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. 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. I would say the "scariest" would be to take US160 over Wolf Creek pass - especially in winter.. While its unlikely that traffic jams will ever disappear, avoiding peak travel times allows for an easier and stress-free commute. 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. 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. Commentdocument.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a6e6fde05a476155cc84d0616c8a9c0f" );document.getElementById("b934630cd5").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Hi! 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. This is the route Google Maps will give you. The drive from Salida to Crested Butte takes approximately one hour and 45 minutes. You know what? When visiting Colorado Springs, 100% the number one thing to do is check out the Garden of the Gods. 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 . No problem finding gas and basic supplies, just not much "good" food or coffee. 16 Best Things to Do in Colorado in Summer, Travel From Madrid to San Sebastian by Train, Car, and Plane, How to Travel From Rome to Naples by Train, Plane, Bus, or Car, The Top 10 Things to Do in Durango, Colorado, How to Travel From Denver to Las Vegas by Bus, Car, and Plane, How to Travel From Montreal to Quebec City by Train, Bus, Car, and Plane, How to Travel from Los Angeles to the Grand Canyon by Train, Bus, Car, and Plane, The Best Places to See Fall Colors in Colorado, How to Travel from Los Angeles to Denver by Train, Bus, Car, and Plane, Get our travel tips Delivered to your inbox. (easiest one, no scary mountain driving haha), and if you can suggest good places to stop and eat? You will catch C4-70 outside (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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. Apart from being the Wildflower Capital of Colorado, Crested Butte is where mountain biking got its start in Colorado. If you hit the turn too fast you will go right off the edge. Total Distance: 1,098 miles *Time and distance may vary depending on traffic, change in routes, stops along the way, etc. Again. Sand Dunes are great fun. 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. Ice and snow-caked roads, highways, and mountain passes make for dangerous and hazardous driving conditions across the state. We tackled this whole itinerary in 3 nights but you would be better served to spend at least double that amount of time. Just be sure to downshift on the downhill side. So, pack your bags, fasten your seatbelts, and get ready to hit the road on this Denver to Durango loop road trip! Traffic congestion due to rush hour and ongoing construction is normally expected for this particular stretch of the highway. To get to Salida from Denver will be 2.5-hour drive. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and the Colorado State Register of Historic Properties. To get to Salida from Denver will be 2.5-hour drive. (easiest one, no scary mountain driving haha), and if you can suggest good places to stop and eat? Those with a lot of time on their hands can hike or bike to the summit, which makes for a rewarding journey. 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. Good coffee is also scarce along that route until you get to Durango. Good coffee is also scarce along that route until you get to Durango. One absolute must-do activity is hiking the Ouray Perimeter Trail. to Guadalupe Victoria Durango Intl. Apart from being the Wildflower Capital of Colorado, Crested Butte is where mountain biking got its start in Colorado. The national COVID-19 helpline number in Durango is 800-232-4636. Rome2rio is a door-to-door travel information and booking engine, helping you get to and from any location in the world. Does anyone know why? But. If youre not familiar, Monarch Pass leads to the natural snowy slopes of Monarch Mountain. Well, youve come to the right place. Photo Credit: Jerilee Bennett. 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. You can't get to Durango by train, but if you're looking for an old west experience, hop aboard the Silverton Silverlight Express. This 235 mile loop takes you through old mining towns, spectacular scenery, and exhilarating twists & turns. 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. Click here to browse other private rentals. Most crashes on the pass occur at the switchback curve near the Wolf Creek scenic outlook area. Driving from Denver to Durango takes about six and a half hours. As the name would suggest, this trail takes you around the entire town dont worry, there are plenty of places to enter or exit the trail for a shorter hike. A great trail option for beginners, especially if youre around during wildflower season, is Brush Creek. When beginning your Denver to Durango road trip, you have two routes to choose from. Crested Butte is hands-down one of the coolest places to check out in Colorado. Click here to see their availability, The Salida Inn & Hostel If youre traveling on a bit of a tighter budget, then this inn and hostel is an excellent choice. 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! A Google mapping exercise will offer you two routes, one about a half-hour longer than the other. Theres not many other places where you can hike through desert-like dunes with snow-capped mountain peaks as your backdrop. Error! Click here to browse other private rentals. Photo Credit: Christian Murdock; The Gazette. Along the way, possibly stop in Fairplay, see a reconstructed mining town called South Park City. Powerhouse Science Center, formerly the The Durango Discovery Museum, is an interactive science center located in Durango, Colorado. Its important to note that dates and closures vary, depending on the weather and road conditions. 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. Mostly flat in some areas, Colorado gives drivers the most treacherous section of I-70 through the Rocky Mountains. For a more complete guide on the hike, check out this Out There Colorado article. Durango is in southwest Colorado. If natural disasters happen to occur, travelers are often rerouted between Ridgway and Durango over Lizard Head Pass a much longer route. Photo Credit: Matt Gross Things To Do This is a beautiful and quicker drive. Roadtrip from SoCal to Mt Rushmore thru Colorado, Best Western Plus Deer Park Hotel And Suites. Colorado, United States. 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. 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. Another great activity to do near Denver is driving the, Of course, theres an endless list of things to do and places to see in and around Denver. 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. From hiking to climbing to jeep and segway tours, theres a whole heaping lot to do at this picture-perfect place. 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. Loveland Pass Summit in Winter. Another route, is to take US285 sw from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Turn right on CO State Hwy 112 W for 13 miles until you reach Del Norte. Drive to Colorado Springs on Interstate 25 and on through Pueblo to Walsenburg where you'll take Hwy 160 west. 5.5 hours of driving without stops. Can you please describe the San Juan Skyway/Million $ Hwy/Red Mtn. Have any questions about any of these stops? This is a great introduction to Colorados famous fourteeners and provides extraordinary views thatll redefine what you classify as a scenic byway.. From there youll make a left onto CO 291 S which will take you into Salida after eight miles. The distance between Denver and Durango is 372 km. 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. Its a lengthy stretch, but it also takes you through some of Colorados most spectacular wilderness areas, adventurous mountain towns, and exciting cities. Avalanches often trigger temporary closures, leaving portions of the road buried under several feet of snow. If you have hopes of seeing both Denver and Durango on your trip to Colorado, you should keep in mind that the cities are 337 miles apart. It ends in Durango, Colorado. Watch carefully for deer early mornings and twilight! Wearing a face mask on public transport in Durango is recommended. (easiest one, no scary mountain driving haha), and if you can suggest good places to stop and eat? If youve never gone mountain biking before, then this is a perfect place to try it out. Check out our Denver to Aspen drive & Denver to Moab road trip articles! To the best of our knowledge, it is correct as of the last update.Visit Rome2rio travel advice for general help. 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. Having seen and read descriptions of the Million Dollar Highway, I'd like to avoid the drive south between Ouray and Silverton. 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. Ancient home of the Ancestral Puebloans, Mesa Verde hosts some of the most impressive and best-preserved Native American ruins in the United States. Grand Junction To Dinosaur This somewhat low-key park is simply jaw-dropping. Hi Diane, The drive from Denver to Aspen takes about 4 hours (if there isn't a lot of traffic). 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. 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. . What should I do if I have COVID-19 symptoms when I arrive in Durango? He lives in Colorado and also works as a fly fishing guide and instructor when not editing or writing. 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. more. If high-alpine hikes arent your jazz, another great place to explore near Salida is Great Sand Dunes National Park. 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. What airport would I fly into to go to Englewood, Colorado? Can you tell me about guest ranch vacations in Colorado? 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. Takes 6hrs plus stops and is both easy and scenic. 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. The drive between Walsenburg and Pagosa Springs is a very nice one. Start early in the day, bring plenty of water and snacks, and be sure to dress in layers. The longer one (I-25 south, US160 west) involves faster driving and more traffic. Check out our Durango Activities and Things to Do page for more information. Theres a lot of great terrain here for skiers of all skill levels in the wintertime, with everything from black diamond tree runs to easy, gradual glades and trails on the slopes that descend from Monarch Pass. He has spent time in Costa Rica and has made numerous trips exploring the Western states of the Rocky Mountains. 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. Cheyenne . For more information, see our privacy policy. Architectural structures left behind by the ancestral Puebloans include pit houses, great kivas, and great houses, according to the U.S. Forest Services website. Jan 31, 2006. The United States Census Bureau reported a population of 16,887 in the 2010 census. I assume you understand that any route you take will be. Although its a small mountain town, its bursting at the seams with history, scenery, and adventure opportunities. 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. If youve never gone mountain biking before, then this is a perfect place to try it out. The shortest way is to take Route 285 through to Route 160, which will take you past Buena Vista. We're working around the clock to bring you the latest COVID-19 travel updates.This information is compiled from official sources. 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. ', 'Do the trains and buses have Wifi?' Thank you :) Where to go at the end of November, Early December?!?! For us, one of the most fun things a first-time visitor can do is catch a show at, If concerts and shows arent your scene, no problem! From there, turn left onto US-50 E which will take you into Montrose where you can resume the normal route along US-550 S. This detour will add approximately 80 minutes to your drive time. Make yourself known to an official member of staff and/or call the national coronavirus helpline number on 800-232-4636. Good coffee is also scarce along that route until you get to Durango. Click here to browse more Durango hotels! It's said to be one of the most dangerous roads in Colorado. At this park, you can either take an easy day to drive to the scenic lookouts, or you can book a permit to take the steep hike down to the canyon floor and Gunnison river. ', 'How much should I expect to pay? Get answers to your questions about Colorado. Denver Area Road Trip You want to avoid leaving Denver on Friday afternoon and you want to avoid returning on Sunday afternoon. Then, make a right onto CO-149 N and follow that for 22 miles until you reach Creede. Family RV adventure advice for Colorado, Utah & Wyoming. Rome2rio makes travelling from Denver to Durango easy. For instance, this beautiful treehouse home with a hot tub is a great choice. 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. Is it compulsory to practice social distancing in Durango? 10 Best Stops on the Denver to Aspen Drive via Vail. 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. 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. Roads surrounding the Denver metro area are often a mess, especially when you add snow and ice to the mix. There was an error processing your request. BTW also Mapquest gives the route Casa said but mentioned 5 hours. Take a tour from Durango and let someone else drive! Filled with useful and timely travel information, the guides answer all the hard questions - such as 'How do I buy a ticket? Pass in SW CO? From there you'll make a left onto CO 291 S which will take you into Salida after eight miles. The drive time from Durango to Creede takes just under 2.5 hours. We have done the drive (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Among these are the collegiate peaks which are, unsurprisingly, named after some of the United States most famous colleges and Oxford randomly. The shorter one (US285 south and US160 west), more scenic, has more mountains. 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 . Youll have views for miles around and Aspen Sunflowers covering entire hillsides, making for PERFECT photo ops. 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. The shorter one (US285 south and US160 west), more scenic, has more mountains. Although its a small mountain town, its bursting at the seams with history, scenery, and adventure opportunities. and Great Sand. This trail is close to town and extends to a decent length of 4.3 total miles long. Winter in Colorado is no joke. The cheapest flight from Denver to Durango was found 29 days before departure, on average. 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. The shorter one (US285 south and US160 west), more scenic, has more mountains. 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. 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. We love our home state, and we have more than a few top tips for things to do during your visit. Make sure to keep a safe following distance between your car and one in front of you. There is also breakfast included each morning. 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. 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. How long will the journey be and what is the fastest route? Portions of I-70 often close due to severe weather conditions. Before heading out, visit cotrip.org for the latest road conditions and closures. Dont let snowy roads put a damper on your adventure plans. The bus leaves Denver at 6:45 a.m. and arrives in Durango at 7:10 p.m. It's a fairly long drive from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? I'd judge the least "scary" of the three to be I-25/US160. When winter weather strikes, motorists are often advised to avoid taking I-25 from Castle Rock to Colorado Springs, particularly in the Monument Hill area where harsh weather tends to hit the hardest. You can also fly from Denver to Durango, if all this seems to be too much. Finally, youll make a left onto CO-115 N for 30 miles into Colorado Springs. 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. One snowstorm resulted in more than 300 crashes in the Denver metro area, with 93 of those occurring within a 3-hour period. 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. 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 . Of the collegiate peaks, Mount Princeton is designated as one of the easiest to climb. Keep in mind though, it's an incredibly long ride because you'll need to travel out of your way to switch buses in Grand Junction. Regular fuel costs are around $3.96 per gallon for your trip. Your best and most scenic route from Denver to Durango tends to be 285 South, though you could also choose to go straight south from Denver on Interstate 25. All three cross Wolf Creek Pass on US160, which is truly scary only if your brakes fail on the way down. 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. Or, Highway 285 to 160 is more scenic and has mountains but is not scary. Yes, the driving distance between Denver to Durango is 538 km. Head out of town along US-160 E for 102 miles until you reach South Fork. What is the national COVID-19 helpline number in Durango? The museum opened on February 23, 2011 in what was once a power plant. If you're looking to just get there as quickly as possible, it's much better to fly. Mesa Verde is a world-class attraction that you really should see. Photo Credit: milehightraveler (iStock). See what its like to plow this dangerous road here. 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. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission at no extra cost to you. The cheapest way to get from Denver to Durango is to drive which costs 75,000-120,000 and takes 6h 33m. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Dont let the views distract you on Berthoud Pass. 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. Lots of good food in Durango. Another great activity to do near Denver is driving the Mount Evans Scenic Byway. Independence Pass, Trail Ridge Road, Mount Evans Scenic Byway, and Kebler Pass all close annually for the winter season in Colorado. Drop-dead gorgeous and nestled into the heart of the San Juan mountains, visiting Ouray 100% feels like youre being transported to Switzerland. Thank you :) High average elevation of 10,000 feet and a few passes over 12,000 feet.
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