If natural disasters happen to occur, travelers are often rerouted between Ridgway and Durango over Lizard Head Pass a much longer route. But it didn/t work. This 17-mile historic loop takes you to several abandoned mines in-between beautiful scenic vistas. 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. This is a great introduction to Colorados famous fourteeners and provides extraordinary views thatll redefine what you classify as a scenic byway.. 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. A Google mapping exercise will offer you two routes, one about a half-hour longer than the other. Outdoor seating areas are especially nice for sampling the beverages and entrees at either one. This trail is close to town and extends to a decent length of 4.3 total miles long. 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. Hikers and skiers often use the route for accessing backcountry terrain, as well as Arapahoe Basin Resort. Let us know in the comments! I drive the 285>160 route almost weekly for the last few months. The quickest way to get from Denver to Durango is to fly and shuttle which costs 300,000-800,000 and takes 5h 24m. Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. Denver to Vail, Colorado -- the Slow Way | HuffPost Contributor Recommended Road Trip Length: 7 days. 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. Although its fine to just drive through this small town, if you have an extra day or two on your trip, we recommend spending it in Pagosa Springs. 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. It's a fairly long drive from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Not quite what youre looking for? We know what youre thinking: sand dunes in Colorado? Denver airport - 407 miles - about 7 hours drive depending on weather conditions Albuquerque airport - 244 miles - about 4:10 hours depending on weather conditions There are Greyhound buses that travel between the city of Albuquerque and Durango, but once again self-drive will be the easiest way to get there. The Perfect 1, 2 or 3 Days in Montpellier Itinerary, The Perfect 1, 2 to 3 Days in Toulouse Itinerary, The Perfect 2 to 3 Days in Nice Itinerary, The Perfect 5 to 7 Days in Finland Itinerary (Winter or Summer). 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 . 5.5 hours of driving without stops. 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 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. From Durango, we flew back to Denver, instead of driving back. 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. Heavy snow slams Northeast; storm cleanup begins in South 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. Aetna is Monarch Mountain Resort. You know what? I drive the 285>160 route almost weekly for the last few months. It takes approximately 12h 2m to get from Denver to Durango, including transfers. Utah. If you're planning a road trip to Denver, you can research locations to stop along the way. One absolute must-do activity is hiking the Ouray Perimeter Trail. Ancient home of the Ancestral Puebloans, Mesa Verde hosts some of the most impressive and best-preserved Native American ruins in the United States. Colorado, United States. This 235 mile loop takes you through old mining towns, spectacular scenery, and exhilarating twists & turns. From: 1 traveler 2 travelers 3 travelers 4 travelers 5 travelers 6 travelers. Perhaps most amazing about this historic site is that the rock pinnacles for which Chimney Rock gets its name frame multiple astronomical alignment points. It stretches from Denver to Durango across the Southern Rockies and can be hiked in 25-35 days. As such, one of the best things to do in Creede is to drive its famous Bachelor Loop. Which route is the best? It is the route CasaAzul mentioned. Tue, Jul 25. 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. 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. $242 Cheap Flights from Denver (DEN) to Durango (DGO) - Expedia Those with a lot of time on their hands can hike or bike to the summit, which makes for a rewarding journey. 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. 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. Top Reasons To Take A Jeep Tour In SW Colorado. Running between Ouray and Silverton, the mountain road caps off at 11,018 feet with grades as steep as 8%. Make sure you check road conditions to double check the weather. Thai place in Poncha Springs and Lost Cajun in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? After hiking the perimeter trail, take a load off and relax in Ourays Hot Springs. Plus, your guide will provide insightful interpretations on each of the archaeological sites as well as the history of the Ancestral Pueblo people. Good coffee is also scarce along that route until you get to Durango. Drive to Colorado Springs on Interstate 25 and on through Pueblo to Walsenburg where you'll take Hwy 160 west. 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. Youll also get to take on thrilling class III rapids at Durangos exciting whitewater park. Dunes, not to be missed with children. It's actually closer to Albuquerque than Denver as it's not far from the New Mexico border. Aspen vs Vail vs Breckenridge: Which Colorado Town to Visit? Duncan is a writer for The World Was Here First. A Mapped Guide to the Ultimate Colorado Road Trip: Part II This trail is close to town and extends to a decent length of 4.3 total miles long. Stops and things to do on Colorado Springs to Durango drive - Wanderlog 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. 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. This is a beautiful and quicker drive. updated Jul 14, 2022 How long is the drive from Denver to Durango? Or, Highway 285 to 160 is more scenic and has mountains but is not scary. Its also important to watch out for mandatory chain and traction laws on I-70, especially during the winter months. Reduced speed limits and temporary closures are often put into place for safety concerns. Pricing is calculated from the Purgatory Transportation Terminal in Durango, Colorado, and is based on vehicle capacity and mileage as follows: 1-4 passengers $2.50 per mile; 5-10 passengers $3.00 per mile; 11-29 passengers $3.50 per mile. 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. What is the national COVID-19 helpline number in Durango? Durango is in southwest Colorado. Thank you. #3. 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. In Winter do I need a 4 Wheel Drive Vehicle in Colorado? 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. For a more complete guide on the hike, check out this Out There Colorado article. The drive from Denver, Colorado, to Las Vegas, Nevada, is a drive of epic proportions. If high-alpine hikes arent your jazz, another great place to explore near Salida is Great Sand Dunes National Park. Breckenridge, Vail, Steamboat, or Estes Park for summer? 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. Click here to see their availability, Private Rental If its a private vacation rental that youre after in Durango, youll find that there are countless options to choose from. There is also breakfast included each morning. Driving To Durango | Visit Durango, CO | Official Tourism Site Colorado Road Trip - Denver, Mesa Verde, Durango and more Takes 6hrs plus stops and is both easy and scenic. 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. Is this a summer trip or a winter trip? Camping, backpacking, and hiking opportunities abound in this area once the snow melts in the summertime. Research, browse, save, and share from 162 Dodge models in Berthoud, CO. Im traveling with a friend who has limited mobility. Does anyone know why? Powerhouse Science Center, formerly the The Durango Discovery Museum, is an interactive science center located in Durango, Colorado. Planning other road trips from Denver? Lots of good food in Durango. Instead, you will have to first take the bus from Denver to Grand Junction, Colorado and then hop on a second bus heading to Durango. 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. This is a beautiful and quicker drive. Another great activity to do near Denver is driving the Mount Evans Scenic Byway. The 8 Most Scenic Drives In Colorado - TravelAwaits 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. Of course, theres an endless list of things to do and places to see in and around Denver. Durango to Denver drive - plan a road trip I will be making this trip next week and look forward to seeing all this. 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. Other points of interest include feeding the fish at the Wildlife Museum's fish hatchery, going kayaking on the Animas River, or stopping in at Animas Brewing Company to try the latest batch of beer. Well start our engines in Colorados capital city of Denver! Snowcaped mountains in Berthoud Pass, Colorado. The museum opened on February 23, 2011 in what was once a power plant. Not to mention, its known as one of the most treacherous roads in the state. All three cross Wolf Creek Pass on US160, which is truly scary only if your brakes fail on the way down. Which route is the best? ! Wearing a face mask on public transport in Durango is recommended. So, stop by if you can. 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. Either way there is only one high pass to cross (Wolf Creek, mentioned above), and I wouldn't call it scary. A $15 Gratuity is included in all pricing above. What are the travel restrictions in Durango? Durango is in southwest Colorado. For instance, this beautiful treehouse home with a hot tub is a great choice. 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. 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. Is it compulsory to practice social distancing in Durango? As with any hike or tour, just remember to bring plenty of water and some snacks along. Filled with useful and timely travel information, the guides answer all the hard questions - such as 'How do I buy a ticket? $206 Cheap Flights from Denver (DEN) to Durango (DGO) Bundle Your Flight + Hotel & Save! Photo Credit: milehightraveler (iStock). Although its a small mountain town, its bursting at the seams with history, scenery, and adventure opportunities. (easiest one, no scary mountain driving haha), and if you can suggest good places to stop and eat? Watch carefully for deer early mornings and twilight! It may be a bit random and unexpected, but thats what makes Great Sand Dunes National Park so awesome! The cheapest flight from Denver to Durango was found 29 days before departure, on average. Of the collegiate peaks, Mount Princeton is designated as one of the easiest to climb. What airport would I fly into to go to Englewood, Colorado? A Google mapping exercise will offer you two routes, one about a half-hour longer than the other. You can't get to Durango by train, but if you're looking for an old west experience, hop aboard the Silverton Silverlight Express. It is a 7 hour plus drive, not counting any stops. Head out of town along US-160 E for 102 miles until you reach South Fork. Colorado Scenic Byway: Tracks Across Borders | Colorado.com And good news for dog-lovers: pets are allowed on this trail but must be kept on a leash. 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. The national COVID-19 helpline number in Durango is 800-232-4636. to Guadalupe Victoria Durango Intl. The highway is also notorious for serious semi-accidents and spin-outs due to its steep curvy descent. 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. I-25 is a major interstate highway that travels north and south, serving as the main connection from Denver to Colorado Springs. Do I have to wear a face mask on public transport in Durango? 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. Roadtrip from SoCal to Mt Rushmore thru Colorado, Best Western Plus Deer Park Hotel And Suites. Thank you for your advise. No problem finding gas and basic supplies, just not much "good" food or coffee. The San Juan Skyway & Million Dollar Highway | Visit Durango, CO 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. If you need to rent a car for this trip, you can check out Rentalcars.com which aggregates deals across suppliers. 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. We love our home state, and we have more than a few top tips for things to do during your visit. 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. A great trail option for beginners, especially if youre around during wildflower season, is Brush Creek. Use this list as a springboard to get ideas for stops ranging from national parks and monuments to natural hot springs and quirky tourist attractions that youll find along the way. Avalanches often trigger temporary closures, leaving portions of the road buried under several feet of snow. You want to avoid leaving Denver on Friday afternoon and you want to avoid returning on Sunday afternoon. Domestic travel is not restricted, but some conditions may apply. 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. Takes you to nearly every major mountain zone in the state and the deepest canyons, highest passes, steepest mountains, and coolest towns. The views of the Rocky Mountain landscape here are impressive at any time of the year, but this is an especially good stop if visiting during the winter when you can enjoy the contrast between the calming hot spring waters and the snowy peaks and surroundings. The Million Dollar Highway is just a small portion of the 236-mile San Juan Skyway, itself a section of U.S. Highway 550, which runs 305 miles from Bernalillo, New Mexico, to Montrose, Colorado . So here I am in Pagosa Springs. Which route is the best? 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. 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. drive for about 54 minutes. The shorter one (US285 south and US160 west), more scenic, has more mountains. Rome2rio uses cookies to help personalize content and show you personalised ads. Driving from Denver to Durango - Fodor's Travel Talk Forums What should I do if I have COVID-19 symptoms when I arrive in Durango? I'd judge the least "scary" of the three to be I-25/US160. That said, if you do hike Mount Princeston, still come prepared for a long days hike as well as a little rock scrambling. If youre not familiar, Monarch Pass leads to the natural snowy slopes of Monarch Mountain. Yes, travel within United States is currently allowed. Were passionate about getting off the beaten path, promoting responsible tourism, supporting local economies and sharing our knowledge with other travellers! 5.5 hours of driving without stops. Services like gas stations and restaurants are in good supply at Salida, Saguache, and other areas along the way. 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. Which route is the best? According to a recent study, the average Denver commuter spends 83 hours per year stuck in traffic. 4WD and AWD vehicles must have snow tires or all-weather tires with 3/16 inch tread depth. Independence Pass, Trail Ridge Road, Mount Evans Scenic Byway, and Kebler Pass all close annually for the winter season in Colorado. Are you planning to drive from Denver to Durango? Not much to recommend for food along the way. If youve never gone mountain biking before, then this is a perfect place to try it out. Loveland Pass Summit in Winter. A direct flight will only take about an hour in the air, which will save you a lot of time. Traffic jam westbound I-70 highway Photo Credit: milehightraveler (iStock). That's because Mapquest knows you drive fast Tet, lol!!! Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2rio's travel planner. Monument to fallen snowplow drivers. It features a challenging switchback turn -on the west side- with a 200-foot drop off on the other side of the curve. For more information, see our privacy policy. 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 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. Silverton is an old mining town nestled between Red Mountain and Molas, two San Juan Mountain passes. If youre looking for an all-in-one Colorado destination, Durangos definitely the place to be. Prices starting at $219 for return flights and $109 for one-way flights to Durango were the cheapest prices found within the past 7 days, for the period specified. Semi trucks stuck on I-25. 13 Best Stops on the Denver to Las Vegas Drive - Divergent Travelers