For photographers, taking photos of the sunset from atop one of the dunes is an unforgettable experience. Is this a summer trip or a winter trip? The cheapest month to fly is July. Durango is in southwest Colorado. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-75890404', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Pagosa Springs are the only 2 I hit along the route. It's actually closer to Albuquerque than Denver as it's not far from the New Mexico border. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission at no extra cost to you. 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. I-70 has some gorgeous spots and does top out at about 11,000 ft when you pass through the tunnels near Loveland Pass. Take a tour from Durango and let someone else drive! 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. drive for about 54 minutes. Well, youve come to the right place. - Wikipedia. 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. He lives in Colorado and also works as a fly fishing guide and instructor when not editing or writing. Lodging for 2 nights in Estes park in mid May, Where to stay near Union Station if using Red Rocks shuttle. We're working around the clock to bring you the latest COVID-19 travel updates.This information is compiled from official sources. 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. From Sand Dunes, head west on US160 over Wolf Creek Pass to Pagosa. Colorados capital city has something for everyone: great food, impressive history, beautiful views, and plenty of adventure opportunities close by! The bus leaves Denver at 6:45 a.m. and arrives in Durango at 7:10 p.m. 10 Best Stops on the Denver to Aspen Drive via Vail. No problem finding gas and basic supplies, just not much "good" food or coffee. 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. Answer 1 of 21: Hi, I will be in Denver late Oct. had wanted to ride on Durango to Silverton train. Among the marquee attractions near Salida is Browns Canyon, which was also designated a National Monument recently in 2015. Only United Airlines operates multiple direct flights a day from Denver International Airport (DEN) and Durango La-Plata County Airport (DOR), which is just 15 miles from downtown Durango. For first-time visitors we recommend either taking a guided nature walk to learn about the areas history and geology, or just taking to the trails on your own to explore at your own pace. document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 50 Animas View Dr. The drive from Denver to Durango via 285 South covers about 337 miles and usually takes just over six hours, give or take some time depending on traffic and weather conditions. While the route offers a fast connection to Winter Park from Denver, avalanches and snowslides often make winter travel on this route extremely difficult. The drive time from Ouray to Durango is approximately one hour and 45 minutes. 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. Dont forget to clear ice and snow from your windshield, windows, mirrors, and vehicle lights before driving. Driving from Denver to Durango? - Colorado Forum - Tripadvisor Prices and availability are subject to change. Well, thats it for this epic Colorado summer road 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. This 235 mile loop takes you through old mining towns, spectacular scenery, and exhilarating twists & turns. Anyone driven from Denver to Aspen? | Timeshare Users Group Discussion The United States Census Bureau reported a population of 16,887 in the 2010 census. Perhaps most amazing about this historic site is that the rock pinnacles for which Chimney Rock gets its name frame multiple astronomical alignment points. Greyhound is virtually the only bus company operating this route and ticket prices start at $63, although they can be as high as $140. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Its a lengthy stretch, but it also takes you through some of Colorados most spectacular wilderness areas, adventurous mountain towns, and exciting cities. Durango, Colorado 81301 Driving from Denver to Durango takes about six and a half hours. Takes 6hrs plus stops and is both easy and scenic. It is a 7 hour plus drive, not counting any stops. Is it compulsory to practice social distancing in Durango? Camping, backpacking, and hiking opportunities abound in this area once the snow melts in the summertime. I will try to go the route thru the Great Sand Dunes. Not much to recommend for food along the way. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in India. BTW also Mapquest gives the route Casa said but mentioned 5 hours. The road distance is 537.8 km. Apart from being the Wildflower Capital of Colorado, Crested Butte is where mountain biking got its start in Colorado. We have done the drive (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? The 160 to 285 would be the fastest. The shorter one (US285 south and US160 west), more scenic, has more mountains. Hi Diane, The drive from Denver to Aspen takes about 4 hours (if there isn't a lot of traffic). In addition to Pagosas famous hot springs, theres also whitewater rafting along the Piedra River, great hiking and biking trails, and more fascinating ruins to check out at Chimney Rock National Monument. $195 Cheap Flights from Denver (DEN) to Durango (DRO) - Expedia Youll have views for miles around and Aspen Sunflowers covering entire hillsides, making for PERFECT photo ops. You have permission to edit this article. All three cross Wolf Creek Pass on US160, which is truly scary only if your brakes fail on the way down. However, as the expression goes, its not the destination, its the journey. Driving To Durango | Visit Durango, CO | Official Tourism Site Which route is the best? Along the National Parks Loop, you'll also go through some other small towns worth exploring like Telluride, Durango, and Buena Vista. Photo Credit: Christian Murdock; The Gazette. Its actually closer to Albuquerque than Denver as its not far from the New Mexico border. Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2rio's travel planner. Where to go at the end of November, Early December?!?! Adds about 2.5 hours to the "boring" way, and is incredibly varied and constantly changing. Answer (1 of 3): I agree with Alan about I-70 and I-80. Driving from Denver to Durango? - Colorado Forum - Tripadvisor Mostly flat in some areas, Colorado gives drivers the most treacherous section of I-70 through the Rocky Mountains. Or, Highway 285 to 160 is more scenic and has mountains but is not scary. We tackled this whole itinerary in 3 nights but you would be better served to spend at least double that amount of time. Her work has appeared in Travel + Leisure, USA Today, Michelin Guides, Hemispheres, DuJour, and Forbes. Another route, is to take US285 sw from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 4WD and AWD vehicles must have snow tires or all-weather tires with 3/16 inch tread depth. Transportation and Shuttle Services - Purgatory Resort 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. Denver to Durango drive: which route? : Durango - reddit Driving from Denver to Durango? - Colorado Message Board - Tripadvisor 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. Exceptions may apply, for full details: Centers for Disease control and prevention (CDC). 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. 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. A Google mapping exercise will offer you two routes, one about a half-hour longer than the other. Snowcaped mountains in Berthoud Pass, Colorado. 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. #3. day 2 driving 3.5 hours. Takes you to nearly every major mountain zone in the state and the deepest canyons, highest passes, steepest mountains, and coolest towns. If youve never gone mountain biking before, then this is a perfect place to try it 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. It serves as one of the main routes to Colorados ski country including Vail, Aspen, Winter Park, Keystone, and Breckenridge. Avalanches often trigger temporary closures, leaving portions of the road buried under several feet of snow. 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. Back in Durango, drive east on U.S. 160; get your camera ready for breathtaking views of the snow-flecked La Plata Mountain Range. Not far from the New Mexico border, Durango is actually closer to Albuquerque than Denver, with 215 miles between them. Wearing a face mask on public transport in Durango is recommended. The cheapest flight from Denver to Durango was found 29 days before departure, on average. 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. Winter in Colorado is no joke. 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. I drive the 285>160 route almost weekly for the last few months. Recommended Road Trip Length: 7 days. Start early in the day, bring plenty of water and snacks, and be sure to dress in layers. Utah. Toll Free: 800-567-6745, Colorados capital city has something for everyone: great food, impressive history, beautiful views, and plenty of adventure opportunities close by! Rome2rio makes travelling from Denver to Durango easy. The 8 Most Scenic Drives In Colorado - TravelAwaits ', 'How much should I expect to pay? From hiking to climbing to jeep and segway tours, theres a whole heaping lot to do at this picture-perfect place. That said, if you do hike Mount Princeston, still come prepared for a long days hike as well as a little rock scrambling. It's a fairly long drive from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Durango is the county seat and the most populous municipality of La Plata County, Colorado, United States. From: 1 traveler 2 travelers 3 travelers 4 travelers 5 travelers 6 travelers. Denver Area Road Trip 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. Colorado's Scenic Million Dollar Highway: Silverton to Ouray , Where to Stay on a Denver to Durango Road Trip. Members who are extremely knowledgeable about this destination and answer travellers questions frequently. 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. The longer one (I-25 south, US160 west) involves faster driving and more traffic. A great trail option for beginners, especially if youre around during wildflower season, is. It ends in Durango, Colorado. There will be some mountain driving whichever route you take, but there's no need to be scared. Additional terms apply. He has spent time in Costa Rica and has made numerous trips exploring the Western states of the Rocky Mountains. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Join our mailing list for discounts, special events, and more. It serves as one of the main routes to Colorado's ski country including Vail, Aspen, Winter Park, Keystone, and Breckenridge. One absolute must-do activity is hiking the Ouray Perimeter Trail. 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. Before heading out, visit cotrip.org for the latest road conditions and closures. The best way to get from Denver to Denver Airport is to train which takes 37 min and costs 4,100-14,000. Click here to browse more Salida hotels! Head out of town along US-160 E for 102 miles until you reach South Fork. Centers for Disease control and prevention (CDC), Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Durango, Holiday Inn & Suites Durango Downtown, an IHG Hotel, Denver to Pikes Peak Center for the Performing Arts, Glendale Los Angeles County CA USA to Durango CO USA, Petrified Forest National Park to Durango CO USA, There is a social distancing requirement of 2 metres. Which route is the best? This is a great introduction to Colorados famous fourteeners and provides extraordinary views thatll redefine what you classify as a scenic byway.. Another great activity to do near Denver is driving the, Of course, theres an endless list of things to do and places to see in and around Denver. Not quite what youre looking for? 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. Which route is the best? Grand Junction To Dinosaur 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. #ouraygram. There was an error processing your request. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-13122554', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Denver to Pagosa Springs by car. 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. 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 . Prices and availability are subject to change. 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. 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. Can you tell me about guest ranch vacations in Colorado? 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. 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. I drive the 285>160 route almost weekly for the last few months. Alternatively, you may use, Best Western Plus Deer Park Hotel And Suites. I-70 mountain travel has its hiccups due to a combination of factors including traffic congestion, steep grades, accidents, and wild weather causing slick roads and other hazards like that one time an avalanche covered the highway (video link). Call us biased on this if you like, but heading down the Lower Animas is a Durango summer staple. 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. 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. If youre not familiar, Monarch Pass leads to the natural snowy slopes of Monarch Mountain. Michael Rosebrock / Shutterstock 7. 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. Brittany is an award-winning journalist based in Denver where she has lived and worked for more than a decade. I drive the 285>160 route almost weekly for the last few months. The national COVID-19 helpline number in Durango is 800-232-4636. 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. Am I allowed to travel from Denver to Durango? Photo Credit: Matt Gross Things To Do The Colorado Trail is a 485-mile point-to-point backpacking route in Colorado. Traffic jam westbound I-70 highway Photo Credit: milehightraveler (iStock). You can also go to Colorado Springs and Canon City and Salida then 285 to 160. 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. As with any hike or tour, just remember to bring plenty of water and some snacks along. 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. Click here to see their availability, Siesta Motel If youre looking for some more budget-friendly accommodation options, then this motel is a geat choice. Can you please describe the San Juan Skyway/Million $ Hwy/Red Mtn. Have any questions about any of these stops? Where is Durango? 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. Make yourself known to an official member of staff and/or call the national coronavirus helpline number on 800-232-4636. (easiest one, no scary mountain driving haha), and if you can suggest good places to stop and eat? Jan 31, 2006. The Best Colorado Summer Road Trip - Denver to Durango Loop Youll also get to take on thrilling class III rapids at Durangos exciting whitewater park. Another possible stop near Salida located in the shadow of Mt. Its also helpful to pack warm layers, snacks, water, and a flash flight for unexpected delays and emergencies. Error! Make sure you check road conditions to double check the weather. I routinely make the trip via 285 and it is much shorter and beautiful. 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. What kind of rental car do I need & are there places I should not drive a rental car? 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. Informacin detallada del sitio web y la empresa: caudesucre.com Cau de sucre - blog de repostera creativa, recetas dulces y mucha fotografa! If you are traveling to Durango by bus, prepare for a long ride of at least 12 hours. There are some different ways to approach a stop at the Great Sand Dunes, as visitors are generally welcome to simply take in the views of the dunes from the comfort of paved roads and maintained public areas, or they may strike out on foot and hike on the sands of the national park. If he could teleport to anywhere on the planet, it would be the mountains of Patagonia in Chile. From Tiny Town, the next few stops between Conifer and Buena Vista also tend to be good ones for travelers and looking to take their time, relax, and settle into vacation mode while on the way out of the Denver bubble. It is impossible to get from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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. Just assume that youll need your camera for just about every spot from here on out. Those with a lot of time on their hands can hike or bike to the summit, which makes for a rewarding journey. Were passionate about getting off the beaten path, promoting responsible tourism, supporting local economies and sharing our knowledge with other travellers! 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. The drive between Walsenburg and Pagosa Springs is a very nice one. 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 Check out our Denver to Aspen drive & Denver to Moab road trip articles! 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. Monarch Pass in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. Denver to Pagosa Springs - Durango Forum - Tripadvisor 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. 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. I need to return tonight 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. 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. updated Jul 14, 2022 How long is the drive from Denver to Durango? 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. What should I do if I have COVID-19 symptoms when I arrive in Durango? For more information, see our privacy policy. Driving Time from Denver, CO to Durango, CO - Travelmath and Great Sand. Maybe see http://www.mapquest.com for that.