Wearing a face mask on public transport in Durango is recommended. From hiking to climbing to jeep and segway tours, theres a whole heaping lot to do at this picture-perfect place. 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. 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. $242 Cheap Flights from Denver (DEN) to Durango (DGO) - Expedia Well, youve come to the right place. And good news for dog-lovers: pets are allowed on this trail but must be kept on a leash. You have permission to edit this article. 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. Not far from the New Mexico border, Durango is actually closer to Albuquerque than Denver, with 215 miles between them. I took the highway and then 160 to get to Pagosa and it lasted 7 hours. document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 50 Animas View Dr. 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. This is one town that has definitely earned its nickname as its surrounded by more than a dozen fourteeners. Another route, is to take US285 sw from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Just assume that youll need your camera for just about every spot from here on out. This is the route Google Maps will give you. The 7 most dangerous winter roads in Colorado 10 Best Stops on the Denver to Aspen Drive via Vail. 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). Main Avenue Historic District in Durango, Colorado is a 34acre historic district that was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. Thank you :) The quickest way to get from Denver to Durango is to fly and shuttle which costs 300,000-800,000 and takes 5h 24m. Im traveling with a friend who has limited mobility. 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. 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. 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. Last updated: 1 Mar 2023 Prices and availability are subject to change. I drive the 285>160 route almost weekly for the last few months. If youre not familiar, Monarch Pass leads to the natural snowy slopes of Monarch Mountain. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-13124761', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Denver-Pagosa Springs via Colorado Springs and Walsenburg on I25 and us160 via Great Sand Dunes NP and Wolf Creek pass to Pagosa Springs. 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. Before heading out, visit cotrip.org for the latest road conditions and closures. Were Michael and Maggie, an Australian and American couple travelling the world. 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. Colorado Road Trip - Denver, Mesa Verde, Durango and more 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. Driving from Denver to Durango - Fodor's Travel Talk Forums If natural disasters happen to occur, travelers are often rerouted between Ridgway and Durango over Lizard Head Pass a much longer route. 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. Aspen vs Vail vs Breckenridge: Which Colorado Town to Visit? 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 . ), we woke up early and hit the road for what was a 2-hour drive to Grand Junction. Denver to Durango drive: which route? : Durango - reddit The shorter one (US285 south and US160 west), more scenic, has more mountains. Driving Time from Denver, CO to Durango, CO - Travelmath 172. Durango is the county seat and the most populous municipality of La Plata County, Colorado, United States. 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. 'A little scary': Iditarod begins with smallest field ever Thats not too surprising we suppose as Coloradans tend to ski just about anything. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. You'll ride on a historic, coal-fired train that travels the same tracks as the miners, cowboys, and settlers who came to the Wild West did more than 100 years ago. It's a fairly long drive from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? It is impossible to get from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Cortez is 50 miles away from Durango, while Telluride is 110 miles away. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission at no extra cost to you. The longer one (I-25 south, US160 west) involves faster driving and more traffic. While its unlikely that traffic jams will ever disappear, avoiding peak travel times allows for an easier and stress-free commute. If we could only recommend two things (as has been established as the pattern of this post), then the first wed recommend is a rafting trip on the Lower Animas river. PUBLISHED: June 26, 2012 at 3:07 p.m. | UPDATED: June 9, 2016 at 11:15 a.m. A three-day-old wildfire erupted with catastrophic fury . to Guadalupe Victoria Durango Intl. 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. 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. Monument to fallen snowplow drivers. Hi Diane, The drive from Denver to Aspen takes about 4 hours (if there isn't a lot of traffic). Another great activity to do near Denver is driving the Mount Evans Scenic Byway. Driving from Denver to Durango? - Colorado Message Board - Tripadvisor 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. Brittany is an award-winning journalist based in Denver where she has lived and worked for more than a decade. Not much to recommend for food along the way. No problem finding gas and basic supplies, just not much "good" food or coffee. 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. Denver to Durango drive - plan a road trip 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. A Mapped Guide to the Ultimate Colorado Road Trip: Part II Problem is no-one knows what the weather will be then. Hikers and skiers often use the route for accessing backcountry terrain, as well as Arapahoe Basin Resort. Is this a summer trip or a winter trip? My friends and I are coming from Europe to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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. Durango is in southwest Colorado. I assume you understand that any route you take will be. Among these are the collegiate peaks which are, unsurprisingly, named after some of the United States most famous colleges and Oxford randomly. Camping, backpacking, and hiking opportunities abound in this area once the snow melts in the summertime. What can I see on a Denver to Durango road trip. Loveland Pass Summit in Winter. 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. Monarch Pass in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. Instead, I'm proposing driving from Montrose to Cortez, with a stop in Telluride on the way. 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. 10 Best Stops on a Denver to Moab Road Trip. Not much to recommend for food along the way. All Of Colorado's Most Dangerous Roads And Highways Then, make a right onto CO-149 N and follow that for 22 miles until you reach Creede. Get answers to your questions about Colorado. From there, make a right onto US-50 E (passing back through Salida) and follow that for 70 miles until you reach Penrose. The reason why it's so long is because there is no direct bus service between the two cities. $109 Cheap Flights from Denver to Durango - Orbitz Additional terms apply. 4. level 2. The best way to get from Denver to Denver Airport is to train which takes 37 min and costs 4,100-14,000. 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. Services like gas stations and restaurants are in good supply at Salida, Saguache, and other areas along the way. Durango is in southwest Colorado. 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. It stretches from Denver to Durango across the Southern Rockies and can be hiked in 25-35 days. Click here to browse more Durango hotels! 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. 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. You can also rent ATVs and off-road vehicles in town if you prefer to not take your own car. I drive the 285>160 route almost weekly for the last few months. 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 trail can be completed either as a loop or an out-and-back from the trailhead across La Garita Street near the gas station. Red Mountain Pass. Just be sure to downshift on the downhill side. For us, one of the most fun things a first-time visitor can do is catch a show at Red Rocks Amphitheatre. The 12 Most Scenic Drives in Colorado (Road Trip Inspiration!) The drive time from Ouray to Durango is approximately one hour and 45 minutes. 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. Jillian Dara is a freelance journalist and fact-checker. 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! Lots of good food in Durango. Tours and campgrounds are also available, and popular activities include sledding down the dunes (a time-honored favorite), four-wheel tours, and horseback riding. Along the way, possibly stop in Fairplay, see a reconstructed mining town called South Park City. Cheap Flights from Denver to Durango from $195 | (DEN - Kayak day 2 driving 3.5 hours. 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. 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. Can I get to Rocky Mountain National Park without a car? 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. What about Mine Tours and Mining Museums? You might think about adding handicap information for some of the stops. As with any hike or tour, just remember to bring plenty of water and some snacks along. 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. The cheapest way to get from Denver to Durango is to drive which costs 75,000-120,000 and takes 6h 33m. Take US Hwy 285 south from Denver for approximately 173 miles. Finally, youll make a left onto CO-115 N for 30 miles into Colorado Springs. 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. Traffic jam westbound I-70 highway Photo Credit: milehightraveler (iStock). This is a beautiful and quicker drive. Anyone driven from Denver to Aspen? | Timeshare Users Group Discussion News, travel inspiration, podcasts, & more. How long is the drive from Denver to Durango? Which route is the best? The Map Start: Denver to Manitou Springs/Colorado Springs While I-25. If you have hopes of seeing both Denver and Durango on your trip to Colorado, you should keep in mind that the cities are 337 miles apart. Can you tell me about guest ranch vacations in Colorado? From Durango, we flew back to Denver, instead of driving back. These are both safe routes. I-25 is a major interstate highway that travels north and south, serving as the main connection from Denver to Colorado Springs. To get to Salida from Denver will be 2.5-hour drive. , Where to Stay on a Denver to Durango Road Trip. Family RV adventure advice for Colorado, Utah & Wyoming. Denver --> independence pass --> Aspen --> Ouray --> Red mountain pass --> Durango. Alternatively, Outdoorsy is an option if you prefer to rent an RV or campervan. 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. Either way there is only one high pass to cross (Wolf Creek, mentioned above), and I wouldn't call it scary. 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. Thank you for your advise. We tackled this whole itinerary in 3 nights but you would be better served to spend at least double that amount of time. Colorado's Most Dangerous Mountain Roads and Passes - 303 Magazine 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. If youre traveling on slippery or snowy roads, use caution, slow down, and please, take it easy on the brakes. Rome2rio makes travelling from Denver to Durango easy. In fact, winter weather is often the blame for the majority of delays and crashes. 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 The drive is gorgeous and, although you reach some very high elevations, it is not scary if you stick to the main route . He has spent time in Costa Rica and has made numerous trips exploring the Western states of the Rocky Mountains. Not quite what youre looking for? Have fun, please forgive us our little OT chat. Travel in the winter months can be nerve-wracking along Red Mountain Pass. Recommended Road Trip Length: 7 days. This calculation assumes that your vehicle gets an average gas mileage of 25 mpg . Click here to browse other private rentals. Durango High School, also known as the Durango 9-R Administration Building, is a former school in Durango, Colorado. 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. Click here to browse other private rentals. Hiking, mountain biking, climbing, rafting, and off-roading are all staple activities here in our hometown. Error! It is home to Fort Lewis College. 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. Issue is that I (the mom, who is not going to be the driver) am fairly averse to heights. Dont let the views distract you on Berthoud Pass. Casa's route is good. Another possible stop near Salida located in the shadow of Mt. 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. Reduced speed limits and temporary closures are often put into place for safety concerns. You know what? Head south continuing along US-550 S (AKA The Million Dollar Highway) for 70.5 miles until you reach Durango. Driving from Denver to Durango? - Colorado Forum - Tripadvisor At just under four hours, the stretch from Creede to Colorado Springs is the longest drive of this trip. Rome2rio also offers online bookings for selected operators, making reservations easy and straightforward. Jan 31, 2006. The small town of Bailey is about 25 minutes from Tiny Town at the bottom of a steep incline just as 285 bends and begins to trace a path along the North Fork of the South Platte River. Getting to Purgatory Resort Colorado | Shuttles - Powderhounds If you are traveling to Durango by bus, prepare for a long ride of at least 12 hours. Afternoons can be hot and windy though. 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. Alternatively, you may use. Thank you :) It may be a bit random and unexpected, but thats what makes Great Sand Dunes National Park so awesome! Portions of I-70 often close due to severe weather conditions. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. 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. drive for about 1 hour. (easiest one, no scary mountain driving haha), and if you can suggest good places to stop and eat? Should probably count on 7 - 7.5 hrs - not easy to make really good time in the mountains. 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. This incredible amphitheatre is built right into the front range mountains, making for one of the most beautiful venues in the country. Not quite what youre looking for? Roadtrip from SoCal to Mt Rushmore thru Colorado, Best Western Plus Deer Park Hotel And Suites. 10 Best Stops on a Denver to Durango Drive - The World Was Here First What airport would I fly into to go to Englewood, Colorado? 2023 The World Was Here First All rights reserved. Click here to see their availability, Siesta Motel If youre looking for some more budget-friendly accommodation options, then this motel is a geat choice. Traffic congestion due to rush hour and ongoing construction is normally expected for this particular stretch of the highway. 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. 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. Running between Ouray and Silverton, the mountain road caps off at 11,018 feet with grades as steep as 8%. The drive time from Durango to Creede takes just under 2.5 hours. The river flows right through town and features fun, refreshing splashes from class I and II rapids. What should I do if I have COVID-19 symptoms when I arrive in Durango? So yeah, have your camera charged and ready for this spot too. $195 Cheap Flights from Denver (DEN) to Durango (DRO) - Expedia Prices start at 117,500 per night. Winter in Colorado is no joke. If you're planning a road trip to Denver, you can research locations to stop along the way. If not, the area works just fine as a pretty place to drive through. Getting there is through beautiful, mountainous country, but mountainous roads and I believe some white. I need to return tonight to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? From there youll make a left onto CO 291 S which will take you into Salida after eight miles. If you drive that route without stops it app.takes 6 hours. Along this route youll be graced with beautiful views of the town as well as encounter a few sizable waterfalls that make for perfect Instagram backdrops. Thank you. At Wolf Creek Pass, pedestrians can access the Continental Divide Trail and the Wolf Creek Trailhead. The 8 Most Scenic Drives In Colorado - TravelAwaits Plus, Durangos wild west and mining history give it such a distinguished and quirky character. The road distance is 537.8 km. Crested Butte is hands-down one of the coolest places to check out in Colorado. 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. Most crashes on the pass occur at the switchback curve near the Wolf Creek scenic outlook area. There are 115+ hotels available in Durango. Informacin detallada del sitio web y la empresa: caudesucre.com Cau de sucre - blog de repostera creativa, recetas dulces y mucha fotografa! Silverton is an old mining town nestled between Red Mountain and Molas, two San Juan Mountain passes. This 17-mile historic loop takes you to several abandoned mines in-between beautiful scenic vistas. Find all the transport options for your trip from Denver to Durango right here. It is the route CasaAzul mentioned. 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 would say the "scariest" would be to take US160 over Wolf Creek pass - especially in winter.. Colorado wildfires: Several fires explode across Front Range
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