Durango is the county seat and the most populous municipality of La Plata County, Colorado, United States. Well, thats it for this epic Colorado summer road 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. (easiest one, no scary mountain driving haha), and if you can suggest good places to stop and eat? more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Which route is the best? We know what youre thinking: sand dunes in Colorado? What is the least scary route to cross the Rocky Mountains by - Quora Its important to note that dates and closures vary, depending on the weather and road conditions. 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. There will be some mountain driving whichever route you take, but there's no need to be scared. So here I am in Pagosa Springs. Traffic congestion due to rush hour and ongoing construction is normally expected for this particular stretch of the highway. 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. From there, make a right onto US-550 S, which will take you into Ouray after just over 36 miles. 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. 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. Along the National Parks Loop, you'll also go through some other small towns worth exploring like Telluride, Durango, and Buena Vista. Cheap Flights from Denver Intl. Before heading out, visit cotrip.org for the latest road conditions and closures. The drive between Walsenburg and Pagosa Springs is a very nice one. 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. Good coffee is also scarce along that route until you get to Durango. I will be making this trip next week and look forward to seeing all this. Durango is in southwest Colorado. 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. 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. Thank you :) 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. If youre traveling on slippery or snowy roads, use caution, slow down, and please, take it easy on the brakes. Breckenridge, Vail, Steamboat, or Estes Park for summer? Mesa Verde is a world-class attraction that you really should see. The Million Dollar Highway is a scenic section of the US-550 highway which runs north to south. Start early in the day, bring plenty of water and snacks, and be sure to dress in layers. Driving from Denver to Durango? - Colorado Message Board - Tripadvisor 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 . 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. If you'll have the time try to visit both Colorado Springs (Pike's Peak, Garden of the Gods etc.) Find all the transport options for your trip from Denver to Durango right here. Good coffee is also scarce along that route until you get to Durango. Thai place in Poncha Springs and Lost Cajun in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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. Driving from Denver to Durango takes about six and a half hours. If youve never gone mountain biking before, then this is a perfect place to try it out. Stops and things to do on Denver to Durango drive or road trip - Wanderlog I took the highway and then 160 to get to Pagosa and it lasted 7 hours. No problem finding gas and basic supplies, just not much "good" food or coffee. The best way to get from Denver to Denver Airport is to train which takes 37 min and costs 4,100-14,000. Have fun, please forgive us our little OT chat. Hiking, mountain biking, climbing, rafting, and off-roading are all staple activities here in our hometown. For photographers, taking photos of the sunset from atop one of the dunes is an unforgettable experience. Were Michael and Maggie, an Australian and American couple travelling the world. I-70 has some gorgeous spots and does top out at about 11,000 ft when you pass through the tunnels near Loveland Pass. 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. This is a beautiful and quicker drive. 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! From there you'll make a left onto CO 291 S which will take you into Salida after eight miles. Watch carefully for deer early mornings and twilight! ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-13122554', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Denver to Pagosa Springs by car. 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. Other points of interest include feeding the fish at the Wildlife Museum's fish hatchery, going kayaking on the Animas River, or stopping in at Animas Brewing Company to try the latest batch of beer. I will try to go the route thru the Great Sand Dunes. What about the altitude/Altitude sickness? The road distance is 537.8 km. 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. 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. No trip to the area should skip it in my opinion. 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. The Strater Hotel Located in downtown Durango, this beautiful historic hotel is an excellent option for those looking for a bit of a splurge. Do you think it is faster going the other route or should I rather take the old route because I drive thru the night? Jillian Dara is a freelance journalist and fact-checker. 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. Afternoons can be hot and windy though. That said, if you do hike Mount Princeston, still come prepared for a long days hike as well as a little rock scrambling. Not to mention, its known as one of the most treacherous roads in the state. 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. Mostly flat in some areas, Colorado gives drivers the most treacherous section of I-70 through the Rocky Mountains. 10 Best Stops on the Denver to Aspen Drive via Vail. Now I am thinking of taking another route. If you need to rent a car for this trip, you can check out Rentalcars.com which aggregates deals across suppliers. At Red Rocks you can catch concerts, stand-up comedy shows, film screenings, and, in the mornings, you can even join a yoga class. Greyhound is virtually the only bus company operating this route and ticket prices start at $63, although they can be as high as $140. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-13326355', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Denver to catch a 10 flight. 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. The cheapest flight from Denver to Durango was found 29 days before departure, on average. Your trip begins in Denver, Colorado. Can you please describe the San Juan Skyway/Million $ Hwy/Red Mtn. Red Mountain Pass. Find all the transport options for your trip from Denver to Durango right here. Call us biased on this if you like, but heading down the Lower Animas is a Durango summer staple. 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. 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. Either way there is only one high pass to cross (Wolf Creek, mentioned above), and I wouldn't call it scary. Cheap Flights from Denver to Durango from $195 | (DEN - Kayak I drive the 285>160 route almost weekly for the last few months. 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. Thank you so much for all the wonderful information. Theres also an observation site for the renowned Treasure Falls thats located just south of the pass. Having a wonderful time here. Am I allowed to travel from Denver to Durango? If we could only recommend two things (as has been established as the pattern of this post), then the first wed recommend is a rafting trip on the Lower Animas river. Dont forget to clear ice and snow from your windshield, windows, mirrors, and vehicle lights before driving. Problem is no-one knows what the weather will be then. and Great Sand. Mountain Goat Lodge This boutique bed and breakfast is an excellent option if youre after a bit of luxury while driving to Durango. Aetna is Monarch Mountain Resort. The San Juan Skyway & Million Dollar Highway | Visit Durango, CO 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 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. Lots of good food in Durango. In Del Norte, turn right onto US Hwy 160 W. Follow US Hwy 160 W for 118 miles. Aspen vs Vail vs Breckenridge: Which Colorado Town to Visit? If you follow this action-packed itinerary, youll not only find yourself immersed in some of Colorados most exceptional wilderness, but youll also discover fascinating history and take part in some of the Centennial States signature outdoor activities. Another route, is to take US285 sw from Denver toward Buena Vista and then south to Great Sand Dunes. Signup today for free and be the first to get notified on new updates. Driving from Denver to Durango takes about six and a half hours. Dont let snowy roads put a damper on your adventure plans. Along this route youll be graced with beautiful views of the town as well as encounter a few sizable waterfalls that make for perfect Instagram backdrops. Its a lengthy stretch, but it also takes you through some of Colorados most spectacular wilderness areas, adventurous mountain towns, and exciting cities. We're working around the clock to bring you the latest COVID-19 travel updates.This information is compiled from official sources. It is centrally locate and has both private, ensuite rooms available along with hostel dorm beds. Youll also get to take on thrilling class III rapids at Durangos exciting whitewater park. We have done the drive (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Although its a small mountain town, its bursting at the seams with history, scenery, and adventure opportunities. Theres not many other places where you can hike through desert-like dunes with snow-capped mountain peaks as your backdrop. I assume you understand that any route you take will be. Informacin detallada del sitio web y la empresa: jaramarzulli.com, +911647681164, +911647244548, +911646228156, +911646126349, +911645988738 Jara Marzulli | La poetica di un'artista Photo Credit: Christian Murdock; The Gazette. While the route offers a fast connection to Winter Park from Denver, avalanches and snowslides often make winter travel on this route extremely difficult. 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. SIGN UP: Free daily newsletter + 20% off in the OTC gear shop, The 7 most dangerous winter roads in Colorado, 93 of those occurring within a 3-hour period, Denver commuter spends 83 hours per year stuck in traffic, Public access for two Colorado 14ers to close, after bill to protect landowners from liability dies, [VIDEO] Snowboarders spend over an hour in a tree to avoid angry moose in Colorado, $50,000 reward offered in search for suspect who robbed USPS letter carrier, Nathaniel Rateliff, Elle King among artists coming to Denver area in March, Skier Shiffrin locks up overall title, still chases win 86, US to focus bison restoration on expanding tribal herds. Be sure to take a peek at, This is one town that has definitely earned its nickname as its surrounded by more than a dozen fourteeners. Adds about 2.5 hours to the "boring" way, and is incredibly varied and constantly changing. Can you tell me about guest ranch vacations in Colorado? Thank you :) Domestic travel is not restricted, but some conditions may apply. The 8 Most Scenic Drives In Colorado - TravelAwaits updated Jul 14, 2022 How long is the drive from Denver to Durango? ! 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. But those in the know, slow down and stop in four . The river flows right through town and features fun, refreshing splashes from class I and II rapids. Exceptions may apply, for full details: Centers for Disease control and prevention (CDC). A great trail option for beginners, especially if youre around during wildflower season, is Brush Creek. Finally, youll make a left onto CO-115 N for 30 miles into Colorado Springs. 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. Transportation and Shuttle Services - Purgatory Resort That's because Mapquest knows you drive fast Tet, lol!!! Portions of I-70 often close due to severe weather conditions. Which route is the best? Click here to see their availability, Private Rental If its a private vacation rental that youre after in Durango, youll find that there are countless options to choose from. 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. This somewhat low-key park is simply jaw-dropping. The 160 to 285 would be the fastest. Prices start at 117,500 per night. Last updated: 1 Mar 2023 After hiking the perimeter trail, take a load off and relax in Ourays Hot Springs. The quickest way to get from Denver to Durango is to fly and shuttle which costs 300,000-800,000 and takes 5h 24m. Good coffee is also scarce along that route until you get to Durango. Durango is in southwest Colorado. A great trail option for beginners, especially if youre around during wildflower season, is. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. High season is considered to be October, November and December. Thai place in Poncha Springs and Lost Cajun in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? There are 115+ hotels available in Durango. It is a 7 hour plus drive, not counting any stops. The railway is a federally designated National Historic Landmark and is also designated by the American Society of Civil Engineers as a Historic Civil Engineering Landmark. 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. Denver --> independence pass --> Aspen --> Ouray --> Red mountain pass --> Durango. 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. Filled with useful and timely travel information, the guides answer all the hard questions - such as 'How do I buy a ticket? Rome2rio also offers online bookings for selected operators, making reservations easy and straightforward. First, head Southwest on US Hwy 285 S, which you'll stay on for about 130 miles. Reduced speed limits and temporary closures are often put into place for safety concerns. The drive is gorgeous and, although you reach some very high elevations, it is not scary if you stick to the main route . Situated in a beautiful, historic building, they have a range of gorgeous rooms on offer and a great bar and restaurant on site. This is a great introduction to Colorados famous fourteeners and provides extraordinary views thatll redefine what you classify as a scenic byway.. Assuming you choose the route through the mountains on 285, youll still be on a paved highway for practically the entire timedepending on your chosen stopsso theres no major need for a high-clearance, 4-wheel drive sort of vehicle. Casa's route is good. He has spent time in Costa Rica and has made numerous trips exploring the Western states of the Rocky Mountains. Again. Recommended Road Trip Length: 7 days. Informacin detallada del sitio web y la empresa: caudesucre.com Cau de sucre - blog de repostera creativa, recetas dulces y mucha fotografa! 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. 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. The distance between Denver and Durango is 372 km. The reason why it's so long is because there is no direct bus service between the two cities. High average elevation of 10,000 feet and a few passes over 12,000 feet. This calculation assumes that your vehicle gets an average gas mileage of 25 mpg . You can also go to Colorado Springs and Canon City and Salida then 285 to 160. Drive to Colorado Springs on Interstate 25 and on through Pueblo to Walsenburg where you'll take Hwy 160 west. The surrounding area is also brimming with National Forest areas and hiking trails with dispersed camping and car camping options in good supply, so this is a good area to consider when thinking about spending a night on the road in the mild weather of late spring, summer, and early fall. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Canada. Snowcaped mountains in Berthoud Pass, Colorado. As far as rafting day trips go, it doesnt get much easier or more fun than this! 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. Colorado, United States. ', 'How much should I expect to pay? The total cost of driving from Denver, CO to Durango, CO (one-way) is $53.28 at current gas prices.