Exploring Mesa Verde National Park and Telluride on Our 2021 Tesla Road Trip: A Journey Back to Colorado Springs (Part 4)

Welcome to the exciting conclusion of our four-part adventure through the stunning American Southwest! From the breathtaking landscapes of Colorado Springs to the awe-inspiring wonders of Arches National Park, Zion National Park, and Marble Canyon, we've traversed the region in comfort and style, courtesy of our trusty Tesla Model 3. In this final installment, we'll take you on a ride through rugged and picturesque terrain, while also sharing tips on locating charging stations when Superchargers are not readily available on your next road trip.

Keep in mind that our trip took place in May 2021, so if you're reading this from the future, there may be new charging station options available that we didn't have access to at the time. Be sure to use the tools we mentioned in part one to make your trip as efficient as possible.

A Day in Cortez, CO

Starting SOC: Cortez, CO — 65%

Our day started with a visit to Mesa Verde National Park, an unforgettable experience that provides insight into the rich cultural history of the ancient Pueblo people who called the area home over 1,000 years ago. The park boasts over 5,000 archaeological sites, including the stunning cliff dwellings carved into the steep canyon walls. As you wander along the trails that wind through the park, you can appreciate the intricate stonework of the dwellings and imagine what life was like for those who constructed them. Without a doubt, a visit to Mesa Verde National Park is a remarkable experience that will leave a lasting impression.

Charging Stop: Cortez, CO (Level 2 Wall Charger) — 37% → 50%

After navigating through Mesa Verde's steep hills and winding switchbacks, we found ourselves with only 37% battery left on our Tesla. Though charging on the 120V wall outlet at our hotel would have been sufficient to reach Telluride, there were no V3 Superchargers in the area at that time, and we needed extra juice to get up to Montrose. Fortunately, the PlugShare app came to our rescue, and within five minutes of our hotel, we found a free Level 2 Tesla wall charger. We grabbed a bite to eat, watched a movie, and let the car charge up a bit.

As it was only a Level 2 charger, we didn't receive a significant amount of charge, but we were able to boost our battery up to 50% within an hour and ten minutes. While there are times when having a gas-powered vehicle could be more advantageous, with a little foresight and the aid of innovative EV apps like PlugShare, we were able to make it to our next destination without range anxiety.

Rest Stop: Cortez, CO (120V Wall Outlet) — 50% → 72%

After a full charge overnight on the 120V outlet at the hotel, we were able to boost our battery from 50% to 72%, completely free of charge (well kind of ;)). This was sufficient to reach Telluride and even Montrose afterwards without any worries about running out of juice.

The journey from Cortez to Telluride was nothing short of breathtaking as we drove through the rugged and striking landscape of southwestern Colorado. Following the winding San Juan Skyway, we were treated to awe-inspiring views of towering mountains, deep valleys, and vivid alpine forests. We also passed through charming mountain towns as we climbed higher, and as the road ascended, the scenery became even more dramatic, with sweeping vistas of snow-capped peaks and rushing rivers. Eventually, the drive descended into the picturesque town of Telluride, nestled in a valley surrounded by steep mountains.

Charging Stop: Telluride, CO (Level 2 Tesla Wall Charger) — 39% → 52%

Although we would have loved to stay longer, we only had a couple of hours to explore Telluride. We took our dogs for a walk around town, visited a friend of my husband who worked in the area, grabbed some coffee and a quick bite to eat before hitting the road to Montrose. Luckily, we were able to charge up to 52% using a Tesla Wall Charger in the downtown Telluride parking garage.

If you have the opportunity to visit this stunning Colorado mountain town, I highly recommend it. During the summer months, there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy such as hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding on the many trails that wind through the area. Telluride is also known for its thriving arts scene, with numerous galleries, theaters, and festivals showcasing the works of local artists and performers. Additionally, you can take a scenic gondola ride up to the nearby town of Mountain Village to enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and access even more outdoor activities and dining options. There is truly something for everyone in Telluride, and we already can't wait to return.

Rest Stop: Montrose, CO — 40% → 95%

We had a great experience at the Montrose Supercharger, which was conveniently located within walking distance of some fantastic restaurants, some of which had dog-friendly patios. We particularly enjoyed the Backstreet Bagel Company and found it to be the perfect distance for a leisurely walk with our dogs while our Tesla charged back up to 95%. This experience really highlighted the convenience of having V3 Superchargers available on our trip.

We had planned to stop by Crystal Mills on our way back home but encountered some unexpected ice and snow on the rocky terrain, which unfortunately blocked our way. It was worth the detour, though, as we were rewarded with a spectacular view of the mountain and a gorgeous alpine lake below. It's worth noting that even in late May in Colorado, snow can still be an obstacle, but the unexpected detour made for a memorable experience nonetheless.

Charging Stop: Idaho Springs, CO — 12% → 96%

The drive from Crystal Mills to Idaho Springs is a highlight of any Colorado road trip, featuring some of the state's most stunning landscapes. The Million Dollar Highway, which winds through the San Juan Mountains, offers panoramic views of jagged peaks, lush forests, and rolling hills that will take your breath away. By the time we reached Idaho Springs, a charming mining town with a rich history, our car battery was down to 12%.

Fortunately, we were able to charge up quickly at a brand new (at the time) V3 Supercharger, which was the perfect way to end our 1,500+ mile road trip. After a quick stop to use the restroom, walk the dogs, and clean the windshield, we were back on the road and headed home.

While we didn't have time to stop at Beau Jo's pizza on this trip, it's one of our favorites, and definitely on our list for next time. They're famous for their "Mountain Style" pizza, which features a delicious honey wheat crust that's *chef’s kisses*. And if you're like me and enjoy a sweet and savory combination, you'll love their pizza served with a side of honey!

Conclusion

Our stay in Cortez, CO was unforgettable, as we had the opportunity to visit Mesa Verde National Park and experience the breathtaking natural beauty of the area. Though we faced some range anxiety while driving our EV, we successfully navigated through our journey with the aid of PlugShare and Tesla charging stations. The drive from Cortez to Telluride was awe-inspiring, and we were pleasantly surprised by the charm of the small mountain town. Finally, our road trip concluded on a high note with a stop at the state-of-the-art V3 Supercharger in Idaho Springs. With so much to explore in Colorado, we eagerly anticipate our next visit to this stunning state.