Denver to Durango drive: which route? : Durango - reddit Photo Credit: Christian Murdock; The Gazette. Maybe there's a faster drive but we have not done that. Cortez is 50 miles away from Durango, while Telluride is 110 miles away. There will be some mountain driving whichever route you take, but there's no need to be scared. Total Distance: 1,098 miles *Time and distance may vary depending on traffic, change in routes, stops along the way, etc. Our next recommendation is to take a guided tour at Mesa Verde National Park. $206 Cheap Flights from Denver (DEN) to Durango (DGO) Bundle Your Flight + Hotel & Save! A Google mapping exercise will offer you two routes, one about a half-hour longer than the other. However, you can also drive up the scenic road yourself, join a guided bus tour, or even take a train to the top! Thai place in Poncha Springs and Lost Cajun in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Research, browse, save, and share from 162 Dodge models in Berthoud, CO. and leave at 3:05 pm. Of the collegiate peaks, Mount Princeton is designated as one of the easiest to climb. If youre traveling on slippery or snowy roads, use caution, slow down, and please, take it easy on the brakes. 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. Whichever option you choose, you find incredible scenery unlike anything else in Colorado. This is a no-brainer as a stop for skiers and snowboarders traveling in the winter, but the Wolf Creek area between South Fork and Durango is also worth keeping in mind as a stop for travelers even in mid-summer. First, head Southwest on US Hwy 285 S, which youll stay on for about 130 miles. Make yourself known to an official member of staff and/or call the national coronavirus helpline number on 800-232-4636. Durango is the county seat and the most populous municipality of La Plata County, Colorado, United States. (easiest one, no scary mountain driving haha), and if you can suggest good places to stop and eat? 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! Theres not many other places where you can hike through desert-like dunes with snow-capped mountain peaks as your backdrop. Is this a summer trip or a winter trip? Dunes, not to be missed with children. This protected archaeological site of San Juan National Forest is best experienced by joining one of the daily guided walking tours offered by the U.S. Forest Service management staff. Traffic jam westbound I-70 highway Photo Credit: milehightraveler (iStock). 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 . Monument to fallen snowplow drivers. Stops and things to do on Denver to Durango drive or road trip - Wanderlog Finally, youll make a left onto CO-115 N for 30 miles into Colorado Springs. Family RV adventure advice for Colorado, Utah & Wyoming. 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. Can I get to Rocky Mountain National Park without a car? Durango to Denver - 7 ways to travel via train, shuttle, car - Rome2rio This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Denver to Pagosa Springs - Durango Forum - Tripadvisor Main Avenue Historic District in Durango, Colorado is a 34acre historic district that was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. The museum opened on February 23, 2011 in what was once a power plant. There will be some mountain driving whichever route you take, but there's no need to be scared. This drive is most densely populated with residential areas and small towns for about the first hour or so, but the rest is nothing but mountain passes, wide-open valleys, and National Forest areas, with the occasional town to break things up. Yes, the driving distance between Denver to Durango is 538 km. 2023 The World Was Here First All rights reserved. Thank you for your advise. The highway is also notorious for serious semi-accidents and spin-outs due to its steep curvy descent. Well, youve come to the right place. What is the national COVID-19 helpline number in Durango? These are both safe routes. You might think about adding handicap information for some of the stops. Among the marquee attractions near Salida is Browns Canyon, which was also designated a National Monument recently in 2015. Thai place in Poncha Springs and Lost Cajun in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? At just under four hours, the stretch from Creede to Colorado Springs is the longest drive of this trip. This 17-mile historic loop takes you to several abandoned mines in-between beautiful scenic vistas. No problem finding gas and basic supplies, just not much "good" food or coffee. Driving Distance: 941 miles. Is it compulsory to practice social distancing in Durango? Get answers to your questions about Colorado. It's a fairly long drive from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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. Roundtrip One-way Multi-city 1 traveler Economy Leaving from Going to Departing Returning Add a place to stay Add a car Direct flights only Cheap Flights from Denver Intl. 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. 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. So here I am in Pagosa Springs. Driving from Denver to Durango - Fodor's Travel Talk Forums Colorado, United States. Thai place in Poncha Springs and Lost Cajun in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? According to a recent study, the average Denver commuter spends 83 hours per year stuck in traffic. Your trip begins in Denver, Colorado. 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. 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. Let us know in the comments! 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. Not quite what youre looking for? Reduced speed limits and temporary closures are often put into place for safety concerns. I-25 is a major interstate highway that travels north and south, serving as the main connection from Denver to Colorado Springs. 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. Photo Credit: Jerilee Bennett. 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. As with any hike or tour, just remember to bring plenty of water and some snacks along. Silverton is an old mining town nestled between Red Mountain and Molas, two San Juan Mountain passes. 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 youre not familiar, Monarch Pass leads to the natural snowy slopes of Monarch Mountain. Filled with useful and timely travel information, the guides answer all the hard questions - such as 'How do I buy a ticket? 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. Durango is in southwest Colorado. The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad (D&SNG) is a narrow-gauge heritage railroad that operates 45.2mi of track between Durango and Silverton, in the U.S. state of Colorado. Brittany is an award-winning journalist based in Denver where she has lived and worked for more than a decade. The building opened in 1917, and served as a high school until 1976, after which it became the district administration building. Issue is that I (the mom, who is not going to be the driver) am fairly averse to heights. 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. From Durango, we flew back to Denver, instead of driving back. Drive to Colorado Springs on Interstate 25 and on through Pueblo to Walsenburg where you'll take Hwy 160 west. We are travelling with 3 children from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? It takes approximately 6h 33m to drive from Denver to Durango. Photo Credit: Matt Gross Things To Do See what its like to plow this dangerous road here. Denver to Durango - 7 ways to travel via train, bus, car - Rome2rio 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. Used Dodge cars for sale in Berthoud, CO under $799,952 Not much to recommend for food along the way. You can also go to Colorado Springs and Canon City and Salida then 285 to 160. Semi trucks stuck on I-25. * 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. Takes you to nearly every major mountain zone in the state and the deepest canyons, highest passes, steepest mountains, and coolest towns. Driving from Denver to Durango? - Colorado Forum - Tripadvisor Roadtrip from SoCal to Mt Rushmore thru Colorado, Best Western Plus Deer Park Hotel And Suites. But it didn/t work. Should probably count on 7 - 7.5 hrs - not easy to make really good time in the mountains. Again. Then, make a right onto CO-149 N and follow that for 22 miles until you reach Creede. Airfares from $109 One Way, $219 Round Trip from Denver to Durango. and Great Sand. Colorado Scenic Byway: Tracks Across Borders | Colorado.com From there, make a right onto US-550 S, which will take you into Ouray after just over 36 miles. Long, steep ascents and descents, particularly around the San Juans. Durango is in southwest Colorado. In fact, winter weather is often the blame for the majority of delays and crashes. It is the route CasaAzul mentioned. It is impossible to get from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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. Youll have views for miles around and Aspen Sunflowers covering entire hillsides, making for PERFECT photo ops. This is the route Google Maps will give you. 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. Greyhound is virtually the only bus company operating this route and ticket prices start at $63, although they can be as high as $140. As always, travel safe and enjoy the views! Denver Area Road Trip This incredible amphitheatre is built right into the front range mountains, making for one of the most beautiful venues in the country. If youve never gone mountain biking before, then this is a perfect place to try it out. 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. Where Are Colorado's Dangerous Roads? Take A Look At These Maps Click here to browse other private rentals. 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. Or, Highway 285 to 160 is more scenic and has mountains but is not scary. The reason why it's so long is because there is no direct bus service between the two cities. This somewhat low-key park is simply jaw-dropping. 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. Her work has appeared in Travel + Leisure, USA Today, Michelin Guides, Hemispheres, DuJour, and Forbes. You'll be basically traveling in an L-shape on the two long sides of a triangle, instead of driving on the diagonal. ), we woke up early and hit the road for what was a 2-hour drive to Grand Junction. 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. To get to Salida from Denver will be 2.5-hour drive. Youll have views for miles around and Aspen Sunflowers covering entire hillsides, making for PERFECT photo ops. We love Pikes Peak because theres just so much to explore, and because theres so many ways to actually ascend the peak! 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. 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. Driving to Durango from Denver is a beautiful, six and a half hour drive. briken - Denver to Durango is about 403 mi. This is a great introduction to Colorados famous fourteeners and provides extraordinary views thatll redefine what you classify as a scenic byway.. Click here to browse other private rentals. As the name would suggest, this steep 3-mile hike takes you up to a gorgeous viewpoint overlooking the town and valley beyond. Sand Dunes are great fun. 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. Jan 31, 2006. 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. There is no direct connection from Denver to Durango. Were Michael and Maggie, an Australian and American couple travelling the world. Among these are the collegiate peaks which are, unsurprisingly, named after some of the United States most famous colleges and Oxford randomly. Thank you :) The United States Census Bureau reported a population of 16,887 in the 2010 census. You can't get to Durango by train, but if you're looking for an old west experience, hop aboard the Silverton Silverlight Express. If you're looking to just get there as quickly as possible, it's much better to fly. The social distance requirement in Durango is 2 metres. 2:05 pm Pagosa Springs (Colorado) stay for about 1 hour. Along the National Parks Loop, you'll also go through some other small towns worth exploring like Telluride, Durango, and Buena Vista. 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. Call us biased on this if you like, but heading down the Lower Animas is a Durango summer staple. Each flight takes about an hour, so this is definitely the fastest way to get from Denver to Durango. As of July 23, Colorado has. 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). 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. 8 Best Stops on a Denver to Breckenridge Drive Afternoons can be hot and windy though. Plus, Durangos wild west and mining history give it such a distinguished and quirky character. Click here to browse other private rentals. That said, if you do hike Mount Princeston, still come prepared for a long days hike as well as a little rock scrambling. Durango, Colorado 81301 Top Reasons To Take A Jeep Tour In SW Colorado. Takes 6hrs plus stops and is both easy and scenic. Services like gas stations and restaurants are in good supply at Salida, Saguache, and other areas along the way. 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.. Snowcaped mountains in Berthoud Pass, Colorado. Its a lengthy stretch, but it also takes you through some of Colorados most spectacular wilderness areas, adventurous mountain towns, and exciting cities. ', 'Do the trains and buses have Wifi?' 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. 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! So, pack your bags, fasten your seatbelts, and get ready to hit the road on this Denver to Durango loop road trip! The total driving time is 6 hours, 8 minutes. One absolute must-do activity is hiking the, After hiking the perimeter trail, take a load off and relax in, Gates of Lodore Dinosaur National Monument, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Ultimate Colorado and Utah Road Trip Itinerary. The San Juan Skyway & Million Dollar Highway | Visit Durango, CO Prices starting at $219 for return flights and $109 for one-way flights to Durango were the cheapest prices found within the past 7 days, for the period specified. 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. 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. For us, one of the most fun things a first-time visitor can do is catch a show at Red Rocks Amphitheatre. The views of the Rocky Mountain landscape here are impressive at any time of the year, but this is an especially good stop if visiting during the winter when you can enjoy the contrast between the calming hot spring waters and the snowy peaks and surroundings. The shortest way is to take Route 285 through to Route 160, which will take you past Buena Vista. The shorter one (US285 south and US160 west), more scenic, has more mountains. 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. Click here to browse more Durango hotels! No problem finding gas and basic supplies, just not much "good" food or coffee. Anyone driven from Denver to Aspen? | Timeshare Users Group Discussion 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. Do I have to wear a face mask on public transport in Durango? The 160 to 285 would be the fastest. 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. Thank you :) Cheap Flights from Denver to Durango from $195 | (DEN - Kayak I drive the 285>160 route almost weekly for the last few months. #ouraygram. Perhaps most amazing about this historic site is that the rock pinnacles for which Chimney Rock gets its name frame multiple astronomical alignment points. 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. I assume you understand that any route you take will be. Colorado's Scenic Million Dollar Highway: Silverton to Ouray If you'll have the time try to visit both Colorado Springs (Pike's Peak, Garden of the Gods etc.) I-70 has some gorgeous spots and does top out at about 11,000 ft when you pass through the tunnels near Loveland Pass. This is a lodging and day-use facility built around an odorless hot spring that bubbles up out of the ground at around 140 degrees Fahrenheit (60 degrees Celsius). 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. What can I see on a Denver to Durango road trip. 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. 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. Well start our engines in Colorados capital city of Denver! 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. The 12 Most Scenic Drives in Colorado (Road Trip Inspiration!) 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. No problem finding gas and basic supplies, just not much "good" food or coffee. Its also noted as the highest road in the country thats kept open on a year-round basis. And good news for dog-lovers: pets are allowed on this trail but must be kept on a leash. Getting there is through beautiful, mountainous country, but mountainous roads and I believe some white. Which route is the best? The 8 Most Scenic Drives In Colorado - TravelAwaits 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. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in India. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-13129427', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');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. It is impossible to get from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Loveland Pass Summit in Winter. 172. 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. As such, one of the best things to do in Creede is to drive its famous Bachelor Loop. 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 . 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'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 . Find all the transport options for your trip from Denver to Durango right here. When beginning your Denver to Durango road trip, you have two routes to choose from. 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.
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