The Million Dollar Highway is a scenic section of the US-550 highway which runs north to south. We know what youre thinking: sand dunes in Colorado? 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. What is the national COVID-19 helpline number in Durango? Situated in a beautiful, historic building, they have a range of gorgeous rooms on offer and a great bar and restaurant on site. Make sure to keep a safe following distance between your car and one in front of you. See what its like to plow this dangerous road here. Lots of good food in Durango. Tours and campgrounds are also available, and popular activities include sledding down the dunes (a time-honored favorite), four-wheel tours, and horseback riding. 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. 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. 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. There are 115+ hotels available in Durango. Cortez is 50 miles away from Durango, while Telluride is 110 miles away. News, travel inspiration, podcasts, & more. If you're looking to just get there as quickly as possible, it's much better to fly. 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. Rome2rios travel guides to the US tell you the best ways to explore the country, from Amtrak to Greyhound to the New York Subway. You know what? Another route, is to take US285 sw from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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. I-25 is a major interstate highway that travels north and south, serving as the main connection from Denver to Colorado Springs. 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. Click here to see their availability. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Find all the transport options for your trip from Denver to Durango right here. If you are headed to the mountains on the weekend, plan ahead for more traffic than usual. Is this a summer trip or a winter trip? Which route is the best? Drop-dead gorgeous and nestled into the heart of the San Juan mountains, visiting Ouray 100% feels like youre being transported to Switzerland. 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. Browse Dodge vehicles in Berthoud, CO for sale on Cars.com, with prices under $799,952. No problem finding gas and basic supplies, just not much "good" food or coffee. Among the marquee attractions near Salida is Browns Canyon, which was also designated a National Monument recently in 2015. The Colorado Trail is a 485-mile point-to-point backpacking route in Colorado. 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. 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). 5.5 hours of driving without stops. Not to mention, its known as one of the most treacherous roads in the state. So, stop by if you can. Michael Rosebrock / Shutterstock 7. Apart from being the Wildflower Capital of Colorado, Crested Butte is where mountain biking got its start in Colorado. Roundtrip One-way Multi-city 1 traveler Economy Leaving from Going to Departing Returning Add a place to stay Add a car Direct flights only Cheap Flights from Denver Intl. There is no direct connection from Denver to Durango. 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. First, head Southwest on US Hwy 285 S, which youll stay on for about 130 miles. Although its fine to just drive through this small town, if you have an extra day or two on your trip, we recommend spending it in Pagosa Springs. 5.5 hours of driving without stops. Plus, Durangos wild west and mining history give it such a distinguished and quirky character. Main Avenue Historic District in Durango, Colorado is a 34acre historic district that was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. A great trail option for beginners, especially if youre around during wildflower season, is. If you drove there from Albuquerque it would take you about half as long. Colorados capital city has something for everyone: great food, impressive history, beautiful views, and plenty of adventure opportunities close by! Airfares from $109 One Way, $219 Round Trip from Denver to Durango. Thai place in Poncha Springs and Lost Cajun in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? The best way to get from Denver to Denver Airport is to train which takes 37 min and costs 4,100-14,000. The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad (D&SNG) is a narrow-gauge heritage railroad that operates 45.2mi of track between Durango and Silverton, in the U.S. state of Colorado. 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. This somewhat low-key park is simply jaw-dropping. Click here to browse other private rentals. If youre not familiar, Monarch Pass leads to the natural snowy slopes of Monarch Mountain. I drive the 285>160 route almost weekly for the last few months. Good coffee is also scarce along that route until you get to Durango. It's actually closer to Albuquerque than Denver as it's not far from the New Mexico border. By Jeremy P. Meyer | jpmeyer@denverpost.com | The Denver Post. For instance, this beautiful treehouse home with a hot tub is a great choice. 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. At Wolf Creek Pass, pedestrians can access the Continental Divide Trail and the Wolf Creek Trailhead. Rome2rio is a door-to-door travel information and booking engine, helping you get to and from any location in the world. 2:05 pm Pagosa Springs (Colorado) stay for about 1 hour. Photo Credit: milehightraveler (iStock). Ice and snow-caked roads, highways, and mountain passes make for dangerous and hazardous driving conditions across the state. Exceptions may apply, for full details: Centers for Disease control and prevention (CDC). Watch carefully for deer early mornings and twilight! 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. While skiers and riders will often go to great lengths to get to the mountains on a powder day, its important to drive carefully along this steep and winding alpine road. Check out our Durango Activities and Things to Do page for more information. Not far from the New Mexico border, Durango is actually closer to Albuquerque than Denver, with 215 miles between them. You can also fly from Denver to Durango, if all this seems to be too much. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-13122554', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Denver to Pagosa Springs by car. I took the highway and then 160 to get to Pagosa and it lasted 7 hours. Where is Durango? If youre traveling on slippery or snowy roads, use caution, slow down, and please, take it easy on the brakes. Aspen vs Vail vs Breckenridge: Which Colorado Town to Visit? (easiest one, no scary mountain driving haha), and if you can suggest good places to stop and eat? There will be some mountain driving whichever route you take, but there's no need to be scared. Thank you. ), we woke up early and hit the road for what was a 2-hour drive to Grand Junction. Jan 31, 2006. The shorter one (US285 south and US160 west), more scenic, has more mountains. While its unlikely that traffic jams will ever disappear, avoiding peak travel times allows for an easier and stress-free commute. Where to go at the end of November, Early December?!?! If youre hiking with children or just dont enjoy exposure to steep drop-offs, then its recommended to do the out-at-back version. Good coffee is also scarce along that route until you get to Durango. Colorado, United States. 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. The small roadside town of South Fork marks a point of transition where the Rio Grande River begins to shift from its high alpine origins in National Forest land and flow down toward flatter lands in New Mexico and beyond. 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. 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.. From there, make a right onto US-50 E (passing back through Salida) and follow that for 70 miles until you reach Penrose. For photographers, taking photos of the sunset from atop one of the dunes is an unforgettable experience. That said, if you do hike Mount Princeston, still come prepared for a long days hike as well as a little rock scrambling. Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. 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. #3. Is this a summer trip or a winter trip? Which route is the best? 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. I will try to go the route thru the Great Sand Dunes. 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. 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. Click here to browse other private rentals. No trip to the area should skip it in my opinion. Plus, your guide will provide insightful interpretations on each of the archaeological sites as well as the history of the Ancestral Pueblo people. What should I do if I have COVID-19 symptoms when I arrive in Durango? 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. You'll be basically traveling in an L-shape on the two long sides of a triangle, instead of driving on the diagonal. 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. Thai place in Poncha Springs and Lost Cajun in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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. Need we say more? 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. Photo Credit: Christian Murdock; The Gazette. 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. 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. Which route is the best? We love our home state, and we have more than a few top tips for things to do during your visit. Lots of good food in Durango. Mesa Verde is a world-class attraction that you really should see. My friends and I are coming from Europe to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? The drive time from Durango to Creede takes just under 2.5 hours. Hikers and skiers often use the route for accessing backcountry terrain, as well as Arapahoe Basin Resort. Another possible stop near Salida located in the shadow of Mt. Among these are the collegiate peaks which are, unsurprisingly, named after some of the United States most famous colleges and Oxford randomly. 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. * 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. Use this list as a springboard to get ideas for stops ranging from national parks and monuments to natural hot springs and quirky tourist attractions that youll find along the way. 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. All three cross Wolf Creek Pass on US160, which is truly scary only if your brakes fail on the way down. From Durango, we flew back to Denver, instead of driving back. Our next recommendation is to take a guided tour at Mesa Verde National Park. Durango is in southwest Colorado. Informacin detallada del sitio web y la empresa: jaramarzulli.com, +911647681164, +911647244548, +911646228156, +911646126349, +911645988738 Jara Marzulli | La poetica di un'artista If not, the area works just fine as a pretty place to drive through. 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. Am I allowed to travel from Denver to Durango? This 17-mile historic loop takes you to several abandoned mines in-between beautiful scenic vistas. It is a 7 hour plus drive, not counting any stops. Take US Hwy 285 south from Denver for approximately 173 miles. Then, head toward Ignacio on CO Hwy. Call us biased on this if you like, but heading down the Lower Animas is a Durango summer staple. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. Alternatively, you may use. After passing the Antero Junction, Mount Princeton Hot Springs is a short detour west down Chalk Creek Drive from Nathrop and Browns Canyon National Monument just as your drive has started to meet with the Arkansas River. 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. According to a recent study, the average Denver commuter spends 83 hours per year stuck in traffic. 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. 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. Oh well. Be sure to take a peek at Denvers Tourism website for other ideas of things to do. You have permission to edit this article. 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. Just across the valley from Penitente Canyon is the Great Sand Dunes National Park, one of Americas most fascinating natural phenomena. If you drive that route without stops it app.takes 6 hours. 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. The canyon walls are so steep that at least some of the canyon is always engulfed in shadow during the day, which is how the Black Canyon got its name. What are the travel restrictions in Durango? Roads surrounding the Denver metro area are often a mess, especially when you add snow and ice to the mix. First, head Southwest on US Hwy 285 S, which you'll stay on for about 130 miles. The train route links Silverton and Durango, and you can even book a seat in a private car. 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! Your trip begins in Denver, Colorado. After hiking the perimeter trail, take a load off and relax in Ourays Hot Springs. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission at no extra cost to 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. High average elevation of 10,000 feet and a few passes over 12,000 feet. Were passionate about getting off the beaten path, promoting responsible tourism, supporting local economies and sharing our knowledge with other travellers! more. Thank you :) Dont let the views distract you on Berthoud Pass. (easiest one, no scary mountain driving haha), and if you can suggest good places to stop and eat? Find all the transport options for your trip from Denver to Durango right here. Answer (1 of 3): I agree with Alan about I-70 and I-80. 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. Traveling with a dog or cat? What airport would I fly into to go to Englewood, Colorado? Take a tour from Durango and let someone else drive! No problem finding gas and basic supplies, just not much "good" food or coffee. When visiting Colorado Springs, 100% the number one thing to do is check out the Garden of the Gods. Driving from Denver to Durango takes about six and a half hours. Travel in the winter months can be nerve-wracking along Red Mountain Pass. That said, if you do hike Mount Princeston, still come prepared for a long days hike as well as a little rock scrambling. I assume you understand that any route you take will be. 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. What about Mine Tours and Mining Museums? For us, one of the most fun things a first-time visitor can do is catch a show at Red Rocks Amphitheatre. 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. It is the route CasaAzul mentioned. We will stop there for a break and continue driving. In fact, winter weather is often the blame for the majority of delays and crashes. 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. Wearing a face mask on public transport in Durango is recommended. 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. It takes approximately 6h 33m to drive from Denver to Durango. I drive the 285>160 route almost weekly for the last few months. United Airlines offers flights from Denver Airport to Durango Airport. The 160 to 285 would be the fastest. Well start our engines in Colorados capital city of Denver! If high-alpine hikes arent your jazz, another great place to explore near Salida is Great Sand Dunes National Park. Before heading out, visit cotrip.org for the latest road conditions and closures. At just under four hours, the stretch from Creede to Colorado Springs is the longest drive of this trip. 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 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. 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. 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 . If playing it safe during times of the year with bad weather is your goal, it might make sense to take the longer route down I-25 and on to US 160 at Walsenburg. Denver --> independence pass --> Aspen --> Ouray --> Red mountain pass --> Durango. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. Among these are the collegiate peaks which are, unsurprisingly, named after some of the United States most famous colleges and Oxford randomly. 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. Youll have views for miles around and Aspen Sunflowers covering entire hillsides, making for PERFECT photo ops. Is it compulsory to practice social distancing in Durango? Click here to browse more Durango hotels! However, as the expression goes, its not the destination, its the journey. 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. Casa's route is good. 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. There was an error processing your request. Driving from Denver to Durango takes about six and a half hours. 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. 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. Hi Diane, The drive from Denver to Aspen takes about 4 hours (if there isn't a lot of traffic). For a more complete guide on the hike, check out this, If high-alpine hikes arent your jazz, another great place to explore near Salida is, Crested Butte is hands-down one of the coolest places to check out in Colorado. Although you can explore much of the park on your own, taking a guided tour is the way to go as thats the only way to gain access to the most popular sites such as Cliff Palace and Balcony House. I need to return tonight to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? This is the route Google Maps will give you. Unless youre making this drive in the mid-summer months of June to August, its a good idea to travel with plenty of warm layers. If you need to rent a car for this trip, you can check out Rentalcars.com which aggregates deals across suppliers. Prices and availability are subject to change. By proceeding, you accept the use of cookies in accordance with our, Take the bus from Union Station Gate B4 to Grand Valley Downtown Transfer Station, Drive from Grand Valley Downtown Transfer Station to Montrose Airport, Take a shuttle bus from Montrose Airport to Telluride, Take a shuttle bus from Silverton, CO to Durango, CO, Take the train from Silverton to Durango, CO, Take a shuttle bus from Purgatory Plaza to Durango Transit Center, Fly from Denver (DEN) to Telluride Regional (TEX), Take a shuttle bus from Mesa Verde National Park to Purgatory Resort. It serves as one of the main routes to Colorado's ski country including Vail, Aspen, Winter Park, Keystone, and Breckenridge.