Denver --> independence pass --> Aspen --> Ouray --> Red mountain pass --> Durango. Editors Note: Never speed. Monarch Pass in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. 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. Every month, almost a million vehicles travel the 100 miles on Interstate 70 between Denver and Vail, Colorado. Prices and availability are subject to change. 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. Informacin detallada del sitio web y la empresa: jaramarzulli.com, +911647681164, +911647244548, +911646228156, +911646126349, +911645988738 Jara Marzulli | La poetica di un'artista 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. All three cross Wolf Creek Pass on US160, which is truly scary only if your brakes fail on the way down. As always, travel safe and enjoy the views! Mesa Verde is a world-class attraction that you really should see. Start early in the day, bring plenty of water and snacks, and be sure to dress in layers. 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. 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. Click here to browse other private rentals. Sand Dunes are great fun. 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. Services like gas stations and restaurants are in good supply at Salida, Saguache, and other areas along the way. Durango is in southwest Colorado. 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. Use this list as a springboard to get ideas for stops ranging from national parks and monuments to natural hot springs and quirky tourist attractions that youll find along the way. The small roadside town of South Fork marks a point of transition where the Rio Grande River begins to shift from its high alpine origins in National Forest land and flow down toward flatter lands in New Mexico and beyond. The shorter one (US285 south and US160 west), more scenic, has more mountains. At Wolf Creek Pass, pedestrians can access the Continental Divide Trail and the Wolf Creek Trailhead. The shorter one (US285 south and US160 west), more scenic, has more mountains. Have any questions about any of these stops? The 160 to 285 would be the fastest. 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. 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. I'd judge the least "scary" of the three to be I-25/US160. Denver Area Road Trip 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. 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. From Durango, we flew back to Denver, instead of driving back. A great trail option for beginners, especially if youre around during wildflower season, is. , Where to Stay on a Denver to Durango Road Trip. Among these are the collegiate peaks which are, unsurprisingly, named after some of the United States most famous colleges and Oxford randomly. Just across the valley from Penitente Canyon is the Great Sand Dunes National Park, one of Americas most fascinating natural phenomena. If you are headed to the mountains on the weekend, plan ahead for more traffic than usual. I-70 has some gorgeous spots and does top out at about 11,000 ft when you pass through the tunnels near Loveland Pass. One absolute must-do activity is hiking the Ouray Perimeter Trail. From Tiny Town, the next few stops between Conifer and Buena Vista also tend to be good ones for travelers and looking to take their time, relax, and settle into vacation mode while on the way out of the Denver bubble. Thats not too surprising we suppose as Coloradans tend to ski just about anything. If you hit the turn too fast you will go right off the edge. The cheapest way to get from Denver to Durango is to drive which costs 75,000-120,000 and takes 6h 33m. 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. 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. Oh well. Yep, its that simple. See what its like to plow this dangerous road here. How long is the drive from Denver to Durango? Although you can explore much of the park on your own, taking a guided tour is the way to go as thats the only way to gain access to the most popular sites such as Cliff Palace and Balcony House. 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. The scenic section that we refer to as the Million Dollar Highway is the 25-mile section between Ouray and Silverton, then from Silverton to Durango the scenic road technically becomes the San Juan Skyway. Powerhouse Science Center, formerly the The Durango Discovery Museum, is an interactive science center located in Durango, Colorado. It is impossible to get from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Although its a small mountain town, its bursting at the seams with history, scenery, and adventure opportunities. and Great Sand. Loveland Pass Summit in Winter. BTW also Mapquest gives the route Casa said but mentioned 5 hours. Rome2rio also offers online bookings for selected operators, making reservations easy and straightforward. 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. That said, if you do hike Mount Princeston, still come prepared for a long days hike as well as a little rock scrambling. Find all the transport options for your trip from Denver to Durango right here. 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. Were Michael and Maggie, an Australian and American couple travelling the world. How long will the journey be and what is the fastest route? 10 Best Stops on the Denver to Aspen Drive via Vail. Denver airport - 407 miles - about 7 hours drive depending on weather conditions Albuquerque airport - 244 miles - about 4:10 hours depending on weather conditions There are Greyhound buses that travel between the city of Albuquerque and Durango, but once again self-drive will be the easiest way to get there. 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. It takes approximately 6h 33m to drive from Denver to Durango. 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. 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. #ouraygram. ! That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission at no extra cost to you. Roundtrip One-way Multi-city 1 traveler Economy Leaving from Going to Departing Returning Add a place to stay Add a car Direct flights only Cheap Flights from Denver Intl. Now I am thinking of taking another route. Lots of good food in Durango. Its also noted as the highest road in the country thats kept open on a year-round basis. 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. Of course, theres an endless list of things to do and places to see in and around Denver. The arch and many of the other geologic formations here are the results of heat and pressure having formed volcanic ash into hard rock over millions of years. A Google mapping exercise will offer you two routes, one about a half-hour longer than the other. 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. The United States Census Bureau reported a population of 16,887 in the 2010 census. 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. 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! Take a tour from Durango and let someone else drive! With a route that passes south on US Highway 285 through Pike-San Isabel National Forest and continues down to the Great Sand Dunes and the Rio Grande headwaters, the Denver to Durango drive is one of southern Colorados most scenic. We're working around the clock to bring you the latest COVID-19 travel updates.This information is compiled from official sources. The quickest flight from Denver Airport to Durango Airport is the direct flight which takes 1h 19m. 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. 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. Not quite what youre looking for? Dont let snowy roads put a damper on your adventure plans. I took a GPS with me to attach in the rental car. You'll be basically traveling in an L-shape on the two long sides of a triangle, instead of driving on the diagonal. 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. 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. It is centrally locate and has both private, ensuite rooms available along with hostel dorm beds. Durango to Denver drive driving / 2 days / no pets / no RV Durango to Denver road trip planner Here's a sample itinerary for a drive from Durango to Denver. 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. You'll ride on a historic, coal-fired train that travels the same tracks as the miners, cowboys, and settlers who came to the Wild West did more than 100 years ago. Hi Diane, The drive from Denver to Aspen takes about 4 hours (if there isn't a lot of traffic). Not quite what youre looking for? As far as rafting day trips go, it doesnt get much easier or more fun than this! Thank you :) For instance, this beautiful treehouse home with a hot tub is a great choice. Success! more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. 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. There are 115+ hotels available in Durango. 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! Additional terms apply. Should probably count on 7 - 7.5 hrs - not easy to make really good time in the mountains. 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. It stretches from Denver to Durango across the Southern Rockies and can be hiked in 25-35 days. Am I allowed to travel from Denver to Durango? The United States Census Bureau reported a population of 16,887 in the 2010 census. Running between Ouray and Silverton, the mountain road caps off at 11,018 feet with grades as steep as 8%. Mostly flat in some areas, Colorado gives drivers the most treacherous section of I-70 through the Rocky Mountains. - Wikipedia. Snowcaped mountains in Berthoud Pass, Colorado. Our next recommendation is to take a guided tour at Mesa Verde National Park. No problem finding gas and basic supplies, just not much "good" food or coffee. Click here to browse more Durango hotels! These are both safe routes. While its unlikely that traffic jams will ever disappear, avoiding peak travel times allows for an easier and stress-free commute. First, head Southwest on US Hwy 285 S, which you'll stay on for about 130 miles. 2023 The World Was Here First All rights reserved. Rome2rio uses cookies to help personalize content and show you personalised ads. #3. Last updated: 1 Mar 2023
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. 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. 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. Recommended Road Trip Length: 7 days. Click here to see their availability, The Salida Inn & Hostel If youre traveling on a bit of a tighter budget, then this inn and hostel is an excellent choice. 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. It is impossible to get from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? In fact, winter weather is often the blame for the majority of delays and crashes. Get answers to your questions about Colorado. The total cost of driving from Denver, CO to Durango, CO (one-way) is $53.28 at current gas prices. Yes, travel within United States is currently allowed. We love our home state, and we have more than a few top tips for things to do during your visit. And good news for dog-lovers: pets are allowed on this trail but must be kept on a leash. Thank you :) Which route is the best? I-25 is a major interstate highway that travels north and south, serving as the main connection from Denver to Colorado Springs. First, head Southwest on US Hwy 285 S, which youll stay on for about 130 miles. Her work has appeared in Travel + Leisure, USA Today, Michelin Guides, Hemispheres, DuJour, and Forbes. Check out our Durango Activities and Things to Do page for more information. 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. 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. When it comes to traveling through heavy snow, strong gusty winds, and blistering cold temperatures, heres our list of some of Colorados most dangerous roads to watch out for this winter. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. Tours and campgrounds are also available, and popular activities include sledding down the dunes (a time-honored favorite), four-wheel tours, and horseback riding. Head south continuing along US-550 S (AKA The Million Dollar Highway) for 70.5 miles until you reach Durango.