Thank you for your advise. 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. The drive time from Ouray to Durango is approximately one hour and 45 minutes. Head south continuing along US-550 S (AKA The Million Dollar Highway) for 70.5 miles until you reach Durango. You can also go to Colorado Springs and Canon City and Salida then 285 to 160. 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. Signup today for free and be the first to get notified on new updates. When visiting Colorado Springs, 100% the number one thing to do is check out the Garden of the Gods. 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. Another great activity to do near Denver is driving the Mount Evans Scenic Byway. Traffic congestion due to rush hour and ongoing construction is normally expected for this particular stretch of the highway. This trail is close to town and extends to a decent length of 4.3 total miles long. Durango High School, also known as the Durango 9-R Administration Building, is a former school in Durango, Colorado. There will be some mountain driving whichever route you take, but there's no need to be scared. Of the collegiate peaks, Mount Princeton is designated as one of the easiest to climb. Dont let snowy roads put a damper on your adventure plans. Services like gas stations and restaurants are in good supply at Salida, Saguache, and other areas along the way. (easiest one, no scary mountain driving haha), and if you can suggest good places to stop and eat? The drive time from Durango to Creede takes just under 2.5 hours. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-13327901', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Denver, then N to I-70E direct to airport. The cheapest flight from Denver to Durango was found 29 days before departure, on average. Avalanches often trigger temporary closures, leaving portions of the road buried under several feet of snow. Lodging for 2 nights in Estes park in mid May, Where to stay near Union Station if using Red Rocks shuttle. One reason you might choose to take the I-25 route from Denver to Durango would be if youd rather minimize the mountain driving on winding, less-maintained roads. A great trail option for beginners, especially if youre around during wildflower season, is Brush Creek. By proceeding, you accept the use of cookies in accordance with our, Take the bus from Union Station Gate B4 to Grand Valley Downtown Transfer Station, Drive from Grand Valley Downtown Transfer Station to Montrose Airport, Take a shuttle bus from Montrose Airport to Telluride, Take a shuttle bus from Silverton, CO to Durango, CO, Take the train from Silverton to Durango, CO, Take a shuttle bus from Purgatory Plaza to Durango Transit Center, Fly from Denver (DEN) to Telluride Regional (TEX), Take a shuttle bus from Mesa Verde National Park to Purgatory Resort. Then, make a right onto CO-149 N and follow that for 22 miles until you reach Creede. 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. - to help you get the most out of your next trip. Drive to Colorado Springs on Interstate 25 and on through Pueblo to Walsenburg where you'll take Hwy 160 west. briken - Denver to Durango is about 403 mi. This 235 mile loop takes you through old mining towns, spectacular scenery, and exhilarating twists & turns. That's because Mapquest knows you drive fast Tet, lol!!! While the route offers a fast connection to Winter Park from Denver, avalanches and snowslides often make winter travel on this route extremely difficult. 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. But it didn/t work. 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). Semi trucks stuck on I-25. For instance, this beautiful treehouse home with a hot tub is a great choice. 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. The United States Census Bureau reported a population of 16,887 in the 2010 census. This nationally-protected area consists of more than 30 square miles of massive dunes and is a must-stop for travelers nearing the latter portion of their Denver to Durango road trip. 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. Thank you :) Dont let the views distract you on Berthoud Pass. Monarch Pass in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. Well-located in central Durango, they have a range of rooms available to suit all kinds of visitors even allow pets if youre traveling with a four-legged friend! Which route is the best? As far as rafting day trips go, it doesnt get much easier or more fun than this! drive for about 54 minutes. Apart from being the Wildflower Capital of Colorado, Crested Butte is where mountain biking got its start in Colorado. Having seen and read descriptions of the Million Dollar Highway, I'd like to avoid the drive south between Ouray and Silverton. From Sand Dunes, head west on US160 over Wolf Creek Pass to Pagosa. 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. 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. Airfares from $109 One Way, $219 Round Trip from Denver to Durango. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Join our mailing list for discounts, special events, and more. #ouraygram. Which route is the best? From there, make a right onto US-50 E (passing back through Salida) and follow that for 70 miles until you reach Penrose. I assume you understand that any route you take will be. Rome2rio is a door-to-door travel information and booking engine, helping you get to and from any location in the world. 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. One of the last places to stop between Denver and Durango is Chimney Rock National Monument, which features the ancient remains of a native Pueblo settlement dating back 1,000 years. 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. Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. Which route is the best? Getting there is through beautiful, mountainous country, but mountainous roads and I believe some white. If you are traveling to Durango by bus, prepare for a long ride of at least 12 hours. 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. What are the roads like, and what do I need to know about driving in Colorado? 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. Drop-dead gorgeous and nestled into the heart of the San Juan mountains, visiting Ouray 100% feels like youre being transported to Switzerland. However, as the expression goes, its not the destination, its the journey. Thank you :) The route has an elevation gain of 9,000 ft and ascends through five climate zones to the 14,264-ft summit of Mount Evans. Denver --> independence pass --> Aspen --> Ouray --> Red mountain pass --> Durango. Denver Area Road Trip 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. Alternatively, you may use, Best Western Plus Deer Park Hotel And Suites. If you're planning a road trip, you might be interested in seeing the total driving distance from Denver, CO to Durango, CO. You can also calculate the cost to drive from Denver, CO to Durango, CO based on current local gas prices . Success! This is a beautiful and quicker drive. If concerts and shows arent your scene, no problem! The Million Dollar Highway is a scenic section of the US-550 highway which runs north to south. Book at least 2 weeks before departure in order to get a below-average price. Call us biased on this if you like, but heading down the Lower Animas is a Durango summer staple. But. 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! 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. Aetna is Monarch Mountain Resort. The drive is gorgeous and, although you reach some very high elevations, it is not scary if you stick to the main route . Before heading out, visit cotrip.org for the latest road conditions and closures. There is also breakfast included each morning. Photo Credit: Christian Murdock; The Gazette. Those with a lot of time on their hands can hike or bike to the summit, which makes for a rewarding journey. You can also go to Colorado Springs and Canon City and Salida then 285 to 160. To get to Salida from Denver will be 2.5-hour drive. You'll be basically traveling in an L-shape on the two long sides of a triangle, instead of driving on the diagonal. My friends and I are coming from Europe to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? (easiest one, no scary mountain driving haha), and if you can suggest good places to stop and eat? 4WD and AWD vehicles must have snow tires or all-weather tires with 3/16 inch tread depth. 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. Among the marquee attractions near Salida is Browns Canyon, which was also designated a National Monument recently in 2015. 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. Last updated: 1 Mar 2023 Photo Credit: Jerilee Bennett. Additional terms apply. Head out of Creede the way you came in along CO-149 S for 22 miles and then make a left onto US-160 E for 17 miles. My friends and I are coming from Europe to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? The shorter one (US285 south and US160 west), more scenic, has more mountains. It is the route CasaAzul mentioned. 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. Regular fuel costs are around $3.96 per gallon for your trip. 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. - Wikipedia. This is one town that has definitely earned its nickname as its surrounded by more than a dozen fourteeners. 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. You will catch C4-70 outside (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Traffic jam westbound I-70 highway Photo Credit: milehightraveler (iStock). Cars are unable to make it up the pass during winter weather on a regular basis. 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. There is no direct connection from Denver to Durango. Winter in Colorado is no joke. Find all the transport options for your trip from Denver to Durango right here. Travel along this high alpine road is strongly discouraged amid snow, freezing temperatures, and blowing snow. The cheapest month to fly is July. Answer 1 of 21: Hi, I will be in Denver late Oct. had wanted to ride on Durango to Silverton train. If youre hiking with children or just dont enjoy exposure to steep drop-offs, then its recommended to do the out-at-back version. 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. and Great Sand. American Airlines also offers flights to Durango, but they require you to first stop in Phoenix, which means it will take at least 4 hours to arrive. 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. Durango, Colorado 81301 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. Thank you so much for all the wonderful information. 2023 The World Was Here First All rights reserved. Drive from Denver to Durango 336.1 miles $60 - $90 Fly to Durango, shuttle 5h 22m Fly from Denver (DEN) to Durango (DRO) DEN - DRO Take a shuttle bus from Purgatory Plaza to Durango Transit Center $233 - $570 Fly to Telluride Regional, shuttle 6h 32m Fly from Denver (DEN) to Telluride Regional (TEX) DEN - TEX Its also important to watch out for mandatory chain and traction laws on I-70, especially during the winter months. Family RV adventure advice for Colorado, Utah & Wyoming. 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. So, pack your bags, fasten your seatbelts, and get ready to hit the road on this Denver to Durango loop road trip! 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.
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