Wearing a face mask on public transport in Durango is recommended. Its actually closer to Albuquerque than Denver as its not far from the New Mexico border. 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. Which route is the best? You'll be basically traveling in an L-shape on the two long sides of a triangle, instead of driving on the diagonal. 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. Takes 6hrs plus stops and is both easy and scenic. 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. 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. The direct drive from Colorado Springs to Durango is 313 mi (503 km), and should have a drive time of 6 hrs 20 mins in normal traffic.. Click here to browse other private rentals. Lots of good food in Durango. If youre traveling on slippery or snowy roads, use caution, slow down, and please, take it easy on the brakes. First, head Southwest on US Hwy 285 S, which you'll stay on for about 130 miles. Lots of good food in Durango. I need to return tonight to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? This 17-mile historic loop takes you to several abandoned mines in-between beautiful scenic vistas. Which route is the best? 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 . Good coffee is also scarce along that route until you get to Durango. Colorados capital city has something for everyone: great food, impressive history, beautiful views, and plenty of adventure opportunities close by! 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. 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! Alternatively, you may use. 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. There are 115+ hotels available in Durango. 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. The river flows right through town and features fun, refreshing splashes from class I and II rapids. If you'll have the time try to visit both Colorado Springs (Pike's Peak, Garden of the Gods etc.) (easiest one, no scary mountain driving haha), and if you can suggest good places to stop and eat? 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. Greyhound is virtually the only bus company operating this route and ticket prices start at $63, although they can be as high as $140. 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. First, head Southwest on US Hwy 285 S, which youll stay on for about 130 miles. 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. Prices and availability are subject to change. How long is the drive from Colorado Springs to Durango?. 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. 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. Durango is in southwest Colorado. However, as the expression goes, its not the destination, its the journey. There was an error processing your request. 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. Make sure to keep a safe following distance between your car and one in front of you. 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! 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. From: 1 traveler 2 travelers 3 travelers 4 travelers 5 travelers 6 travelers. Head out of town along US-160 E for 102 miles until you reach South Fork. What kind of rental car do I need & are there places I should not drive a rental car? This is one town that has definitely earned its nickname as its surrounded by more than a dozen fourteeners. If not, the area works just fine as a pretty place to drive through. From there you'll make a left onto CO 291 S which will take you into Salida after eight miles. Get answers to your questions about Colorado. 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. Top Reasons To Take A Jeep Tour In SW Colorado. I drive the 285>160 route almost weekly for the last few months. Which route is the best? Youll have views for miles around and Aspen Sunflowers covering entire hillsides, making for PERFECT photo ops. The shorter one (US285 south and US160 west), more scenic, has more mountains. 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 . To the best of our knowledge, it is correct as of the last update.Visit Rome2rio travel advice for general help. 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. News, travel inspiration, podcasts, & more. The longer one (I-25 south, US160 west) involves faster driving and more traffic. Services like gas stations and restaurants are in good supply at Salida, Saguache, and other areas along the way. 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. 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. Drop-dead gorgeous and nestled into the heart of the San Juan mountains, visiting Ouray 100% feels like youre being transported to Switzerland. 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. No problem finding gas and basic supplies, just not much "good" food or coffee. * 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. 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. 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. The picnic area is also nice for anyone who has packed food for the road trip in a cooler and might want to have lunch before getting back on the road. drive for about 54 minutes. Or, Highway 285 to 160 is more scenic and has mountains but is not scary. 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. Creedes title of The Last Boom Town comes from its legacy as a silver-mining town, which you can learn about in this PBS short documentary. (easiest one, no scary mountain driving haha), and if you can suggest good places to stop and eat? Last updated: 1 Mar 2023
I-70 has some gorgeous spots and does top out at about 11,000 ft when you pass through the tunnels near Loveland Pass. High season is considered to be October, November and December. The shorter one (US285 south and US160 west), more scenic, has more mountains. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Click here to see their availability. 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. It takes approximately 12h 2m to get from Denver to Durango, including transfers. and leave at 3:05 pm. That said, if you do hike Mount Princeston, still come prepared for a long days hike as well as a little rock scrambling. 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. ', 'Do the trains and buses have Wifi?' Additional terms apply. You probably want to avoid going to Durango via 550 through Ouray and Silverton (Million Dollar Highway) which is an incredibly scenic, paved, state highway but also has extreme dropoffs without guardrails in places, and little to no shoulder in placesnot the best road for you. 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. 10 Best Stops on a Denver to Moab Road Trip. 2023 The World Was Here First All rights reserved. Can I get to Rocky Mountain National Park without a car? The Colorado Trail is a 485-mile point-to-point backpacking route in Colorado. The cheapest month to fly is July. Photo Credit: Jerilee Bennett. Aspen vs Vail vs Breckenridge: Which Colorado Town to Visit? Afternoons can be hot and windy though. Theres also an observation site for the renowned Treasure Falls thats located just south of the pass. Rome2rio also offers online bookings for selected operators, making reservations easy and straightforward. 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. 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. 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. Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2rio's travel planner. (easiest one, no scary mountain driving haha), and if you can suggest good places to stop and eat? Oh well. When visiting Colorado Springs, 100% the number one thing to do is check out the Garden of the Gods. We're working around the clock to bring you the latest COVID-19 travel updates.This information is compiled from official sources. High average elevation of 10,000 feet and a few passes over 12,000 feet. The United States Census Bureau reported a population of 16,887 in the 2010 census. Have fun, please forgive us our little OT chat. The highway is also notorious for serious semi-accidents and spin-outs due to its steep curvy descent. I'd judge the least "scary" of the three to be I-25/US160. After hiking the perimeter trail, take a load off and relax in Ourays Hot Springs. (easiest one, no scary mountain driving haha), and if you can suggest good places to stop and eat? Not much to recommend for food along the way. 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. more. Drive from Durango to Denver 6h 33m $60 - $90 Shuttle to Durango, fly Take a shuttle bus from Durango Transit Center to Purgatory Plaza Fly from Durango (DRO) to Denver (DEN) 5h 16m $223 - $531 Shuttle to Telluride Regional, fly Take a shuttle bus from Durango, CO to Silverton, CO Fly from Telluride Regional (TEX) to Denver (DEN) 6h 12m $437 - $865 Theres not many other places where you can hike through desert-like dunes with snow-capped mountain peaks as your backdrop. 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 . The cheapest way to get from Denver to Durango is to drive which costs 75,000-120,000 and takes 6h 33m. Main Avenue Historic District in Durango, Colorado is a 34acre historic district that was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. You have two route options, both of which take you through amazing scenery and worthwhile stops. There is no direct connection from Denver to Durango. Thank you :) 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. 172. Utah. Dont forget to clear ice and snow from your windshield, windows, mirrors, and vehicle lights before driving. 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. 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 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. Durango is the county seat and the most populous municipality of La Plata County, Colorado, United States. It is home to Fort Lewis College. You can also go to Colorado Springs and Canon City and Salida then 285 to 160. Among these are the collegiate peaks which are, unsurprisingly, named after some of the United States most famous colleges and Oxford randomly. 4WD and AWD vehicles must have snow tires or all-weather tires with 3/16 inch tread depth. 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. As far as rafting day trips go, it doesnt get much easier or more fun than this! Photo Credit: Christian Murdock; The Gazette. Driving Distance: 941 miles. This trail is close to town and extends to a decent length of 4.3 total miles long. Her work has appeared in Travel + Leisure, USA Today, Michelin Guides, Hemispheres, DuJour, and Forbes. No matter the route you choose, you wont be disappointed with this breathtaking destination. At Wolf Creek Pass, pedestrians can access the Continental Divide Trail and the Wolf Creek Trailhead. And if budget is a factor in your trip planning and you're looking for the cheapest way to travel, you could take a Greyhound bus to Durango. Denver Area Road Trip Not quite what youre looking for? Reduced speed limits and temporary closures are often put into place for safety concerns. briken - Denver to Durango is about 403 mi. While the route offers a fast connection to Winter Park from Denver, avalanches and snowslides often make winter travel on this route extremely difficult. A Google mapping exercise will offer you two routes, one about a half-hour longer than the other. I'd judge the least "scary" of the three to be I-25/US160. This trail is close to town and extends to a decent length of 4.3 total miles long. Rome2rio also offers online bookings for selected operators, making reservations easy and straightforward. It is impossible to get from Denver to Durango -- at least in any reasonable way -- without some mountain driving. This 235 mile loop takes you through old mining towns, spectacular scenery, and exhilarating twists & turns. The 160 to 285 would be the fastest. The shorter one (US285 south and US160 west), more scenic, has more mountains. But. I will try to go the route thru the Great Sand Dunes. updated Jul 14, 2022 How long is the drive from Denver to Durango? Hwy-347 turns off north from US-50 toward the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park 8 mi (12.8 km) east of Montrose, but this town also marks the start of one of the best-loved roads in the country, the Million Dollar Highway, a classic stretch of two-lane blacktop that forms a swirling ribbon through the San Juan Mountains, the wildest . What should I do if I have COVID-19 symptoms when I arrive in Durango? This drive is most densely populated with residential areas and small towns for about the first hour or so, but the rest is nothing but mountain passes, wide-open valleys, and National Forest areas, with the occasional town to break things up. The drive is gorgeous and, although you reach some very high elevations, it is not scary if you stick to the main route . The best way to get from Denver to Denver Airport is to train which takes 37 min and costs 4,100-14,000. I-25 is a major interstate highway that travels north and south, serving as the main connection from Denver to Colorado Springs. 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. Having a Jeep or other SUV or truck may come in handy if you plan on doing any venturing down the dusty National Forest access roads, however. Monarch Pass in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. 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. A Google mapping exercise will offer you two routes, one about a half-hour longer than the other. Are you planning to drive from Denver to Durango? The national COVID-19 helpline number in Durango is 800-232-4636. It ends in Durango, Colorado. We love our home state, and we have more than a few top tips for things to do during your visit. Hi Diane, The drive from Denver to Aspen takes about 4 hours (if there isn't a lot of traffic). If natural disasters happen to occur, travelers are often rerouted between Ridgway and Durango over Lizard Head Pass a much longer route. Takes you to nearly every major mountain zone in the state and the deepest canyons, highest passes, steepest mountains, and coolest towns. It is impossible to get from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? One snowstorm resulted in more than 300 crashes in the Denver metro area, with 93 of those occurring within a 3-hour period. Head south continuing along US-550 S (AKA The Million Dollar Highway) for 70.5 miles until you reach Durango. The journey from Crested Butte to Ouray will take approximately 2.5 hours. Cars are unable to make it up the pass during winter weather on a regular basis. Portions of I-70 often close due to severe weather conditions. From there, make a right onto US-550 S, which will take you into Ouray after just over 36 miles. 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. Were passionate about getting off the beaten path, promoting responsible tourism, supporting local economies and sharing our knowledge with other travellers! So, stop by if you can. 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. , Where to Stay on a Denver to Durango Road Trip. Mesa Verde is a world-class attraction that you really should see. When beginning your Denver to Durango road trip, you have two routes to choose from. With a route that passes south on US Highway 285 through Pike-San Isabel National Forest and continues down to the Great Sand Dunes and the Rio Grande headwaters, the Denver to Durango drive is one of southern Colorados most scenic. Click here to browse other private rentals. 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. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-13327901', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Denver, then N to I-70E direct to airport. Find all the transport options for your trip from Denver to Durango right here. Browse Dodge vehicles in Berthoud, CO for sale on Cars.com, with prices under $799,952. 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. - Wikipedia. Another great activity to do near Denver is driving the Mount Evans Scenic Byway. There is also breakfast included each morning. For a more complete guide on the hike, check out this Out There Colorado article. ', 'Should I book online before I travel? Where is Durango? To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. If you hit the turn too fast you will go right off the edge. From there, make a right onto US-50 E (passing back through Salida) and follow that for 70 miles until you reach Penrose. Theres so much we could say about things to do in Durango. A direct flight will only take about an hour in the air, which will save you a lot of time. Should probably count on 7 - 7.5 hrs - not easy to make really good time in the mountains. By Jeremy P. Meyer | jpmeyer@denverpost.com | The Denver Post. The next best thing to do on a visit to Colorado Springs is to head up to Pikes Peak. Answer 1 of 21: Hi, I will be in Denver late Oct. had wanted to ride on Durango to Silverton train. 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. 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. The Strater Hotel Located in downtown Durango, this beautiful historic hotel is an excellent option for those looking for a bit of a splurge. 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. #3. 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. It may be a bit random and unexpected, but thats what makes Great Sand Dunes National Park so awesome! Be sure to enjoy the small towns along the way and explore the rural side of Colorado too! SIGN UP: Free daily newsletter + 20% off in the OTC gear shop, The 7 most dangerous winter roads in Colorado, 93 of those occurring within a 3-hour period, Denver commuter spends 83 hours per year stuck in traffic, Public access for two Colorado 14ers to close, after bill to protect landowners from liability dies, [VIDEO] Snowboarders spend over an hour in a tree to avoid angry moose in Colorado, $50,000 reward offered in search for suspect who robbed USPS letter carrier, Nathaniel Rateliff, Elle King among artists coming to Denver area in March, Skier Shiffrin locks up overall title, still chases win 86, US to focus bison restoration on expanding tribal herds. This is the route Google Maps will give you. 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! This incredible amphitheatre is built right into the front range mountains, making for one of the most beautiful venues in the country. Among the marquee attractions near Salida is Browns Canyon, which was also designated a National Monument recently in 2015. Be sure to take a peek at Denvers Tourism website for other ideas of things to do. 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. This somewhat low-key park is simply jaw-dropping. Finally, youll make a left onto CO-115 N for 30 miles into Colorado Springs. Of the collegiate peaks, Mount Princeton is designated as one of the easiest to climb. 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. Airfares from $109 One Way, $219 Round Trip from Denver to Durango. 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. Grand Junction To Dinosaur 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. Need we say more? This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. I assume you understand that any route you take will be. Not to mention, its known as one of the most treacherous roads in the state. Watch carefully for deer early mornings and twilight! If youre hiking with children or just dont enjoy exposure to steep drop-offs, then its recommended to do the out-at-back version. Lots of good food in Durango. From Durango, we flew back to Denver, instead of driving back. Independence Pass, Trail Ridge Road, Mount Evans Scenic Byway, and Kebler Pass all close annually for the winter season in Colorado. Am I allowed to travel from Denver to Durango? Apart from being the Wildflower Capital of Colorado, Crested Butte is where mountain biking got its start in Colorado. Denver --> independence pass --> Aspen --> Ouray --> Red mountain pass --> Durango. Monument to fallen snowplow drivers. Make sure you check road conditions to double check the weather. Thai place in Poncha Springs and Lost Cajun in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? The drive from Denver, Colorado, to Las Vegas, Nevada, is a drive of epic proportions. At just under four hours, the stretch from Creede to Colorado Springs is the longest drive of this trip. For photographers, taking photos of the sunset from atop one of the dunes is an unforgettable experience. 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. Most crashes on the pass occur at the switchback curve near the Wolf Creek scenic outlook area. My friends and I are coming from Europe to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Travel along this high alpine road is strongly discouraged amid snow, freezing temperatures, and blowing snow.