(easiest one, no scary mountain driving haha), and if you can suggest good places to stop and eat? Have any questions about any of these stops? 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. Let us know in the comments! #3. The next best thing to do on a visit to Colorado Springs is to head up to Pikes Peak. Additional terms apply. If you are concerned about scary mountain driving, Red Mountain pass isn't scary, but the first part of the Million Dollar highway from Ouray south 10 or 20 miles is. 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. 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). Durango is in southwest Colorado. Heavy snow slams Northeast; storm cleanup begins in South To get to Salida from Denver will be 2.5-hour drive. From there you'll make a left onto CO 291 S which will take you into Salida after eight miles. Designated drivers beware and drink responsibly, as youve still got a lot of highway to go on this Denver to Durango road trip. Jillian Dara is a freelance journalist and fact-checker. So yeah, have your camera charged and ready for this spot too. Start early in the day, bring plenty of water and snacks, and be sure to dress in layers. Denver to Durango in a day. - RoadTrip America Where to go at the end of November, Early December?!?! For a more complete guide on the hike, check out this, If high-alpine hikes arent your jazz, another great place to explore near Salida is, Crested Butte is hands-down one of the coolest places to check out in Colorado. ! Wolf Creek has gained a reputation all throughout Colorado as one of the best ski resorts to visit for anyone looking to escape crowds and long lift lines, and it also boasts some of the highest seasonal accumulations of snowpack out of any Colorado resorts, depending on the year. Driving Time from Denver, CO to Durango, CO - Travelmath $195 Cheap Flights from Denver (DEN) to Durango (DRO) - Expedia 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. 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. Not much to recommend for food along the way. Am I allowed to travel from Denver to Durango? Its also helpful to pack warm layers, snacks, water, and a flash flight for unexpected delays and emergencies. * 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. drive for about 1 hour. A Google mapping exercise will offer you two routes, one about a half-hour longer than the other. Need we say more? Exceptions may apply, for full details: Centers for Disease control and prevention (CDC). The drive from Salida to Crested Butte takes approximately one hour and 45 minutes. The bus leaves Denver at 6:45 a.m. and arrives in Durango at 7:10 p.m. Click here to see their availability. No trip to the area should skip it in my opinion. 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. Call us biased on this if you like, but heading down the Lower Animas is a Durango summer staple. Just assume that youll need your camera for just about every spot from here on out. I drive the 285>160 route almost weekly for the last few months. Utah. I would say the "scariest" would be to take US160 over Wolf Creek pass - especially in winter.. Roads surrounding the Denver metro area are often a mess, especially when you add snow and ice to the mix. This is the route Google Maps will give you. Silverton is an old mining town nestled between Red Mountain and Molas, two San Juan Mountain passes. Airfares from $109 One Way, $219 Round Trip from Denver to Durango. 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. The 8 Most Scenic Drives In Colorado - TravelAwaits I took a GPS with me to attach in the rental car. These are both safe routes. How long will the journey be and what is the fastest route? Driving to Durango from Denver is a beautiful, six and a half hour drive. Does anyone know why? Just across the valley from Penitente Canyon is the Great Sand Dunes National Park, one of Americas most fascinating natural phenomena. Theres a lot of great terrain here for skiers of all skill levels in the wintertime, with everything from black diamond tree runs to easy, gradual glades and trails on the slopes that descend from Monarch Pass. 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. The direct drive from Denver to Durango is 382 mi (614 km), and should have a drive time of 7 hrs 21 mins in normal traffic. The quickest flight from Denver Airport to Durango Airport is the direct flight which takes 1h 19m. Standard tickets are only $10 for adults, and this area also has a lot of great trails for hiking in the warmer parts of the year. 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. 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. 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! 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. 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. Rome2rio is a door-to-door travel information and booking engine, helping you get to and from any location in the world. Its also important to watch out for mandatory chain and traction laws on I-70, especially during the winter months. A direct flight will only take about an hour in the air, which will save you a lot of time. Lots of good food in Durango. Good coffee is also scarce along that route until you get to Durango. After hiking the perimeter trail, take a load off and relax in Ourays Hot Springs. For photographers, taking photos of the sunset from atop one of the dunes is an unforgettable experience. No problem finding gas and basic supplies, just not much "good" food or coffee. As mentioned before, we at Mild to Wild know Durango like the back of our hands, and we have so many other recommendations for your visit. Denver to Vail, Colorado -- the Slow Way | HuffPost Contributor Make yourself known to an official member of staff and/or call the national coronavirus helpline number on 800-232-4636. Use this list as a springboard to get ideas for stops ranging from national parks and monuments to natural hot springs and quirky tourist attractions that youll find along the way. If you need to rent a car for this trip, you can check out Rentalcars.com which aggregates deals across suppliers. I drive the 285>160 route almost weekly for the last few months. Monument to fallen snowplow drivers. to La Plata County Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $195 for one-way flights and $295 for round trip, for the period specified. Located 60 miles west of Denver, this incredible highway is the highest paved road in North America. Dont let the views distract you on Berthoud Pass. It serves as one of the main routes to Colorado's ski country including Vail, Aspen, Winter Park, Keystone, and Breckenridge. The reason why it's so long is because there is no direct bus service between the two cities. Thank you :) Just be sure to downshift on the downhill side. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Canada. Aspen vs Vail vs Breckenridge: Which Colorado Town to Visit? 4:17 pm arrive in Durango. If natural disasters happen to occur, travelers are often rerouted between Ridgway and Durango over Lizard Head Pass a much longer route. Thank you :) Regular fuel costs are around $3.96 per gallon for your trip. 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. 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. Ancient home of the Ancestral Puebloans, Mesa Verde hosts some of the most impressive and best-preserved Native American ruins in the United States. There will be some mountain driving whichever route you take, but there's no need to be scared. From hiking to climbing to jeep and segway tours, theres a whole heaping lot to do at this picture-perfect place. Filled with useful and timely travel information, the guides answer all the hard questions - such as 'How do I buy a ticket? 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. Traffic jam westbound I-70 highway Photo Credit: milehightraveler (iStock). If he could teleport to anywhere on the planet, it would be the mountains of Patagonia in Chile. 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. 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. Keep in mind though, it's an incredibly long ride because you'll need to travel out of your way to switch buses in Grand Junction. Take a tour from Durango and let someone else drive! Your trip begins in Denver, Colorado. The San Juan Skyway & Million Dollar Highway | Visit Durango, CO briken - Denver to Durango is about 403 mi. I routinely make the trip via 285 and it is much shorter and beautiful. Make sure you check road conditions to double check the weather. 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. As of July 23, Colorado has. Hiking, mountain biking, climbing, rafting, and off-roading are all staple activities here in our hometown. No problem finding gas and basic supplies, just not much "good" food or coffee. 13 Best Stops on the Denver to Las Vegas Drive - Divergent Travelers Thank you for your advise. Dont forget to clear ice and snow from your windshield, windows, mirrors, and vehicle lights before driving. From Durango, we flew back to Denver, instead of driving back. 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. It is impossible to get from Denver to Durango -- at least in any reasonable way -- without some mountain driving. It is home to Fort Lewis College. Take US Hwy 285 south from Denver for approximately 173 miles. It is impossible to get from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Book at least 2 weeks before departure in order to get a below-average price. Start early in the day, bring plenty of water and snacks, and be sure to dress in layers. 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. Michael Rosebrock / Shutterstock 7. Driving from Denver to Durango? - Colorado Message Board - Tripadvisor What airport would I fly into to go to Englewood, Colorado? Its a lengthy stretch, but it also takes you through some of Colorados most spectacular wilderness areas, adventurous mountain towns, and exciting cities. From there youll make a left onto CO 291 S which will take you into Salida after eight miles. It's a fairly long drive from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Or, Highway 285 to 160 is more scenic and has mountains but is not scary. Mesa Verde is a world-class attraction that you really should see. 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. By Jeremy P. Meyer | jpmeyer@denverpost.com | The Denver Post. Success! It's a fairly long drive from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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 know what? Theres also an observation site for the renowned Treasure Falls thats located just south of the pass. The steep, winding switchbacks can make your stomach turn on this high mountain pass, reaching an elevation of 11,307 feet. It's actually closer to Albuquerque than Denver as it's not far from the New Mexico border. The longer one (I-25 south, US160 west) involves faster driving and more traffic. Thai place in Poncha Springs and Lost Cajun in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? For us, one of the most fun things a first-time visitor can do is catch a show at, If concerts and shows arent your scene, no problem! Takes 6hrs plus stops and is both easy and scenic. So, pack your bags, fasten your seatbelts, and get ready to hit the road on this Denver to Durango loop road trip! ', 'How much should I expect to pay? Cars are unable to make it up the pass during winter weather on a regular basis. 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. Used Dodge cars for sale in Berthoud, CO under $799,952 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. 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. Instead, I'm proposing driving from Montrose to Cortez, with a stop in Telluride on the way. It takes approximately 12h 2m to get from Denver to Durango, including transfers. Other points of interest include feeding the fish at the Wildlife Museum's fish hatchery, going kayaking on the Animas River, or stopping in at Animas Brewing Company to try the latest batch of beer. 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 . Some of the road trip highlights include stops in Frisco, Ouray, Buena Vista, or Pagosa Hot Springs, each of which offers plenty of outdoor adventure. Which route is the best? Cost of Driving from Denver, CO to Durango, CO - Travelmath For us, one of the most fun things a first-time visitor can do is catch a show at Red Rocks Amphitheatre. Colorado's Most Dangerous Mountain Roads and Passes - 303 Magazine Durango High School, also known as the Durango 9-R Administration Building, is a former school in Durango, Colorado. But. Winter in Colorado is no joke. If high-alpine hikes arent your jazz, another great place to explore near Salida is Great Sand Dunes National Park. 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. The museum opened on February 23, 2011 in what was once a power plant. You can also fly from Denver to Durango, if all this seems to be too much. While its unlikely that traffic jams will ever disappear, avoiding peak travel times allows for an easier and stress-free commute. 8 Best Stops on a Denver to Breckenridge Drive So, stop by if you can. This is one town that has definitely earned its nickname as its surrounded by more than a dozen fourteeners. Last updated: 1 Mar 2023 What is the least scary route to cross the Rocky Mountains by - Quora If youre looking to stretch your legs and get a good hike in while in Creede, the locals recommend checking out the Up and Over trail. What can I see on a Denver to Durango road trip. *Note: At time of writing (May 17th, 2021) there is a road closure along US-50 W between Sapinero and Montrose that is expected to last until Spring of 2022. Independence Pass, Trail Ridge Road, Mount Evans Scenic Byway, and Kebler Pass all close annually for the winter season in Colorado. 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 Prices start at 117,500 per night. Of course, theres an endless list of things to do and places to see in and around Denver. Afternoons can be hot and windy though. Now I am thinking of taking another route. Lots of good food in Durango. Maybe see http://www.mapquest.com for that. It is a 7 hour plus drive, not counting any stops. Hikers and skiers often use the route for accessing backcountry terrain, as well as Arapahoe Basin Resort. The shorter one (US285 south and US160 west), more scenic, has more mountains. Snowcaped mountains in Berthoud Pass, Colorado. This is a beautiful and quicker drive. 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. There is no direct connection from Denver to Durango. At this park, you can either take an easy day to drive to the scenic lookouts, or you can book a permit to take the steep hike down to the canyon floor and Gunnison river. The shorter one (US285 south and US160 west), more scenic, has more mountains. 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 This somewhat low-key park is simply jaw-dropping. So here I am in Pagosa Springs. A Mapped Guide to the Ultimate Colorado Road Trip: Part II Rome2rio also offers online bookings for selected operators, making reservations easy and straightforward. Find all the transport options for your trip from Denver to Durango right here. While the route offers a fast connection to Winter Park from Denver, avalanches and snowslides often make winter travel on this route extremely difficult. Finally, youll make a left onto CO-115 N for 30 miles into Colorado Springs. Click here to browse more Salida hotels! Thank you :) We love Pikes Peak because theres just so much to explore, and because theres so many ways to actually ascend the peak! ', 'Should I book online before I travel? Aetna is Monarch Mountain Resort. All Of Colorado's Most Dangerous Roads And Highways 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. 2:05 pm Pagosa Springs (Colorado) stay for about 1 hour. 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. You have two route options, both of which take you through amazing scenery and worthwhile stops. Centers for Disease control and prevention (CDC), Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Durango, Holiday Inn & Suites Durango Downtown, an IHG Hotel, Denver to Pikes Peak Center for the Performing Arts, Glendale Los Angeles County CA USA to Durango CO USA, Petrified Forest National Park to Durango CO USA, There is a social distancing requirement of 2 metres. Takes 6hrs plus stops and is both easy and scenic. Its actually closer to Albuquerque than Denver as its not far from the New Mexico border. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. Turn right on CO State Hwy 112 W for 13 miles until you reach Del Norte. But it didn/t work. Alternatively, you may use. What is the national COVID-19 helpline number in Durango? 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. Driving from Denver to Durango takes about six and a half hours. Our next recommendation is to take a guided tour at Mesa Verde National Park.