley from the mesa and numerous cliff dwellings. If you don't mind long walks along steep grades, sign up for the Ranger led tours. If walking isn't your thing, there are lots of turn out/view points from which to view the dwellings on the face of the gorge. BTW, we were given a premium site. Lots of room - patio table and chairs. The park is out of town on 160 so it is really quiet. FWIW