Should probably count on 7 - 7.5 hrs - not easy to make really good time in the mountains. What about Mine Tours and Mining Museums? It serves as one of the main routes to Colorados ski country including Vail, Aspen, Winter Park, Keystone, and Breckenridge. Lots of good food in Durango. , Where to Stay on a Denver to Durango Road Trip. Head out of town along US-160 E for 102 miles until you reach South Fork. Get answers to your questions about Colorado. 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. If you're looking to just get there as quickly as possible, it's much better to fly. It stretches from Denver to Durango across the Southern Rockies and can be hiked in 25-35 days. Where is Durango? Afternoons can be hot and windy though. Having a wonderful time here. 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. Check out our Denver to Aspen drive & Denver to Moab road trip articles! Cheap Flights from Denver Intl. Situated in a beautiful, historic building, they have a range of gorgeous rooms on offer and a great bar and restaurant on site. Hikers and skiers often use the route for accessing backcountry terrain, as well as Arapahoe Basin Resort. It features a challenging switchback turn -on the west side- with a 200-foot drop off on the other side of the curve. Additional terms apply. Were Michael and Maggie, an Australian and American couple travelling the world. All three cross Wolf Creek Pass on US160, which is truly scary only if your brakes fail on the way down. Main Avenue Historic District in Durango, Colorado is a 34acre historic district that was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. 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. Browse Dodge vehicles in Berthoud, CO for sale on Cars.com, with prices under $799,952. You know what? 10 Best Stops on the Denver to Aspen Drive via Vail. The railway is a federally designated National Historic Landmark and is also designated by the American Society of Civil Engineers as a Historic Civil Engineering Landmark. Is this a summer trip or a winter trip? It is a 7 hour plus drive, not counting any stops. Photo Credit: Jerilee Bennett. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in India. Rome2rio uses cookies to help personalize content and show you personalised ads. 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. 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. Jillian Dara is a freelance journalist and fact-checker. Perhaps most amazing about this historic site is that the rock pinnacles for which Chimney Rock gets its name frame multiple astronomical alignment points. If you need to rent a car for this trip, you can check out Rentalcars.com which aggregates deals across suppliers. 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. 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-13129427', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Denver toward Buena Vista and then south to Great Sand Dunes. There are 115+ hotels available in Durango. Those with a lot of time on their hands can hike or bike to the summit, which makes for a rewarding journey. Does anyone know why? Where to go at the end of November, Early December?!?! Its important to note that dates and closures vary, depending on the weather and road conditions. Prices and availability are subject to change. drive for about 54 minutes. We love Pikes Peak because theres just so much to explore, and because theres so many ways to actually ascend the peak! 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. Avalanches often trigger temporary closures, leaving portions of the road buried under several feet of snow. We know what youre thinking: sand dunes in Colorado? Pack your hiking boots and a rain jacket as well if you plan on stopping at hiking trails or national parks and monuments like the Great Sand Dunes and Chimney Rock National Monument in the San Juan Forest. If you're planning a road trip to Denver, you can research locations to stop along the way. This is one town that has definitely earned its nickname as its surrounded by more than a dozen fourteeners. 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. Signup today for free and be the first to get notified on new updates. My friends and I are coming from Europe to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? ! You'll be basically traveling in an L-shape on the two long sides of a triangle, instead of driving on the diagonal. 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 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. Planning other road trips from Denver? 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. Total Distance: 1,098 miles *Time and distance may vary depending on traffic, change in routes, stops along the way, etc. 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. Of course, theres an endless list of things to do and places to see in and around Denver. It's a fairly long drive from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Drive to Colorado Springs on Interstate 25 and on through Pueblo to Walsenburg where you'll take Hwy 160 west. Winter in Colorado is no joke. ', 'Should I book online before I travel? Rome2rio also offers online bookings for selected operators, making reservations easy and straightforward. You have permission to edit this article. 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. Durango is the county seat and the most populous municipality of La Plata County, Colorado, United States. No problem finding gas and basic supplies, just not much "good" food or coffee. Apart from being the Wildflower Capital of Colorado, Crested Butte is where mountain biking got its start in Colorado. to La Plata County Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $195 for one-way flights and $295 for round trip, for the period specified. 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. 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. 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. Book at least 2 weeks before departure in order to get a below-average price. It is centrally locate and has both private, ensuite rooms available along with hostel dorm beds. He has spent time in Costa Rica and has made numerous trips exploring the Western states of the Rocky Mountains. Drop-dead gorgeous and nestled into the heart of the San Juan mountains, visiting Ouray 100% feels like youre being transported to Switzerland. Among these are the collegiate peaks which are, unsurprisingly, named after some of the United States most famous colleges and Oxford randomly. Roads surrounding the Denver metro area are often a mess, especially when you add snow and ice to the mix. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 50 Animas View Dr. 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. 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. day 2 driving 3.5 hours. From there youll make a left onto CO 291 S which will take you into Salida after eight miles. Can you tell me about guest ranch vacations in Colorado? 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. 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. 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. 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. Thank you :) Success! That said, if you do hike Mount Princeston, still come prepared for a long days hike as well as a little rock scrambling. 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. (easiest one, no scary mountain driving haha), and if you can suggest good places to stop and eat? Click here to browse more Durango hotels! Which route is the best? 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. There will be some mountain driving whichever route you take, but there's no need to be scared. 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. 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. 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. 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. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Canada. This 17-mile historic loop takes you to several abandoned mines in-between beautiful scenic vistas. For photographers, taking photos of the sunset from atop one of the dunes is an unforgettable experience. Be sure to take a peek at Denvers Tourism website for other ideas of things to do. 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. Find all the transport options for your trip from Denver to Durango right here. 2023 The World Was Here First All rights reserved. Not much to recommend for food along the way. And good news for dog-lovers: pets are allowed on this trail but must be kept on a leash. 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. Of the collegiate peaks, Mount Princeton is designated as one of the easiest to climb. 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. United Airlines offers flights from Denver Airport to Durango Airport. No problem finding gas and basic supplies, just not much "good" food or coffee. Cars are unable to make it up the pass during winter weather on a regular basis. Make sure you check road conditions to double check the weather. Its also helpful to pack warm layers, snacks, water, and a flash flight for unexpected delays and emergencies. Raft trips in the canyon can be booked through several outfitters based out of Salida and the surrounding area, such as Browns Canyon Rafting, KODI Rafting, Noahs Ark, and several others. Last updated: 1 Mar 2023 Another route, is to take US285 sw from Denver toward Buena Vista and then south to Great Sand Dunes. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. 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. While the route offers a fast connection to Winter Park from Denver, avalanches and snowslides often make winter travel on this route extremely difficult. Just be sure to downshift on the downhill side. Good coffee is also scarce along that route until you get to Durango. Lots of good food in Durango. There is no direct connection from Denver to Durango. Plus, your guide will provide insightful interpretations on each of the archaeological sites as well as the history of the Ancestral Pueblo people. The 160 to 285 would be the fastest. Recommended Road Trip Length: 7 days. Were passionate about getting off the beaten path, promoting responsible tourism, supporting local economies and sharing our knowledge with other travellers! Before heading out, visit cotrip.org for the latest road conditions and closures. Editors Note: Never speed. Alternatively, you may use. If not, the area works just fine as a pretty place to drive through. Need we say more? 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. If youre looking for an all-in-one Colorado destination, Durangos definitely the place to be. Along the way, possibly stop in Fairplay, see a reconstructed mining town called South Park City. more. The Strater Hotel Located in downtown Durango, this beautiful historic hotel is an excellent option for those looking for a bit of a splurge. * 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. Of the collegiate peaks, Mount Princeton is designated as one of the easiest to climb. But. Portions of I-70 often close due to severe weather conditions. Lots of good food in Durango. 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. I will try to go the route thru the Great Sand Dunes. At Red Rocks you can catch concerts, stand-up comedy shows, film screenings, and, in the mornings, you can even join a yoga class. High average elevation of 10,000 feet and a few passes over 12,000 feet. For a more complete guide on the hike, check out this, If high-alpine hikes arent your jazz, another great place to explore near Salida is, Crested Butte is hands-down one of the coolest places to check out in Colorado. Having seen and read descriptions of the Million Dollar Highway, I'd like to avoid the drive south between Ouray and Silverton. Architectural structures left behind by the ancestral Puebloans include pit houses, great kivas, and great houses, according to the U.S. Forest Services website. $206 Cheap Flights from Denver (DEN) to Durango (DGO) Bundle Your Flight + Hotel & Save! Commentdocument.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a6e6fde05a476155cc84d0616c8a9c0f" );document.getElementById("b934630cd5").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Hi! Crested Butte is hands-down one of the coolest places to check out in Colorado. Which route is the best? to Guadalupe Victoria Durango Intl. Breckenridge, Vail, Steamboat, or Estes Park for summer? It is home to Fort Lewis College. 4. level 2. It takes approximately 12h 2m to get from Denver to Durango, including transfers. Durango High School, also known as the Durango 9-R Administration Building, is a former school in Durango, Colorado. It might sound like a bad deal, but these tickets can be a little bit cheaper than United's direct flights and it's still faster than driving. If you are headed to the mountains on the weekend, plan ahead for more traffic than usual. We're working around the clock to bring you the latest COVID-19 travel updates.This information is compiled from official sources. Additional terms apply. Roadtrip from SoCal to Mt Rushmore thru Colorado, Best Western Plus Deer Park Hotel And Suites. Wearing a face mask on public transport in Durango is recommended. Getting there is through beautiful, mountainous country, but mountainous roads and I believe some white. The national COVID-19 helpline number in Durango is 800-232-4636. Exceptions may apply, for full details: Centers for Disease control and prevention (CDC). That's because Mapquest knows you drive fast Tet, lol!!! It's actually closer to Albuquerque than Denver as it's not far from the New Mexico border. If youre hiking with children or just dont enjoy exposure to steep drop-offs, then its recommended to do the out-at-back version. 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 . How long will the journey be and what is the fastest route? Tours and campgrounds are also available, and popular activities include sledding down the dunes (a time-honored favorite), four-wheel tours, and horseback riding. The round trip cost would be $106.55 to go from Denver, CO to Durango, CO and back to Denver, CO again. Along this route youll be graced with beautiful views of the town as well as encounter a few sizable waterfalls that make for perfect Instagram backdrops. We are travelling with 3 children from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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). Another possible stop near Salida located in the shadow of Mt. If concerts and shows arent your scene, no problem! Do you think it is faster going the other route or should I rather take the old route because I drive thru the night? Casa's route is good. Head south continuing along US-550 S (AKA The Million Dollar Highway) for 70.5 miles until you reach Durango. I-70 has some gorgeous spots and does top out at about 11,000 ft when you pass through the tunnels near Loveland Pass. Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2rio's travel planner. This loop of state-maintained highways through the San Juan Mountains can be done in your own car and at your own leisure, but be aware that various parts of this beautiful, scenic drive do feature steep drop-offs without guardrails. I'd judge the least "scary" of the three to be I-25/US160. Not much to recommend for food along the way. 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. I drive the 285>160 route almost weekly for the last few months. Click here to browse more Salida hotels! Head west on US-50 W for 60 miles, and then turn right onto CO-135 N which will take you to Crested Butte after 27 miles. Which route is the best? 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. 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. 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. Legitimately called the San Juan Skyway, this nasty trek in southwestern Colorado features the Coal Bank Pass, a very steep and very scary road with weather that is harsh and unpredictable. Semi trucks stuck on I-25. The shorter one (US285 south and US160 west), more scenic, has more mountains. Click here to see their availability, Private Rental If its a private vacation rental that youre after in Durango, youll find that there are countless options to choose from. Looking for the ultimate Colorado summer road trip experience? Standard tickets are only $10 for adults, and this area also has a lot of great trails for hiking in the warmer parts of the year. 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. The drive from Salida to Crested Butte takes approximately one hour and 45 minutes. 4:17 pm arrive in Durango. To get to Salida from Denver will be 2.5-hour drive. Driving Distance: 941 miles. Services like gas stations and restaurants are in good supply at Salida, Saguache, and other areas along the way. 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. 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. However, if youre looking to check out something completely different but equally awesome in Colorado, you cant go wrong with a day trip to, Drop-dead gorgeous and nestled into the heart of the San Juan mountains, visiting Ouray 100% feels like youre being transported to Switzerland. Youll also get to take on thrilling class III rapids at Durangos exciting whitewater park. Mostly flat in some areas, Colorado gives drivers the most treacherous section of I-70 through the Rocky Mountains. Call us biased on this if you like, but heading down the Lower Animas is a Durango summer staple. 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! What about the altitude/Altitude sickness? (easiest one, no scary mountain driving haha), and if you can suggest good places to stop and eat? By proceeding, you accept the use of cookies in accordance with our, Take the bus from Union Station Gate B4 to Grand Valley Downtown Transfer Station, Drive from Grand Valley Downtown Transfer Station to Montrose Airport, Take a shuttle bus from Montrose Airport to Telluride, Take a shuttle bus from Silverton, CO to Durango, CO, Take the train from Silverton to Durango, CO, Take a shuttle bus from Purgatory Plaza to Durango Transit Center, Fly from Denver (DEN) to Telluride Regional (TEX), Take a shuttle bus from Mesa Verde National Park to Purgatory Resort. 5.5 hours of driving without stops. I routinely make the trip via 285 and it is much shorter and beautiful. Photo Credit: milehightraveler (iStock). Good coffee is also scarce along that route until you get to Durango. Long, steep ascents and descents, particularly around the San Juans. What can I see on a Denver to Durango road trip. The building opened in 1917, and served as a high school until 1976, after which it became the district administration building. Which route is the best? Click here to browse other private rentals. Error! Cortez is 50 miles away from Durango, while Telluride is 110 miles away. Photo Credit: Christian Murdock; The Gazette. The United States Census Bureau reported a population of 16,887 in the 2010 census. 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 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. A Google mapping exercise will offer you two routes, one about a half-hour longer than the other. It's a fairly long drive from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 4WD and AWD vehicles must have snow tires or all-weather tires with 3/16 inch tread depth. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Join our mailing list for discounts, special events, and more. 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. The bus leaves Denver at 6:45 a.m. and arrives in Durango at 7:10 p.m. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. For us, one of the most fun things a first-time visitor can do is catch a show at Red Rocks Amphitheatre. Check out our Durango Activities and Things to Do page for more information. The distance between Denver and Durango is 372 km. The reason why it's so long is because there is no direct bus service between the two cities. From South Fork and US 160, take a right-hand turn onto US 149, also known as the Silver Thread Scenic Byway, for an unforgettable scenic drive to the town of Creede near the headwaters of the Rio Grande. 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.