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. to Guadalupe Victoria Durango Intl. Each flight takes about an hour, so this is definitely the fastest way to get from Denver to Durango. 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. Duncan is a writer for The World Was Here First. This trail is close to town and extends to a decent length of 4.3 total miles long. The quickest flight from Denver Airport to Durango Airport is the direct flight which takes 1h 19m. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission at no extra cost to you. Along the National Parks Loop, you'll also go through some other small towns worth exploring like Telluride, Durango, and Buena Vista. It's said to be one of the most dangerous roads in Colorado. The drive time from Durango to Creede takes just under 2.5 hours. Have any questions about any of these stops? Denver to Durango - Colorado Forum - Tripadvisor As the name would suggest, this steep 3-mile hike takes you up to a gorgeous viewpoint overlooking the town and valley beyond. But. How long is the drive from Denver to Durango? Dunes, not to be missed with children. *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. 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. 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. Driving from Denver to Durango - Fodor's Travel Talk Forums (easiest one, no scary mountain driving haha), and if you can suggest good places to stop and eat? Driving from Denver to Durango? - Colorado Forum - Tripadvisor Good coffee is also scarce along that route until you get to Durango. (easiest one, no scary mountain driving haha), and if you can suggest good places to stop and eat? Thank you for your advise. 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. Yep, its that simple. 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. 13 Best Stops on the Denver to Las Vegas Drive - Divergent Travelers Do I have to wear a face mask on public transport in Durango? If youve never gone mountain biking before, then this is a perfect place to try it out. 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. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. If youre traveling on slippery or snowy roads, use caution, slow down, and please, take it easy on the brakes. But those in the know, slow down and stop in four . Getting to Purgatory Resort Colorado | Shuttles - Powderhounds Afternoons can be hot and windy though. Are you planning to drive from Denver to Durango? 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. 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. If youre planning an escape to Durango in southwestern Colorado, a road trip will lead you through some historic miningtowns, scenic overlooks worthy of a stop, and unique hot springs that youll definitely be able to smell as you make your approach. Click here to browse more Durango hotels! When visiting Colorado Springs, 100% the number one thing to do is check out the Garden of the Gods. Maybe there's a faster drive but we have not done that. Cars are unable to make it up the pass during winter weather on a regular basis. 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. Maybe see http://www.mapquest.com for that. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. 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. Well, youve come to the right place. This nationally-protected area consists of more than 30 square miles of massive dunes and is a must-stop for travelers nearing the latter portion of their Denver to Durango road trip. Find all the transport options for your trip from Denver to Durango right here. 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. Hikers and skiers often use the route for accessing backcountry terrain, as well as Arapahoe Basin Resort. Click here to browse other private rentals. No problem finding gas and basic supplies, just not much "good" food or coffee. Having seen and read descriptions of the Million Dollar Highway, I'd like to avoid the drive south between Ouray and Silverton. Denver --> independence pass --> Aspen --> Ouray --> Red mountain pass --> Durango. If concerts and shows arent your scene, no problem! The drive from Denver, Colorado, to Las Vegas, Nevada, is a drive of epic proportions. Denver to Moab - How to Enjoy an Epic Weekend Road Trip Grand Junction To Dinosaur Take a tour from Durango and let someone else drive! No trip to the area should skip it in my opinion. Take a tour from Durango and let someone else drive! Head out of Creede the way you came in along CO-149 S for 22 miles and then make a left onto US-160 E for 17 miles. That said, if you do hike Mount Princeston, still come prepared for a long days hike as well as a little rock scrambling. Crested Butte is hands-down one of the coolest places to check out in Colorado. Lots of good food in Durango. 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. Monarch Pass in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. 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. Be sure to take a peek at Denvers Tourism website for other ideas of things to do. Denver to Durango drive - plan a road trip 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. 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. The cheapest way to get from Denver to Durango is to drive which costs 75,000-120,000 and takes 6h 33m. The next best thing to do on a visit to Colorado Springs is to head up to Pikes Peak. 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. 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. That's because Mapquest knows you drive fast Tet, lol!!! 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. 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). This is the route Google Maps will give you. Planning other road trips from Denver? First, head Southwest on US Hwy 285 S, which you'll stay on for about 130 miles. I took the highway and then 160 to get to Pagosa and it lasted 7 hours. Another route, is to take US285 sw from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Your Guide to a Million Dollar Highway Road Trip - Reader's Digest Rome2rio also offers online bookings for selected operators, making reservations easy and straightforward. Thats not too surprising we suppose as Coloradans tend to ski just about anything. Check out our Durango Activities and Things to Do page for more information. Family RV adventure advice for Colorado, Utah & Wyoming. 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. Long, steep ascents and descents, particularly around the San Juans. We are travelling with 3 children from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Heavy snow slams Northeast; storm cleanup begins in South (easiest one, no scary mountain driving haha), and if you can suggest good places to stop and eat? 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. 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. 2:05 pm Pagosa Springs (Colorado) stay for about 1 hour. Thai place in Poncha Springs and Lost Cajun in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Getting there is through beautiful, mountainous country, but mountainous roads and I believe some white. You can also fly from Denver to Durango, if all this seems to be too much. Take US Hwy 285 south from Denver for approximately 173 miles. As always, travel safe and enjoy the views! Then, make a right onto CO-149 N and follow that for 22 miles until you reach Creede. 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. Denver to Pagosa Springs - Durango Forum - Tripadvisor To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. Mesa Verde is a world-class attraction that you really should see. He lives in Colorado and also works as a fly fishing guide and instructor when not editing or writing. It may be a bit random and unexpected, but thats what makes Great Sand Dunes National Park so awesome! From there youll make a left onto CO 291 S which will take you into Salida after eight miles. For us, one of the most fun things a first-time visitor can do is catch a show at Red Rocks Amphitheatre. 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. 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. ! Thai place in Poncha Springs and Lost Cajun in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Traffic on I-70. After hiking the perimeter trail, take a load off and relax in Ourays Hot Springs. 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. The drive is gorgeous and, although you reach some very high elevations, it is not scary if you stick to the main route . 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. Click here to see their availability, Private Rental If its a private vacation rental that youre after in Durango, youll find that there are countless options to choose from. Be sure to enjoy the small towns along the way and explore the rural side of Colorado too! Adds about 2.5 hours to the "boring" way, and is incredibly varied and constantly changing. Informacin detallada del sitio web y la empresa: caudesucre.com Cau de sucre - blog de repostera creativa, recetas dulces y mucha fotografa! I took a GPS with me to attach in the rental car. The 160 to 285 would be the fastest. 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. From Sand Dunes, head west on US160 over Wolf Creek Pass to Pagosa. This 235 mile loop takes you through old mining towns, spectacular scenery, and exhilarating twists & turns. 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. 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 . BTW also Mapquest gives the route Casa said but mentioned 5 hours. It serves as one of the main routes to Colorado's ski country including Vail, Aspen, Winter Park, Keystone, and Breckenridge. 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. Hwy-347 turns off north from US-50 toward the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park 8 mi (12.8 km) east of Montrose, but this town also marks the start of one of the best-loved roads in the country, the Million Dollar Highway, a classic stretch of two-lane blacktop that forms a swirling ribbon through the San Juan Mountains, the wildest . 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. But it didn/t work. Mountain Goat Lodge This boutique bed and breakfast is an excellent option if youre after a bit of luxury while driving to Durango. A Google mapping exercise will offer you two routes, one about a half-hour longer than the other. You want to avoid leaving Denver on Friday afternoon and you want to avoid returning on Sunday afternoon. Good coffee is also scarce along that route until you get to Durango. 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. I drive the 285>160 route almost weekly for the last few months. 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. 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. 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. updated Jul 14, 2022 How long is the drive from Denver to Durango? document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 50 Animas View Dr. Toll Free: 800-567-6745, Colorados capital city has something for everyone: great food, impressive history, beautiful views, and plenty of adventure opportunities close by! Book at least 2 weeks before departure in order to get a below-average price. Most crashes on the pass occur at the switchback curve near the Wolf Creek scenic outlook area. By Jeremy P. Meyer | jpmeyer@denverpost.com | The Denver Post. In addition to Pagosas famous hot springs, theres also whitewater rafting along the Piedra River, great hiking and biking trails, and more fascinating ruins to check out at Chimney Rock National Monument. What about Mine Tours and Mining Museums? Tue, Jul 25. It is centrally locate and has both private, ensuite rooms available along with hostel dorm beds. If youre not familiar, Monarch Pass leads to the natural snowy slopes of Monarch Mountain. Watch carefully for deer early mornings and twilight! Brittany is an award-winning journalist based in Denver where she has lived and worked for more than a decade. Takes 6hrs plus stops and is both easy and scenic. The journey from Crested Butte to Ouray will take approximately 2.5 hours. From: 1 traveler 2 travelers 3 travelers 4 travelers 5 travelers 6 travelers. To the best of our knowledge, it is correct as of the last update.Visit Rome2rio travel advice for general help. Photo Credit: milehightraveler (iStock). 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. Stroll the shops, restaurants and hotels housed in Durango's preserved late-19th-century buildings and board the railroad for a super-scenic, 45-mile detour to Silverton. The shortest way is to take Route 285 through to Route 160, which will take you past Buena Vista. It serves as one of the main routes to Colorados ski country including Vail, Aspen, Winter Park, Keystone, and Breckenridge. From Sand Dunes, head west on US160 over Wolf Creek Pass to Pagosa. The distance between Denver and Durango is 372 km. Drop-dead gorgeous and nestled into the heart of the San Juan mountains, visiting Ouray 100% feels like youre being transported to Switzerland. 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. 2023 The World Was Here First All rights reserved. I will try to go the route thru the Great Sand Dunes. It is impossible to get from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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 located between I-70 and Keystone, offering an alternative route to I-70 and the Eisenhower Tunnel. Where to go at the end of November, Early December?!?! Head south continuing along US-550 S (AKA The Million Dollar Highway) for 70.5 miles until you reach Durango. 10 Best Stops on a Denver to Moab Road Trip. Issue is that I (the mom, who is not going to be the driver) am fairly averse to heights. 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. Rome2rio is a door-to-door travel information and booking engine, helping you get to and from any location in the world. Main Avenue Historic District in Durango, Colorado is a 34acre historic district that was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. You have two route options, both of which take you through amazing scenery and worthwhile stops. 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 If you are headed to the mountains on the weekend, plan ahead for more traffic than usual. Airfares from $109 One Way, $219 Round Trip from Denver to Durango. Answer (1 of 3): I agree with Alan about I-70 and I-80. Traffic jam westbound I-70 highway Photo Credit: milehightraveler (iStock). If natural disasters happen to occur, travelers are often rerouted between Ridgway and Durango over Lizard Head Pass a much longer route. Driving from Denver to Durango? - Colorado Message Board - Tripadvisor Winter in Colorado is no joke. Greyhound is virtually the only bus company operating this route and ticket prices start at $63, although they can be as high as $140. You will catch C4-70 outside (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? avoiding scary driving - Durango Forum - Tripadvisor Architectural structures left behind by the ancestral Puebloans include pit houses, great kivas, and great houses, according to the U.S. Forest Services website. Rome2rio makes travelling from Denver to Durango easy. Theres also an observation site for the renowned Treasure Falls thats located just south of the pass. 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. 10 Best Stops on a Denver to Durango Drive - The World Was Here First If youre passing through outside of ski season, Monarch is still worth a stop thanks to the Monarch Crest Scenic Tramway thats open from May through the fall. Its also noted as the highest road in the country thats kept open on a year-round basis. Thank you so much for all the wonderful information. $242 Cheap Flights from Denver (DEN) to Durango (DGO) - Expedia From there, make a right onto US-550 S, which will take you into Ouray after just over 36 miles. Need we say more? Private Vacation Rental There are a number of great properties to choose from in Salida such as this beautiful secluded log cabin if youre looking for a peaceful getaway. 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. Plus, Durangos wild west and mining history give it such a distinguished and quirky character. 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. If you drive that route without stops it app.takes 6 hours. The shorter one (US285 south and US160 west), more scenic, has more mountains. 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. What can I see on a Denver to Durango road trip. Wolf Creek Pass in CO: Beware of the wolf - Dangerousroads.org However, if youre looking to check out something completely different but equally awesome in Colorado, you cant go wrong with a day trip to, Drop-dead gorgeous and nestled into the heart of the San Juan mountains, visiting Ouray 100% feels like youre being transported to Switzerland. Durango, Colorado 81301 Its a stop with good lodging options and plenty of services, and there are also two great options for wine and beer tasting, respectively, in Aspen Peak Cellars and Mad Jacks Mountain Brewery. Am I allowed to travel from Denver to Durango? briken - Denver to Durango is about 403 mi. 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. Which route is the best? Durango is in southwest Colorado. You can't get to Durango by train, but if you're looking for an old west experience, hop aboard the Silverton Silverlight Express. 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. drive for about 54 minutes. Hiking, mountain biking, climbing, rafting, and off-roading are all staple activities here in our hometown. A Google mapping exercise will offer you two routes, one about a half-hour longer than the other. If you must go out, make sure you are prepared for winter travel and your tires meet the minimal requirements for Colorados new traction law. No problem finding gas and basic supplies, just not much "good" food or coffee. 5.5 hours of driving without stops. 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. This somewhat low-key park is simply jaw-dropping. You can also go to Colorado Springs and Canon City and Salida then 285 to 160. 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. If you are traveling to Durango by bus, prepare for a long ride of at least 12 hours. Click here to browse other private rentals. Have fun, please forgive us our little OT chat. This calculation assumes that your vehicle gets an average gas mileage of 25 mpg . 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. Anyone driven from Denver to Aspen? | Timeshare Users Group Discussion 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. Denver to Durango in a day. - RoadTrip America 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! 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. I-70 has some gorgeous spots and does top out at about 11,000 ft when you pass through the tunnels near Loveland Pass. We know what youre thinking: sand dunes in Colorado? ', 'Do the trains and buses have Wifi?' It takes approximately 12h 2m to get from Denver to Durango, including transfers. News, travel inspiration, podcasts, & more. 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. day 2 driving 3.5 hours. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and the Colorado State Register of Historic Properties. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. Photo Credit: Christian Murdock; The Gazette. Is this a summer trip or a winter trip?
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least scary drive from denver to durango