The Best Colorado Summer Road Trip - Denver to Durango Loop Take US Hwy 285 south from Denver for approximately 173 miles. *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. It serves as one of the main routes to Colorados ski country including Vail, Aspen, Winter Park, Keystone, and Breckenridge. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Canada. Signup today for free and be the first to get notified on new updates. Of the collegiate peaks, Mount Princeton is designated as one of the easiest to climb. Prices start at 117,500 per night. Rome2rios travel guides to the US tell you the best ways to explore the country, from Amtrak to Greyhound to the New York Subway. 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. Situated in a beautiful, historic building, they have a range of gorgeous rooms on offer and a great bar and restaurant on site. Grand Junction To Dinosaur This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Which route is the best? 10 Best Stops on a Denver to Moab Road Trip. In Winter do I need a 4 Wheel Drive Vehicle in Colorado? Loveland Pass Summit in Winter. Its also helpful to pack warm layers, snacks, water, and a flash flight for unexpected delays and emergencies. 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. But it didn/t work. That said, if you do hike Mount Princeston, still come prepared for a long days hike as well as a little rock scrambling. 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. 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. 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. No problem finding gas and basic supplies, just not much "good" food or coffee. This drive is most densely populated with residential areas and small towns for about the first hour or so, but the rest is nothing but mountain passes, wide-open valleys, and National Forest areas, with the occasional town to break things up. Watch carefully for deer early mornings and twilight! 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. But assuming youre confident in your car and overall conditions, the Denver to Durango scenic drive down 285 South that also connects with US 160 at Del Norte is the way to go. Aspen vs Vail vs Breckenridge: Which Colorado Town to Visit? Informacin detallada del sitio web y la empresa: jaramarzulli.com, +911647681164, +911647244548, +911646228156, +911646126349, +911645988738 Jara Marzulli | La poetica di un'artista 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 . The shorter one (US285 south and US160 west), more scenic, has more mountains. 10 Best Stops on the Denver to Aspen Drive via Vail. 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. At just under four hours, the stretch from Creede to Colorado Springs is the longest drive of this trip. Durango to Denver - 7 ways to travel via train, shuttle, car - Rome2rio Domestic travel is not restricted, but some conditions may apply. From: 1 traveler 2 travelers 3 travelers 4 travelers 5 travelers 6 travelers. The picnic area is also nice for anyone who has packed food for the road trip in a cooler and might want to have lunch before getting back on the road. Driving from Denver to Durango? - Colorado Forum - Tripadvisor - to help you get the most out of your next trip. Informacin detallada del sitio web y la empresa: caudesucre.com Cau de sucre - blog de repostera creativa, recetas dulces y mucha fotografa! Denver Area Road Trip Another route, is to take US285 sw from Denver toward Buena Vista and then south to Great Sand Dunes. The distance between Denver and Durango is 372 km. Transportation and Shuttle Services - Purgatory Resort High season is considered to be October, November and December. Its a lengthy stretch, but it also takes you through some of Colorados most spectacular wilderness areas, adventurous mountain towns, and exciting cities. For us, one of the most fun things a first-time visitor can do is catch a show at, If concerts and shows arent your scene, no problem! Then, head toward Ignacio on CO Hwy. The road distance is 537.8 km. 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. Drive to Colorado Springs on Interstate 25 and on through Pueblo to Walsenburg where you'll take Hwy 160 west. Mesa Verde is a world-class attraction that you really should see. Answer 1 of 6: My friends and I are coming from Europe to Denver Airport and we are supposed to go to Durango by car. Silverton is an old mining town nestled between Red Mountain and Molas, two San Juan Mountain passes. 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. Monarch Pass in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. 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). 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. I would say the "scariest" would be to take US160 over Wolf Creek pass - especially in winter.. We love our home state, and we have more than a few top tips for things to do during your visit. You could also travel on Route 24 to pass through Colorado Springs, before connecting and driving west on 160, which will add about 30 minutes to your trip. and leave at 3:05 pm. more. Not far from the New Mexico border, Durango is actually closer to Albuquerque than Denver, with 215 miles between them. Although its a small mountain town, its bursting at the seams with history, scenery, and adventure opportunities. To the best of our knowledge, it is correct as of the last update.Visit Rome2rio travel advice for general help. jaramarzulli.com Informacin detallada del sitio web y la empresa Click here to browse other private rentals. The steep, winding switchbacks can make your stomach turn on this high mountain pass, reaching an elevation of 11,307 feet. Exceptions may apply, for full details: Centers for Disease control and prevention (CDC). We tackled this whole itinerary in 3 nights but you would be better served to spend at least double that amount of time. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission at no extra cost to you. 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. 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. If youre planning an escape to Durango in southwestern Colorado, a road trip will lead you through some historic miningtowns, scenic overlooks worthy of a stop, and unique hot springs that youll definitely be able to smell as you make your approach. Wearing a face mask on public transport in Durango is recommended. Have any questions about any of these stops? I assume you understand that any route you take will be. Roadtrip from SoCal to Mt Rushmore thru Colorado, Best Western Plus Deer Park Hotel And Suites. There will be some mountain driving whichever route you take, but there's no need to be scared. 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. Make sure to keep a safe following distance between your car and one in front of you. How long will the journey be and what is the fastest route? Photo Credit: milehightraveler (iStock). 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. If youve never gone mountain biking before, then this is a perfect place to try it out. What are the roads like, and what do I need to know about driving in Colorado? Utah. Durango is the county seat and the most populous municipality of La Plata County, Colorado, United States. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in India. What kind of rental car do I need & are there places I should not drive a rental car? Ultimate Million Dollar Highway Road Trip Guide: Durango to Ouray Can you tell me about guest ranch vacations in Colorado? 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. 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. Travel along this high alpine road is strongly discouraged amid snow, freezing temperatures, and blowing snow. Check out our Durango Activities and Things to Do page for more information. Services like gas stations and restaurants are in good supply at Salida, Saguache, and other areas along the way. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. And as this road trip tends to take only about six to six and a half hours, its easy to pull off in a single day with plenty of time for some stops near the highway. We extended it to a full loop: Boulder Canyon Drive up to Nederland, Highway 72 from Nederland to Highway 7 just south of Rocky Mountain National Park, Highway 7 back over to Highway 36, and then back down to Boulder. 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. Takes 6hrs plus stops and is both easy and scenic. Regular fuel costs are around $3.96 per gallon for your trip. The Million Dollar Highway is a scenic section of the US-550 highway which runs north to south. $109 Cheap Flights from Denver to Durango - Orbitz 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. It serves as one of the main routes to Colorado's ski country including Vail, Aspen, Winter Park, Keystone, and Breckenridge. If youve never gone mountain biking before, then this is a perfect place to try it out. Jan 31, 2006. Good coffee is also scarce along that route until you get to Durango. Camping, backpacking, and hiking opportunities abound in this area once the snow melts in the summertime. ! It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and the Colorado State Register of Historic Properties. 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. Is this a summer trip or a winter trip? Although its a small mountain town, its bursting at the seams with history, scenery, and adventure opportunities. drive for about 54 minutes. Driving from Denver to Durango? - Colorado Message Board - Tripadvisor 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. Architectural structures left behind by the ancestral Puebloans include pit houses, great kivas, and great houses, according to the U.S. Forest Services website. Find all the transport options for your trip from Denver to Durango right here. Does anyone know why? Click here to browse more Durango hotels! I took the highway and then 160 to get to Pagosa and it lasted 7 hours. Is it compulsory to practice social distancing in Durango? You can't get to Durango by train, but if you're looking for an old west experience, hop aboard the Silverton Silverlight Express. 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. That's because Mapquest knows you drive fast Tet, lol!!! All deals One way Roundtrip Tue, Mar 21 DEN Denver DRO Durango $195 One way just found The social distance requirement in Durango is 2 metres. You know what? However, as the expression goes, its not the destination, its the journey. Either way there is only one high pass to cross (Wolf Creek, mentioned above), and I wouldn't call it scary. This trail is close to town and extends to a decent length of 4.3 total miles long. Click here to browse more Durango hotels! document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Join our mailing list for discounts, special events, and more. Well, youve come to the right place. It is located between I-70 and Keystone, offering an alternative route to I-70 and the Eisenhower Tunnel. What about the altitude/Altitude sickness? He has spent time in Costa Rica and has made numerous trips exploring the Western states of the Rocky Mountains. 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. 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. Denver to Durango - Colorado Forum - Tripadvisor Ice and snow-caked roads, highways, and mountain passes make for dangerous and hazardous driving conditions across the state. 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. 2:05 pm Pagosa Springs (Colorado) stay for about 1 hour. Powerhouse Science Center, formerly the The Durango Discovery Museum, is an interactive science center located in Durango, Colorado. This is a beautiful and quicker drive. 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. If you must go out, make sure you are prepared for winter travel and your tires meet the minimal requirements for Colorados new traction law. This is a beautiful and quicker drive. Sand Dunes are great fun. Of course, theres an endless list of things to do and places to see in and around Denver. The total cost of driving from Denver, CO to Durango, CO (one-way) is $53.28 at current gas prices. It stretches from Denver to Durango across the Southern Rockies and can be hiked in 25-35 days. Wolf Creek has gained a reputation all throughout Colorado as one of the best ski resorts to visit for anyone looking to escape crowds and long lift lines, and it also boasts some of the highest seasonal accumulations of snowpack out of any Colorado resorts, depending on the year. So, stop by if you can. The shorter one (US285 south and US160 west), more scenic, has more mountains. What is the national COVID-19 helpline number in Durango? Are you planning to drive from Denver to Durango? Tue, Jul 25. If you are headed to the mountains on the weekend, plan ahead for more traffic than usual. 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. Rome2rio uses cookies to help personalize content and show you personalised ads. Yep, its that simple. Back in Durango, drive east on U.S. 160; get your camera ready for breathtaking views of the snow-flecked La Plata Mountain Range. and Great Sand. 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. 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. The museum opened on February 23, 2011 in what was once a power plant. The cheapest month to fly is July. 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. The longer one (I-25 south, US160 west) involves faster driving and more traffic. Not much to recommend for food along the way. 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. I-25 is a major interstate highway that travels north and south, serving as the main connection from Denver to Colorado Springs. (easiest one, no scary mountain driving haha), and if you can suggest good places to stop and eat? Having a wonderful time here. No problem finding gas and basic supplies, just not much "good" food or coffee. 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. , Where to Stay on a Denver to Durango Road Trip. Be sure to enjoy the small towns along the way and explore the rural side of Colorado too! There will be some mountain driving whichever route you take, but there's no need to be scared. According to a recent study, the average Denver commuter spends 83 hours per year stuck in traffic. Driving from Denver to Durango? - Colorado Forum - Tripadvisor High average elevation of 10,000 feet and a few passes over 12,000 feet. Answer 1 of 21: Hi, I will be in Denver late Oct. had wanted to ride on Durango to Silverton train. There are long swaths of the drive down 285 Southsuch as the section between Fairplay to Buena Vistawhere you may lose cell signal at times and find higher chances of on-road hazards like wildlife, fallen rocks, and icy or snowy road conditions. Every month, almost a million vehicles travel the 100 miles on Interstate 70 between Denver and Vail, Colorado. Which route is the best? 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. Commentdocument.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a6e6fde05a476155cc84d0616c8a9c0f" );document.getElementById("b934630cd5").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Hi! The national COVID-19 helpline number in Durango is 800-232-4636.