Prices and availability are subject to change. Last updated: 1 Mar 2023 Traffic jam westbound I-70 highway Photo Credit: milehightraveler (iStock). Avalanches often trigger temporary closures, leaving portions of the road buried under several feet of snow. Family RV adventure advice for Colorado, Utah & Wyoming. Most crashes on the pass occur at the switchback curve near the Wolf Creek scenic outlook area. Be sure to enjoy the small towns along the way and explore the rural side of Colorado too! - Wikipedia. You can also fly from Denver to Durango, if all this seems to be too much. It is impossible to get from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Takes 6hrs plus stops and is both easy and scenic. If you are traveling to Durango by bus, prepare for a long ride of at least 12 hours. Travel in the winter months can be nerve-wracking along Red Mountain Pass. Colorados capital city has something for everyone: great food, impressive history, beautiful views, and plenty of adventure opportunities close by! A third route (I-70 west, CO91 south, US24 south, US285 south, US160 west; this is through Leadville) is yet more scenic, partly because of its high mountain sections. BTW also Mapquest gives the route Casa said but mentioned 5 hours. At just under four hours, the stretch from Creede to Colorado Springs is the longest drive of this trip. My friends and I are coming from Europe to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? One snowstorm resulted in more than 300 crashes in the Denver metro area, with 93 of those occurring within a 3-hour period. Which route is the best? Am I allowed to travel from Denver to Durango? 4:17 pm arrive in Durango. Click here to browse more Durango hotels! It is well located, there are a number of plush rooms available, and the breakfast included uses dairy products sourced from the propertys own goats! (easiest one, no scary mountain driving haha), and if you can suggest good places to stop and eat? ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-75869024', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Denver Airport and we are supposed to go to Durango by car. According to a recent study, the average Denver commuter spends 83 hours per year stuck in traffic. The small town of Bailey is about 25 minutes from Tiny Town at the bottom of a steep incline just as 285 bends and begins to trace a path along the North Fork of the South Platte River. The national COVID-19 helpline number in Durango is 800-232-4636. There is also breakfast included each morning. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. We love our home state, and we have more than a few top tips for things to do during your visit. How long is the drive from Denver to Durango? An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Find all the transport options for your trip from Denver to Durango right here. What about Mine Tours and Mining Museums? From hiking to climbing to jeep and segway tours, theres a whole heaping lot to do at this picture-perfect place. One of the last places to stop between Denver and Durango is Chimney Rock National Monument, which features the ancient remains of a native Pueblo settlement dating back 1,000 years. Read on for more about how best to plan for a trip from Denver to Durango with some opportunities for recreation, relaxation, and sightseeing along the way. Prices start at 117,500 per night. The Perfect 1, 2 or 3 Days in Montpellier Itinerary, The Perfect 1, 2 to 3 Days in Toulouse Itinerary, The Perfect 2 to 3 Days in Nice Itinerary, The Perfect 5 to 7 Days in Finland Itinerary (Winter or Summer). If you're planning a road trip, you might be interested in seeing the total driving distance from Denver, CO to Durango, CO. You can also calculate the cost to drive from Denver, CO to Durango, CO based on current local gas prices . The total cost of driving from Denver, CO to Durango, CO (one-way) is $53.28 at current gas prices. Watch carefully for deer early mornings and twilight! The railway is a federally designated National Historic Landmark and is also designated by the American Society of Civil Engineers as a Historic Civil Engineering Landmark. Were Michael and Maggie, an Australian and American couple travelling the world. Takes 6hrs plus stops and is both easy and scenic. Durango is in southwest Colorado. There is no direct connection from Denver to Durango. If you want to shop around for the cheapest fares, you can compare flights flying to other airports in Southwest Colorado like the Telluride Regional Airport (TEX) or the Cortez Municipal Airport (CEZ), but that will require you to drive the rest of the way. While the route offers a fast connection to Winter Park from Denver, avalanches and snowslides often make winter travel on this route extremely difficult. SIGN UP: Free daily newsletter + 20% off in the OTC gear shop, The 7 most dangerous winter roads in Colorado, 93 of those occurring within a 3-hour period, Denver commuter spends 83 hours per year stuck in traffic, Public access for two Colorado 14ers to close, after bill to protect landowners from liability dies, [VIDEO] Snowboarders spend over an hour in a tree to avoid angry moose in Colorado, $50,000 reward offered in search for suspect who robbed USPS letter carrier, Nathaniel Rateliff, Elle King among artists coming to Denver area in March, Skier Shiffrin locks up overall title, still chases win 86, US to focus bison restoration on expanding tribal herds. Although its fine to just drive through this small town, if you have an extra day or two on your trip, we recommend spending it in Pagosa Springs. Additional terms apply. What are the roads like, and what do I need to know about driving in Colorado? Casa's route is good. Architectural structures left behind by the ancestral Puebloans include pit houses, great kivas, and great houses, according to the U.S. Forest Services website. By proceeding, you accept the use of cookies in accordance with our, Take the bus from Union Station Gate B4 to Grand Valley Downtown Transfer Station, Drive from Grand Valley Downtown Transfer Station to Montrose Airport, Take a shuttle bus from Montrose Airport to Telluride, Take a shuttle bus from Silverton, CO to Durango, CO, Take the train from Silverton to Durango, CO, Take a shuttle bus from Purgatory Plaza to Durango Transit Center, Fly from Denver (DEN) to Telluride Regional (TEX), Take a shuttle bus from Mesa Verde National Park to Purgatory Resort. From Sand Dunes, head west on US160 over Wolf Creek Pass to Pagosa. I-70 is a major east-west Interstate highway in the United States that runs from Maryland through Colorado into Utah, stretching for 2,151 miles. But I need to leave here at midnight. Prices and availability are subject to change. There are lots of unique little shops and restaurants in town, and attractions like the Last Chance Mine offer a glimpse of history for those who are interested. For casual hikers, the 1.6-mile Penitente Canyon Loop is a great option that wont leave you exhausted or needing an extensive amount of gear. I would say the "scariest" would be to take US160 over Wolf Creek pass - especially in winter.. Take US Hwy 285 south from Denver for approximately 173 miles. Not to mention, its known as one of the most treacherous roads in the state. The Map Start: Denver to Manitou Springs/Colorado Springs While I-25. Make sure you check road conditions to double check the weather. Afternoons can be hot and windy though. It features a challenging switchback turn -on the west side- with a 200-foot drop off on the other side of the curve. Driving to Durango from Denver is a beautiful, six and a half hour drive. If you're going on a road trip from Colorado Springs to Durango, we did the research for you and compiled some great stops along the way with Pagosa Springs and top places to visit like . Its also helpful to pack warm layers, snacks, water, and a flash flight for unexpected delays and emergencies. The small roadside town of South Fork marks a point of transition where the Rio Grande River begins to shift from its high alpine origins in National Forest land and flow down toward flatter lands in New Mexico and beyond. Assuming you choose the route through the mountains on 285, youll still be on a paved highway for practically the entire timedepending on your chosen stopsso theres no major need for a high-clearance, 4-wheel drive sort of vehicle. High season is considered to be October, November and December. Maybe see http://www.mapquest.com for that. Oh well. The United States Census Bureau reported a population of 16,887 in the 2010 census. Of the collegiate peaks, Mount Princeton is designated as one of the easiest to climb. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-13122554', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Denver to Pagosa Springs by car. It is centrally locate and has both private, ensuite rooms available along with hostel dorm beds. Travel along this high alpine road is strongly discouraged amid snow, freezing temperatures, and blowing snow. Now I am thinking of taking another route. We extended it to a full loop: Boulder Canyon Drive up to Nederland, Highway 72 from Nederland to Highway 7 just south of Rocky Mountain National Park, Highway 7 back over to Highway 36, and then back down to Boulder. It is impossible to get from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Photo Credit: Matt Gross Things To Do Brittany is an award-winning journalist based in Denver where she has lived and worked for more than a decade. Ice and snow-caked roads, highways, and mountain passes make for dangerous and hazardous driving conditions across the state. This protected archaeological site of San Juan National Forest is best experienced by joining one of the daily guided walking tours offered by the U.S. Forest Service management staff. You could also travel on Route 24 to pass through Colorado Springs, before connecting and driving west on 160, which will add about 30 minutes to your trip. Having seen and read descriptions of the Million Dollar Highway, I'd like to avoid the drive south between Ouray and Silverton. There are long swaths of the drive down 285 Southsuch as the section between Fairplay to Buena Vistawhere you may lose cell signal at times and find higher chances of on-road hazards like wildlife, fallen rocks, and icy or snowy road conditions. There are some different ways to approach a stop at the Great Sand Dunes, as visitors are generally welcome to simply take in the views of the dunes from the comfort of paved roads and maintained public areas, or they may strike out on foot and hike on the sands of the national park. You have permission to edit this article. The best way to get from Denver to Denver Airport is to train which takes 37 min and costs 4,100-14,000. That made for about a 70-mile loop of incredible mountain views! Main Avenue Historic District in Durango, Colorado is a 34acre historic district that was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-13124761', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Denver-Pagosa Springs via Colorado Springs and Walsenburg on I25 and us160 via Great Sand Dunes NP and Wolf Creek pass to Pagosa Springs. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Two-wheel drive cars can certainly make this gravel-road route, but its recommended to drive the loop backwards if your vehicle isnt great off-road. No trip to the area should skip it in my opinion. Just be sure to downshift on the downhill side. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-75870242', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Denver to Durango -- at least in any reasonable way -- without some mountain driving. Mesa Verde is a world-class attraction that you really should see. Answer 1 of 6: My friends and I are coming from Europe to Denver Airport and we are supposed to go to Durango by car. This calculation assumes that your vehicle gets an average gas mileage of 25 mpg . Thai place in Poncha Springs and Lost Cajun in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Services like gas stations and restaurants are in good supply at Salida, Saguache, and other areas along the way. Informacin detallada del sitio web y la empresa: jaramarzulli.com, +911647681164, +911647244548, +911646228156, +911646126349, +911645988738 Jara Marzulli | La poetica di un'artista The scenic section that we refer to as the Million Dollar Highway is the 25-mile section between Ouray and Silverton, then from Silverton to Durango the scenic road technically becomes the San Juan Skyway. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-75890404', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Pagosa Springs are the only 2 I hit along the route. 4. level 2. Check out our Durango Activities and Things to Do page for more information. Colorado is a beautiful state to drive through and the road from Denver to Durango has many places worth stopping to see, even if you're taking the shortest route. But. ), we woke up early and hit the road for what was a 2-hour drive to Grand Junction. This somewhat low-key park is simply jaw-dropping. Where is Durango? The quickest flight from Denver Airport to Durango Airport is the direct flight which takes 1h 19m. Another great activity to do near Denver is driving the, Of course, theres an endless list of things to do and places to see in and around Denver. Jillian Dara is a freelance journalist and fact-checker. Durango is in southwest Colorado. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-75890236', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Pagosa Springs are the only 2 I hit along the route. Mountain Goat Lodge This boutique bed and breakfast is an excellent option if youre after a bit of luxury while driving to Durango. You want to avoid leaving Denver on Friday afternoon and you want to avoid returning on Sunday afternoon. As the name would suggest, this trail takes you around the entire town dont worry, there are plenty of places to enter or exit the trail for a shorter hike. Lots of good food in Durango. Well-located in central Durango, they have a range of rooms available to suit all kinds of visitors even allow pets if youre traveling with a four-legged friend! Thai place in Poncha Springs and Lost Cajun in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Top Reasons To Take A Jeep Tour In SW Colorado. Reduced speed limits and temporary closures are often put into place for safety concerns. Loveland Pass Summit in Winter. The arch and many of the other geologic formations here are the results of heat and pressure having formed volcanic ash into hard rock over millions of years. When visiting Colorado Springs, 100% the number one thing to do is check out the Garden of the Gods. The longer one (I-25 south, US160 west) involves faster driving and more traffic. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and the Colorado State Register of Historic Properties. If you follow this action-packed itinerary, youll not only find yourself immersed in some of Colorados most exceptional wilderness, but youll also discover fascinating history and take part in some of the Centennial States signature outdoor activities. They zoom past gorgeous Rocky Mountain scenery at speeds up to 75 mph, burrow through the highest auto tunnel in North America, and switch back their way over two-mile-high Vail Pass. It serves as one of the main routes to Colorado's ski country including Vail, Aspen, Winter Park, Keystone, and Breckenridge. Have any questions about any of these stops? Book at least 2 weeks before departure in order to get a below-average price. A Google mapping exercise will offer you two routes, one about a half-hour longer than the other. Which route is the best? There will be some mountain driving whichever route you take, but there's no need to be scared. With a route that passes south on US Highway 285 through Pike-San Isabel National Forest and continues down to the Great Sand Dunes and the Rio Grande headwaters, the Denver to Durango drive is one of southern Colorados most scenic. One absolute must-do activity is hiking the, After hiking the perimeter trail, take a load off and relax in, Gates of Lodore Dinosaur National Monument, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Ultimate Colorado and Utah Road Trip Itinerary. Im traveling with a friend who has limited mobility. Click here to browse more Salida hotels! 10 Best Stops on a Denver to Moab Road Trip. Theres also an observation site for the renowned Treasure Falls thats located just south of the pass. It's a fairly long drive from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? High average elevation of 10,000 feet and a few passes over 12,000 feet. Rome2rio displays up to date schedules, route maps, journey times and estimated fares from relevant transport operators, ensuring you can make an informed decision about which option will suit you best. Take a tour from Durango and let someone else drive! I assume you understand that any route you take will be. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Rome2rio is a door-to-door travel information and booking engine, helping you get to and from any location in the world. Rome2rio displays up to date schedules, route maps, journey times and estimated fares from relevant transport operators, ensuring you can make an informed decision about which option will suit you best. It is home to Fort Lewis College. A third route (I-70 west, CO91 south, US24 south, US285 south, US160 west; this is through Leadville) is yet more scenic, partly because of its high mountain sections. Drive from Durango to Denver 6h 33m $60 - $90 Shuttle to Durango, fly Take a shuttle bus from Durango Transit Center to Purgatory Plaza Fly from Durango (DRO) to Denver (DEN) 5h 16m $223 - $531 Shuttle to Telluride Regional, fly Take a shuttle bus from Durango, CO to Silverton, CO Fly from Telluride Regional (TEX) to Denver (DEN) 6h 12m $437 - $865 I-70 is a major east-west Interstate highway in the United States that runs from Maryland through Colorado into Utah, stretching for 2,151 miles. Dont let the views distract you on Berthoud Pass. Well, thats it for this epic Colorado summer road trip. Just a stones throw off 285 South before you reach the town of Del Norte on the Denver to Durango drive, Penitente Canyon offers scenic views and chances to hike, rock climb, and bike through the towering canyon walls. A Google mapping exercise will offer you two routes, one about a half-hour longer than the other. After spending the night in the alpine town of Vail (yes, on the drive over from Rocky Mountain National Park across I-70, we hit several patches of snow and temperatures falling below zero, even at the end of May! Lodging for 2 nights in Estes park in mid May, Where to stay near Union Station if using Red Rocks shuttle. document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 50 Animas View Dr. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-13327901', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Denver, then N to I-70E direct to airport. Not far from the New Mexico border, Durango is actually closer to Albuquerque than Denver, with 215 miles between them. From there youll make a left onto CO 291 S which will take you into Salida after eight miles. Snowcaped mountains in Berthoud Pass, Colorado. Should probably count on 7 - 7.5 hrs - not easy to make really good time in the mountains. The building opened in 1917, and served as a high school until 1976, after which it became the district administration building. I drive the 285>160 route almost weekly for the last few months. As you reach the classic mountain town of Salida and the nearby area, the Arkansas River is the main artery for a lot of watersports recreation, from fly fishing and whitewater rafting to kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP). Alpine travel often gets a little sketchy along Loveland Pass, an 8.7-mile road that soars high into the mountains at nearly 12,000 feet. Apart from being the Wildflower Capital of Colorado, Crested Butte is where mountain biking got its start in Colorado. Do you think it is faster going the other route or should I rather take the old route because I drive thru the night? Takes 6hrs plus stops and is both easy and scenic. Among the marquee attractions near Salida is Browns Canyon, which was also designated a National Monument recently in 2015. Do I have to wear a face mask on public transport in Durango? From Tiny Town, the next few stops between Conifer and Buena Vista also tend to be good ones for travelers and looking to take their time, relax, and settle into vacation mode while on the way out of the Denver bubble. It is located between I-70 and Keystone, offering an alternative route to I-70 and the Eisenhower Tunnel. If playing it safe during times of the year with bad weather is your goal, it might make sense to take the longer route down I-25 and on to US 160 at Walsenburg. Well, youve come to the right place. Having a Jeep or other SUV or truck may come in handy if you plan on doing any venturing down the dusty National Forest access roads, however. Well start our engines in Colorados capital city of Denver! First, head Southwest on US Hwy 285 S, which you'll stay on for about 130 miles. Dont let snowy roads put a damper on your adventure plans. Independence Pass, Trail Ridge Road, Mount Evans Scenic Byway, and Kebler Pass all close annually for the winter season in Colorado. If youre looking for both the most scenic and time-efficient route for a Denver to Durango drive, with plenty of opportunities for fun, interesting stops in between, then the roughly six-hour trajectory down US 285 is by far the best option. This option is best to keep in mind for the rafting season of May through August when the mountain snowmelt levels are in their prime. Problem is no-one knows what the weather will be then. From there, make a right onto US-550 S, which will take you into Ouray after just over 36 miles. Plus, your guide will provide insightful interpretations on each of the archaeological sites as well as the history of the Ancestral Pueblo people. One reason you might choose to take the I-25 route from Denver to Durango would be if youd rather minimize the mountain driving on winding, less-maintained roads. Take a tour from Durango and let someone else drive! Among these are the collegiate peaks which are, unsurprisingly, named after some of the United States most famous colleges and Oxford randomly. Roadtrip from SoCal to Mt Rushmore thru Colorado, Best Western Plus Deer Park Hotel And Suites. Colorado State Patrol is increasing its watch along the Western Slope, where it says the roads have become the most dangerous place to drive in Colorado during July. It is impossible to get from Denver to Durango -- at least in any reasonable way -- without some mountain driving. Hikers and skiers often use the route for accessing backcountry terrain, as well as Arapahoe Basin Resort. It serves as one of the main routes to Colorados ski country including Vail, Aspen, Winter Park, Keystone, and Breckenridge. This is the route Google Maps will give you. This one is best for families with kids, as there is an entire miniature town complete with painted and detailed buildings, a playground and park, a gift shop, and even an old steam train ride. And if budget is a factor in your trip planning and you're looking for the cheapest way to travel, you could take a Greyhound bus to Durango. #3. 2023 The World Was Here First All rights reserved. For a more complete guide on the hike, check out this Out There Colorado article. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-75890236', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Pagosa Springs are the only 2 I hit along the route. Start early in the day, bring plenty of water and snacks, and be sure to dress in layers. Rome2rio uses cookies to help personalize content and show you personalised ads. Drive to Colorado Springs on Interstate 25 and on through Pueblo to Walsenburg where you'll take Hwy 160 west. The steep, winding switchbacks can make your stomach turn on this high mountain pass, reaching an elevation of 11,307 feet. * Head out of Crested Butte the way you came in down CO-135 N and then make a right onto US-50 W for 65 miles until you reach the town of Montrose.
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