least scary drive from denver to durango

How long will the journey be and what is the fastest route? To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. Running between Ouray and Silverton, the mountain road caps off at 11,018 feet with grades as steep as 8%. Red Mountain Pass. Lots of good food in Durango. 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. And speaking of snow, one of the most popular activities for locals at the dunes is to bring their snowboards, skis and sleds for some nice carving through the sand. If youre looking for an all-in-one Colorado destination, Durangos definitely the place to be. 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. Each flight takes about an hour, so this is definitely the fastest way to get from Denver to Durango. Make sure you check road conditions to double check the weather. My friends and I are coming from Europe to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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. Good coffee is also scarce along that route until you get to Durango. 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. Camping, backpacking, and hiking opportunities abound in this area once the snow melts in the summertime. 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. He has spent time in Costa Rica and has made numerous trips exploring the Western states of the Rocky Mountains. Main Avenue Historic District in Durango, Colorado is a 34acre historic district that was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. 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. Good coffee is also scarce along that route until you get to Durango. There is also breakfast included each morning. Once you arrive at your destination, Durango is an activity-rich railroad town with a history dating back to the post-Gold Rush era of the late 1800s. Another possible stop near Salida located in the shadow of Mt. A Google mapping exercise will offer you two routes, one about a half-hour longer than the other. * 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. more. The cheapest month to fly is July. What kind of rental car do I need & are there places I should not drive a rental car? Driving to Durango from Denver is a beautiful, six and a half hour drive. Another route, is to take US285 sw from Denver toward Buena Vista and then south to Great Sand Dunes. Where to go at the end of November, Early December?!?! Do I have to wear a face mask on public transport in Durango? Legitimately called the San Juan Skyway, this nasty trek in southwestern Colorado features the Coal Bank Pass, a very steep and very scary road with weather that is harsh and unpredictable. Answer (1 of 3): I agree with Alan about I-70 and I-80. 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! Instead, I'm proposing driving from Montrose to Cortez, with a stop in Telluride on the way. 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. 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. The bus leaves Denver at 6:45 a.m. and arrives in Durango at 7:10 p.m. A $15 Gratuity is included in all pricing above. United Airlines offers flights from Denver Airport to Durango Airport. We know what youre thinking: sand dunes in Colorado? Save this link to stay updated on COVID-19 restrictions, If you need help, visit the national COVID-19 website or call the COVID-19 Helpline 800-232-4636. Among these are the collegiate peaks which are, unsurprisingly, named after some of the United States most famous colleges and Oxford randomly. Lots of good food in Durango. Takes 6hrs plus stops and is both easy and scenic. You'll be basically traveling in an L-shape on the two long sides of a triangle, instead of driving on the diagonal. 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). You will catch C4-70 outside (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Duncan is a writer for The World Was Here First. Be sure to enjoy the small towns along the way and explore the rural side of Colorado too! Adds about 2.5 hours to the "boring" way, and is incredibly varied and constantly changing. A great trail option for beginners, especially if youre around during wildflower season, is. All three cross Wolf Creek Pass on US160, which is truly scary only if your brakes fail on the way down. 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. So, pack your bags, fasten your seatbelts, and get ready to hit the road on this Denver to Durango loop road trip! 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. 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. We are travelling with 3 children from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Takes 6hrs plus stops and is both easy and scenic. Watch carefully for deer early mornings and twilight! ', 'How much should I expect to pay? The round trip cost would be $106.55 to go from Denver, CO to Durango, CO and back to Denver, CO again. 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. Although its a small mountain town, its bursting at the seams with history, scenery, and adventure opportunities. 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. (easiest one, no scary mountain driving haha), and if you can suggest good places to stop and eat? Lodging for 2 nights in Estes park in mid May, Where to stay near Union Station if using Red Rocks shuttle. Then, make a right onto CO-149 N and follow that for 22 miles until you reach Creede. Additional terms apply. Rome2rio also offers online bookings for selected operators, making reservations easy and straightforward. But it didn/t work. Good coffee is also scarce along that route until you get to Durango. Youll have views for miles around and Aspen Sunflowers covering entire hillsides, making for PERFECT photo ops. It's actually closer to Albuquerque than Denver as it's not far from the New Mexico border. 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. From there, make a right onto US-550 S, which will take you into Ouray after just over 36 miles. Can you tell me about guest ranch vacations in Colorado? Services like gas stations and restaurants are in good supply at Salida, Saguache, and other areas along the way. Just assume that youll need your camera for just about every spot from here on out. If youre hiking with children or just dont enjoy exposure to steep drop-offs, then its recommended to do the out-at-back version. 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. But I need to leave here at midnight. Two-wheel drive cars can certainly make this gravel-road route, but its recommended to drive the loop backwards if your vehicle isnt great off-road. The Million Dollar Highway is a scenic section of the US-550 highway which runs north to south. Mountain Goat Lodge This boutique bed and breakfast is an excellent option if youre after a bit of luxury while driving to Durango. You can also rent ATVs and off-road vehicles in town if you prefer to not take your own car. 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.. Not to mention, its known as one of the most treacherous roads in the state. Informacin detallada del sitio web y la empresa: jaramarzulli.com, +911647681164, +911647244548, +911646228156, +911646126349, +911645988738 Jara Marzulli | La poetica di un'artista Click here to browse more Durango hotels! Durango High School, also known as the Durango 9-R Administration Building, is a former school in Durango, Colorado. Is this a summer trip or a winter trip? 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. At Red Rocks you can catch concerts, stand-up comedy shows, film screenings, and, in the mornings, you can even join a yoga class. 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. The cheapest flight from Denver to Durango was found 29 days before departure, on average. 10 Best Stops on the Denver to Aspen Drive via Vail. Your trip begins in Denver, Colorado. 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. The United States Census Bureau reported a population of 16,887 in the 2010 census. It takes approximately 12h 2m to get from Denver to Durango, including transfers. By Jeremy P. Meyer | jpmeyer@denverpost.com | The Denver Post. Not much to recommend for food along the way. 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. Now I am thinking of taking another route. When you reach the summit of Red Mountain Pass, you will be standing at an elevation of 11,018 ft. Legend has it that the name Million Dollar Highway comes from the 1920s cost to build the highway at over $1 million a mile. That said, if you do hike Mount Princeston, still come prepared for a long days hike as well as a little rock scrambling. In fact, winter weather is often the blame for the majority of delays and crashes. Monarch Pass winds beautifully into the mountains at 11,312 feet along the Continental Divide between Gunnison and Poncha Springs, located just 20 minutes from Salida. ), we woke up early and hit the road for what was a 2-hour drive to Grand Junction. As such, one of the best things to do in Creede is to drive its famous Bachelor Loop. Commentdocument.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a6e6fde05a476155cc84d0616c8a9c0f" );document.getElementById("b934630cd5").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Hi! We love Pikes Peak because theres just so much to explore, and because theres so many ways to actually ascend the peak! 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. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission at no extra cost to you. Head south continuing along US-550 S (AKA The Million Dollar Highway) for 70.5 miles until you reach Durango. If natural disasters happen to occur, travelers are often rerouted between Ridgway and Durango over Lizard Head Pass a much longer route. to La Plata County Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $195 for one-way flights and $295 for round trip, for the period specified. Tue, Jul 25. My friends and I are coming from Europe to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Thai place in Poncha Springs and Lost Cajun in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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. There is no direct connection from Denver to Durango. 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. Photo Credit: Christian Murdock; The Gazette. Looking for the ultimate Colorado summer road trip experience? Answer 1 of 21: Hi, I will be in Denver late Oct. had wanted to ride on Durango to Silverton train. 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. Its also noted as the highest road in the country thats kept open on a year-round basis. You can also go to Colorado Springs and Canon City and Salida then 285 to 160. High season is considered to be October, November and December. It is centrally locate and has both private, ensuite rooms available along with hostel dorm beds. Aspen vs Vail vs Breckenridge: Which Colorado Town to Visit? Silverton is an old mining town nestled between Red Mountain and Molas, two San Juan Mountain passes. Click here to browse other private rentals. The shorter one (US285 south and US160 west), more scenic, has more mountains. 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. 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. - to help you get the most out of your next trip. Success! Exceptions may apply, for full details: Centers for Disease control and prevention (CDC). The Colorado Trail is a 485-mile point-to-point backpacking route in Colorado. Getting there is through beautiful, mountainous country, but mountainous roads and I believe some white. Problem is no-one knows what the weather will be then. It is impossible to get from Denver to Durango -- at least in any reasonable way -- without some mountain driving. Thats not too surprising we suppose as Coloradans tend to ski just about anything. Does anyone know why? 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. All three cross Wolf Creek Pass on US160, which is truly scary only if your brakes fail on the way down. *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. 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. The railway is a federally designated National Historic Landmark and is also designated by the American Society of Civil Engineers as a Historic Civil Engineering Landmark. Thai place in Poncha Springs and Lost Cajun in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? If not, the area works just fine as a pretty place to drive through. Family RV adventure advice for Colorado, Utah & Wyoming. Thank you :) If youre traveling on slippery or snowy roads, use caution, slow down, and please, take it easy on the brakes. Creedes title of The Last Boom Town comes from its legacy as a silver-mining town, which you can learn about in this PBS short documentary. From: 1 traveler 2 travelers 3 travelers 4 travelers 5 travelers 6 travelers. 2023 The World Was Here First All rights reserved. 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. 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. This 17-mile historic loop takes you to several abandoned mines in-between beautiful scenic vistas. Apart from being the Wildflower Capital of Colorado, Crested Butte is where mountain biking got its start in Colorado. Click here to browse other private rentals. When winter weather strikes, motorists are often advised to avoid taking I-25 from Castle Rock to Colorado Springs, particularly in the Monument Hill area where harsh weather tends to hit the hardest. I routinely make the trip via 285 and it is much shorter and beautiful. For another great SW road trip, check out our Ultimate Colorado and Utah Road Trip Itinerary. 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. I assume you understand that any route you take will be. If he could teleport to anywhere on the planet, it would be the mountains of Patagonia in Chile. 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. I drive the 285>160 route almost weekly for the last few months. From Sand Dunes, head west on US160 over Wolf Creek Pass to Pagosa. Head out of town along US-160 E for 102 miles until you reach South Fork. Again. 4. level 2. However, if youre looking to check out something completely different but equally awesome in Colorado, you cant go wrong with a day trip to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. If youve never gone mountain biking before, then this is a perfect place to try it out. Yes, the driving distance between Denver to Durango is 538 km. An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. 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. Semi trucks stuck on I-25. Research, browse, save, and share from 162 Dodge models in Berthoud, CO. Although its a small mountain town, its bursting at the seams with history, scenery, and adventure opportunities. 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. Its important to note that dates and closures vary, depending on the weather and road conditions. 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. This is one town that has definitely earned its nickname as its surrounded by more than a dozen fourteeners. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in India. News, travel inspiration, podcasts, & more. 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. day 2 driving 3.5 hours. 5.5 hours of driving without stops. Cheyenne . A Google mapping exercise will offer you two routes, one about a half-hour longer than the other. It serves as one of the main routes to Colorados ski country including Vail, Aspen, Winter Park, Keystone, and Breckenridge. The distance between Denver and Durango is 372 km. Finally, youll make a left onto CO-115 N for 30 miles into Colorado Springs. The 160 to 285 would be the fastest. 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. Head west on US-50 W for 60 miles, and then turn right onto CO-135 N which will take you to Crested Butte after 27 miles. When visiting Colorado Springs, 100% the number one thing to do is check out the Garden of the Gods. Let us know in the comments! For instance, this beautiful treehouse home with a hot tub is a great choice. Monarch Pass in the Rocky Mountains of 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. Prices and availability are subject to change. 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. Click here to see their availability, The Salida Inn & Hostel If youre traveling on a bit of a tighter budget, then this inn and hostel is an excellent choice. Do you think it is faster going the other route or should I rather take the old route because I drive thru the night? Find all the transport options for your trip from Denver to Durango right here. You can also fly from Denver to Durango, if all this seems to be too much. Were passionate about getting off the beaten path, promoting responsible tourism, supporting local economies and sharing our knowledge with other travellers! Maybe see http://www.mapquest.com for that. These are both safe routes. Which route is the best? It is a 7 hour plus drive, not counting any stops. Winter in Colorado is no joke. Jillian Dara is a freelance journalist and fact-checker. Hiking, mountain biking, climbing, rafting, and off-roading are all staple activities here in our hometown. 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. First, head Southwest on US Hwy 285 S, which youll stay on for about 130 miles. There are 115+ hotels available in Durango. The town of Salida is an excellent option, as it is a good halfway point between Denver and Durango and has lots of interesting things on offer. 172. 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 Yep, its that simple. 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. If you drive that route without stops it app.takes 6 hours. Can you please describe the San Juan Skyway/Million $ Hwy/Red Mtn. #ouraygram. 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. This 235 mile loop takes you through old mining towns, spectacular scenery, and exhilarating twists & turns. Airfares from $109 One Way, $219 Round Trip from Denver to Durango. Total Distance: 1,098 miles *Time and distance may vary depending on traffic, change in routes, stops along the way, etc. 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 . Thank you. document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 50 Animas View Dr. Outdoor seating areas are especially nice for sampling the beverages and entrees at either one. 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. You can also fly from Denver to Durango, if all this seems to be too much. 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. Thai place in Poncha Springs and Lost Cajun in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? It's a fairly long drive from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? (easiest one, no scary mountain driving haha), and if you can suggest good places to stop and eat?

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