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. 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. 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. A Google mapping exercise will offer you two routes, one about a half-hour longer than the other. Plus, your guide will provide insightful interpretations on each of the archaeological sites as well as the history of the Ancestral Pueblo people.
Driving from Denver to Durango? - Colorado Message Board - Tripadvisor 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. 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. Thank you :) It takes approximately 12h 2m to get from Denver to Durango, including transfers. 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. This trail is close to town and extends to a decent length of 4.3 total miles long. But. Theres not many other places where you can hike through desert-like dunes with snow-capped mountain peaks as your backdrop. The 160 to 285 would be the fastest. We love Pikes Peak because theres just so much to explore, and because theres so many ways to actually ascend the peak! I'd judge the least "scary" of the three to be I-25/US160. 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. Not to mention, its known as one of the most treacherous roads in the state. Tue, Jul 25. From hiking to climbing to jeep and segway tours, theres a whole heaping lot to do at this picture-perfect place. 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. Book at least 2 weeks before departure in order to get a below-average price. Jan 31, 2006. 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 . By Jeremy P. Meyer | jpmeyer@denverpost.com | The Denver Post. I assume you understand that any route you take will be. 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. Photo Credit: Christian Murdock; The Gazette. The reason why it's so long is because there is no direct bus service between the two cities. Duncan is a writer for The World Was Here First. Denver Area Road Trip 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. For us, one of the most fun things a first-time visitor can do is catch a show at Red Rocks Amphitheatre. 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! How long will the journey be and what is the fastest route? document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 50 Animas View Dr. Not much to recommend for food along the way. Semi trucks stuck on I-25. Loveland Pass Summit in Winter. Prices and availability are subject to change. 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). Its actually closer to Albuquerque than Denver as its not far from the New Mexico border. Silverton is an old mining town nestled between Red Mountain and Molas, two San Juan Mountain passes. Among these are the collegiate peaks which are, unsurprisingly, named after some of the United States most famous colleges and Oxford randomly. Photo Credit: milehightraveler (iStock). 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. 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. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in India. Durango, Colorado 81301 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. For casual hikers, the 1.6-mile Penitente Canyon Loop is a great option that wont leave you exhausted or needing an extensive amount of gear. The longer one (I-25 south, US160 west) involves faster driving and more traffic. Thai place in Poncha Springs and Lost Cajun in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? That said, if you do hike Mount Princeston, still come prepared for a long days hike as well as a little rock scrambling. So yeah, have your camera charged and ready for this spot too. You can also fly from Denver to Durango, if all this seems to be too much.
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Mesa Verde is a world-class attraction that you really should see. 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. Architectural structures left behind by the ancestral Puebloans include pit houses, great kivas, and great houses, according to the U.S. Forest Services website. (easiest one, no scary mountain driving haha), and if you can suggest good places to stop and eat? The cheapest month to fly is July. 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 . In Winter do I need a 4 Wheel Drive Vehicle in Colorado? First, head Southwest on US Hwy 285 S, which youll stay on for about 130 miles. 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. Take a tour from Durango and let someone else drive! Thank you :) day 2 driving 3.5 hours. Click here to browse other private rentals. How long is the drive from Denver to Durango? I will be making this trip next week and look forward to seeing all this. Make sure to keep a safe following distance between your car and one in front of you. Error! If not, the area works just fine as a pretty place to drive through. Driving from Denver to Durango takes about six and a half hours. Takes 6hrs plus stops and is both easy and scenic. Oh well.
Colorado Scenic Byway: Tracks Across Borders | Colorado.com Not quite what youre looking for? Its also helpful to pack warm layers, snacks, water, and a flash flight for unexpected delays and emergencies. Just be sure to downshift on the downhill side.
The 12 Most Scenic Drives in Colorado (Road Trip Inspiration!) Lots of good food in Durango. Check out our Durango Activities and Things to Do page for more information. Among the marquee attractions near Salida is Browns Canyon, which was also designated a National Monument recently in 2015. Her work has appeared in Travel + Leisure, USA Today, Michelin Guides, Hemispheres, DuJour, and Forbes. A great trail option for beginners, especially if youre around during wildflower season, is Brush Creek. 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 Of the collegiate peaks, Mount Princeton is designated as one of the easiest to climb. 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. What kind of rental car do I need & are there places I should not drive a rental car? From there, make a right onto US-550 S, which will take you into Ouray after just over 36 miles. 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. 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. 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. Once you reach Creede, known as one of the last Silver Boom towns in Colorado during the late 19th century, you have quite a few options before heading back down to South Fork. 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. Tours and campgrounds are also available, and popular activities include sledding down the dunes (a time-honored favorite), four-wheel tours, and horseback riding. 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. Each flight takes about an hour, so this is definitely the fastest way to get from Denver to Durango. Yes, the driving distance between Denver to Durango is 538 km. Designated drivers beware and drink responsibly, as youve still got a lot of highway to go on this Denver to Durango road trip. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Join our mailing list for discounts, special events, and more. While its unlikely that traffic jams will ever disappear, avoiding peak travel times allows for an easier and stress-free commute. From Sand Dunes, head west on US160 over Wolf Creek Pass to Pagosa. Not much to recommend for food along the way. Finally, youll make a left onto CO-115 N for 30 miles into Colorado Springs. And good news for dog-lovers: pets are allowed on this trail but must be kept on a leash. Rome2rio uses cookies to help personalize content and show you personalised ads. Among these are the collegiate peaks which are, unsurprisingly, named after some of the United States most famous colleges and Oxford randomly. The steep, winding switchbacks can make your stomach turn on this high mountain pass, reaching an elevation of 11,307 feet. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-13122554', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Denver to Pagosa Springs by car. 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. Another possible stop near Salida located in the shadow of Mt. We have done the drive (ta && ta.queueForLoad ?
Colorado Trail - Backpacking Routes (easiest one, no scary mountain driving haha), and if you can suggest good places to stop and eat? First, head Southwest on US Hwy 285 S, which you'll stay on for about 130 miles. Which route is the best? 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. 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. ', 'How much should I expect to pay? 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. 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.
Driving Time from Denver, CO to Durango, CO - Travelmath My friends and I are coming from Europe to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ?
What is the least scary route to cross the Rocky Mountains by - Quora 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. Colorado, United States. It is impossible to get from Denver to Durango -- at least in any reasonable way -- without some mountain driving. It's said to be one of the most dangerous roads in Colorado. 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. 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. If you're looking to just get there as quickly as possible, it's much better to fly. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Rome2rio makes travelling from Denver to Durango easy. Reduced speed limits and temporary closures are often put into place for safety concerns. No trip to the area should skip it in my opinion. Two-wheel drive cars can certainly make this gravel-road route, but its recommended to drive the loop backwards if your vehicle isnt great off-road. *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. Monarch Pass winds beautifully into the mountains at 11,312 feet along the Continental Divide between Gunnison and Poncha Springs, located just 20 minutes from Salida.
It is impossible to get from Denver to Durango -- at least in any reasonable way -- without some mountain driving. Dont forget to clear ice and snow from your windshield, windows, mirrors, and vehicle lights before driving. If you don't have time to board the train, it's worth it to at least pay a visit to the railroad museum 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. The drive time from Durango to Creede takes just under 2.5 hours.
Driving from Denver to Durango? - Colorado Forum - Tripadvisor 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. Either way there is only one high pass to cross (Wolf Creek, mentioned above), and I wouldn't call it scary. Casa's route is good. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity.
The 7 most dangerous winter roads in Colorado 10 Best Stops on the Denver to Aspen Drive via Vail. It is impossible to get from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. We extended it to a full loop: Boulder Canyon Drive up to Nederland, Highway 72 from Nederland to Highway 7 just south of Rocky Mountain National Park, Highway 7 back over to Highway 36, and then back down to Boulder. 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 Thai place in Poncha Springs and Lost Cajun in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Traveling with a dog or cat? 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. The total driving time is 6 hours, 8 minutes. Get answers to your questions about 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.
Ultimate Million Dollar Highway Road Trip Guide: Durango to Ouray Stops and things to do on Colorado Springs to Durango drive - Wanderlog 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. As such, one of the best things to do in Creede is to drive its famous Bachelor Loop. ', 'Should I book online before I travel? Well start our engines in Colorados capital city of Denver! A Google mapping exercise will offer you two routes, one about a half-hour longer than the other. Roadtrip from SoCal to Mt Rushmore thru Colorado, Best Western Plus Deer Park Hotel And Suites. It is the route CasaAzul mentioned. When you reach the summit of Red Mountain Pass, you will be standing at an elevation of 11,018 ft. Legend has it that the name Million Dollar Highway comes from the 1920s cost to build the highway at over $1 million a mile. 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. Before heading out, visit cotrip.org for the latest road conditions and closures. The United States Census Bureau reported a population of 16,887 in the 2010 census. You can also rent ATVs and off-road vehicles in town if you prefer to not take your own car. As you reach the classic mountain town of Salida and the nearby area, the Arkansas River is the main artery for a lot of watersports recreation, from fly fishing and whitewater rafting to kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP). 2023 The World Was Here First All rights reserved. Its important to note that dates and closures vary, depending on the weather and road conditions. The building opened in 1917, and served as a high school until 1976, after which it became the district administration building. Takes 6hrs plus stops and is both easy and scenic. The round trip cost would be $106.55 to go from Denver, CO to Durango, CO and back to Denver, CO again. 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.