If youve never gone mountain biking before, then this is a perfect place to try it out. Among these are the collegiate peaks which are, unsurprisingly, named after some of the United States most famous colleges and Oxford randomly. Maybe there's a faster drive but we have not done that. While skiers and riders will often go to great lengths to get to the mountains on a powder day, its important to drive carefully along this steep and winding alpine road. If you are headed to the mountains on the weekend, plan ahead for more traffic than usual. Ice and snow-caked roads, highways, and mountain passes make for dangerous and hazardous driving conditions across the state. The picnic area is also nice for anyone who has packed food for the road trip in a cooler and might want to have lunch before getting back on the road. What should I do if I have COVID-19 symptoms when I arrive in Durango? Another route, is to take US285 sw from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? The shorter one (US285 south and US160 west), more scenic, has more mountains. The shorter one (US285 south and US160 west), more scenic, has more mountains. While its unlikely that traffic jams will ever disappear, avoiding peak travel times allows for an easier and stress-free commute. Monarch Pass winds beautifully into the mountains at 11,312 feet along the Continental Divide between Gunnison and Poncha Springs, located just 20 minutes from Salida. Top Reasons To Take A Jeep Tour In SW Colorado. That said, if you do hike Mount Princeston, still come prepared for a long days hike as well as a little rock scrambling. Not much to recommend for food along the way. 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). Signup today for free and be the first to get notified on new updates. The drive is gorgeous and, although you reach some very high elevations, it is not scary if you stick to the main route . Can you please describe the San Juan Skyway/Million $ Hwy/Red Mtn. If he could teleport to anywhere on the planet, it would be the mountains of Patagonia in Chile. Heading back to Denver takes one last straight-shot drive of one hour and 20 minutes along I-25 N. Just 70 miles along that highway and youll be back in the city at journeys end! Another route, is to take US285 sw from Denver toward Buena Vista and then south to Great Sand Dunes. A Google mapping exercise will offer you two routes, one about a half-hour longer than the other. What about Mine Tours and Mining Museums? I would say the "scariest" would be to take US160 over Wolf Creek pass - especially in winter.. Apart from being the Wildflower Capital of Colorado, Crested Butte is where mountain biking got its start in Colorado. and leave at 3:05 pm. The canyon walls are so steep that at least some of the canyon is always engulfed in shadow during the day, which is how the Black Canyon got its name. Plus, Durangos wild west and mining history give it such a distinguished and quirky character. The best way to get from Denver to Denver Airport is to train which takes 37 min and costs 4,100-14,000. It is located between I-70 and Keystone, offering an alternative route to I-70 and the Eisenhower Tunnel. Of course, theres an endless list of things to do and places to see in and around Denver. You probably want to avoid going to Durango via 550 through Ouray and Silverton (Million Dollar Highway) which is an incredibly scenic, paved, state highway but also has extreme dropoffs without guardrails in places, and little to no shoulder in placesnot the best road for you. Architectural structures left behind by the ancestral Puebloans include pit houses, great kivas, and great houses, according to the U.S. Forest Services website. Thank you for your advise. Dunes, not to be missed with children. Theres also an observation site for the renowned Treasure Falls thats located just south of the pass. briken - Denver to Durango is about 403 mi. It serves as one of the main routes to Colorados ski country including Vail, Aspen, Winter Park, Keystone, and Breckenridge. The shorter one (US285 south and US160 west), more scenic, has more mountains. Perhaps most amazing about this historic site is that the rock pinnacles for which Chimney Rock gets its name frame multiple astronomical alignment points. After passing the Antero Junction, Mount Princeton Hot Springs is a short detour west down Chalk Creek Drive from Nathrop and Browns Canyon National Monument just as your drive has started to meet with the Arkansas River. I'd judge the least "scary" of the three to be I-25/US160. While the quickest route between these two cities would take a fast driver 12 hours to complete without stopping, we suggest taking it slow and enjoying everything there is to see on the way. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. That's because Mapquest knows you drive fast Tet, lol!!! 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. Unless youre making this drive in the mid-summer months of June to August, its a good idea to travel with plenty of warm layers. Here are some of the most worthwhile pit stops on the way from Denver to Durango: In Durango, you can marvel at the Anasazi ruins in Mesa Verde National Park, schuss down the slopes at Purgatory Resort, or go hiking through the San Juan National Forest. By Jeremy P. Meyer | jpmeyer@denverpost.com | The Denver Post. Getting there is through beautiful, mountainous country, but mountainous roads and I believe some white. Raft trips in the canyon can be booked through several outfitters based out of Salida and the surrounding area, such as Browns Canyon Rafting, KODI Rafting, Noahs Ark, and several others. This is a great introduction to Colorados famous fourteeners and provides extraordinary views thatll redefine what you classify as a scenic byway.. The reason why it's so long is because there is no direct bus service between the two cities. It is a 7 hour plus drive, not counting any stops. Which route is the best? Having seen and read descriptions of the Million Dollar Highway, I'd like to avoid the drive south between Ouray and Silverton. The route has an elevation gain of 9,000 ft and ascends through five climate zones to the 14,264-ft summit of Mount Evans. Rome2rio uses cookies to help personalize content and show you personalised ads. There will be some mountain driving whichever route you take, but there's no need to be scared. Prices and availability are subject to change. Lots of good food in Durango. Photo Credit: Christian Murdock; The Gazette. It ends in Durango, Colorado. The drive between Walsenburg and Pagosa Springs is a very nice one. Good coffee is also scarce along that route until you get to Durango. Make sure you check road conditions to double check the weather. Are you planning to drive from Denver to Durango? The drive time from Ouray to Durango is approximately one hour and 45 minutes. 4WD and AWD vehicles must have snow tires or all-weather tires with 3/16 inch tread depth. Pass in SW CO? This is a beautiful and quicker drive. A Google mapping exercise will offer you two routes, one about a half-hour longer than the other. As with any hike or tour, just remember to bring plenty of water and some snacks along. In fact, winter weather is often the blame for the majority of delays and crashes. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Join our mailing list for discounts, special events, and more. Am I allowed to travel from Denver to Durango? (easiest one, no scary mountain driving haha), and if you can suggest good places to stop and eat? Mountain Goat Lodge This boutique bed and breakfast is an excellent option if youre after a bit of luxury while driving to Durango. Travel in the winter months can be nerve-wracking along Red Mountain Pass. There was an error processing your request. Cars are unable to make it up the pass during winter weather on a regular basis. Powerhouse Science Center, formerly the The Durango Discovery Museum, is an interactive science center located in Durango, Colorado. The distance between Denver and Durango is 372 km. Im traveling with a friend who has limited mobility. The surrounding area is also brimming with National Forest areas and hiking trails with dispersed camping and car camping options in good supply, so this is a good area to consider when thinking about spending a night on the road in the mild weather of late spring, summer, and early fall. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-75870199', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Denver to Durango so I hope you aren't planning to drive it on the same day you arrive. 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. It might sound like a bad deal, but these tickets can be a little bit cheaper than United's direct flights and it's still faster than driving. However, if youre looking to check out something completely different but equally awesome in Colorado, you cant go wrong with a day trip to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. 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. This is the route Google Maps will give you. Not much to recommend for food along the way. If concerts and shows arent your scene, no problem! Takes 6hrs plus stops and is both easy and scenic. Driving from Denver to Durango takes about six and a half hours. And as this road trip tends to take only about six to six and a half hours, its easy to pull off in a single day with plenty of time for some stops near the highway. No problem finding gas and basic supplies, just not much "good" food or coffee. 16 Best Things to Do in Colorado in Summer, Travel From Madrid to San Sebastian by Train, Car, and Plane, How to Travel From Rome to Naples by Train, Plane, Bus, or Car, The Top 10 Things to Do in Durango, Colorado, How to Travel From Denver to Las Vegas by Bus, Car, and Plane, How to Travel From Montreal to Quebec City by Train, Bus, Car, and Plane, How to Travel from Los Angeles to the Grand Canyon by Train, Bus, Car, and Plane, The Best Places to See Fall Colors in Colorado, How to Travel from Los Angeles to Denver by Train, Bus, Car, and Plane, Get our travel tips Delivered to your inbox. The quickest way to get from Denver to Durango is to fly and shuttle which costs 300,000-800,000 and takes 5h 24m. He lives in Colorado and also works as a fly fishing guide and instructor when not editing or writing. Or, Highway 285 to 160 is more scenic and has mountains but is not scary. If you hit the turn too fast you will go right off the edge. - to help you get the most out of your next trip. Apart from being the Wildflower Capital of Colorado, Crested Butte is where mountain biking got its start in Colorado. You can also fly from Denver to Durango, if all this seems to be too much. I will try to go the route thru the Great Sand Dunes. Durango is in southwest Colorado. Alternatively, you may use, Best Western Plus Deer Park Hotel And Suites. Save this link to stay updated on COVID-19 restrictions, If you need help, visit the national COVID-19 website or call the COVID-19 Helpline 800-232-4636. 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. Were Michael and Maggie, an Australian and American couple travelling the world. 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. Youll also get to take on thrilling class III rapids at Durangos exciting whitewater park. Sites such as Coller State Wildlife Area and Palisade Campground are excellent places to get out of the car and take in the views of the Rio Grande on your way up this stretch of highway. 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. Although its a small mountain town, its bursting at the seams with history, scenery, and adventure opportunities. If you don't have time to board the train, it's worth it to at least pay a visit to the railroad museum in Durango. Pricing is calculated from the Purgatory Transportation Terminal in Durango, Colorado, and is based on vehicle capacity and mileage as follows: 1-4 passengers $2.50 per mile; 5-10 passengers $3.00 per mile; 11-29 passengers $3.50 per mile. Camping, backpacking, and hiking opportunities abound in this area once the snow melts in the summertime. Can you tell me about guest ranch vacations in Colorado? Click here to browse other private rentals. A Google mapping exercise will offer you two routes, one about a half-hour longer than the other. Cheap Flights from Denver Intl. The highway is also notorious for serious semi-accidents and spin-outs due to its steep curvy descent. However, as the expression goes, its not the destination, its the journey. Denver airport - 407 miles - about 7 hours drive depending on weather conditions Albuquerque airport - 244 miles - about 4:10 hours depending on weather conditions There are Greyhound buses that travel between the city of Albuquerque and Durango, but once again self-drive will be the easiest way to get there. You'll be basically traveling in an L-shape on the two long sides of a triangle, instead of driving on the diagonal. The 160 to 285 would be the fastest. Is this a summer trip or a winter trip? First, head Southwest on US Hwy 285 S, which youll stay on for about 130 miles. According to a recent study, the average Denver commuter spends 83 hours per year stuck in traffic. 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. First, head Southwest on US Hwy 285 S, which you'll stay on for about 130 miles. As far as rafting day trips go, it doesnt get much easier or more fun than this! It is the route CasaAzul mentioned. Durango to Denver drive driving / 2 days / no pets / no RV Durango to Denver road trip planner Here's a sample itinerary for a drive from Durango to Denver. 172. One absolute must-do activity is hiking the Ouray Perimeter Trail. Oh well. Well, youve come to the right place. Denver Area Road Trip Not much to recommend for food along the way. Another possible stop near Salida located in the shadow of Mt. All deals One way Roundtrip Tue, Mar 21 DEN Denver DRO Durango $195 One way just found What can I see on a Denver to Durango road trip. No matter the route you choose, you wont be disappointed with this breathtaking destination. If not, the area works just fine as a pretty place to drive through. My friends and I are coming from Europe to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission at no extra cost to you. 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. From Sand Dunes, head west on US160 over Wolf Creek Pass to Pagosa. Roadtrip from SoCal to Mt Rushmore thru Colorado, Best Western Plus Deer Park Hotel And Suites. Semi trucks stuck on I-25. High average elevation of 10,000 feet and a few passes over 12,000 feet. Dont let the views distract you on Berthoud Pass. Plus, your guide will provide insightful interpretations on each of the archaeological sites as well as the history of the Ancestral Pueblo people. drive for about 1 hour. The bus leaves Denver at 6:45 a.m. and arrives in Durango at 7:10 p.m. This is a beautiful and quicker drive. Reduced speed limits and temporary closures are often put into place for safety concerns. Not to mention, its known as one of the most treacherous roads in the state. #ouraygram. 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. It features a challenging switchback turn -on the west side- with a 200-foot drop off on the other side of the curve. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and the Colorado State Register of Historic Properties. Traffic congestion due to rush hour and ongoing construction is normally expected for this particular stretch of the highway. There will be some mountain driving whichever route you take, but there's no need to be scared. The social distance requirement in Durango is 2 metres. 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. 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. Thank you. Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. 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 . The winter-weary Northeast and upper Midwest were digging out Saturday from heavy snowfall while cleanup began in battered parts of the South and Midwest after a sprawling storm system produced . From there, turn left onto US-50 E which will take you into Montrose where you can resume the normal route along US-550 S. This detour will add approximately 80 minutes to your drive time. The shortest way is to take Route 285 through to Route 160, which will take you past Buena Vista. This trail can be completed either as a loop or an out-and-back from the trailhead across La Garita Street near the gas station. The road distance is 537.8 km. Aspen vs Vail vs Breckenridge: Which Colorado Town to Visit? 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. 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. 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. When winter weather strikes, motorists are often advised to avoid taking I-25 from Castle Rock to Colorado Springs, particularly in the Monument Hill area where harsh weather tends to hit the hardest. Call us biased on this if you like, but heading down the Lower Animas is a Durango summer staple. If youre looking for an all-in-one Colorado destination, Durangos definitely the place to be. 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. Its actually closer to Albuquerque than Denver as its not far from the New Mexico border. Thai place in Poncha Springs and Lost Cajun in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Winter in Colorado is no joke. Only 33 mushers will participate in the ceremonial start of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race on Saturday, the smallest field ever to take their dog teams nearly 1,000 miles (1,609 kilometers) over . Which route is the best? Mesa Verde is a world-class attraction that you really should see. The drive from Denver to Durango via 285 South covers about 337 miles and usually takes just over six hours, give or take some time depending on traffic and weather conditions. You can also fly from Denver to Durango, if all this seems to be too much. As always, travel safe and enjoy the views! These springs are perfect for an evening soak when the day starts to cool and you want to settle down to reflect on the days adventure accomplishments. Loveland Pass Summit in Winter. 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. I-70 mountain travel has its hiccups due to a combination of factors including traffic congestion, steep grades, accidents, and wild weather causing slick roads and other hazards like that one time an avalanche covered the highway (video link). Airfares from $109 One Way, $219 Round Trip from Denver to Durango. You will likely be going over Wolf Creek Pass and if this is a winter trip you will be going over one of the snowiest passes in the state, but it is plowed and maintained. So, stop by if you can. 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). Monument to fallen snowplow drivers. Lots of good food in Durango. ', 'How much should I expect to pay? An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Drive from Denver to Durango 336.1 miles $60 - $90 Fly to Durango, shuttle 5h 22m Fly from Denver (DEN) to Durango (DRO) DEN - DRO Take a shuttle bus from Purgatory Plaza to Durango Transit Center $233 - $570 Fly to Telluride Regional, shuttle 6h 32m Fly from Denver (DEN) to Telluride Regional (TEX) DEN - TEX My friends and I are coming from Europe to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Which route is the best? The Million Dollar Highway is just a small portion of the 236-mile San Juan Skyway, itself a section of U.S. Highway 550, which runs 305 miles from Bernalillo, New Mexico, to Montrose, Colorado . Theres so much we could say about things to do in Durango. For us, one of the most fun things a first-time visitor can do is catch a show at Red Rocks Amphitheatre. If you drive that route without stops it app.takes 6 hours. You have two route options, both of which take you through amazing scenery and worthwhile stops. If you intend to make all (or even a few) of these stops, youre likely going to want to find a place to stay to break up the drive. No problem finding gas and basic supplies, just not much "good" food or coffee. Its also helpful to pack warm layers, snacks, water, and a flash flight for unexpected delays and emergencies. For photographers, taking photos of the sunset from atop one of the dunes is an unforgettable experience. The drive from Denver, Colorado, to Las Vegas, Nevada, is a drive of epic proportions. Cortez is 50 miles away from Durango, while Telluride is 110 miles away. document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 50 Animas View Dr. When you reach Del Norte, turn left onto CO-112 E for 13 miles until you reach US-285 N which youll follow for 64 miles. It is home to Fort Lewis College. From there you'll make a left onto CO 291 S which will take you into Salida after eight miles. Click here to see their availability, The Salida Inn & Hostel If youre traveling on a bit of a tighter budget, then this inn and hostel is an excellent choice. Which route is the best? 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. Click here to browse other private rentals. Again. Mostly flat in some areas, Colorado gives drivers the most treacherous section of I-70 through the Rocky Mountains. Commentdocument.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a6e6fde05a476155cc84d0616c8a9c0f" );document.getElementById("b934630cd5").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Hi! From there, make a right onto US-550 S, which will take you into Ouray after just over 36 miles. It is impossible to get from Denver to Durango -- at least in any reasonable way -- without some mountain driving. The next best thing to do on a visit to Colorado Springs is to head up to Pikes Peak. We know what youre thinking: sand dunes in Colorado? Is it compulsory to practice social distancing in Durango? Instead of following US-50 W all the way to Montrose, take a right onto CO-92 W for approximately 70 miles until you reach Delta. So, pack your bags, fasten your seatbelts, and get ready to hit the road on this Denver to Durango loop road trip! You have permission to edit this article. Research, browse, save, and share from 162 Dodge models in Berthoud, CO. The longer one (I-25 south, US160 west) involves faster driving and more traffic. Instead, I'm proposing driving from Montrose to Cortez, with a stop in Telluride on the way. As such, one of the best things to do in Creede is to drive its famous Bachelor Loop. Dont forget to clear ice and snow from your windshield, windows, mirrors, and vehicle lights before driving. Maybe see http://www.mapquest.com for that. Additional terms apply. Have fun, please forgive us our little OT chat. Jan 31, 2006. We are travelling with 3 children from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? It's a fairly long drive from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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.

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