Watch carefully for deer early mornings and twilight! day 2 driving 3.5 hours. Answer 1 of 21: Hi, I will be in Denver late Oct. had wanted to ride on Durango to Silverton train. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Canada. From there youll make a left onto CO 291 S which will take you into Salida after eight 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. 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. Plus, your guide will provide insightful interpretations on each of the archaeological sites as well as the history of the Ancestral Pueblo people. Roads surrounding the Denver metro area are often a mess, especially when you add snow and ice to the mix. You can also go to Colorado Springs and Canon City and Salida then 285 to 160. One snowstorm resulted in more than 300 crashes in the Denver metro area, with 93 of those occurring within a 3-hour period. Issue is that I (the mom, who is not going to be the driver) am fairly averse to heights. Outdoor seating areas are especially nice for sampling the beverages and entrees at either one. Among these are the collegiate peaks which are, unsurprisingly, named after some of the United States most famous colleges and Oxford randomly. If you must go out, make sure you are prepared for winter travel and your tires meet the minimal requirements for Colorados new traction law. Just be sure to downshift on the downhill side. 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! That made for about a 70-mile loop of incredible mountain views! #3. 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. If you need to rent a car for this trip, you can check out Rentalcars.com which aggregates deals across suppliers. 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. Photo Credit: Matt Gross Things To Do This incredible amphitheatre is built right into the front range mountains, making for one of the most beautiful venues in the country. Problem is no-one knows what the weather will be then. Find all the transport options for your trip from Denver to Durango right here. Long, steep ascents and descents, particularly around the San Juans. In Del Norte, turn right onto US Hwy 160 W. Follow US Hwy 160 W for 118 miles. However, if youre looking to check out something completely different but equally awesome in Colorado, you cant go wrong with a day trip to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. 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. From there, make a right onto US-50 E (passing back through Salida) and follow that for 70 miles until you reach Penrose. Well, youve come to the right place. Find all the transport options for your trip from Denver to Durango right here. 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. 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. These are both safe routes. 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. And good news for dog-lovers: pets are allowed on this trail but must be kept on a leash. Traffic jam westbound I-70 highway Photo Credit: milehightraveler (iStock). News, travel inspiration, podcasts, & more. 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. Signup today for free and be the first to get notified on new updates. How long will the journey be and what is the fastest route? We will stop there for a break and continue driving. 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. There will be some mountain driving whichever route you take, but there's no need to be scared. Thank you :) The cheapest month to fly is July. If you drove there from Albuquerque it would take you about half as long. 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. 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. The museum opened on February 23, 2011 in what was once a power plant. This is a great introduction to Colorados famous fourteeners and provides extraordinary views thatll redefine what you classify as a scenic byway.. I-70 has some gorgeous spots and does top out at about 11,000 ft when you pass through the tunnels near Loveland Pass. Is this a summer trip or a winter trip? If high-alpine hikes arent your jazz, another great place to explore near Salida is Great Sand Dunes National Park. 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. 2:05 pm Pagosa Springs (Colorado) stay for about 1 hour. ), we woke up early and hit the road for what was a 2-hour drive to Grand Junction. You want to avoid leaving Denver on Friday afternoon and you want to avoid returning on Sunday afternoon. The drive from Salida to Crested Butte takes approximately one hour and 45 minutes. Having seen and read descriptions of the Million Dollar Highway, I'd like to avoid the drive south between Ouray and Silverton. 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. The United States Census Bureau reported a population of 16,887 in the 2010 census. Commentdocument.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a6e6fde05a476155cc84d0616c8a9c0f" );document.getElementById("b934630cd5").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Hi! (easiest one, no scary mountain driving haha), and if you can suggest good places to stop and eat? 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. 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. Its also important to watch out for mandatory chain and traction laws on I-70, especially during the winter months. Thank you :) 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. 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. Take a tour from Durango and let someone else drive! Instead, you will have to first take the bus from Denver to Grand Junction, Colorado and then hop on a second bus heading to Durango. 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. Prices start at 117,500 per night. 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. Apart from being the Wildflower Capital of Colorado, Crested Butte is where mountain biking got its start in Colorado. Main Avenue Historic District in Durango, Colorado is a 34acre historic district that was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. What about the altitude/Altitude sickness? What about Mine Tours and Mining Museums? It is home to Fort Lewis College. You have two route options, both of which take you through amazing scenery and worthwhile stops. Thai place in Poncha Springs and Lost Cajun in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Theres not many other places where you can hike through desert-like dunes with snow-capped mountain peaks as your backdrop. (easiest one, no scary mountain driving haha), and if you can suggest good places to stop and eat? We're working around the clock to bring you the latest COVID-19 travel updates.This information is compiled from official sources. 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. Not much to recommend for food along the way. So yeah, have your camera charged and ready for this spot too. The river flows right through town and features fun, refreshing splashes from class I and II rapids. It's actually closer to Albuquerque than Denver as it's not far from the New Mexico border. It serves as one of the main routes to Colorados ski country including Vail, Aspen, Winter Park, Keystone, and Breckenridge. The 160 to 285 would be the fastest. That said, if you do hike Mount Princeston, still come prepared for a long days hike as well as a little rock scrambling. While its unlikely that traffic jams will ever disappear, avoiding peak travel times allows for an easier and stress-free commute. The shorter one (US285 south and US160 west), more scenic, has more mountains. Exceptions may apply, for full details: Centers for Disease control and prevention (CDC). 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. Another route, is to take US285 sw from Denver toward Buena Vista and then south to Great Sand Dunes. We know what youre thinking: sand dunes in Colorado? There are 115+ hotels available in Durango. This is a beautiful and quicker drive. Most crashes on the pass occur at the switchback curve near the Wolf Creek scenic outlook area. If you drive that route without stops it app.takes 6 hours. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-13326355', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Denver to catch a 10 flight. Have fun, please forgive us our little OT chat. Hi Diane, The drive from Denver to Aspen takes about 4 hours (if there isn't a lot of traffic). 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 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. and leave at 3:05 pm. Along the National Parks Loop, you'll also go through some other small towns worth exploring like Telluride, Durango, and Buena Vista. 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. Adds about 2.5 hours to the "boring" way, and is incredibly varied and constantly changing. Our next recommendation is to take a guided tour at Mesa Verde National Park. Cheap Flights from Denver Intl. PUBLISHED: June 26, 2012 at 3:07 p.m. | UPDATED: June 9, 2016 at 11:15 a.m. A three-day-old wildfire erupted with catastrophic fury . This nationally-protected area consists of more than 30 square miles of massive dunes and is a must-stop for travelers nearing the latter portion of their Denver to Durango road trip. 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. 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. Maybe see http://www.mapquest.com for that. 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. I would say the "scariest" would be to take US160 over Wolf Creek pass - especially in winter.. We love Pikes Peak because theres just so much to explore, and because theres so many ways to actually ascend the peak! 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. To get to Salida from Denver will be 2.5-hour drive. Yes, the driving distance between Denver to Durango is 538 km. Takes 6hrs plus stops and is both easy and scenic. Winter in Colorado is no joke. Instead, I'm proposing driving from Montrose to Cortez, with a stop in Telluride on the way. We are travelling with 3 children from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? The Colorado Trail is a 485-mile point-to-point backpacking route in Colorado. A great trail option for beginners, especially if youre around during wildflower season, is Brush Creek. At Red Rocks you can catch concerts, stand-up comedy shows, film screenings, and, in the mornings, you can even join a yoga class. The reason why it's so long is because there is no direct bus service between the two cities. I drive the 285>160 route almost weekly for the last few months. $206 Cheap Flights from Denver (DEN) to Durango (DGO) Bundle Your Flight + Hotel & Save! 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! There was an error processing your request. more. 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. Am I allowed to travel from Denver to Durango? From Tiny Town, the next few stops between Conifer and Buena Vista also tend to be good ones for travelers and looking to take their time, relax, and settle into vacation mode while on the way out of the Denver bubble. Reduced speed limits and temporary closures are often put into place for safety concerns. Research, browse, save, and share from 162 Dodge models in Berthoud, CO. The total driving time is 6 hours, 8 minutes. 172. Then, head toward Ignacio on CO Hwy. Last updated: 1 Mar 2023 Let us know in the comments! Other points of interest include feeding the fish at the Wildlife Museum's fish hatchery, going kayaking on the Animas River, or stopping in at Animas Brewing Company to try the latest batch of beer. 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. Make sure you check road conditions to double check the weather. 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. Which route is the best? You can also fly from Denver to Durango, if all this seems to be too much. 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. Mostly flat in some areas, Colorado gives drivers the most treacherous section of I-70 through the Rocky Mountains. The Strater Hotel Located in downtown Durango, this beautiful historic hotel is an excellent option for those looking for a bit of a splurge. From: 1 traveler 2 travelers 3 travelers 4 travelers 5 travelers 6 travelers. Takes you to nearly every major mountain zone in the state and the deepest canyons, highest passes, steepest mountains, and coolest towns. To get to Salida from Denver will be 2.5-hour drive. Snowcaped mountains in Berthoud Pass, Colorado. Photo Credit: milehightraveler (iStock). 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. If youre traveling on slippery or snowy roads, use caution, slow down, and please, take it easy on the brakes. Check out our Durango Activities and Things to Do page for more information. Roadtrip from SoCal to Mt Rushmore thru Colorado, Best Western Plus Deer Park Hotel And Suites. 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. 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. This somewhat low-key park is simply jaw-dropping. Be sure to take a peek at Denvers Tourism website for other ideas of things to do. 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. 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). 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 drive the 285>160 route almost weekly for the last few months. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission at no extra cost to you. 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. No trip to the area should skip it in my opinion. I drive the 285>160 route almost weekly for the last few months. Dont forget to clear ice and snow from your windshield, windows, mirrors, and vehicle lights before driving. briken - Denver to Durango is about 403 mi. It is centrally locate and has both private, ensuite rooms available along with hostel dorm beds. There are lots of unique little shops and restaurants in town, and attractions like the Last Chance Mine offer a glimpse of history for those who are interested. Prices and availability are subject to change. 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. Rome2rio uses cookies to help personalize content and show you personalised ads. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. Domestic travel is not restricted, but some conditions may apply. As of July 23, Colorado has. Alternatively, you may use. The drive is gorgeous and, although you reach some very high elevations, it is not scary if you stick to the main route . Hikers and skiers often use the route for accessing backcountry terrain, as well as Arapahoe Basin Resort. 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. If concerts and shows arent your scene, no problem! 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. 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. 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. Check out our Denver to Aspen drive & Denver to Moab road trip articles! Brittany is an award-winning journalist based in Denver where she has lived and worked for more than a decade. He has spent time in Costa Rica and has made numerous trips exploring the Western states of the Rocky Mountains. Crested Butte is hands-down one of the coolest places to check out in Colorado. (easiest one, no scary mountain driving haha), and if you can suggest good places to stop and eat? #ouraygram. The Perfect 1, 2 or 3 Days in Montpellier Itinerary, The Perfect 1, 2 to 3 Days in Toulouse Itinerary, The Perfect 2 to 3 Days in Nice Itinerary, The Perfect 5 to 7 Days in Finland Itinerary (Winter or Summer). Although its a small mountain town, its bursting at the seams with history, scenery, and adventure opportunities. A Google mapping exercise will offer you two routes, one about a half-hour longer than the other. 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. - to help you get the most out of your next trip. Drive to Colorado Springs on Interstate 25 and on through Pueblo to Walsenburg where you'll take Hwy 160 west. The next best thing to do on a visit to Colorado Springs is to head up to Pikes Peak. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in India. I will be making this trip next week and look forward to seeing all this. The drive between Walsenburg and Pagosa Springs is a very nice one. Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. Another route, is to take US285 sw from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Thank you. Your trip begins in Denver, Colorado. Oh well. For casual hikers, the 1.6-mile Penitente Canyon Loop is a great option that wont leave you exhausted or needing an extensive amount of gear. The longer one (I-25 south, US160 west) involves faster driving and more traffic. 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. Takes 6hrs plus stops and is both easy and scenic. 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. Are you planning to drive from Denver to Durango? Not much to recommend for food along the way. 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. For a more complete guide on the hike, check out this Out There Colorado article. Recommended Road Trip Length: 7 days. This trail is close to town and extends to a decent length of 4.3 total miles long. Aspen vs Vail vs Breckenridge: Which Colorado Town to Visit? The best way to get from Denver to Denver Airport is to train which takes 37 min and costs 4,100-14,000.
March 11, 2023