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. Are you planning to drive from Denver to Durango? This is the route Google Maps will give you. It is impossible to get from Denver to Durango -- at least in any reasonable way -- without some mountain driving. Top Reasons To Take A Jeep Tour In SW Colorado. The Strater Hotel Located in downtown Durango, this beautiful historic hotel is an excellent option for those looking for a bit of a splurge. How long will the journey be and what is the fastest route? The road distance is 537.8 km. The longer one (I-25 south, US160 west) involves faster driving and more traffic. 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. It features a challenging switchback turn -on the west side- with a 200-foot drop off on the other side of the curve. 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. Have any questions about any of these stops? As of July 23, Colorado has. But it didn/t work. 2:05 pm Pagosa Springs (Colorado) stay for about 1 hour. 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. Thank you :) Find all the transport options for your trip from Denver to Durango right here. First, head Southwest on US Hwy 285 S, which you'll stay on for about 130 miles. 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. 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. A great trail option for beginners, especially if youre around during wildflower season, is Brush Creek. Head south continuing along US-550 S (AKA The Million Dollar Highway) for 70.5 miles until you reach Durango. A Google mapping exercise will offer you two routes, one about a half-hour longer than the other. Additional terms apply. Outdoor seating areas are especially nice for sampling the beverages and entrees at either one. My friends and I are coming from Europe to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Prices and availability are subject to change. 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. Good coffee is also scarce along that route until you get to Durango. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. As with any hike or tour, just remember to bring plenty of water and some snacks along. 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. Rome2rio uses cookies to help personalize content and show you personalised ads. One absolute must-do activity is hiking the Ouray Perimeter Trail. 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! So yeah, have your camera charged and ready for this spot too. We love Pikes Peak because theres just so much to explore, and because theres so many ways to actually ascend the peak! It is located between I-70 and Keystone, offering an alternative route to I-70 and the Eisenhower Tunnel. 10 Best Stops on the Denver to Aspen Drive via Vail. Click here to browse other private rentals. 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! Informacin detallada del sitio web y la empresa: jaramarzulli.com, +911647681164, +911647244548, +911646228156, +911646126349, +911645988738 Jara Marzulli | La poetica di un'artista Rome2rios travel guides to the US tell you the best ways to explore the country, from Amtrak to Greyhound to the New York Subway. 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. Whichever option you choose, you find incredible scenery unlike anything else in Colorado. If youve never gone mountain biking before, then this is a perfect place to try it out. Again. The total driving time is 6 hours, 8 minutes. 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. , Where to Stay on a Denver to Durango Road Trip. . Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. 10 Best Stops on a Denver to Moab Road Trip. Before heading out, visit cotrip.org for the latest road conditions and closures. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Join our mailing list for discounts, special events, and more. The cheapest flight from Denver to Durango was found 29 days before departure, on average. Ancient home of the Ancestral Puebloans, Mesa Verde hosts some of the most impressive and best-preserved Native American ruins in the United States. Finally, youll make a left onto CO-115 N for 30 miles into Colorado Springs. We know what youre thinking: sand dunes in Colorado? Long, steep ascents and descents, particularly around the San Juans. Denver --> independence pass --> Aspen --> Ouray --> Red mountain pass --> Durango. 172. Were Michael and Maggie, an Australian and American couple travelling the world. Cars are unable to make it up the pass during winter weather on a regular basis. From Sand Dunes, head west on US160 over Wolf Creek Pass to Pagosa. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. The drive from Denver, Colorado, to Las Vegas, Nevada, is a drive of epic proportions. A Google mapping exercise will offer you two routes, one about a half-hour longer than the other. The longer one (I-25 south, US160 west) involves faster driving and more traffic. Plus, Durangos wild west and mining history give it such a distinguished and quirky character. Loveland Pass Summit in Winter. Talk about a flexible experience! 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. 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. Sand Dunes are great fun. Im traveling with a friend who has limited mobility. Start early in the day, bring plenty of water and snacks, and be sure to dress in layers. Commentdocument.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a6e6fde05a476155cc84d0616c8a9c0f" );document.getElementById("b934630cd5").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Hi! - Wikipedia. Do I have to wear a face mask on public transport in Durango? Instead, you will have to first take the bus from Denver to Grand Junction, Colorado and then hop on a second bus heading to Durango. Thank you for your advise. This 235 mile loop takes you through old mining towns, spectacular scenery, and exhilarating twists & turns. We are travelling with 3 children from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Alternatively, you may use, Best Western Plus Deer Park Hotel And Suites. Should probably count on 7 - 7.5 hrs - not easy to make really good time in the mountains. Airfares from $109 One Way, $219 Round Trip from Denver to Durango. Dunes, not to be missed with children. Family RV adventure advice for Colorado, Utah & Wyoming. What about Mine Tours and Mining Museums? The shorter one (US285 south and US160 west), more scenic, has more mountains. 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. Informacin detallada del sitio web y la empresa: caudesucre.com Cau de sucre - blog de repostera creativa, recetas dulces y mucha fotografa! Architectural structures left behind by the ancestral Puebloans include pit houses, great kivas, and great houses, according to the U.S. Forest Services website. If you drove there from Albuquerque it would take you about half as long. Is it compulsory to practice social distancing in Durango? You know what? Aspen vs Vail vs Breckenridge: Which Colorado Town to Visit? Durango, Colorado 81301 That made for about a 70-mile loop of incredible mountain views! Success! News, travel inspiration, podcasts, & more. The drive time from Durango to Creede takes just under 2.5 hours. According to a recent study, the average Denver commuter spends 83 hours per year stuck in traffic. 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. Yes, travel within United States is currently allowed. This is the route Google Maps will give you. That's because Mapquest knows you drive fast Tet, lol!!! You want to avoid leaving Denver on Friday afternoon and you want to avoid returning on Sunday afternoon. Red Mountain Pass. 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 . ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-75870242', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Denver to Durango -- at least in any reasonable way -- without some mountain driving. Last updated: 1 Mar 2023
At Red Rocks you can catch concerts, stand-up comedy shows, film screenings, and, in the mornings, you can even join a yoga class. Driving Distance: 941 miles. The creekside hot spring pools here are naturally divided with river rocks to range in temperature from 70 to 120 degrees Fahrenheit (21 to 49 degrees Celsius), so you can even temper your experience by relaxing in the pool thats closest to your personal heat preferences. You can also fly from Denver to Durango, if all this seems to be too much. 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. In fact, winter weather is often the blame for the majority of delays and crashes. Afternoons can be hot and windy though. The shortest way is to take Route 285 through to Route 160, which will take you past Buena Vista. Traveling with a dog or cat? You will catch C4-70 outside (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? From Durango, we flew back to Denver, instead of driving back. Planning other road trips from Denver? Not far from the New Mexico border, Durango is actually closer to Albuquerque than Denver, with 215 miles between them. Does anyone know why? Truckers are required to have chains and passenger vehicles must have either snow tires, mud/snow tires, chains, or an alternative device like an autosock. 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. Reduced speed limits and temporary closures are often put into place for safety concerns. Prices start at 117,500 per night. When visiting Colorado Springs, 100% the number one thing to do is check out the Garden of the Gods. As the name would suggest, this steep 3-mile hike takes you up to a gorgeous viewpoint overlooking the town and valley beyond. 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. Our next recommendation is to take a guided tour at Mesa Verde National Park. Be sure to enjoy the small towns along the way and explore the rural side of Colorado too! Unless youre making this drive in the mid-summer months of June to August, its a good idea to travel with plenty of warm layers. Monument to fallen snowplow drivers. Check out our Denver to Aspen drive & Denver to Moab road trip articles! Running between Ouray and Silverton, the mountain road caps off at 11,018 feet with grades as steep as 8%. No trip to the area should skip it in my opinion. Among the marquee attractions near Salida is Browns Canyon, which was also designated a National Monument recently in 2015. The drive from Salida to Crested Butte takes approximately one hour and 45 minutes. 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. This one is best for families with kids, as there is an entire miniature town complete with painted and detailed buildings, a playground and park, a gift shop, and even an old steam train ride. 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. Among these are the collegiate peaks which are, unsurprisingly, named after some of the United States most famous colleges and Oxford randomly. 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. Instead, I'm proposing driving from Montrose to Cortez, with a stop in Telluride on the way. In Winter do I need a 4 Wheel Drive Vehicle in Colorado? Maybe see http://www.mapquest.com for that. The Colorado Trail is a 485-mile point-to-point backpacking route in Colorado. So here I am in Pagosa Springs. Portions of I-70 often close due to severe weather conditions. These are both safe routes. 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. It is the route CasaAzul mentioned. Monarch Pass in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. Issue is that I (the mom, who is not going to be the driver) am fairly averse to heights. You'll be basically traveling in an L-shape on the two long sides of a triangle, instead of driving on the diagonal. Casa's route is good. (easiest one, no scary mountain driving haha), and if you can suggest good places to stop and eat? Your trip begins in Denver, Colorado. Roadtrip from SoCal to Mt Rushmore thru Colorado, Best Western Plus Deer Park Hotel And Suites. Snowcaped mountains in Berthoud Pass, Colorado. It is impossible to get from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? We will stop there for a break and continue driving. Winter in Colorado is no joke. The best way to get from Denver to Denver Airport is to train which takes 37 min and costs 4,100-14,000. and leave at 3:05 pm. Rome2rio is a door-to-door travel information and booking engine, helping you get to and from any location in the world. 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). Can you tell me about guest ranch vacations in Colorado? But. 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. Thats not too surprising we suppose as Coloradans tend to ski just about anything. 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. Looking for the ultimate Colorado summer road trip experience? 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. 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. Adds about 2.5 hours to the "boring" way, and is incredibly varied and constantly changing. If he could teleport to anywhere on the planet, it would be the mountains of Patagonia in Chile. Apart from being the Wildflower Capital of Colorado, Crested Butte is where mountain biking got its start in Colorado. 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. Lodging for 2 nights in Estes park in mid May, Where to stay near Union Station if using Red Rocks shuttle. Traffic congestion due to rush hour and ongoing construction is normally expected for this particular stretch of the highway. You have two route options, both of which take you through amazing scenery and worthwhile stops. Durango is the county seat and the most populous municipality of La Plata County, Colorado, United States. The 160 to 285 would be the fastest. Do you think it is faster going the other route or should I rather take the old route because I drive thru the night? Is this a summer trip or a winter trip? Make sure you check road conditions to double check the weather. 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. Plus, your guide will provide insightful interpretations on each of the archaeological sites as well as the history of the Ancestral Pueblo people. Apart from being the Wildflower Capital of Colorado, Crested Butte is where mountain biking got its start in Colorado. Mountain Goat Lodge This boutique bed and breakfast is an excellent option if youre after a bit of luxury while driving to Durango. Durango High School, also known as the Durango 9-R Administration Building, is a former school in Durango, Colorado. 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 . I-25 is a major interstate highway that travels north and south, serving as the main connection from Denver to Colorado Springs. BTW also Mapquest gives the route Casa said but mentioned 5 hours. You could also travel on Route 24 to pass through Colorado Springs, before connecting and driving west on 160, which will add about 30 minutes to your trip. more. If youre traveling on slippery or snowy roads, use caution, slow down, and please, take it easy on the brakes. I would say the "scariest" would be to take US160 over Wolf Creek pass - especially in winter.. 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. (easiest one, no scary mountain driving haha), and if you can suggest good places to stop and eat? Avalanches often trigger temporary closures, leaving portions of the road buried under several feet of snow. Along the National Parks Loop, you'll also go through some other small towns worth exploring like Telluride, Durango, and Buena Vista. Pass in SW CO? The museum opened on February 23, 2011 in what was once a power plant. 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. Another great activity to do near Denver is driving the Mount Evans Scenic Byway. The quickest way to get from Denver to Durango is to fly and shuttle which costs 300,000-800,000 and takes 5h 24m. A $15 Gratuity is included in all pricing above. Take a tour from Durango and let someone else drive! Not quite what youre looking for? I took the highway and then 160 to get to Pagosa and it lasted 7 hours. Cheap Flights from Denver Intl. At just under four hours, the stretch from Creede to Colorado Springs is the longest drive of this trip. 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. My friends and I are coming from Europe to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Thank you :) Jillian Dara is a freelance journalist and fact-checker. Answer (1 of 3): I agree with Alan about I-70 and I-80. From: 1 traveler 2 travelers 3 travelers 4 travelers 5 travelers 6 travelers. 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. 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. Services like gas stations and restaurants are in good supply at Salida, Saguache, and other areas along the way. 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. 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. Another route, is to take US285 sw from Denver toward Buena Vista and then south to Great Sand Dunes. Click here to browse other private rentals. 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. Its also helpful to pack warm layers, snacks, water, and a flash flight for unexpected delays and emergencies. Denver Area 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. Having seen and read descriptions of the Million Dollar Highway, I'd like to avoid the drive south between Ouray and Silverton. 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. Drive to Colorado Springs on Interstate 25 and on through Pueblo to Walsenburg where you'll take Hwy 160 west. Regular fuel costs are around $3.96 per gallon for your trip. Among these are the collegiate peaks which are, unsurprisingly, named after some of the United States most famous colleges and Oxford randomly. Of course, theres an endless list of things to do and places to see in and around Denver. day 2 driving 3.5 hours. Which route is the best? *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. briken - Denver to Durango is about 403 mi. First, head Southwest on US Hwy 285 S, which youll stay on for about 130 miles. This trail is close to town and extends to a decent length of 4.3 total miles long. 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. 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). Problem is no-one knows what the weather will be then. 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. 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. Other points of interest include feeding the fish at the Wildlife Museum's fish hatchery, going kayaking on the Animas River, or stopping in at Animas Brewing Company to try the latest batch of beer. I routinely make the trip via 285 and it is much shorter and beautiful. It's actually closer to Albuquerque than Denver as it's not far from the New Mexico border. 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.