Dunes, not to be missed with children. Start early in the day, bring plenty of water and snacks, and be sure to dress in layers. But I need to leave here at midnight. 4:17 pm arrive in Durango. The quickest way to get from Denver to Durango is to fly and shuttle which costs 300,000-800,000 and takes 5h 24m. How long will the journey be and what is the fastest route? Am I allowed to travel from Denver to Durango? The bus leaves Denver at 6:45 a.m. and arrives in Durango at 7:10 p.m. 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 . Apart from being the Wildflower Capital of Colorado, Crested Butte is where mountain biking got its start in Colorado. If you drove there from Albuquerque it would take you about half as long. 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. Good coffee is also scarce along that route until you get to Durango. Start early in the day, bring plenty of water and snacks, and be sure to dress in layers. So, pack your bags, fasten your seatbelts, and get ready to hit the road on this Denver to Durango loop road trip! Is this a summer trip or a winter trip? Good coffee is also scarce along that route until you get to Durango. 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. 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. If you want to shop around for the cheapest fares, you can compare flights flying to other airports in Southwest Colorado like the Telluride Regional Airport (TEX) or the Cortez Municipal Airport (CEZ), but that will require you to drive the rest of the way. Photo Credit: Christian Murdock; The Gazette. If youre not familiar, Monarch Pass leads to the natural snowy slopes of Monarch Mountain. 2023 The World Was Here First All rights reserved. It features a challenging switchback turn -on the west side- with a 200-foot drop off on the other side of the curve. Commentdocument.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a6e6fde05a476155cc84d0616c8a9c0f" );document.getElementById("b934630cd5").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Hi! This incredible amphitheatre is built right into the front range mountains, making for one of the most beautiful venues in the country. Thai place in Poncha Springs and Lost Cajun in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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. While the route offers a fast connection to Winter Park from Denver, avalanches and snowslides often make winter travel on this route extremely difficult. Aetna is Monarch Mountain Resort. But it didn/t work. Yes, travel within United States is currently allowed. The social distance requirement in Durango is 2 metres. Of the collegiate peaks, Mount Princeton is designated as one of the easiest to climb. 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. That said, if you do hike Mount Princeston, still come prepared for a long days hike as well as a little rock scrambling. The quickest flight from Denver Airport to Durango Airport is the direct flight which takes 1h 19m. 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. Well, youve come to the right place. Which route is the best? 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 . As always, travel safe and enjoy the views! Check out our Durango Activities and Things to Do page for more information. It serves as one of the main routes to Colorado's ski country including Vail, Aspen, Winter Park, Keystone, and Breckenridge. 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. 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. 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. First, head Southwest on US Hwy 285 S, which youll stay on for about 130 miles. While its unlikely that traffic jams will ever disappear, avoiding peak travel times allows for an easier and stress-free commute. Where is Durango? I need to return tonight to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Of course, theres an endless list of things to do and places to see in and around Denver. Travel along this high alpine road is strongly discouraged amid snow, freezing temperatures, and blowing snow. All three cross Wolf Creek Pass on US160, which is truly scary only if your brakes fail on the way down. Running between Ouray and Silverton, the mountain road caps off at 11,018 feet with grades as steep as 8%. Be sure to enjoy the small towns along the way and explore the rural side of Colorado too! Thank you for your advise. 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. and Great Sand. Your best and most scenic route from Denver to Durango tends to be 285 South, though you could also choose to go straight south from Denver on Interstate 25. One snowstorm resulted in more than 300 crashes in the Denver metro area, with 93 of those occurring within a 3-hour period. At Red Rocks you can catch concerts, stand-up comedy shows, film screenings, and, in the mornings, you can even join a yoga class. Winter in Colorado is no joke. Well start our engines in Colorados capital city of Denver! 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. Situated in a beautiful, historic building, they have a range of gorgeous rooms on offer and a great bar and restaurant on site. If youre traveling on slippery or snowy roads, use caution, slow down, and please, take it easy on the brakes. Another route, is to take US285 sw from Denver toward Buena Vista and then south to Great Sand Dunes. I drive the 285>160 route almost weekly for the last few months. 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. briken - Denver to Durango is about 403 mi. Oh well. This somewhat low-key park is simply jaw-dropping. 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. The drive time from Durango to Creede takes just under 2.5 hours. Thank you :) Each flight takes about an hour, so this is definitely the fastest way to get from Denver to Durango. But assuming youre confident in your car and overall conditions, the Denver to Durango scenic drive down 285 South that also connects with US 160 at Del Norte is the way to go. 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. *Note: At time of writing (May 17th, 2021) there is a road closure along US-50 W between Sapinero and Montrose that is expected to last until Spring of 2022. Sand Dunes are great fun. Youll have views for miles around and Aspen Sunflowers covering entire hillsides, making for PERFECT photo ops. 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. You can't get to Durango by train, but if you're looking for an old west experience, hop aboard the Silverton Silverlight Express. 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. High average elevation of 10,000 feet and a few passes over 12,000 feet. Afternoons can be hot and windy though. Alpine travel often gets a little sketchy along Loveland Pass, an 8.7-mile road that soars high into the mountains at nearly 12,000 feet. It's a fairly long drive from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Which route is the best? The next best thing to do on a visit to Colorado Springs is to head up to Pikes Peak. 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 We tackled this whole itinerary in 3 nights but you would be better served to spend at least double that amount of time. 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. The best way to get from Denver to Denver Airport is to train which takes 37 min and costs 4,100-14,000. Are you planning to drive from Denver to Durango? Takes 6hrs plus stops and is both easy and scenic. Powerhouse Science Center, formerly the The Durango Discovery Museum, is an interactive science center located in Durango, Colorado. First, head Southwest on US Hwy 285 S, which you'll stay on for about 130 miles. The drive from Salida to Crested Butte takes approximately one hour and 45 minutes. You'll be basically traveling in an L-shape on the two long sides of a triangle, instead of driving on the diagonal. These are both safe routes. Instead, I'm proposing driving from Montrose to Cortez, with a stop in Telluride on the way. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-75870199', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Denver to Durango so I hope you aren't planning to drive it on the same day you arrive. The total driving time is 6 hours, 8 minutes. All three cross Wolf Creek Pass on US160, which is truly scary only if your brakes fail on the way down. By Jeremy P. Meyer | jpmeyer@denverpost.com | The Denver Post. Whichever option you choose, you find incredible scenery unlike anything else in Colorado. Does anyone know why? 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. 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. A great trail option for beginners, especially if youre around during wildflower season, is. Driving from Denver to Durango takes about six and a half hours. Click here to browse other private rentals. 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-75869024', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Denver Airport and we are supposed to go to Durango by car. According to a recent study, the average Denver commuter spends 83 hours per year stuck in traffic. 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. Apart from being the Wildflower Capital of Colorado, Crested Butte is where mountain biking got its start in Colorado. Hi Diane, The drive from Denver to Aspen takes about 4 hours (if there isn't a lot of traffic). No problem finding gas and basic supplies, just not much "good" food or coffee. As you reach the classic mountain town of Salida and the nearby area, the Arkansas River is the main artery for a lot of watersports recreation, from fly fishing and whitewater rafting to kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP). Can I get to Rocky Mountain National Park without a car? Thank you :) Loveland Pass Summit in Winter. 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. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. - Wikipedia. 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. If youre hiking with children or just dont enjoy exposure to steep drop-offs, then its recommended to do the out-at-back version. If we could only recommend two things (as has been established as the pattern of this post), then the first wed recommend is a rafting trip on the Lower Animas river. 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. 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. Rome2rio is a door-to-door travel information and booking engine, helping you get to and from any location in the world. 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 . Were Michael and Maggie, an Australian and American couple travelling the world. Just across the valley from Penitente Canyon is the Great Sand Dunes National Park, one of Americas most fascinating natural phenomena. 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. Plus, Durangos wild west and mining history give it such a distinguished and quirky character. If you are traveling to Durango by bus, prepare for a long ride of at least 12 hours. We love Pikes Peak because theres just so much to explore, and because theres so many ways to actually ascend the peak! Avalanches often trigger temporary closures, leaving portions of the road buried under several feet of snow. Takes you to nearly every major mountain zone in the state and the deepest canyons, highest passes, steepest mountains, and coolest towns. Silverton is an old mining town nestled between Red Mountain and Molas, two San Juan Mountain passes. What are the travel restrictions in Durango? Colorados capital city has something for everyone: great food, impressive history, beautiful views, and plenty of adventure opportunities close by! 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. I will be making this trip next week and look forward to seeing all this. 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. It is impossible to get from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Thank you :) more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Not quite what youre looking for? Mountain Goat Lodge This boutique bed and breakfast is an excellent option if youre after a bit of luxury while driving to Durango. North Americas largest sandbox contains some 5 billion cubic meters of sand and stands out against the striking backdrop of the Sangre de Cristo mountains. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission at no extra cost to you. Red Mountain Pass. 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. Thai place in Poncha Springs and Lost Cajun in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? He has spent time in Costa Rica and has made numerous trips exploring the Western states of the Rocky Mountains. drive for about 1 hour. 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. What about Mine Tours and Mining Museums? However, as the expression goes, its not the destination, its the journey. As far as rafting day trips go, it doesnt get much easier or more fun than this! Among these are the collegiate peaks which are, unsurprisingly, named after some of the United States most famous colleges and Oxford randomly. Lodging for 2 nights in Estes park in mid May, Where to stay near Union Station if using Red Rocks shuttle. 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. 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. Durango High School, also known as the Durango 9-R Administration Building, is a former school in Durango, Colorado. Roadtrip from SoCal to Mt Rushmore thru Colorado, Best Western Plus Deer Park Hotel And Suites. I routinely make the trip via 285 and it is much shorter and beautiful. 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. Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2rio's travel planner. You can also go to Colorado Springs and Canon City and Salida then 285 to 160. 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. There will be some mountain driving whichever route you take, but there's no need to be scared. He lives in Colorado and also works as a fly fishing guide and instructor when not editing or writing. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Canada. 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. 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. 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! 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. How long is the drive from Colorado Springs to Durango?. Camping, backpacking, and hiking opportunities abound in this area once the snow melts in the summertime. 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 . Lots of good food in Durango. Back in Durango, drive east on U.S. 160; get your camera ready for breathtaking views of the snow-flecked La Plata Mountain Range. Get answers to your questions about Colorado. Cheap Flights from Denver Intl. So here I am in Pagosa Springs. 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. Outdoor seating areas are especially nice for sampling the beverages and entrees at either one. From: 1 traveler 2 travelers 3 travelers 4 travelers 5 travelers 6 travelers. One absolute must-do activity is hiking the Ouray Perimeter Trail. 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 If you're looking to just get there as quickly as possible, it's much better to fly. Youll have views for miles around and Aspen Sunflowers covering entire hillsides, making for PERFECT photo ops. Utah. The Million Dollar Highway is a scenic section of the US-550 highway which runs north to south. Durango is in southwest Colorado. If you hit the turn too fast you will go right off the edge. Tours and campgrounds are also available, and popular activities include sledding down the dunes (a time-honored favorite), four-wheel tours, and horseback riding. 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. Then, make a right onto CO-149 N and follow that for 22 miles until you reach Creede. Answer 1 of 21: Hi, I will be in Denver late Oct. had wanted to ride on Durango to Silverton train. 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. 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 concerts and shows arent your scene, no problem! Located 60 miles west of Denver, this incredible highway is the highest paved road in North America. And good news for dog-lovers: pets are allowed on this trail but must be kept on a leash. I'd judge the least "scary" of the three to be I-25/US160. Or, Highway 285 to 160 is more scenic and has mountains but is not scary. Colorado State Patrol is increasing its watch along the Western Slope, where it says the roads have become the most dangerous place to drive in Colorado during July. 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. Let us know in the comments! To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. There are 115+ hotels available in Durango. I took the highway and then 160 to get to Pagosa and it lasted 7 hours. 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. We have done the drive (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? If high-alpine hikes arent your jazz, another great place to explore near Salida is Great Sand Dunes National Park. 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. 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. 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. In Winter do I need a 4 Wheel Drive Vehicle in Colorado? Find all the transport options for your trip from Denver to Durango right here. 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. Architectural structures left behind by the ancestral Puebloans include pit houses, great kivas, and great houses, according to the U.S. Forest Services website. The longer one (I-25 south, US160 west) involves faster driving and more traffic. Alternatively, you may use. Research, browse, save, and share from 162 Dodge models in Berthoud, CO. A Google mapping exercise will offer you two routes, one about a half-hour longer than the other. Do I have to wear a face mask on public transport in Durango? #ouraygram. Problem is no-one knows what the weather will be then. Watch carefully for deer early mornings and twilight! Make sure to keep a safe following distance between your car and one in front of you. Not to mention, its known as one of the most treacherous roads in the state. However, you can also drive up the scenic road yourself, join a guided bus tour, or even take a train to the top! 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. See what its like to plow this dangerous road here. You want to avoid leaving Denver on Friday afternoon and you want to avoid returning on Sunday afternoon. ', 'Do the trains and buses have Wifi?' Call us biased on this if you like, but heading down the Lower Animas is a Durango summer staple. 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. Driving to Durango from Denver is a beautiful, six and a half hour drive. The shortest way is to take Route 285 through to Route 160, which will take you past Buena Vista. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in India. 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. 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.
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