The highway is also notorious for serious semi-accidents and spin-outs due to its steep curvy descent. Takes 6hrs plus stops and is both easy and scenic. Traveling with a dog or cat? 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. The museum opened on February 23, 2011 in what was once a power plant. 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. Which route is the best? 2:05 pm Pagosa Springs (Colorado) stay for about 1 hour. We have done the drive (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Lots of good food in Durango. 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! Travel along this high alpine road is strongly discouraged amid snow, freezing temperatures, and blowing snow. We extended it to a full loop: Boulder Canyon Drive up to Nederland, Highway 72 from Nederland to Highway 7 just south of Rocky Mountain National Park, Highway 7 back over to Highway 36, and then back down to Boulder. I routinely make the trip via 285 and it is much shorter and beautiful. 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. Although its a small mountain town, its bursting at the seams with history, scenery, and adventure opportunities. Aspen vs Vail vs Breckenridge: Which Colorado Town to Visit? 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. Another possible stop near Salida located in the shadow of Mt. There will be some mountain driving whichever route you take, but there's no need to be scared. The journey from Crested Butte to Ouray will take approximately 2.5 hours. Drive to Colorado Springs on Interstate 25 and on through Pueblo to Walsenburg where you'll take Hwy 160 west. What about Mine Tours and Mining Museums? You have two route options, both of which take you through amazing scenery and worthwhile stops. Thank you :) #ouraygram. 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 makes travelling from Denver to Durango easy. What is the national COVID-19 helpline number in Durango? Thank you so much for all the wonderful information. Roads surrounding the Denver metro area are often a mess, especially when you add snow and ice to the mix. - Wikipedia. To get to Salida from Denver will be 2.5-hour drive. 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 . Not quite what youre looking for? That's because Mapquest knows you drive fast Tet, lol!!! Which route is the best? Error! Youll also get to take on thrilling class III rapids at Durangos exciting whitewater park. 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. Book at least 2 weeks before departure in order to get a below-average price. Denver Area Road Trip 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. Silverton is an old mining town nestled between Red Mountain and Molas, two San Juan Mountain passes. News, travel inspiration, podcasts, & more. A direct flight will only take about an hour in the air, which will save you a lot of time. Ancient home of the Ancestral Puebloans, Mesa Verde hosts some of the most impressive and best-preserved Native American ruins in the United States. Colorado, United States. Click here to browse other private rentals. Apart from being the Wildflower Capital of Colorado, Crested Butte is where mountain biking got its start in Colorado. 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. 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. Before heading out, visit cotrip.org for the latest road conditions and closures. 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. If you're planning a road trip to Denver, you can research locations to stop along the way. There was an error processing your request. 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. Oh well. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-13124761', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Denver-Pagosa Springs via Colorado Springs and Walsenburg on I25 and us160 via Great Sand Dunes NP and Wolf Creek pass to Pagosa Springs. Its actually closer to Albuquerque than Denver as its not far from the New Mexico border. 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. This trail is close to town and extends to a decent length of 4.3 total miles long. 10 Best Stops on the Denver to Aspen Drive via Vail. (easiest one, no scary mountain driving haha), and if you can suggest good places to stop and eat? Thank you for your advise. Not much to recommend for food along the way. Is this a summer trip or a winter trip? day 2 driving 3.5 hours. Of the collegiate peaks, Mount Princeton is designated as one of the easiest to climb. 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. Drop-dead gorgeous and nestled into the heart of the San Juan mountains, visiting Ouray 100% feels like youre being transported to Switzerland. Theres so much we could say about things to do in Durango. Powerhouse Science Center, formerly the The Durango Discovery Museum, is an interactive science center located in Durango, Colorado. Be sure to take a peek at Denvers Tourism website for other ideas of things to do. It is impossible to get from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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. The round trip cost would be $106.55 to go from Denver, CO to Durango, CO and back to Denver, CO again. So, stop by if you can. Driving Distance: 941 miles. Adding to all the chaos, Colorado drivers arent exactly known for their set of skills out on the roads and youll find more of those drivers in the Denver metro area than anywhere else. What should I do if I have COVID-19 symptoms when I arrive in Durango? The 160 to 285 would be the fastest. Photo Credit: Christian Murdock; The Gazette. As far as rafting day trips go, it doesnt get much easier or more fun than this! Success! Winter in Colorado is no joke. Among these are the collegiate peaks which are, unsurprisingly, named after some of the United States most famous colleges and Oxford randomly. 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. This is a lodging and day-use facility built around an odorless hot spring that bubbles up out of the ground at around 140 degrees Fahrenheit (60 degrees Celsius). The Map Start: Denver to Manitou Springs/Colorado Springs While I-25. Hiking, mountain biking, climbing, rafting, and off-roading are all staple activities here in our hometown. One snowstorm resulted in more than 300 crashes in the Denver metro area, with 93 of those occurring within a 3-hour period. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Mesa Verde is a world-class attraction that you really should see. Have fun, please forgive us our little OT chat. Read on for more about how best to plan for a trip from Denver to Durango with some opportunities for recreation, relaxation, and sightseeing along the way. If you hit the turn too fast you will go right off the edge. Youll have views for miles around and Aspen Sunflowers covering entire hillsides, making for PERFECT photo ops. Is this a summer trip or a winter trip? That said, if you do hike Mount Princeston, still come prepared for a long days hike as well as a little rock scrambling. How long will the journey be and what is the fastest route? There is no direct connection from Denver to Durango. 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. First, head Southwest on US Hwy 285 S, which you'll stay on for about 130 miles. (easiest one, no scary mountain driving haha), and if you can suggest good places to stop and eat? It takes approximately 12h 2m to get from Denver to Durango, including transfers. From Sand Dunes, head west on US160 over Wolf Creek Pass to Pagosa. One of the last places to stop between Denver and Durango is Chimney Rock National Monument, which features the ancient remains of a native Pueblo settlement dating back 1,000 years. The cheapest month to fly is July. Good coffee is also scarce along that route until you get to Durango. While its unlikely that traffic jams will ever disappear, avoiding peak travel times allows for an easier and stress-free commute. Should probably count on 7 - 7.5 hrs - not easy to make really good time in the mountains. If youre traveling on slippery or snowy roads, use caution, slow down, and please, take it easy on the brakes. The shorter one (US285 south and US160 west), more scenic, has more mountains. Looking for the ultimate Colorado summer road trip experience? The bus leaves Denver at 6:45 a.m. and arrives in Durango at 7:10 p.m. Cars are unable to make it up the pass during winter weather on a regular basis. 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. Were Michael and Maggie, an Australian and American couple travelling the world. 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. Of course, theres an endless list of things to do and places to see in and around Denver. Thai place in Poncha Springs and Lost Cajun in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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. Stroll the shops, restaurants and hotels housed in Durango's preserved late-19th-century buildings and board the railroad for a super-scenic, 45-mile detour to Silverton. Then, make a right onto CO-149 N and follow that for 22 miles until you reach Creede. 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. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 50 Animas View Dr. Can I get to Rocky Mountain National Park without a 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. Truckers are required to have chains and passenger vehicles must have either snow tires, mud/snow tires, chains, or an alternative device like an autosock. Another great activity to do near Denver is driving the Mount Evans Scenic Byway. 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. (easiest one, no scary mountain driving haha), and if you can suggest good places to stop and eat? 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.. 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. Durango is in southwest Colorado. It's said to be one of the most dangerous roads in Colorado. Are you planning to drive from Denver to Durango? It is centrally locate and has both private, ensuite rooms available along with hostel dorm beds. If you drove there from Albuquerque it would take you about half as long. Do you think it is faster going the other route or should I rather take the old route because I drive thru the night? . It stretches from Denver to Durango across the Southern Rockies and can be hiked in 25-35 days. Which route is the best? Click here to browse more Salida hotels! Along the way, possibly stop in Fairplay, see a reconstructed mining town called South Park City. 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. Find all the transport options for your trip from Denver to Durango right here. Where is Durango? 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. Take US Hwy 285 south from Denver for approximately 173 miles. The total driving time is 6 hours, 8 minutes. 5.5 hours of driving without stops. Am I allowed to travel from Denver to Durango? Does anyone know why? Aetna is Monarch Mountain Resort. 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. 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. After spending the night in the alpine town of Vail (yes, on the drive over from Rocky Mountain National Park across I-70, we hit several patches of snow and temperatures falling below zero, even at the end of May! The longer one (I-25 south, US160 west) involves faster driving and more traffic. No trip to the area should skip it in my opinion. No problem finding gas and basic supplies, just not much "good" food or coffee. 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. Crested Butte is hands-down one of the coolest places to check out in Colorado. First, head Southwest on US Hwy 285 S, which youll stay on for about 130 miles. Exceptions may apply, for full details: Centers for Disease control and prevention (CDC). Long, steep ascents and descents, particularly around the San Juans. Cheap Flights from Denver Intl. In fact, winter weather is often the blame for the majority of delays and crashes. Click here to browse other private rentals. 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. There is also breakfast included each morning. This incredible amphitheatre is built right into the front range mountains, making for one of the most beautiful venues in the country. Total Distance: 1,098 miles *Time and distance may vary depending on traffic, change in routes, stops along the way, etc. Do I have to wear a face mask on public transport in Durango? * 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. Is it compulsory to practice social distancing in Durango? 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. 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 Again. For another great SW road trip, check out our Ultimate Colorado and Utah Road Trip Itinerary. 4:17 pm arrive in Durango. Signup today for free and be the first to get notified on new updates. The drive time from Ouray to Durango is approximately one hour and 45 minutes. 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. 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. Well, thats it for this epic Colorado summer road trip. I drive the 285>160 route almost weekly for the last few months. 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. 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. It might sound like a bad deal, but these tickets can be a little bit cheaper than United's direct flights and it's still faster than driving. 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. and leave at 3:05 pm. So, pack your bags, fasten your seatbelts, and get ready to hit the road on this Denver to Durango loop road trip! 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. 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. Adds about 2.5 hours to the "boring" way, and is incredibly varied and constantly changing. Click here to browse more Durango hotels! This is a beautiful and quicker drive. 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. While the quickest route between these two cities would take a fast driver 12 hours to complete without stopping, we suggest taking it slow and enjoying everything there is to see on the way.
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