Thank you :) 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. 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. 4. level 2. He lives in Colorado and also works as a fly fishing guide and instructor when not editing or writing. Casa's route is good. 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 . Ice and snow-caked roads, highways, and mountain passes make for dangerous and hazardous driving conditions across the state. All three cross Wolf Creek Pass on US160, which is truly scary only if your brakes fail on the way down. Wolf Creek has gained a reputation all throughout Colorado as one of the best ski resorts to visit for anyone looking to escape crowds and long lift lines, and it also boasts some of the highest seasonal accumulations of snowpack out of any Colorado resorts, depending on the year. 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. Adds about 2.5 hours to the "boring" way, and is incredibly varied and constantly changing. 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. 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. Colorado wildfires: Several fires explode across Front Range If youve never gone mountain biking before, then this is a perfect place to try it out. Its a lengthy stretch, but it also takes you through some of Colorados most spectacular wilderness areas, adventurous mountain towns, and exciting cities. 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. The social distance requirement in Durango is 2 metres. Here are some of the most worthwhile pit stops on the way from Denver to Durango: In Durango, you can marvel at the Anasazi ruins in Mesa Verde National Park, schuss down the slopes at Purgatory Resort, or go hiking through the San Juan National Forest. 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. Dont let snowy roads put a damper on your adventure plans. I drive the 285>160 route almost weekly for the last few months. 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. Afternoons can be hot and windy though. Snowcaped mountains in Berthoud Pass, Colorado. Just a stones throw off 285 South before you reach the town of Del Norte on the Denver to Durango drive, Penitente Canyon offers scenic views and chances to hike, rock climb, and bike through the towering canyon walls. However, you can take the bus to Grand Valley Downtown Transfer Station, take the drive to Montrose Airport, take the shuttle to Telluride, take the taxi to Silverton, CO, then take the shuttle to Durango, CO. Alternatively, you can take the bus to Grand Valley Downtown Transfer Station, take the drive to Montrose Airport, take the shuttle to Telluride, take the taxi to Silverton, then take the train to Durango, CO. Rome2rio's Travel Guide series provide vital information for the global traveller. If you need to rent a car for this trip, you can check out Rentalcars.com which aggregates deals across suppliers. Roads surrounding the Denver metro area are often a mess, especially when you add snow and ice to the mix. Not quite what youre looking for? 172. Driving from Denver to Durango? - Colorado Message Board - Tripadvisor First, head Southwest on US Hwy 285 S, which youll stay on for about 130 miles. Denver to Durango - Colorado Forum - Tripadvisor It is a 7 hour plus drive, not counting any stops. Photo Credit: Matt Gross Things To Do 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. 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. There are 115+ hotels available in Durango. Brittany is an award-winning journalist based in Denver where she has lived and worked for more than a decade. Is it compulsory to practice social distancing in Durango? document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Join our mailing list for discounts, special events, and more. Just assume that youll need your camera for just about every spot from here on out. Most crashes on the pass occur at the switchback curve near the Wolf Creek scenic outlook area. The river flows right through town and features fun, refreshing splashes from class I and II rapids. Monarch Pass in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. 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). Driving Distance: 941 miles. For us, one of the most fun things a first-time visitor can do is catch a show at Red Rocks Amphitheatre. You could also travel on Route 24 to pass through Colorado Springs, before connecting and driving west on 160, which will add about 30 minutes to your trip. 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). Driving from Denver to Durango? - Colorado Message Board - Tripadvisor Still, the bus is significantly cheaper than flying and depending on gas prices and whether or not you need to rent a car or book a hotel overnight, it's probably cheaper than driving too. Utah. After hiking the perimeter trail, take a load off and relax in Ourays Hot Springs. Of course, theres an endless list of things to do and places to see in and around Denver. Well start our engines in Colorados capital city of Denver! Travel in the winter months can be nerve-wracking along Red Mountain Pass. I would say the "scariest" would be to take US160 over Wolf Creek pass - especially in winter.. The drive between Walsenburg and Pagosa Springs is a very nice one. Portions of I-70 often close due to severe weather conditions. Problem is no-one knows what the weather will be then. In Del Norte, turn right onto US Hwy 160 W. Follow US Hwy 160 W for 118 miles. 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. I need to return tonight to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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. Yes, the driving distance between Denver to Durango is 538 km. 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. 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. The quickest flight from Denver Airport to Durango Airport is the direct flight which takes 1h 19m. Breckenridge, Vail, Steamboat, or Estes Park for summer? Instead, I'm proposing driving from Montrose to Cortez, with a stop in Telluride on the way. Last updated: 1 Mar 2023 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. As the name would suggest, this steep 3-mile hike takes you up to a gorgeous viewpoint overlooking the town and valley beyond. 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. For a more complete guide on the hike, check out this Out There Colorado article. ), we woke up early and hit the road for what was a 2-hour drive to Grand Junction. Plus, your guide will provide insightful interpretations on each of the archaeological sites as well as the history of the Ancestral Pueblo people. If youre looking for an all-in-one Colorado destination, Durangos definitely the place to be. Dont let the views distract you on Berthoud Pass. Yes, travel within United States is currently allowed. The longer one (I-25 south, US160 west) involves faster driving and more traffic. 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. Does anyone know why? The arch and many of the other geologic formations here are the results of heat and pressure having formed volcanic ash into hard rock over millions of years. No problem finding gas and basic supplies, just not much "good" food or coffee. 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. The Million Dollar Highway is just a small portion of the 236-mile San Juan Skyway, itself a section of U.S. Highway 550, which runs 305 miles from Bernalillo, New Mexico, to Montrose, Colorado . Is this a summer trip or a winter trip? The cheapest way to get from Denver to Durango is to drive which costs 75,000-120,000 and takes 6h 33m. The 7 most dangerous winter roads in Colorado 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. 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! Not much to recommend for food along the way. Do you think it is faster going the other route or should I rather take the old route because I drive thru the night? So here I am in Pagosa Springs. Again. You'll ride on a historic, coal-fired train that travels the same tracks as the miners, cowboys, and settlers who came to the Wild West did more than 100 years ago. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in India. The best way to get from Denver to Denver Airport is to train which takes 37 min and costs 4,100-14,000. 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. Running between Ouray and Silverton, the mountain road caps off at 11,018 feet with grades as steep as 8%. The train route links Silverton and Durango, and you can even book a seat in a private car. BTW also Mapquest gives the route Casa said but mentioned 5 hours. Browse Dodge vehicles in Berthoud, CO for sale on Cars.com, with prices under $799,952. Domestic travel is not restricted, but some conditions may apply. Just across the valley from Penitente Canyon is the Great Sand Dunes National Park, one of Americas most fascinating natural phenomena. Powerhouse Science Center, formerly the The Durango Discovery Museum, is an interactive science center located in Durango, Colorado. These are both safe routes. Well, youve come to the right place. A Google mapping exercise will offer you two routes, one about a half-hour longer than the other. If we could only recommend two things (as has been established as the pattern of this post), then the first wed recommend is a rafting trip on the Lower Animas river. Tours and campgrounds are also available, and popular activities include sledding down the dunes (a time-honored favorite), four-wheel tours, and horseback riding. If natural disasters happen to occur, travelers are often rerouted between Ridgway and Durango over Lizard Head Pass a much longer route. Before heading out, visit cotrip.org for the latest road conditions and closures. Aetna is Monarch Mountain Resort. Greyhound is virtually the only bus company operating this route and ticket prices start at $63, although they can be as high as $140. Cheap Flights from Denver Intl. The steep, winding switchbacks can make your stomach turn on this high mountain pass, reaching an elevation of 11,307 feet. But assuming youre confident in your car and overall conditions, the Denver to Durango scenic drive down 285 South that also connects with US 160 at Del Norte is the way to go. How to Get from Denver to Durango - TripSavvy It takes approximately 12h 2m to get from Denver to Durango, including transfers. There will be some mountain driving whichever route you take, but there's no need to be scared. Ultimate Million Dollar Highway Road Trip Guide: Durango to Ouray Durango to Denver - 7 ways to travel via train, shuttle, car - Rome2rio 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. From Sand Dunes, head west on US160 over Wolf Creek Pass to Pagosa. (easiest one, no scary mountain driving haha), and if you can suggest good places to stop and eat? Heavy snow slams Northeast; storm cleanup begins in South Driving from Denver to Durango? - Colorado Forum - Tripadvisor Youll have views for miles around and Aspen Sunflowers covering entire hillsides, making for PERFECT photo ops. Colorado is a beautiful state to drive through and the road from Denver to Durango has many places worth stopping to see, even if you're taking the shortest route. Rome2rio makes travelling from Denver to Durango easy. $206 Cheap Flights from Denver (DEN) to Durango (DGO) Bundle Your Flight + Hotel & Save! Denver to Durango - 7 ways to travel via train, bus, car - Rome2rio We know what youre thinking: sand dunes in Colorado? The 160 to 285 would be the fastest. 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. Driving Time from Denver, CO to Durango, CO - Travelmath Independence Pass, Trail Ridge Road, Mount Evans Scenic Byway, and Kebler Pass all close annually for the winter season in Colorado. And good news for dog-lovers: pets are allowed on this trail but must be kept on a leash. 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. Driving from Denver to Durango? - Colorado Forum - Tripadvisor If you follow this action-packed itinerary, youll not only find yourself immersed in some of Colorados most exceptional wilderness, but youll also discover fascinating history and take part in some of the Centennial States signature outdoor activities. 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. As with any hike or tour, just remember to bring plenty of water and some snacks along. The shortest way is to take Route 285 through to Route 160, which will take you past Buena Vista. By Jeremy P. Meyer | jpmeyer@denverpost.com | The Denver Post. The quickest way to get from Denver to Durango is to fly and shuttle which costs 300,000-800,000 and takes 5h 24m. The 8 Most Scenic Drives In Colorado - TravelAwaits High season is considered to be October, November and December. From hiking to climbing to jeep and segway tours, theres a whole heaping lot to do at this picture-perfect place. 5.5 hours of driving without stops. Traveling with a dog or cat? Used Dodge cars for sale in Berthoud, CO under $799,952 Photo Credit: milehightraveler (iStock). It serves as one of the main routes to Colorado's ski country including Vail, Aspen, Winter Park, Keystone, and Breckenridge. 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 Either way there is only one high pass to cross (Wolf Creek, mentioned above), and I wouldn't call it scary. 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. Just be sure to downshift on the downhill side. You have two route options, both of which take you through amazing scenery and worthwhile stops. What are the roads like, and what do I need to know about driving in Colorado? 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.
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