The drive between Walsenburg and Pagosa Springs is a very nice one. 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. I routinely make the trip via 285 and it is much shorter and beautiful. updated Jul 14, 2022 How long is the drive from Denver to Durango? 'A little scary': Iditarod begins with smallest field ever Traffic on I-70. The direct drive from Denver to Durango is 382 mi (614 km), and should have a drive time of 7 hrs 21 mins in normal traffic. Prices and availability are subject to change. No trip to the area should skip it in my opinion. Not quite what youre looking for? 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. Ice and snow-caked roads, highways, and mountain passes make for dangerous and hazardous driving conditions across the state. Pass in SW CO? Its also helpful to pack warm layers, snacks, water, and a flash flight for unexpected delays and emergencies. The round trip cost would be $106.55 to go from Denver, CO to Durango, CO and back to Denver, CO again. $195 Cheap Flights from Denver (DEN) to Durango (DRO) - Expedia For more information, see our privacy policy. Which route is the best? There will be some mountain driving whichever route you take, but there's no need to be scared. 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. 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.. 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. Takes you to nearly every major mountain zone in the state and the deepest canyons, highest passes, steepest mountains, and coolest towns. As such, one of the best things to do in Creede is to drive its famous Bachelor Loop. For instance, this beautiful treehouse home with a hot tub is a great choice. 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. Stops and things to do on Denver to Durango drive or road trip - Wanderlog Thank you so much for all the wonderful information. *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. 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. A Google mapping exercise will offer you two routes, one about a half-hour longer than the other. There is no direct connection from Denver to Durango. Monarch Pass in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. That said, if you do hike Mount Princeston, still come prepared for a long days hike as well as a little rock scrambling. I would say the "scariest" would be to take US160 over Wolf Creek pass - especially in winter.. #3. Traffic congestion due to rush hour and ongoing construction is normally expected for this particular stretch of the highway. Theres not many other places where you can hike through desert-like dunes with snow-capped mountain peaks as your backdrop. Driving from Denver to Durango? - Colorado Forum - Tripadvisor From South Fork and US 160, take a right-hand turn onto US 149, also known as the Silver Thread Scenic Byway, for an unforgettable scenic drive to the town of Creede near the headwaters of the Rio Grande. The shorter one (US285 south and US160 west), more scenic, has more mountains. Architectural structures left behind by the ancestral Puebloans include pit houses, great kivas, and great houses, according to the U.S. Forest Services website. This somewhat low-key park is simply jaw-dropping. Its also noted as the highest road in the country thats kept open on a year-round basis. Sand Dunes are great fun. Alternatively, you may use. United Airlines offers flights from Denver Airport to Durango Airport. It is located between I-70 and Keystone, offering an alternative route to I-70 and the Eisenhower Tunnel. We know what youre thinking: sand dunes in Colorado? 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 . 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. Is it compulsory to practice social distancing in Durango? 13 Best Stops on the Denver to Las Vegas Drive - Divergent Travelers 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. Independence Pass, Trail Ridge Road, Mount Evans Scenic Byway, and Kebler Pass all close annually for the winter season in Colorado. 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. Answer 1 of 21: Hi, I will be in Denver late Oct. had wanted to ride on Durango to Silverton train. Hiking, mountain biking, climbing, rafting, and off-roading are all staple activities here in our hometown. Your trip begins in Denver, Colorado. 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. Colorado's Most Dangerous Mountain Roads and Passes - 303 Magazine When visiting Colorado Springs, 100% the number one thing to do is check out the Garden of the Gods. 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. ', 'Should I book online before I travel? 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. Prices and availability are subject to change. Lodging for 2 nights in Estes park in mid May, Where to stay near Union Station if using Red Rocks shuttle. Dunes, not to be missed with children. 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. If youre traveling on slippery or snowy roads, use caution, slow down, and please, take it easy on the brakes. Airfares from $109 One Way, $219 Round Trip from Denver to Durango. 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. Just a stones throw off 285 South before you reach the town of Del Norte on the Denver to Durango drive, Penitente Canyon offers scenic views and chances to hike, rock climb, and bike through the towering canyon walls. The drive from Denver, Colorado, to Las Vegas, Nevada, is a drive of epic proportions. It is impossible to get from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Which route is the best? Monument to fallen snowplow drivers. From there, make a right onto US-550 S, which will take you into Ouray after just over 36 miles. Denver to Durango in a day. - RoadTrip America 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. Thank you. 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. Denver to Durango drive: which route? : Durango - reddit Alternatively, you may use, Best Western Plus Deer Park Hotel And Suites. If you drove there from Albuquerque it would take you about half as long. drive for about 54 minutes. BTW also Mapquest gives the route Casa said but mentioned 5 hours. It is home to Fort Lewis College. Lots of good food in Durango. 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 distance between Denver and Durango is 372 km. Driving from Denver to Durango takes about six and a half hours. As you reach the classic mountain town of Salida and the nearby area, the Arkansas River is the main artery for a lot of watersports recreation, from fly fishing and whitewater rafting to kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP). Colorado, United States. For photographers, taking photos of the sunset from atop one of the dunes is an unforgettable experience. Most crashes on the pass occur at the switchback curve near the Wolf Creek scenic outlook area. What should I do if I have COVID-19 symptoms when I arrive in Durango? The total cost of driving from Denver, CO to Durango, CO (one-way) is $53.28 at current gas prices. 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. The highway is also notorious for serious semi-accidents and spin-outs due to its steep curvy descent. Answer (1 of 3): I agree with Alan about I-70 and I-80. It is impossible to get from Denver to Durango -- at least in any reasonable way -- without some mountain driving. 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. Michael Rosebrock / Shutterstock 7. You have two route options, both of which take you through amazing scenery and worthwhile stops. 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. Its a lengthy stretch, but it also takes you through some of Colorados most spectacular wilderness areas, adventurous mountain towns, and exciting cities. Youll have views for miles around and Aspen Sunflowers covering entire hillsides, making for PERFECT photo ops. $206 Cheap Flights from Denver (DEN) to Durango (DGO) Bundle Your Flight + Hotel & Save! 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. Drive to Colorado Springs on Interstate 25 and on through Pueblo to Walsenburg where you'll take Hwy 160 west. 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. 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. Snowcaped mountains in Berthoud Pass, Colorado. (easiest one, no scary mountain driving haha), and if you can suggest good places to stop and eat? Am I allowed to travel from Denver to Durango? Click here to browse other private rentals. From Sand Dunes, head west on US160 over Wolf Creek Pass to Pagosa. 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 . We're working around the clock to bring you the latest COVID-19 travel updates.This information is compiled from official sources. 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. Planning other road trips from Denver? Yep, its that simple. Cortez is 50 miles away from Durango, while Telluride is 110 miles away. Thank you :) The 160 to 285 would be the fastest. Lots of good food in Durango. $242 Cheap Flights from Denver (DEN) to Durango (DGO) - Expedia Thank you :) 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. Either way there is only one high pass to cross (Wolf Creek, mentioned above), and I wouldn't call it scary. Driving from Denver to Durango? - Colorado Forum - Tripadvisor Make yourself known to an official member of staff and/or call the national coronavirus helpline number on 800-232-4636. Another possible stop near Salida located in the shadow of Mt. 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. Denver Area Road Trip Apart from being the Wildflower Capital of Colorado, Crested Butte is where mountain biking got its start in Colorado. Aspen vs Vail vs Breckenridge: Which Colorado Town to Visit? High average elevation of 10,000 feet and a few passes over 12,000 feet. 172. 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. Loveland Pass Summit in Winter. The drive is gorgeous and, although you reach some very high elevations, it is not scary if you stick to the main route . Not much to recommend for food along the way. If natural disasters happen to occur, travelers are often rerouted between Ridgway and Durango over Lizard Head Pass a much longer route. Is this a summer trip or a winter trip? 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. $109 Cheap Flights from Denver to Durango - Orbitz It is well located, there are a number of plush rooms available, and the breakfast included uses dairy products sourced from the propertys own goats! Maybe see http://www.mapquest.com for that. The 12 Most Scenic Drives in Colorado (Road Trip Inspiration!) Semi trucks stuck on I-25. 10 Best Stops on the Denver to Aspen Drive via Vail. Avalanches often trigger temporary closures, leaving portions of the road buried under several feet of snow. 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. Just be sure to downshift on the downhill side. The shorter one (US285 south and US160 west), more scenic, has more mountains. Then, head toward Ignacio on CO Hwy. Now I am thinking of taking another route. Are you planning to drive from Denver to 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. Well start our engines in Colorados capital city of Denver! 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. Used Dodge cars for sale in Berthoud, CO under $799,952 While skiers and riders will often go to great lengths to get to the mountains on a powder day, its important to drive carefully along this steep and winding alpine road. 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. 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. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. Get answers to your questions about Colorado. You want to avoid leaving Denver on Friday afternoon and you want to avoid returning on Sunday afternoon. But I need to leave here at midnight. For casual hikers, the 1.6-mile Penitente Canyon Loop is a great option that wont leave you exhausted or needing an extensive amount of gear. Thank you :) 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. However, as the expression goes, its not the destination, its the journey. Thank you :) Hwy-347 turns off north from US-50 toward the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park 8 mi (12.8 km) east of Montrose, but this town also marks the start of one of the best-loved roads in the country, the Million Dollar Highway, a classic stretch of two-lane blacktop that forms a swirling ribbon through the San Juan Mountains, the wildest . The next best thing to do on a visit to Colorado Springs is to head up to Pikes Peak. Utah. So here I am in Pagosa Springs. Colorado's Scenic Million Dollar Highway: Silverton to Ouray What about Mine Tours and Mining Museums? Greyhound is virtually the only bus company operating this route and ticket prices start at $63, although they can be as high as $140. From there youll make a left onto CO 291 S which will take you into Salida after eight miles. Rome2rio also offers online bookings for selected operators, making reservations easy and straightforward. Your Guide to a Million Dollar Highway Road Trip - Reader's Digest Denver to Moab - How to Enjoy an Epic Weekend Road Trip 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. Red Mountain Pass. Driving from Denver to Durango? - Colorado Message Board - Tripadvisor