There are long swaths of the drive down 285 Southsuch as the section between Fairplay to Buena Vistawhere you may lose cell signal at times and find higher chances of on-road hazards like wildlife, fallen rocks, and icy or snowy road conditions. And speaking of snow, one of the most popular activities for locals at the dunes is to bring their snowboards, skis and sleds for some nice carving through the sand. Research, browse, save, and share from 162 Dodge models in Berthoud, CO. Success! 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. 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. (easiest one, no scary mountain driving haha), and if you can suggest good places to stop and eat? If not, the area works just fine as a pretty place to drive through. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in India. Total Distance: 1,098 miles *Time and distance may vary depending on traffic, change in routes, stops along the way, etc. This somewhat low-key park is simply jaw-dropping. Editors Note: Never speed. The winter-weary Northeast and upper Midwest were digging out Saturday from heavy snowfall while cleanup began in battered parts of the South and Midwest after a sprawling storm system produced . Another great activity to do near Denver is driving the Mount Evans Scenic Byway. It is home to Fort Lewis College. 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. 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. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. 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. 10 Best Stops on a Denver to Moab Road Trip. So, stop by if you can. The shorter one (US285 south and US160 west), more scenic, has more mountains. There will be some mountain driving whichever route you take, but there's no need to be scared. No problem finding gas and basic supplies, just not much "good" food or coffee. 5.5 hours of driving without stops. Cheyenne . Long, steep ascents and descents, particularly around the San Juans. Avalanches often trigger temporary closures, leaving portions of the road buried under several feet of snow. The Colorado Trail is a 485-mile point-to-point backpacking route in Colorado. Last updated: 1 Mar 2023 (easiest one, no scary mountain driving haha), and if you can suggest good places to stop and eat? I will try to go the route thru the Great Sand Dunes. Loveland Pass Summit in Winter. See what its like to plow this dangerous road here. If you must go out, make sure you are prepared for winter travel and your tires meet the minimal requirements for Colorados new traction law. It's actually closer to Albuquerque than Denver as it's not far from the New Mexico border. 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. The canyon walls are so steep that at least some of the canyon is always engulfed in shadow during the day, which is how the Black Canyon got its name. Not much to recommend for food along the way. Again. One absolute must-do activity is hiking the Ouray Perimeter Trail. 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. 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. Takes 6hrs plus stops and is both easy and scenic. Were Michael and Maggie, an Australian and American couple travelling the world. Is this a summer trip or a winter trip? 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. day 2 driving 3.5 hours. Be sure to take a peek at, This is one town that has definitely earned its nickname as its surrounded by more than a dozen fourteeners. Rome2rio makes travelling from Denver to Durango easy. (easiest one, no scary mountain driving haha), and if you can suggest good places to stop and eat? 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. 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. 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. You'll be basically traveling in an L-shape on the two long sides of a triangle, instead of driving on the diagonal. Not much to recommend for food along the way. 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. 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. Mostly flat in some areas, Colorado gives drivers the most treacherous section of I-70 through the Rocky Mountains. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission at no extra cost to you. 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. If you need to rent a car for this trip, you can check out Rentalcars.com which aggregates deals across suppliers. 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. If high-alpine hikes arent your jazz, another great place to explore near Salida is Great Sand Dunes National Park. Commentdocument.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a6e6fde05a476155cc84d0616c8a9c0f" );document.getElementById("b934630cd5").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Hi! 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. It may be a bit random and unexpected, but thats what makes Great Sand Dunes National Park so awesome! Takes 6hrs plus stops and is both easy and scenic. To the best of our knowledge, it is correct as of the last update.Visit Rome2rio travel advice for general help. Driving from Denver to Durango takes about six and a half hours. Dont forget to clear ice and snow from your windshield, windows, mirrors, and vehicle lights before driving. Start early in the day, bring plenty of water and snacks, and be sure to dress in layers. Check out our Durango Activities and Things to Do page for more information. Click here to browse more Durango hotels! Snowcaped mountains in Berthoud Pass, Colorado. I need to return tonight to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 4:17 pm arrive in Durango. You might think about adding handicap information for some of the stops. Yep, its that simple. 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. You have two route options, both of which take you through amazing scenery and worthwhile stops. Make yourself known to an official member of staff and/or call the national coronavirus helpline number on 800-232-4636. Reduced speed limits and temporary closures are often put into place for safety concerns. Portions of I-70 often close due to severe weather conditions. Its also noted as the highest road in the country thats kept open on a year-round basis. 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. Turn right on CO State Hwy 112 W for 13 miles until you reach Del Norte. No trip to the area should skip it in my opinion. You can also go to Colorado Springs and Canon City and Salida then 285 to 160. If you're going on a road trip from Colorado Springs to Durango, we did the research for you and compiled some great stops along the way with Pagosa Springs and top places to visit like . The train route links Silverton and Durango, and you can even book a seat in a private car. 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). The reason why it's so long is because there is no direct bus service between the two cities. drive for about 54 minutes. Which route is the best? For more information, see our privacy policy. Adds about 2.5 hours to the "boring" way, and is incredibly varied and constantly changing. At Red Rocks you can catch concerts, stand-up comedy shows, film screenings, and, in the mornings, you can even join a yoga class. Cortez is 50 miles away from Durango, while Telluride is 110 miles away. Talk about a flexible experience! 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 . But those in the know, slow down and stop in four . Denver Area Road Trip Good coffee is also scarce along that route until you get to Durango. You can also fly from Denver to Durango, if all this seems to be too much. The bus leaves Denver at 6:45 a.m. and arrives in Durango at 7:10 p.m. 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. It is located between I-70 and Keystone, offering an alternative route to I-70 and the Eisenhower Tunnel. 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. Prices start at 117,500 per night. That said, if you do hike Mount Princeston, still come prepared for a long days hike as well as a little rock scrambling. The drive from Denver, Colorado, to Las Vegas, Nevada, is a drive of epic proportions. Its also helpful to pack warm layers, snacks, water, and a flash flight for unexpected delays and emergencies. Are you planning to drive from Denver to Durango? If you want to shop around for the cheapest fares, you can compare flights flying to other airports in Southwest Colorado like the Telluride Regional Airport (TEX) or the Cortez Municipal Airport (CEZ), but that will require you to drive the rest of the way. 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. Stretching from Utah, through Colorado and all the way out to Maryland, I-70 is a famous interstate highway that is widely used every day for local and interstate travel. Dont let the views distract you on Berthoud Pass. How long is the drive from Colorado Springs to Durango?. Make sure you check road conditions to double check the weather. For us, one of the most fun things a first-time visitor can do is catch a show at Red Rocks Amphitheatre. Can you tell me about guest ranch vacations in Colorado? This trail is close to town and extends to a decent length of 4.3 total miles long. Theres so much we could say about things to do in Durango. 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. It's a fairly long drive from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Colorado, United States. Along the National Parks Loop, you'll also go through some other small towns worth exploring like Telluride, Durango, and Buena Vista. You want to avoid leaving Denver on Friday afternoon and you want to avoid returning on Sunday afternoon. The scenic section that we refer to as the Million Dollar Highway is the 25-mile section between Ouray and Silverton, then from Silverton to Durango the scenic road technically becomes the San Juan Skyway. What about Mine Tours and Mining Museums? The Perfect 1, 2 or 3 Days in Montpellier Itinerary, The Perfect 1, 2 to 3 Days in Toulouse Itinerary, The Perfect 2 to 3 Days in Nice Itinerary, The Perfect 5 to 7 Days in Finland Itinerary (Winter or Summer). This calculation assumes that your vehicle gets an average gas mileage of 25 mpg . Of course, theres an endless list of things to do and places to see in and around Denver. Among these are the collegiate peaks which are, unsurprisingly, named after some of the United States most famous colleges and Oxford randomly. Monarch Pass in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. 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! It is a 7 hour plus drive, not counting any stops. Planning other road trips from Denver? 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. In Winter do I need a 4 Wheel Drive Vehicle in Colorado? But it didn/t work. To get to Salida from Denver will be 2.5-hour drive. 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. 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. Most crashes on the pass occur at the switchback curve near the Wolf Creek scenic outlook area. Domestic travel is not restricted, but some conditions may apply. Head out of town along US-160 E for 102 miles until you reach South Fork. updated Jul 14, 2022 How long is the drive from Denver to Durango? Find all the transport options for your trip from Denver to Durango right here. Have any questions about any of these stops? 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. Ice and snow-caked roads, highways, and mountain passes make for dangerous and hazardous driving conditions across the state. It stretches from Denver to Durango across the Southern Rockies and can be hiked in 25-35 days. 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. It is the route CasaAzul mentioned. That made for about a 70-mile loop of incredible mountain views! Its a lengthy stretch, but it also takes you through some of Colorados most spectacular wilderness areas, adventurous mountain towns, and exciting cities. What about the altitude/Altitude sickness? I took the highway and then 160 to get to Pagosa and it lasted 7 hours. Services like gas stations and restaurants are in good supply at Salida, Saguache, and other areas along the way. The drive time from Ouray to Durango is approximately one hour and 45 minutes. 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. Prices and availability are subject to change. 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. As of July 23, Colorado has. After spending the night in the alpine town of Vail (yes, on the drive over from Rocky Mountain National Park across I-70, we hit several patches of snow and temperatures falling below zero, even at the end of May! 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. It features a challenging switchback turn -on the west side- with a 200-foot drop off on the other side of the curve. Which route is the best? One snowstorm resulted in more than 300 crashes in the Denver metro area, with 93 of those occurring within a 3-hour period. 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! * 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. 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! The building opened in 1917, and served as a high school until 1976, after which it became the district administration building. Now I am thinking of taking another route. 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. From there, make a right onto US-50 E (passing back through Salida) and follow that for 70 miles until you reach Penrose. High average elevation of 10,000 feet and a few passes over 12,000 feet. drive for about 1 hour. 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 are headed to the mountains on the weekend, plan ahead for more traffic than usual. Answer 1 of 21: Hi, I will be in Denver late Oct. had wanted to ride on Durango to Silverton train. 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. Plus, your guide will provide insightful interpretations on each of the archaeological sites as well as the history of the Ancestral Pueblo people. A ride on this tram takes you up to some of the best possible views of the Continental Divide, and it does it in a speedy fashion that makes this viable even as a short stop. Head south continuing along US-550 S (AKA The Million Dollar Highway) for 70.5 miles until you reach Durango. Good coffee is also scarce along that route until you get to Durango. This trail is close to town and extends to a decent length of 4.3 total miles long. It is well located, there are a number of plush rooms available, and the breakfast included uses dairy products sourced from the propertys own goats! Click here to browse other private rentals. After hiking the perimeter trail, take a load off and relax in Ourays Hot Springs. Crested Butte is hands-down one of the coolest places to check out in Colorado. Plus, Durangos wild west and mining history give it such a distinguished and quirky character. Designated drivers beware and drink responsibly, as youve still got a lot of highway to go on this Denver to Durango road trip. Youll also get to take on thrilling class III rapids at Durangos exciting whitewater park. These springs are perfect for an evening soak when the day starts to cool and you want to settle down to reflect on the days adventure accomplishments. For instance, this beautiful treehouse home with a hot tub is a great choice. A great trail option for beginners, especially if youre around during wildflower season, is. Youll have views for miles around and Aspen Sunflowers covering entire hillsides, making for PERFECT photo ops. If youre traveling on slippery or snowy roads, use caution, slow down, and please, take it easy on the brakes. 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. 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. Start early in the day, bring plenty of water and snacks, and be sure to dress in layers. No problem finding gas and basic supplies, just not much "good" food or coffee. Each flight takes about an hour, so this is definitely the fastest way to get from Denver to Durango. Apart from being the Wildflower Capital of Colorado, Crested Butte is where mountain biking got its start in Colorado. I assume you understand that any route you take will be. 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. Which route is the best? Watch carefully for deer early mornings and twilight! What are the travel restrictions in Durango? Not much to recommend for food along the way. If he could teleport to anywhere on the planet, it would be the mountains of Patagonia in Chile. 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 Camping, backpacking, and hiking opportunities abound in this area once the snow melts in the summertime. The total driving time is 6 hours, 8 minutes. Traffic jam westbound I-70 highway Photo Credit: milehightraveler (iStock). Its actually closer to Albuquerque than Denver as its not far from the New Mexico border. 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. 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. Can you please describe the San Juan Skyway/Million $ Hwy/Red Mtn. If you are concerned about scary mountain driving, Red Mountain pass isn't scary, but the first part of the Million Dollar highway from Ouray south 10 or 20 miles is. 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. Take US Hwy 285 south from Denver for approximately 173 miles. What is the national COVID-19 helpline number in Durango? Where is Durango? 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. 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. Problem is no-one knows what the weather will be then. When you reach Del Norte, turn left onto CO-112 E for 13 miles until you reach US-285 N which youll follow for 64 miles. We know what youre thinking: sand dunes in Colorado? If youre looking for an all-in-one Colorado destination, Durangos definitely the place to be. 2:05 pm Pagosa Springs (Colorado) stay for about 1 hour. I-25 is a major interstate highway that travels north and south, serving as the main connection from Denver to Colorado Springs. 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. From there you'll make a left onto CO 291 S which will take you into Salida after eight miles. Along the way, possibly stop in Fairplay, see a reconstructed mining town called South Park City. 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. Brittany is an award-winning journalist based in Denver where she has lived and worked for more than a decade. It is impossible to get from Denver to Durango -- at least in any reasonable way -- without some mountain driving. Semi trucks stuck on I-25. For photographers, taking photos of the sunset from atop one of the dunes is an unforgettable experience. As always, travel safe and enjoy the views! And good news for dog-lovers: pets are allowed on this trail but must be kept on a leash. Cars are unable to make it up the pass during winter weather on a regular basis. The round trip cost would be $106.55 to go from Denver, CO to Durango, CO and back to Denver, CO again. 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. 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. Driving from Denver to Durango takes about six and a half hours. The best way to get from Denver to Denver Airport is to train which takes 37 min and costs 4,100-14,000. Thank you :) 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. 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. Click here to browse more Durango hotels! 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. Be sure to take a peek at Denvers Tourism website for other ideas of things to do. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. 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.
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