This loop of state-maintained highways through the San Juan Mountains can be done in your own car and at your own leisure, but be aware that various parts of this beautiful, scenic drive do feature steep drop-offs without guardrails. Here are some of the most worthwhile pit stops on the way from Denver to Durango: In Durango, you can marvel at the Anasazi ruins in Mesa Verde National Park, schuss down the slopes at Purgatory Resort, or go hiking through the San Juan National Forest. 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. Alternatively, you may use, Best Western Plus Deer Park Hotel And Suites. The train route links Silverton and Durango, and you can even book a seat in a private car. 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. I drive the 285>160 route almost weekly for the last few months. When beginning your Denver to Durango road trip, you have two routes to choose from. Aspen vs Vail vs Breckenridge: Which Colorado Town to Visit? Take a tour from Durango and let someone else drive! Maybe see http://www.mapquest.com for that. Used Dodge cars for sale in Berthoud, CO under $799,952 High season is considered to be October, November and December. Take a tour from Durango and let someone else drive! Durango High School, also known as the Durango 9-R Administration Building, is a former school in Durango, Colorado. You can't get to Durango by train, but if you're looking for an old west experience, hop aboard the Silverton Silverlight Express. 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. 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. 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. Portions of I-70 often close due to severe weather conditions. 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. 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. Informacin detallada del sitio web y la empresa: jaramarzulli.com, +911647681164, +911647244548, +911646228156, +911646126349, +911645988738 Jara Marzulli | La poetica di un'artista 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. The longer one (I-25 south, US160 west) involves faster driving and more traffic. From hiking to climbing to jeep and segway tours, theres a whole heaping lot to do at this picture-perfect place. The shortest way is to take Route 285 through to Route 160, which will take you past Buena Vista. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. 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. If natural disasters happen to occur, travelers are often rerouted between Ridgway and Durango over Lizard Head Pass a much longer route. 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. A Google mapping exercise will offer you two routes, one about a half-hour longer than the other. Driving from Denver to Durango? - Colorado Forum - Tripadvisor Then, head toward Ignacio on CO Hwy. 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 . 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. But it didn/t work. Denver to Vail, Colorado -- the Slow Way | HuffPost Contributor From Sand Dunes, head west on US160 over Wolf Creek Pass to Pagosa. 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. Another possible stop near Salida located in the shadow of Mt. 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. Photo Credit: milehightraveler (iStock). Were passionate about getting off the beaten path, promoting responsible tourism, supporting local economies and sharing our knowledge with other travellers! Among these are the collegiate peaks which are, unsurprisingly, named after some of the United States most famous colleges and Oxford randomly. Where to go at the end of November, Early December?!?! The winter-weary Northeast and upper Midwest were digging out Saturday from heavy snowfall while cleanup began in battered parts of the South and Midwest after a sprawling storm system produced . document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 50 Animas View Dr. If youre looking for an all-in-one Colorado destination, Durangos definitely the place to be. 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. The drive between Walsenburg and Pagosa Springs is a very nice one. Driving from Denver to Durango? - Colorado Message Board - Tripadvisor Cars are unable to make it up the pass during winter weather on a regular basis. Thai place in Poncha Springs and Lost Cajun in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? These are both safe routes. Takes you to nearly every major mountain zone in the state and the deepest canyons, highest passes, steepest mountains, and coolest towns. Colorado's Scenic Million Dollar Highway: Silverton to Ouray 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. 10 Best Stops on a Denver to Moab Road Trip. You have two route options, both of which take you through amazing scenery and worthwhile stops. Turn right on CO State Hwy 112 W for 13 miles until you reach Del Norte. 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. (easiest one, no scary mountain driving haha), and if you can suggest good places to stop and eat? Do you think it is faster going the other route or should I rather take the old route because I drive thru the night? By Jeremy P. Meyer | jpmeyer@denverpost.com | The Denver Post. Watch carefully for deer early mornings and twilight! The total driving time is 6 hours, 8 minutes. Airfares from $109 One Way, $219 Round Trip from Denver to Durango. No trip to the area should skip it in my opinion. What about Mine Tours and Mining Museums? However, you can take the bus to Grand Valley Downtown Transfer Station, take the drive to Montrose Airport, take the shuttle to Telluride, take the taxi to Silverton, CO, then take the shuttle to Durango, CO. Alternatively, you can take the bus to Grand Valley Downtown Transfer Station, take the drive to Montrose Airport, take the shuttle to Telluride, take the taxi to Silverton, then take the train to Durango, CO. Rome2rio's Travel Guide series provide vital information for the global traveller. The most straightforward choice for the least amount of time on the road is to simply take I-70 West out of Denver, which is the only main highway you need to follow on this drive until making an exit at Highway 9 just 10 to 15 minutes before you arrive at Breckenridge. 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. Silverton is an old mining town nestled between Red Mountain and Molas, two San Juan Mountain passes. You can also go to Colorado Springs and Canon City and Salida then 285 to 160. Rome2rio makes travelling from Denver to Durango easy. 13 Best Stops on the Denver to Las Vegas Drive - Divergent Travelers It is located between I-70 and Keystone, offering an alternative route to I-70 and the Eisenhower Tunnel. Your trip begins in Denver, Colorado. Of the collegiate peaks, Mount Princeton is designated as one of the easiest to climb. Check out our Durango Activities and Things to Do page for more information. (easiest one, no scary mountain driving haha), and if you can suggest good places to stop and eat? The Strater Hotel Located in downtown Durango, this beautiful historic hotel is an excellent option for those looking for a bit of a splurge. High average elevation of 10,000 feet and a few passes over 12,000 feet. Cost of Driving from Denver, CO to Durango, CO - Travelmath 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. Dont forget to clear ice and snow from your windshield, windows, mirrors, and vehicle lights before driving. 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. Start early in the day, bring plenty of water and snacks, and be sure to dress in layers. Not much to recommend for food along the way. 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. Pass in SW CO? You want to avoid leaving Denver on Friday afternoon and you want to avoid returning on Sunday afternoon. Getting to Purgatory Resort Colorado | Shuttles - Powderhounds Youll have views for miles around and Aspen Sunflowers covering entire hillsides, making for PERFECT photo ops. 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. If not, the area works just fine as a pretty place to drive through. If you'll have the time try to visit both Colorado Springs (Pike's Peak, Garden of the Gods etc.) Driving from Denver to Durango? - Colorado Forum - Tripadvisor 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. 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. The 8 Most Scenic Drives In Colorado - TravelAwaits A great trail option for beginners, especially if youre around during wildflower season, is. Colorado wildfires: Several fires explode across Front Range Among these are the collegiate peaks which are, unsurprisingly, named after some of the United States most famous colleges and Oxford randomly. Denver to Durango drive - plan a road trip 16 Best Things to Do in Colorado in Summer, Travel From Madrid to San Sebastian by Train, Car, and Plane, How to Travel From Rome to Naples by Train, Plane, Bus, or Car, The Top 10 Things to Do in Durango, Colorado, How to Travel From Denver to Las Vegas by Bus, Car, and Plane, How to Travel From Montreal to Quebec City by Train, Bus, Car, and Plane, How to Travel from Los Angeles to the Grand Canyon by Train, Bus, Car, and Plane, The Best Places to See Fall Colors in Colorado, How to Travel from Los Angeles to Denver by Train, Bus, Car, and Plane, Get our travel tips Delivered to your inbox. Along the National Parks Loop, you'll also go through some other small towns worth exploring like Telluride, Durango, and Buena Vista. We tackled this whole itinerary in 3 nights but you would be better served to spend at least double that amount of time. No problem finding gas and basic supplies, just not much "good" food or coffee. Can I get to Rocky Mountain National Park without a car? You have two route options, both of which take you through amazing scenery and worthwhile stops. Yes, the driving distance between Denver to Durango is 538 km. Although its a small mountain town, its bursting at the seams with history, scenery, and adventure opportunities. 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. The shorter one (US285 south and US160 west), more scenic, has more mountains. Traveling with a dog or cat? 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. 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. How long is the drive from Colorado Springs to Durango?. BTW also Mapquest gives the route Casa said but mentioned 5 hours. Denver --> independence pass --> Aspen --> Ouray --> Red mountain pass --> Durango. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. 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. See what its like to plow this dangerous road here. 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. Still, the bus is significantly cheaper than flying and depending on gas prices and whether or not you need to rent a car or book a hotel overnight, it's probably cheaper than driving too. It's a fairly long drive from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 5.5 hours of driving without stops. 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. The road distance is 537.8 km. A great trail option for beginners, especially if youre around during wildflower season, is Brush Creek. Takes 6hrs plus stops and is both easy and scenic. A Google mapping exercise will offer you two routes, one about a half-hour longer than the other. Which route is the best? How long will the journey be and what is the fastest route? We will stop there for a break and continue driving. Monument to fallen snowplow drivers. The scenic section that we refer to as the Million Dollar Highway is the 25-mile section between Ouray and Silverton, then from Silverton to Durango the scenic road technically becomes the San Juan Skyway. Services like gas stations and restaurants are in good supply at Salida, Saguache, and other areas along the way. If youre looking to stretch your legs and get a good hike in while in Creede, the locals recommend checking out the Up and Over trail. 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. In Del Norte, turn right onto US Hwy 160 W. Follow US Hwy 160 W for 118 miles. There will be some mountain driving whichever route you take, but there's no need to be scared. Durango is in southwest Colorado. 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. The alternate route out of Denver and straight down I-25 South is about 385 miles in total distance and will take drivers closer to six and a half hours. Click here to browse more Durango hotels! I drive the 285>160 route almost weekly for the last few months. I drive the 285>160 route almost weekly for the last few months. 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. 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. 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. Rome2rio also offers online bookings for selected operators, making reservations easy and straightforward. What are the travel restrictions in Durango? As far as rafting day trips go, it doesnt get much easier or more fun than this! Just assume that youll need your camera for just about every spot from here on out. Thats not too surprising we suppose as Coloradans tend to ski just about anything. News, travel inspiration, podcasts, & more. This is one town that has definitely earned its nickname as its surrounded by more than a dozen fourteeners. I will be making this trip next week and look forward to seeing all this. It is a 7 hour plus drive, not counting any stops. 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. To the best of our knowledge, it is correct as of the last update.Visit Rome2rio travel advice for general help. The total cost of driving from Denver, CO to Durango, CO (one-way) is $53.28 at current gas prices. - to help you get the most out of your next trip. 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 creekside hot spring pools here are naturally divided with river rocks to range in temperature from 70 to 120 degrees Fahrenheit (21 to 49 degrees Celsius), so you can even temper your experience by relaxing in the pool thats closest to your personal heat preferences. This is a beautiful and quicker drive. Click here to browse other private rentals. Were Michael and Maggie, an Australian and American couple travelling the world. 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. I assume you understand that any route you take will be. Roadtrip from SoCal to Mt Rushmore thru Colorado, Best Western Plus Deer Park Hotel And Suites. After hiking the perimeter trail, take a load off and relax in Ourays Hot Springs. You'll be basically traveling in an L-shape on the two long sides of a triangle, instead of driving on the diagonal. Denver to Durango in a day. - RoadTrip America 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. Thank you so much for all the wonderful information. #3. Durango is the county seat and the most populous municipality of La Plata County, Colorado, United States. We love our home state, and we have more than a few top tips for things to do during your visit. From Durango, we flew back to Denver, instead of driving back. And as this road trip tends to take only about six to six and a half hours, its easy to pull off in a single day with plenty of time for some stops near the highway.