What are the roads like, and what do I need to know about driving in Colorado? Silverton is an old mining town nestled between Red Mountain and Molas, two San Juan Mountain passes. 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. Theres so much we could say about things to do in Durango. Avalanches often trigger temporary closures, leaving portions of the road buried under several feet of snow. If he could teleport to anywhere on the planet, it would be the mountains of Patagonia in Chile. Filled with useful and timely travel information, the guides answer all the hard questions - such as 'How do I buy a ticket? Roads surrounding the Denver metro area are often a mess, especially when you add snow and ice to the mix. 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. Not much to recommend for food along the way. There are 115+ hotels available in Durango. 5.5 hours of driving without stops. Running between Ouray and Silverton, the mountain road caps off at 11,018 feet with grades as steep as 8%. Click here to browse other private rentals. drive for about 54 minutes. This calculation assumes that your vehicle gets an average gas mileage of 25 mpg . The reason why it's so long is because there is no direct bus service between the two cities. The steep, winding switchbacks can make your stomach turn on this high mountain pass, reaching an elevation of 11,307 feet. Durango is the county seat and the most populous municipality of La Plata County, Colorado, United States. 172. A direct flight will only take about an hour in the air, which will save you a lot of time. Mesa Verde is a world-class attraction that you really should see. Domestic travel is not restricted, but some conditions may apply. Powerhouse Science Center, formerly the The Durango Discovery Museum, is an interactive science center located in Durango, Colorado. Plus, Durangos wild west and mining history give it such a distinguished and quirky character. updated Jul 14, 2022 How long is the drive from Denver to Durango? We will stop there for a break and continue driving. 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. 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. 16 Best Things to Do in Colorado in Summer, Travel From Madrid to San Sebastian by Train, Car, and Plane, How to Travel From Rome to Naples by Train, Plane, Bus, or Car, The Top 10 Things to Do in Durango, Colorado, How to Travel From Denver to Las Vegas by Bus, Car, and Plane, How to Travel From Montreal to Quebec City by Train, Bus, Car, and Plane, How to Travel from Los Angeles to the Grand Canyon by Train, Bus, Car, and Plane, The Best Places to See Fall Colors in Colorado, How to Travel from Los Angeles to Denver by Train, Bus, Car, and Plane, Get our travel tips Delivered to your inbox. Winter in Colorado is no joke. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in India. 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. This trail can be completed either as a loop or an out-and-back from the trailhead across La Garita Street near the gas station. Click here to browse more Salida hotels! 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. Camping, backpacking, and hiking opportunities abound in this area once the snow melts in the summertime. 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. Along the way, possibly stop in Fairplay, see a reconstructed mining town called South Park City. The longer one (I-25 south, US160 west) involves faster driving and more traffic. Start early in the day, bring plenty of water and snacks, and be sure to dress in layers. That made for about a 70-mile loop of incredible mountain views! Is it compulsory to practice social distancing in Durango? 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. So, pack your bags, fasten your seatbelts, and get ready to hit the road on this Denver to Durango loop road trip! To get to Salida from Denver will be 2.5-hour drive. 10 Best Stops on a Denver to Durango Drive - The World Was Here First 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. Sand Dunes are great fun. Again. 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. Its also helpful to pack warm layers, snacks, water, and a flash flight for unexpected delays and emergencies. Assuming you choose the route through the mountains on 285, youll still be on a paved highway for practically the entire timedepending on your chosen stopsso theres no major need for a high-clearance, 4-wheel drive sort of vehicle. We are travelling with 3 children from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? The cheapest way to get from Denver to Durango is to drive which costs 75,000-120,000 and takes 6h 33m. Cheyenne . Afternoons can be hot and windy though. 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. If natural disasters happen to occur, travelers are often rerouted between Ridgway and Durango over Lizard Head Pass a much longer route. Should probably count on 7 - 7.5 hrs - not easy to make really good time in the mountains. Designated drivers beware and drink responsibly, as youve still got a lot of highway to go on this Denver to Durango road trip. Start early in the day, bring plenty of water and snacks, and be sure to dress in layers. The drive from Denver, Colorado, to Las Vegas, Nevada, is a drive of epic proportions. (easiest one, no scary mountain driving haha), and if you can suggest good places to stop and eat? Click here to browse more Durango hotels! 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 . 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). Not quite what youre looking for? Breckenridge, Vail, Steamboat, or Estes Park for summer? From: 1 traveler 2 travelers 3 travelers 4 travelers 5 travelers 6 travelers. According to a recent study, the average Denver commuter spends 83 hours per year stuck in traffic. Let us know in the comments! Mostly flat in some areas, Colorado gives drivers the most treacherous section of I-70 through the Rocky Mountains. Reduced speed limits and temporary closures are often put into place for safety concerns. Hi Diane, The drive from Denver to Aspen takes about 4 hours (if there isn't a lot of traffic). Red Mountain Pass. 2:05 pm Pagosa Springs (Colorado) stay for about 1 hour. What should I do if I have COVID-19 symptoms when I arrive in Durango? Casa's route is good. 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. Its important to note that dates and closures vary, depending on the weather and road conditions. 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. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission at no extra cost to you. - to help you get the most out of your next trip. Regular fuel costs are around $3.96 per gallon for your trip. Alternatively, you may use, Best Western Plus Deer Park Hotel And Suites. Lodging for 2 nights in Estes park in mid May, Where to stay near Union Station if using Red Rocks shuttle. Good coffee is also scarce along that route until you get to Durango. Although its a small mountain town, its bursting at the seams with history, scenery, and adventure opportunities. ), we woke up early and hit the road for what was a 2-hour drive to Grand Junction. 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 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. Looking for the ultimate Colorado summer road trip experience? For a more complete guide on the hike, check out this, If high-alpine hikes arent your jazz, another great place to explore near Salida is, Crested Butte is hands-down one of the coolest places to check out in Colorado. 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. From there, make a right onto US-550 S, which will take you into Ouray after just over 36 miles. Denver to Moab - How to Enjoy an Epic Weekend Road Trip Photo Credit: Jerilee Bennett. It ends in Durango, Colorado. Which route is the best? Another route, is to take US285 sw from Denver toward Buena Vista and then south to Great Sand Dunes. From Durango, we flew back to Denver, instead of driving back. It is impossible to get from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Situated in a beautiful, historic building, they have a range of gorgeous rooms on offer and a great bar and restaurant on site. 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. If not, the area works just fine as a pretty place to drive through. Drop-dead gorgeous and nestled into the heart of the San Juan mountains, visiting Ouray 100% feels like youre being transported to Switzerland. 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. This somewhat low-key park is simply jaw-dropping. Get answers to your questions about Colorado. 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. Then, make a right onto CO-149 N and follow that for 22 miles until you reach Creede. At just under four hours, the stretch from Creede to Colorado Springs is the longest drive of this trip. I drive the 285>160 route almost weekly for the last few months. 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. The small town of Bailey is about 25 minutes from Tiny Town at the bottom of a steep incline just as 285 bends and begins to trace a path along the North Fork of the South Platte River. 2023 The World Was Here First All rights reserved. Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That said, if you do hike Mount Princeston, still come prepared for a long days hike as well as a little rock scrambling. The shorter one (US285 south and US160 west), more scenic, has more mountains. Top Reasons To Take A Jeep Tour In SW Colorado. 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. Denver to Durango - 7 ways to travel via train, bus, car - Rome2rio Which route is the best? 13 Best Stops on the Denver to Las Vegas Drive - Divergent Travelers Our next recommendation is to take a guided tour at Mesa Verde National Park. Plus, your guide will provide insightful interpretations on each of the archaeological sites as well as the history of the Ancestral Pueblo people. If you intend to make all (or even a few) of these stops, youre likely going to want to find a place to stay to break up the drive. Getting there is through beautiful, mountainous country, but mountainous roads and I believe some white. Driving from Denver to Durango? - Colorado Forum - Tripadvisor All three cross Wolf Creek Pass on US160, which is truly scary only if your brakes fail on the way down. 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. The creekside hot spring pools here are naturally divided with river rocks to range in temperature from 70 to 120 degrees Fahrenheit (21 to 49 degrees Celsius), so you can even temper your experience by relaxing in the pool thats closest to your personal heat preferences. Click here to see their availability. Denver --> independence pass --> Aspen --> Ouray --> Red mountain pass --> Durango. ', 'Should I book online before I travel? 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. It may be a bit random and unexpected, but thats what makes Great Sand Dunes National Park so awesome! Rome2rio uses cookies to help personalize content and show you personalised ads. This canyon has high walls and granite cliffs that have been carved out by the slow grind of time and the erosion forces of the Arkansas River. It takes approximately 12h 2m to get from Denver to Durango, including transfers. I-25 is a major interstate highway that travels north and south, serving as the main connection from Denver to Colorado Springs. For photographers, taking photos of the sunset from atop one of the dunes is an unforgettable experience. The museum opened on February 23, 2011 in what was once a power plant. Takes 6hrs plus stops and is both easy and scenic. Semi trucks stuck on I-25. To the best of our knowledge, it is correct as of the last update.Visit Rome2rio travel advice for general help. 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. 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. This 235 mile loop takes you through old mining towns, spectacular scenery, and exhilarating twists & turns. But. 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. If you'll have the time try to visit both Colorado Springs (Pike's Peak, Garden of the Gods etc.) Takes 6hrs plus stops and is both easy and scenic. There will be some mountain driving whichever route you take, but there's no need to be scared. Rome2rios travel guides to the US tell you the best ways to explore the country, from Amtrak to Greyhound to the New York Subway. It features a challenging switchback turn -on the west side- with a 200-foot drop off on the other side of the curve. 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. Tours and campgrounds are also available, and popular activities include sledding down the dunes (a time-honored favorite), four-wheel tours, and horseback riding. to Guadalupe Victoria Durango Intl. 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. Either way there is only one high pass to cross (Wolf Creek, mentioned above), and I wouldn't call it scary. Were passionate about getting off the beaten path, promoting responsible tourism, supporting local economies and sharing our knowledge with other travellers! Good coffee is also scarce along that route until you get to Durango. 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). 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 50 Animas View Dr. Lots of good food in Durango. 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. The best way to get from Denver to Denver Airport is to train which takes 37 min and costs 4,100-14,000. There will be some mountain driving whichever route you take, but there's no need to be scared. 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). 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 . Cars are unable to make it up the pass during winter weather on a regular basis. . If you drove there from Albuquerque it would take you about half as long. In Winter do I need a 4 Wheel Drive Vehicle in Colorado? If youre traveling on slippery or snowy roads, use caution, slow down, and please, take it easy on the brakes. Rome2rio also offers online bookings for selected operators, making reservations easy and straightforward. 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. 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. 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. If high-alpine hikes arent your jazz, another great place to explore near Salida is Great Sand Dunes National Park. No matter the route you choose, you wont be disappointed with this breathtaking destination. Well, youve come to the right place. Rome2rio also offers online bookings for selected operators, making reservations easy and straightforward. 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.
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