Mountain Goat Lodge This boutique bed and breakfast is an excellent option if youre after a bit of luxury while driving to Durango. Start early in the day, bring plenty of water and snacks, and be sure to dress in layers. 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. Lots of good food in Durango. Click here to browse more Durango hotels! The longer one (I-25 south, US160 west) involves faster driving and more traffic. It's a fairly long drive from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in India. Additional terms apply. The next best thing to do on a visit to Colorado Springs is to head up to Pikes Peak. 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. Cheyenne . But it didn/t work. 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. Exceptions may apply, for full details: Centers for Disease control and prevention (CDC). Does anyone know why? It is impossible to get from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Alternatively, Outdoorsy is an option if you prefer to rent an RV or campervan. 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. 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 the route offers a fast connection to Winter Park from Denver, avalanches and snowslides often make winter travel on this route extremely difficult. Additional terms apply. Each flight takes about an hour, so this is definitely the fastest way to get from Denver to Durango. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-75869024', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Denver Airport and we are supposed to go to Durango by car. What are the travel restrictions in Durango? 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. 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. He lives in Colorado and also works as a fly fishing guide and instructor when not editing or writing. The total cost of driving from Denver, CO to Durango, CO (one-way) is $53.28 at current gas prices. These are both safe routes. I routinely make the trip via 285 and it is much shorter and beautiful. What airport would I fly into to go to Englewood, Colorado? Durango is in southwest Colorado. Thai place in Poncha Springs and Lost Cajun in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? This is a no-brainer as a stop for skiers and snowboarders traveling in the winter, but the Wolf Creek area between South Fork and Durango is also worth keeping in mind as a stop for travelers even in mid-summer. For a more complete guide on the hike, check out this Out There Colorado article. This is a beautiful and quicker drive. If youre traveling on slippery or snowy roads, use caution, slow down, and please, take it easy on the brakes. The building opened in 1917, and served as a high school until 1976, after which it became the district administration building. Red Mountain Pass. Getting there is through beautiful, mountainous country, but mountainous roads and I believe some white. That made for about a 70-mile loop of incredible mountain views! 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). 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. Its also noted as the highest road in the country thats kept open on a year-round basis. Utah. 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. 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. This calculation assumes that your vehicle gets an average gas mileage of 25 mpg . The train route links Silverton and Durango, and you can even book a seat in a private car. Monarch Pass winds beautifully into the mountains at 11,312 feet along the Continental Divide between Gunnison and Poncha Springs, located just 20 minutes from Salida. 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. You have two route options, both of which take you through amazing scenery and worthwhile stops. The longer one (I-25 south, US160 west) involves faster driving and more traffic. 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. I-25 is a major interstate highway that travels north and south, serving as the main connection from Denver to Colorado Springs. 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. No matter the route you choose, you wont be disappointed with this breathtaking destination. After passing the Antero Junction, Mount Princeton Hot Springs is a short detour west down Chalk Creek Drive from Nathrop and Browns Canyon National Monument just as your drive has started to meet with the Arkansas River. The cheapest month to fly is July. In Winter do I need a 4 Wheel Drive Vehicle in Colorado? What about Mine Tours and Mining Museums? That said, if you do hike Mount Princeston, still come prepared for a long days hike as well as a little rock scrambling. 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. As of July 23, Colorado has. Filled with useful and timely travel information, the guides answer all the hard questions - such as 'How do I buy a ticket? Ice and snow-caked roads, highways, and mountain passes make for dangerous and hazardous driving conditions across the state. Either way there is only one high pass to cross (Wolf Creek, mentioned above), and I wouldn't call it scary. The Map Start: Denver to Manitou Springs/Colorado Springs While I-25. I'd judge the least "scary" of the three to be I-25/US160. This somewhat low-key park is simply jaw-dropping. 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. See what its like to plow this dangerous road here. A direct flight will only take about an hour in the air, which will save you a lot of time. Reduced speed limits and temporary closures are often put into place for safety concerns. From: 1 traveler 2 travelers 3 travelers 4 travelers 5 travelers 6 travelers. Brittany is an award-winning journalist based in Denver where she has lived and worked for more than a decade. There will be some mountain driving whichever route you take, but there's no need to be scared. One snowstorm resulted in more than 300 crashes in the Denver metro area, with 93 of those occurring within a 3-hour period. Answer (1 of 3): I agree with Alan about I-70 and I-80. Photo Credit: Matt Gross Things To Do Just be sure to downshift on the downhill side. 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 cheapest flight from Denver to Durango was found 29 days before departure, on average. 10 Best Stops on the Denver to Aspen Drive via Vail. Breckenridge, Vail, Steamboat, or Estes Park for summer? 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. If you are concerned about scary mountain driving, Red Mountain pass isn't scary, but the first part of the Million Dollar highway from Ouray south 10 or 20 miles is. No problem finding gas and basic supplies, just not much "good" food or coffee. Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2rio's travel planner. 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. The shorter one (US285 south and US160 west), more scenic, has more mountains. Mesa Verde is a world-class attraction that you really should see. If you drove there from Albuquerque it would take you about half as long. Need we say more? Keep in mind though, it's an incredibly long ride because you'll need to travel out of your way to switch buses in Grand Junction. Error! Click here to browse other private rentals. Driving Distance: 941 miles. Thats not too surprising we suppose as Coloradans tend to ski just about anything. 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. Which route is the best? Another route, is to take US285 sw from Denver toward Buena Vista and then south to Great Sand Dunes. Looking for the ultimate Colorado summer road trip experience? 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. Having a wonderful time here. As the name would suggest, this trail takes you around the entire town dont worry, there are plenty of places to enter or exit the trail for a shorter hike. 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. Outdoor seating areas are especially nice for sampling the beverages and entrees at either one. Not quite what youre looking for? Casa's route is good. 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. From Durango, we flew back to Denver, instead of driving back. Situated in a beautiful, historic building, they have a range of gorgeous rooms on offer and a great bar and restaurant on site. Dont let the views distract you on Berthoud Pass. Legitimately called the San Juan Skyway, this nasty trek in southwestern Colorado features the Coal Bank Pass, a very steep and very scary road with weather that is harsh and unpredictable. Click here to browse more Durango hotels! No problem finding gas and basic supplies, just not much "good" food or coffee. There will be some mountain driving whichever route you take, but there's no need to be scared. But I need to leave here at midnight. Find all the transport options for your trip from Denver to Durango right here. 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. By Jeremy P. Meyer | jpmeyer@denverpost.com | The Denver Post. 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. 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. Good coffee is also scarce along that route until you get to Durango. The social distance requirement in Durango is 2 metres. to Guadalupe Victoria Durango Intl. The drive from Denver, Colorado, to Las Vegas, Nevada, is a drive of epic proportions. We love Pikes Peak because theres just so much to explore, and because theres so many ways to actually ascend the peak! 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. 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. Theres also an observation site for the renowned Treasure Falls thats located just south of the pass. Call us biased on this if you like, but heading down the Lower Animas is a Durango summer staple. Durango, Colorado 81301 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. Recommended Road Trip Length: 7 days. Drive to Colorado Springs on Interstate 25 and on through Pueblo to Walsenburg where you'll take Hwy 160 west. Pass in SW CO? Planning other road trips from Denver? It is impossible to get from Denver to Durango -- at least in any reasonable way -- without some mountain driving. 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. , Where to Stay on a Denver to Durango Road Trip. If youve never gone mountain biking before, then this is a perfect place to try it out. Takes 6hrs plus stops and is both easy and scenic. Duncan is a writer for The World Was Here First. Prices start at 117,500 per night. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. There was an error processing your request. Click here to see their availability. 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. You can also rent ATVs and off-road vehicles in town if you prefer to not take your own 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. 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. Which route is the best? 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. These springs are perfect for an evening soak when the day starts to cool and you want to settle down to reflect on the days adventure accomplishments. Take a tour from Durango and let someone else drive! If you'll have the time try to visit both Colorado Springs (Pike's Peak, Garden of the Gods etc.) Book at least 2 weeks before departure in order to get a below-average price. The shorter one (US285 south and US160 west), more scenic, has more mountains. Driving from Denver to Durango takes about six and a half hours. BTW also Mapquest gives the route Casa said but mentioned 5 hours. Jan 31, 2006. Roads surrounding the Denver metro area are often a mess, especially when you add snow and ice to the mix. 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. Traffic congestion due to rush hour and ongoing construction is normally expected for this particular stretch of the highway. 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. Among these are the collegiate peaks which are, unsurprisingly, named after some of the United States most famous colleges and Oxford randomly. Check out our Denver to Aspen drive & Denver to Moab road trip articles! I drive the 285>160 route almost weekly for the last few months. Rome2rio makes travelling from Denver to Durango easy. Portions of I-70 often close due to severe weather conditions. Mostly flat in some areas, Colorado gives drivers the most treacherous section of I-70 through the Rocky Mountains. Plus, Durangos wild west and mining history give it such a distinguished and quirky character. The shortest way is to take Route 285 through to Route 160, which will take you past Buena Vista. So yeah, have your camera charged and ready for this spot too.
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