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. ', 'Do the trains and buses have Wifi?' 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. Mesa Verde is a world-class attraction that you really should see. 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 How long is the drive from Colorado Springs to Durango?. Its a lengthy stretch, but it also takes you through some of Colorados most spectacular wilderness areas, adventurous mountain towns, and exciting cities. Powerhouse Science Center, formerly the The Durango Discovery Museum, is an interactive science center located in Durango, Colorado. 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. You can also go to Colorado Springs and Canon City and Salida then 285 to 160. 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. Good coffee is also scarce along that route until you get to Durango. What about the altitude/Altitude sickness? If you are traveling to Durango by bus, prepare for a long ride of at least 12 hours. Another route, is to take US285 sw from Denver toward Buena Vista and then south to Great Sand Dunes. How long will the journey be and what is the fastest route? Click here to browse other private rentals. Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2rio's travel planner. 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. Click here to browse other private rentals. 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. For photographers, taking photos of the sunset from atop one of the dunes is an unforgettable experience. If youve never gone mountain biking before, then this is a perfect place to try it out. It is impossible to get from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Duncan is a writer for The World Was Here First. You can also go to Colorado Springs and Canon City and Salida then 285 to 160. 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 . This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. Not to mention, its known as one of the most treacherous roads in the state. American Airlines also offers flights to Durango, but they require you to first stop in Phoenix, which means it will take at least 4 hours to arrive. That made for about a 70-mile loop of incredible mountain views! Not much to recommend for food along the way. Adds about 2.5 hours to the "boring" way, and is incredibly varied and constantly changing. The highway is also notorious for serious semi-accidents and spin-outs due to its steep curvy descent. Durango High School, also known as the Durango 9-R Administration Building, is a former school in Durango, Colorado. Photo Credit: milehightraveler (iStock). Getting there is through beautiful, mountainous country, but mountainous roads and I believe some white. 4:17 pm arrive in Durango. 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. It may be a bit random and unexpected, but thats what makes Great Sand Dunes National Park so awesome! drive for about 54 minutes. The round trip cost would be $106.55 to go from Denver, CO to Durango, CO and back to Denver, CO again. It is impossible to get from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? There was an error processing your request. The shorter one (US285 south and US160 west), more scenic, has more mountains. Browse Dodge vehicles in Berthoud, CO for sale on Cars.com, with prices under $799,952. 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. Thai place in Poncha Springs and Lost Cajun in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? drive for about 1 hour. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and the Colorado State Register of Historic Properties. The Strater Hotel Located in downtown Durango, this beautiful historic hotel is an excellent option for those looking for a bit of a splurge. 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.. Issue is that I (the mom, who is not going to be the driver) am fairly averse to heights. Call us biased on this if you like, but heading down the Lower Animas is a Durango summer staple. 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. Theres so much we could say about things to do in Durango. Am I allowed to travel from Denver to Durango? Michael Rosebrock / Shutterstock 7. You can also rent ATVs and off-road vehicles in town if you prefer to not take your own car. 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. Back in Durango, drive east on U.S. 160; get your camera ready for breathtaking views of the snow-flecked La Plata Mountain Range. Not far from the New Mexico border, Durango is actually closer to Albuquerque than Denver, with 215 miles between them. First, head Southwest on US Hwy 285 S, which you'll stay on for about 130 miles. You have two route options, both of which take you through amazing scenery and worthwhile stops. This option is best to keep in mind for the rafting season of May through August when the mountain snowmelt levels are in their prime. Were Michael and Maggie, an Australian and American couple travelling the world. Silverton is an old mining town nestled between Red Mountain and Molas, two San Juan Mountain passes. This nationally-protected area consists of more than 30 square miles of massive dunes and is a must-stop for travelers nearing the latter portion of their Denver to Durango road trip. Drive to Colorado Springs on Interstate 25 and on through Pueblo to Walsenburg where you'll take Hwy 160 west. I took a GPS with me to attach in the rental car. It's said to be one of the most dangerous roads in Colorado. Dont forget to clear ice and snow from your windshield, windows, mirrors, and vehicle lights before driving. 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. From Sand Dunes, head west on US160 over Wolf Creek Pass to Pagosa. Or, Highway 285 to 160 is more scenic and has mountains but is not scary. Having a wonderful time here. 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. 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. As such, one of the best things to do in Creede is to drive its famous Bachelor Loop. By Jeremy P. Meyer | jpmeyer@denverpost.com | The Denver Post. In Del Norte, turn right onto US Hwy 160 W. Follow US Hwy 160 W for 118 miles. To the best of our knowledge, it is correct as of the last update.Visit Rome2rio travel advice for general help. From Durango, we flew back to Denver, instead of driving back. The social distance requirement in Durango is 2 metres. Roadtrip from SoCal to Mt Rushmore thru Colorado, Best Western Plus Deer Park Hotel And Suites. Our next recommendation is to take a guided tour at Mesa Verde National Park. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. (easiest one, no scary mountain driving haha), and if you can suggest good places to stop and eat? For us, one of the most fun things a first-time visitor can do is catch a show at Red Rocks Amphitheatre. Your trip begins in Denver, Colorado. Photo Credit: Matt Gross Things To Do Answer (1 of 3): I agree with Alan about I-70 and I-80. Additional terms apply. Oh well. 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. Toll Free: 800-567-6745, Colorados capital city has something for everyone: great food, impressive history, beautiful views, and plenty of adventure opportunities close by! Find all the transport options for your trip from Denver to Durango right here. , Where to Stay on a Denver to Durango Road Trip. Which route is the best? Looking for the ultimate Colorado summer road trip experience? The longer one (I-25 south, US160 west) involves faster driving and more traffic. 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. Just be sure to downshift on the downhill side. Takes 6hrs plus stops and is both easy and scenic. The Colorado Trail is a 485-mile point-to-point backpacking route in Colorado. * 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. Prices start at 117,500 per night. It is home to Fort Lewis College. My friends and I are coming from Europe to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Of course, theres an endless list of things to do and places to see in and around Denver. One of the defining features of the Penitente Canyon area is a natural arch, sometimes called La Ventana (the window in Spanish), which anyone seeking to venture further into this area should prioritize. Apart from being the Wildflower Capital of Colorado, Crested Butte is where mountain biking got its start in Colorado. 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. 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. This is a beautiful and quicker drive. Need we say more? Independence Pass, Trail Ridge Road, Mount Evans Scenic Byway, and Kebler Pass all close annually for the winter season in Colorado. I-25 is a major interstate highway that travels north and south, serving as the main connection from Denver to Colorado Springs. ! day 2 driving 3.5 hours. 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. Dont let snowy roads put a damper on your adventure plans. - to help you get the most out of your next trip. Afternoons can be hot and windy though. Hiking, mountain biking, climbing, rafting, and off-roading are all staple activities here in our hometown. However, if youre looking to check out something completely different but equally awesome in Colorado, you cant go wrong with a day trip to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. Both Aspen Peak and Mad Jacks also offer delicious food options and events featuring live music acts, with Aspen Peaks Bluegrass and BBQ Night serving as a good example of a local favorite where guests are served food options like southern shrimp and grits and St. Louis-style ribs with mashed potatoes and sauted kale. Problem is no-one knows what the weather will be then. 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. Takes 6hrs plus stops and is both easy and scenic. Aspen vs Vail vs Breckenridge: Which Colorado Town to Visit? Good coffee is also scarce along that route until you get to Durango. It stretches from Denver to Durango across the Southern Rockies and can be hiked in 25-35 days. 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 drive the 285>160 route almost weekly for the last few months. If he could teleport to anywhere on the planet, it would be the mountains of Patagonia in Chile. If you hit the turn too fast you will go right off the edge. The shorter one (US285 south and US160 west), more scenic, has more mountains. The quickest flight from Denver Airport to Durango Airport is the direct flight which takes 1h 19m. 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. You know what? Durango is the county seat and the most populous municipality of La Plata County, Colorado, United States. 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. Takes 6hrs plus stops and is both easy and scenic. He lives in Colorado and also works as a fly fishing guide and instructor when not editing or writing. 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. Get answers to your questions about Colorado. This trail is close to town and extends to a decent length of 4.3 total miles long. One absolute must-do activity is hiking the Ouray Perimeter Trail. Im traveling with a friend who has limited mobility. Traffic on I-70. Along the way, possibly stop in Fairplay, see a reconstructed mining town called South Park City. Can you please describe the San Juan Skyway/Million $ Hwy/Red Mtn. The 160 to 285 would be the fastest. Pass in SW CO? 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. Again. 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. If youre looking for an all-in-one Colorado destination, Durangos definitely the place to be. 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. 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. Hi Diane, The drive from Denver to Aspen takes about 4 hours (if there isn't a lot of traffic). This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in India. If youre passing through outside of ski season, Monarch is still worth a stop thanks to the Monarch Crest Scenic Tramway thats open from May through the fall. Of the collegiate peaks, Mount Princeton is designated as one of the easiest to climb. 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. Theres not many other places where you can hike through desert-like dunes with snow-capped mountain peaks as your backdrop. 172. Main Avenue Historic District in Durango, Colorado is a 34acre historic district that was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. Rome2rio also offers online bookings for selected operators, making reservations easy and straightforward. I took the highway and then 160 to get to Pagosa and it lasted 7 hours. 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. 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. Every month, almost a million vehicles travel the 100 miles on Interstate 70 between Denver and Vail, 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. Thank you. It takes approximately 12h 2m to get from Denver to Durango, including transfers. Only United Airlines operates multiple direct flights a day from Denver International Airport (DEN) and Durango La-Plata County Airport (DOR), which is just 15 miles from downtown Durango. After hiking the perimeter trail, take a load off and relax in Ourays Hot Springs. Monument to fallen snowplow drivers. All deals One way Roundtrip Tue, Mar 21 DEN Denver DRO Durango $195 One way just found Start early in the day, bring plenty of water and snacks, and be sure to dress in layers. Mountain Goat Lodge This boutique bed and breakfast is an excellent option if youre after a bit of luxury while driving to Durango. Planning other road trips from Denver? Head south continuing along US-550 S (AKA The Million Dollar Highway) for 70.5 miles until you reach Durango. Photo Credit: Jerilee Bennett. Thank you :) Click here to browse more Durango hotels! While the route offers a fast connection to Winter Park from Denver, avalanches and snowslides often make winter travel on this route extremely difficult. You might think about adding handicap information for some of the stops. 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. Running between Ouray and Silverton, the mountain road caps off at 11,018 feet with grades as steep as 8%. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. You have permission to edit this article. Be sure to take a peek at Denvers Tourism website for other ideas of things to do. (easiest one, no scary mountain driving haha), and if you can suggest good places to stop and eat? 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. Portions of I-70 often close due to severe weather conditions. The shorter one (US285 south and US160 west), more scenic, has more mountains. Having seen and read descriptions of the Million Dollar Highway, I'd like to avoid the drive south between Ouray and Silverton. We know what youre thinking: sand dunes in Colorado? I'd judge the least "scary" of the three to be I-25/US160. A great trail option for beginners, especially if youre around during wildflower season, is. We tackled this whole itinerary in 3 nights but you would be better served to spend at least double that amount of time. 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. It is located between I-70 and Keystone, offering an alternative route to I-70 and the Eisenhower Tunnel. Top Reasons To Take A Jeep Tour In SW Colorado. I will try to go the route thru the Great Sand Dunes. Talk about a flexible experience! 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. You'll be basically traveling in an L-shape on the two long sides of a triangle, instead of driving on the diagonal. An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. We will stop there for a break and continue driving. A great trail option for beginners, especially if youre around during wildflower season, is Brush Creek. Are you planning to drive from Denver to Durango? 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. North Americas largest sandbox contains some 5 billion cubic meters of sand and stands out against the striking backdrop of the Sangre de Cristo mountains. All three cross Wolf Creek Pass on US160, which is truly scary only if your brakes fail on the way down. Alternatively, Outdoorsy is an option if you prefer to rent an RV or campervan. Yep, its that simple. Hikers and skiers often use the route for accessing backcountry terrain, as well as Arapahoe Basin Resort. (easiest one, no scary mountain driving haha), and if you can suggest good places to stop and eat? Each flight takes about an hour, so this is definitely the fastest way to get from Denver to Durango. 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. Take US Hwy 285 south from Denver for approximately 173 miles. 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. Not quite what youre looking for? and leave at 3:05 pm. 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 . Error! Have fun, please forgive us our little OT chat. The route has an elevation gain of 9,000 ft and ascends through five climate zones to the 14,264-ft summit of Mount Evans. #ouraygram. Services like gas stations and restaurants are in good supply at Salida, Saguache, and other areas along the way. 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. 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. 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. A Google mapping exercise will offer you two routes, one about a half-hour longer than the other. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. I-70 is a major east-west Interstate highway in the United States that runs from Maryland through Colorado into Utah, stretching for 2,151 miles. Denver Area Road Trip Driving from Denver to Durango takes about six and a half hours. Check out our Denver to Aspen drive & Denver to Moab road trip articles! That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission at no extra cost to you. Whichever option you choose, you find incredible scenery unlike anything else in Colorado. It is centrally locate and has both private, ensuite rooms available along with hostel dorm beds. So here I am in Pagosa Springs. Before heading out, visit cotrip.org for the latest road conditions and closures. Or, Highway 285 to 160 is more scenic and has mountains but is not scary. 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. Let us know in the comments! If you'll have the time try to visit both Colorado Springs (Pike's Peak, Garden of the Gods etc.) The United States Census Bureau reported a population of 16,887 in the 2010 census. Among these are the collegiate peaks which are, unsurprisingly, named after some of the United States most famous colleges and Oxford randomly. 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. Durango is the county seat and the most populous municipality of La Plata County, Colorado, United States. Denver --> independence pass --> Aspen --> Ouray --> Red mountain pass --> Durango. The Map Start: Denver to Manitou Springs/Colorado Springs While I-25. 2023 The World Was Here First All rights reserved. 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. 5.5 hours of driving without stops. 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. What about Mine Tours and Mining Museums? 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. Takes you to nearly every major mountain zone in the state and the deepest canyons, highest passes, steepest mountains, and coolest towns.
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