Route: 50 West to Monarch, Colorado then US 24 North then I-70 West then 13 North to Craig, Colorado.
Lodging: Craig's population is just 9,000.
Best Western Deer Park Inn (970) 824-9282. 262 Commerce St. Junction US 40 just 0.2 mile South on SR 13. Rates start at $89. Three diamond rated by AAA. 3 rooms reserved confirmed at $125 (holiday rate).
Black Nugget Motel (970) 824-8161. 2855 W. Victory Way, 1.5 mile west on US 40, 0.3 mile w of junctin SR 13. Rates start at $69. Two diamond rated by AAA.