For first-time visitors we recommend either taking a guided nature walk to learn about the areas history and geology, or just taking to the trails on your own to explore at your own pace. If youre not familiar, Monarch Pass leads to the natural snowy slopes of Monarch Mountain. Thai place in Poncha Springs and Lost Cajun in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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. 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. 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. Maybe there's a faster drive but we have not done that. The steep, winding switchbacks can make your stomach turn on this high mountain pass, reaching an elevation of 11,307 feet. Alternatively, you may use. If he could teleport to anywhere on the planet, it would be the mountains of Patagonia in Chile. 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. From there, make a right onto US-50 E (passing back through Salida) and follow that for 70 miles until you reach Penrose. The round trip cost would be $106.55 to go from Denver, CO to Durango, CO and back to Denver, CO again. 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. Tours and campgrounds are also available, and popular activities include sledding down the dunes (a time-honored favorite), four-wheel tours, and horseback riding. 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. You can also rent ATVs and off-road vehicles in town if you prefer to not take your own car. Colorado, United States. Apart from being the Wildflower Capital of Colorado, Crested Butte is where mountain biking got its start in Colorado. According to a recent study, the average Denver commuter spends 83 hours per year stuck in traffic.
Colorado wildfires: Several fires explode across Front Range Most crashes on the pass occur at the switchback curve near the Wolf Creek scenic outlook area. 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.
Colorado's Most Dangerous Mountain Roads and Passes - 303 Magazine Another possible stop near Salida located in the shadow of Mt. This trail is close to town and extends to a decent length of 4.3 total miles long. Another great activity to do near Denver is driving the Mount Evans Scenic Byway. Drive to Colorado Springs on Interstate 25 and on through Pueblo to Walsenburg where you'll take Hwy 160 west. 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. Reduced speed limits and temporary closures are often put into place for safety concerns. What about Mine Tours and Mining Museums? Outdoor seating areas are especially nice for sampling the beverages and entrees at either one. Signup today for free and be the first to get notified on new updates. No problem finding gas and basic supplies, just not much "good" food or coffee. As with any hike or tour, just remember to bring plenty of water and some snacks along. Roads surrounding the Denver metro area are often a mess, especially when you add snow and ice to the mix. The highway is also notorious for serious semi-accidents and spin-outs due to its steep curvy descent. Take a tour from Durango and let someone else drive! Thank you :) It is a 7 hour plus drive, not counting any stops. Lots of good food in Durango. Takes 6hrs plus stops and is both easy and scenic. This canyon has high walls and granite cliffs that have been carved out by the slow grind of time and the erosion forces of the Arkansas River. Oh well. Prices and availability are subject to change. High season is considered to be October, November and December. The best way to get from Denver to Denver Airport is to train which takes 37 min and costs 4,100-14,000. Portions of I-70 often close due to severe weather conditions. The United States Census Bureau reported a population of 16,887 in the 2010 census. This loop of state-maintained highways through the San Juan Mountains can be done in your own car and at your own leisure, but be aware that various parts of this beautiful, scenic drive do feature steep drop-offs without guardrails.
Your Guide to a Million Dollar Highway Road Trip - Reader's Digest 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). Theres so much we could say about things to do in Durango. 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. Success!
The San Juan Skyway & Million Dollar Highway | Visit Durango, CO Wolf Creek Pass in CO: Beware of the wolf - Dangerousroads.org Last updated: 1 Mar 2023
One absolute must-do activity is hiking the Ouray Perimeter Trail. Start early in the day, bring plenty of water and snacks, and be sure to dress in layers. Thank you :) Stretching from Utah, through Colorado and all the way out to Maryland, I-70 is a famous interstate highway that is widely used every day for local and interstate travel. To the best of our knowledge, it is correct as of the last update.Visit Rome2rio travel advice for general help. 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. Domestic travel is not restricted, but some conditions may apply. The distance between Denver and Durango is 372 km. Along the National Parks Loop, you'll also go through some other small towns worth exploring like Telluride, Durango, and Buena Vista. Durango is the county seat and the most populous municipality of La Plata County, Colorado, United States. I-70 has some gorgeous spots and does top out at about 11,000 ft when you pass through the tunnels near Loveland Pass.
Driving Time from Denver, CO to Durango, CO - Travelmath Talk about a flexible experience! A great trail option for beginners, especially if youre around during wildflower season, is Brush Creek. Let us know in the comments! Take US Hwy 285 south from Denver for approximately 173 miles. 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. (easiest one, no scary mountain driving haha), and if you can suggest good places to stop and eat? Check out our Durango Activities and Things to Do page for more information. Click here to browse more Salida hotels! To get to Salida from Denver will be 2.5-hour drive. 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. 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. 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. ', 'How much should I expect to pay? Hikers and skiers often use the route for accessing backcountry terrain, as well as Arapahoe Basin Resort. But assuming youre confident in your car and overall conditions, the Denver to Durango scenic drive down 285 South that also connects with US 160 at Del Norte is the way to go. , Where to Stay on a Denver to Durango Road Trip. That made for about a 70-mile loop of incredible mountain views! While its unlikely that traffic jams will ever disappear, avoiding peak travel times allows for an easier and stress-free commute. (easiest one, no scary mountain driving haha), and if you can suggest good places to stop and eat?
Transportation and Shuttle Services - Purgatory Resort So yeah, have your camera charged and ready for this spot too.
jaramarzulli.com Informacin detallada del sitio web y la empresa 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. All deals One way Roundtrip Tue, Mar 21 DEN Denver DRO Durango $195 One way just found One of the defining features of the Penitente Canyon area is a natural arch, sometimes called La Ventana (the window in Spanish), which anyone seeking to venture further into this area should prioritize. American Airlines also offers flights to Durango, but they require you to first stop in Phoenix, which means it will take at least 4 hours to arrive. 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. 4. level 2. Does anyone know why? Once you arrive at your destination, Durango is an activity-rich railroad town with a history dating back to the post-Gold Rush era of the late 1800s.
Driving from Denver to Durango? - Colorado Message Board - Tripadvisor 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. This is one town that has definitely earned its nickname as its surrounded by more than a dozen fourteeners. The national COVID-19 helpline number in Durango is 800-232-4636. One of your first possible stops between Denver and Durango after youve merged onto US 285 South is the Tiny Town & Railroad thats just a short distance down South Turkey Creek Road. Not quite what youre looking for? If you'll have the time try to visit both Colorado Springs (Pike's Peak, Garden of the Gods etc.) Although you can explore much of the park on your own, taking a guided tour is the way to go as thats the only way to gain access to the most popular sites such as Cliff Palace and Balcony House. Cortez is 50 miles away from Durango, while Telluride is 110 miles away. Your best and most scenic route from Denver to Durango tends to be 285 South, though you could also choose to go straight south from Denver on Interstate 25. My friends and I are coming from Europe to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? When it comes to traveling through heavy snow, strong gusty winds, and blistering cold temperatures, heres our list of some of Colorados most dangerous roads to watch out for this winter. While the route offers a fast connection to Winter Park from Denver, avalanches and snowslides often make winter travel on this route extremely difficult. Well start our engines in Colorados capital city of Denver! Monarch Pass in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. It serves as one of the main routes to Colorados ski country including Vail, Aspen, Winter Park, Keystone, and Breckenridge. There are 115+ hotels available in Durango. If youve never gone mountain biking before, then this is a perfect place to try it out. 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. Its important to note that dates and closures vary, depending on the weather and road conditions. Thai place in Poncha Springs and Lost Cajun in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? The drive time from Durango to Creede takes just under 2.5 hours. We know what youre thinking: sand dunes in Colorado? Cars are unable to make it up the pass during winter weather on a regular basis. The shorter one (US285 south and US160 west), more scenic, has more mountains. There will be some mountain driving whichever route you take, but there's no need to be scared. 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. These are both safe routes. *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. Adding to all the chaos, Colorado drivers arent exactly known for their set of skills out on the roads and youll find more of those drivers in the Denver metro area than anywhere else. Each flight takes about an hour, so this is definitely the fastest way to get from Denver to Durango. Click here to browse more Durango hotels! Thank you :) I drive the 285>160 route almost weekly for the last few months. It may be a bit random and unexpected, but thats what makes Great Sand Dunes National Park so awesome! 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. Driving from Denver to Durango takes about six and a half hours. Cheyenne . But I need to leave here at midnight.
Where Are Colorado's Dangerous Roads? Take A Look At These Maps Photo Credit: Matt Gross Things To Do 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. A ride on this tram takes you up to some of the best possible views of the Continental Divide, and it does it in a speedy fashion that makes this viable even as a short stop. One snowstorm resulted in more than 300 crashes in the Denver metro area, with 93 of those occurring within a 3-hour period. How long is the drive from Colorado Springs to Durango?. Denver --> independence pass --> Aspen --> Ouray --> Red mountain pass --> Durango. A Google mapping exercise will offer you two routes, one about a half-hour longer than the other. See what its like to plow this dangerous road here. Can I get to Rocky Mountain National Park without a car? That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission at no extra cost to you. You can't get to Durango by train, but if you're looking for an old west experience, hop aboard the Silverton Silverlight Express. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Join our mailing list for discounts, special events, and more. A Google mapping exercise will offer you two routes, one about a half-hour longer than the other. Mesa Verde is a world-class attraction that you really should see. 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. 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. I drive the 285>160 route almost weekly for the last few months. Roadtrip from SoCal to Mt Rushmore thru Colorado, Best Western Plus Deer Park Hotel And Suites. When you reach the summit of Red Mountain Pass, you will be standing at an elevation of 11,018 ft. Legend has it that the name Million Dollar Highway comes from the 1920s cost to build the highway at over $1 million a mile. Hi Diane, The drive from Denver to Aspen takes about 4 hours (if there isn't a lot of traffic). Photo Credit: Christian Murdock; The Gazette. Michael Rosebrock / Shutterstock 7. 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 . To get to Salida from Denver will be 2.5-hour drive. If you are traveling to Durango by bus, prepare for a long ride of at least 12 hours. For more information, see our privacy policy. In Winter do I need a 4 Wheel Drive Vehicle in Colorado? Ice and snow-caked roads, highways, and mountain passes make for dangerous and hazardous driving conditions across the state. The direct drive from Colorado Springs to Durango is 313 mi (503 km), and should have a drive time of 6 hrs 20 mins in normal traffic.. updated Jul 14, 2022 How long is the drive from Denver to Durango? This is the route Google Maps will give you. It serves as one of the main routes to Colorado's ski country including Vail, Aspen, Winter Park, Keystone, and Breckenridge. 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. Powerhouse Science Center, formerly the The Durango Discovery Museum, is an interactive science center located in Durango, Colorado. If you're planning a road trip to Denver, you can research locations to stop along the way. Answer (1 of 3): I agree with Alan about I-70 and I-80. Cheap Flights from Denver Intl. Make yourself known to an official member of staff and/or call the national coronavirus helpline number on 800-232-4636. How long will the journey be and what is the fastest route? 4:17 pm arrive 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. Takes 6hrs plus stops and is both easy and scenic. Family RV adventure advice for Colorado, Utah & Wyoming. Camping, backpacking, and hiking opportunities abound in this area once the snow melts in the summertime. The drive is gorgeous and, although you reach some very high elevations, it is not scary if you stick to the main route .
Denver to Durango - Colorado Forum - Tripadvisor 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. I drive the 285>160 route almost weekly for the last few months. We have done the drive (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? First, head Southwest on US Hwy 285 S, which you'll stay on for about 130 miles. The town of Salida is an excellent option, as it is a good halfway point between Denver and Durango and has lots of interesting things on offer. Its a lengthy stretch, but it also takes you through some of Colorados most spectacular wilderness areas, adventurous mountain towns, and exciting cities.
10 Best Stops on a Denver to Durango Drive - The World Was Here First You'll be basically traveling in an L-shape on the two long sides of a triangle, instead of driving on the diagonal. If you drive that route without stops it app.takes 6 hours.
Denver to Moab - How to Enjoy an Epic Weekend Road Trip The shortest way is to take Route 285 through to Route 160, which will take you past Buena Vista. The Colorado Trail is a 485-mile point-to-point backpacking route in Colorado. Well, youve come to the right place. But. The 160 to 285 would be the fastest. There is also breakfast included each morning. 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. Just assume that youll need your camera for just about every spot from here on out. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. day 2 driving 3.5 hours. The most straightforward choice for the least amount of time on the road is to simply take I-70 West out of Denver, which is the only main highway you need to follow on this drive until making an exit at Highway 9 just 10 to 15 minutes before you arrive at Breckenridge.
Durango to Denver drive - plan a road trip 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.
Colorado's Scenic Million Dollar Highway: Silverton to Ouray 172. Durango is in southwest Colorado. The museum opened on February 23, 2011 in what was once a power plant. 10 Best Stops on the Denver to Aspen Drive via Vail. Those with a lot of time on their hands can hike or bike to the summit, which makes for a rewarding journey. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-13326355', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Denver to catch a 10 flight. Watch carefully for deer early mornings and twilight! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. 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. Whichever option you choose, you find incredible scenery unlike anything else in Colorado. From there you'll make a left onto CO 291 S which will take you into Salida after eight miles. It is a 7 hour plus drive, not counting any stops. No trip to the area should skip it in my opinion.
The longer one (I-25 south, US160 west) involves faster driving and more traffic. The drive time from Ouray to Durango is approximately one hour and 45 minutes.
Heavy snow slams Northeast; storm cleanup begins in South This is the route Google Maps will give you. Durango High School, also known as the Durango 9-R Administration Building, is a former school in Durango, Colorado. It features a challenging switchback turn -on the west side- with a 200-foot drop off on the other side of the curve.
Driving from Denver to Durango? - Colorado Forum - Tripadvisor Independence Pass, Trail Ridge Road, Mount Evans Scenic Byway, and Kebler Pass all close annually for the winter season in Colorado. What can I see on a Denver to Durango road trip. 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. 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. If you hit the turn too fast you will go right off the edge. Her work has appeared in Travel + Leisure, USA Today, Michelin Guides, Hemispheres, DuJour, and Forbes. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. What are the roads like, and what do I need to know about driving in Colorado? Aetna is Monarch Mountain Resort. Find all the transport options for your trip from Denver to Durango right here. Not much to recommend for food along the way. Alternatively, Outdoorsy is an option if you prefer to rent an RV or campervan. Rome2rios travel guides to the US tell you the best ways to explore the country, from Amtrak to Greyhound to the New York Subway. Exceptions may apply, for full details: Centers for Disease control and prevention (CDC). 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. 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. It's said to be one of the most dangerous roads in Colorado. Prices and availability are subject to change. 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 Legitimately called the San Juan Skyway, this nasty trek in southwestern Colorado features the Coal Bank Pass, a very steep and very scary road with weather that is harsh and unpredictable. The alternate route out of Denver and straight down I-25 South is about 385 miles in total distance and will take drivers closer to six and a half hours. 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. Youll have views for miles around and Aspen Sunflowers covering entire hillsides, making for PERFECT photo ops. If youre hiking with children or just dont enjoy exposure to steep drop-offs, then its recommended to do the out-at-back version.
8 Best Stops on a Denver to Breckenridge Drive If youre traveling on slippery or snowy roads, use caution, slow down, and please, take it easy on the brakes. 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! And speaking of snow, one of the most popular activities for locals at the dunes is to bring their snowboards, skis and sleds for some nice carving through the sand. What kind of rental car do I need & are there places I should not drive a rental car? 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. Breckenridge, Vail, Steamboat, or Estes Park for summer? Taking I-25 adds something like 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic, and will take you past the flatter, more populated areas of Colorado Springs and Pueblo. . Head south continuing along US-550 S (AKA The Million Dollar Highway) for 70.5 miles until you reach Durango. Again.
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.
Stops and things to do on Colorado Springs to Durango drive - Wanderlog