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. $206 Cheap Flights from Denver (DEN) to Durango (DGO) Bundle Your Flight + Hotel & Save! I drive the 285>160 route almost weekly for the last few months. You have two route options, both of which take you through amazing scenery and worthwhile stops. Youll also get to take on thrilling class III rapids at Durangos exciting whitewater park. 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. 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. This trail is close to town and extends to a decent length of 4.3 total miles long. 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. Not much to recommend for food along the way. Rome2rio makes travelling from Denver to Durango easy. If youve never gone mountain biking before, then this is a perfect place to try it out. From hiking to climbing to jeep and segway tours, theres a whole heaping lot to do at this picture-perfect place. Good coffee is also scarce along that route until you get to Durango. Regular fuel costs are around $3.96 per gallon for your trip. Ice and snow-caked roads, highways, and mountain passes make for dangerous and hazardous driving conditions across the state.
Colorado's Most Dangerous Mountain Roads and Passes - 303 Magazine Travel in the winter months can be nerve-wracking along Red Mountain Pass. 5.5 hours of driving without stops. Maybe there's a faster drive but we have not done that. Oh well. 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. Rome2rios travel guides to the US tell you the best ways to explore the country, from Amtrak to Greyhound to the New York Subway. . 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. There was an error processing your request. All three cross Wolf Creek Pass on US160, which is truly scary only if your brakes fail on the way down.
$242 Cheap Flights from Denver (DEN) to Durango (DGO) - Expedia briken - Denver to Durango is about 403 mi. If he could teleport to anywhere on the planet, it would be the mountains of Patagonia in Chile. It is the route CasaAzul mentioned.
Denver to Durango drive: which route? : Durango - reddit 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. Mesa Verde is a world-class attraction that you really should see. Call us biased on this if you like, but heading down the Lower Animas is a Durango summer staple. From there youll make a left onto CO 291 S which will take you into Salida after eight miles. If you are traveling to Durango by bus, prepare for a long ride of at least 12 hours.
10 Best Stops on a Denver to Durango Drive - The World Was Here First Breckenridge, Vail, Steamboat, or Estes Park for summer? 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. 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. There will be some mountain driving whichever route you take, but there's no need to be scared. Brittany is an award-winning journalist based in Denver where she has lived and worked for more than a decade. Alternatively, Outdoorsy is an option if you prefer to rent an RV or campervan. Pass in SW CO?
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. Cortez is 50 miles away from Durango, while Telluride is 110 miles away. Afternoons can be hot and windy though. The museum opened on February 23, 2011 in what was once a power plant. The cheapest way to get from Denver to Durango is to drive which costs 75,000-120,000 and takes 6h 33m. Apart from being the Wildflower Capital of Colorado, Crested Butte is where mountain biking got its start in Colorado. 16 Best Things to Do in Colorado in Summer, Travel From Madrid to San Sebastian by Train, Car, and Plane, How to Travel From Rome to Naples by Train, Plane, Bus, or Car, The Top 10 Things to Do in Durango, Colorado, How to Travel From Denver to Las Vegas by Bus, Car, and Plane, How to Travel From Montreal to Quebec City by Train, Bus, Car, and Plane, How to Travel from Los Angeles to the Grand Canyon by Train, Bus, Car, and Plane, The Best Places to See Fall Colors in Colorado, How to Travel from Los Angeles to Denver by Train, Bus, Car, and Plane, Get our travel tips Delivered to your inbox. Aetna is Monarch Mountain Resort. This incredible amphitheatre is built right into the front range mountains, making for one of the most beautiful venues in the country. Among the marquee attractions near Salida is Browns Canyon, which was also designated a National Monument recently in 2015. more. The building opened in 1917, and served as a high school until 1976, after which it became the district administration building. Colorado is a beautiful state to drive through and the road from Denver to Durango has many places worth stopping to see, even if you're taking the shortest route. Durango is in southwest Colorado. When visiting Colorado Springs, 100% the number one thing to do is check out the Garden of the Gods. The steep, winding switchbacks can make your stomach turn on this high mountain pass, reaching an elevation of 11,307 feet.
Driving from Denver to Durango? - Colorado Forum - Tripadvisor 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. If not, the area works just fine as a pretty place to drive through.
8 Best Stops on a Denver to Breckenridge Drive A Google mapping exercise will offer you two routes, one about a half-hour longer than the other. 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. There is also breakfast included each morning. 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. No problem finding gas and basic supplies, just not much "good" food or coffee. Roads surrounding the Denver metro area are often a mess, especially when you add snow and ice to the mix. We are travelling with 3 children from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Dunes, not to be missed with children. 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. Traffic jam westbound I-70 highway Photo Credit: milehightraveler (iStock). 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. 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. Prices and availability are subject to change. 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. and Great Sand. Check out our Durango Activities and Things to Do page for more information.
The Best Colorado Summer Road Trip - Denver to Durango Loop Most crashes on the pass occur at the switchback curve near the Wolf Creek scenic outlook area. Takes you to nearly every major mountain zone in the state and the deepest canyons, highest passes, steepest mountains, and coolest towns. Not much to recommend for food along the way. Drive to Colorado Springs on Interstate 25 and on through Pueblo to Walsenburg where you'll take Hwy 160 west. updated Jul 14, 2022 How long is the drive from Denver to Durango? Click here to browse other private rentals.
Anyone driven from Denver to Aspen? | Timeshare Users Group Discussion A great trail option for beginners, especially if youre around during wildflower season, is. Red Mountain Pass. It features a challenging switchback turn -on the west side- with a 200-foot drop off on the other side of the curve. 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. Hi Diane, The drive from Denver to Aspen takes about 4 hours (if there isn't a lot of traffic). 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. Error!
The 12 Most Scenic Drives in Colorado (Road Trip Inspiration!) The drive time from Durango to Creede takes just under 2.5 hours. So here I am in Pagosa Springs. Good coffee is also scarce along that route until you get to Durango. The quickest way to get from Denver to Durango is to fly and shuttle which costs 300,000-800,000 and takes 5h 24m. I routinely make the trip via 285 and it is much shorter and beautiful. 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. At Red Rocks you can catch concerts, stand-up comedy shows, film screenings, and, in the mornings, you can even join a yoga class. Silverton is an old mining town nestled between Red Mountain and Molas, two San Juan Mountain passes. Cheyenne .
Stops and things to do on Denver to Durango drive or road trip - Wanderlog , Where to Stay on a Denver to Durango Road Trip. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and the Colorado State Register of Historic Properties. A Google mapping exercise will offer you two routes, one about a half-hour longer than the other. The shorter one (US285 south and US160 west), more scenic, has more mountains. 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. Thank you so much for all the wonderful information. Browse Dodge vehicles in Berthoud, CO for sale on Cars.com, with prices under $799,952. 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. Alternatively, you may use, Best Western Plus Deer Park Hotel And Suites.
Colorado Road Trip - Denver, Mesa Verde, Durango and more This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in India. There are 115+ hotels available in Durango. Situated in a beautiful, historic building, they have a range of gorgeous rooms on offer and a great bar and restaurant on site. Portions of I-70 often close due to severe weather conditions. Not much to recommend for food along the way.
Denver to Durango in a day. - RoadTrip America Mostly flat in some areas, Colorado gives drivers the most treacherous section of I-70 through the Rocky Mountains. First, head Southwest on US Hwy 285 S, which youll stay on for about 130 miles. And good news for dog-lovers: pets are allowed on this trail but must be kept on a leash. 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. It serves as one of the main routes to Colorado's ski country including Vail, Aspen, Winter Park, Keystone, and Breckenridge. If youre hiking with children or just dont enjoy exposure to steep drop-offs, then its recommended to do the out-at-back version. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Canada. This is the route Google Maps will give you. 4WD and AWD vehicles must have snow tires or all-weather tires with 3/16 inch tread depth. It is home to Fort Lewis College. The quickest flight from Denver Airport to Durango Airport is the direct flight which takes 1h 19m. If youre looking for both the most scenic and time-efficient route for a Denver to Durango drive, with plenty of opportunities for fun, interesting stops in between, then the roughly six-hour trajectory down US 285 is by far the best option. What are the roads like, and what do I need to know about driving in Colorado? 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. Designated drivers beware and drink responsibly, as youve still got a lot of highway to go on this Denver to Durango road trip. Members who are extremely knowledgeable about this destination and answer travellers questions frequently. (easiest one, no scary mountain driving haha), and if you can suggest good places to stop and eat? News, travel inspiration, podcasts, & more. 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! Theres so much we could say about things to do in Durango. 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. It is a 7 hour plus drive, not counting any stops. Services like gas stations and restaurants are in good supply at Salida, Saguache, and other areas along the way. Durango is the county seat and the most populous municipality of La Plata County, Colorado, United States. The Million Dollar Highway is just a small portion of the 236-mile San Juan Skyway, itself a section of U.S. Highway 550, which runs 305 miles from Bernalillo, New Mexico, to Montrose, Colorado . The 160 to 285 would be the fastest. It's said to be one of the most dangerous roads in Colorado. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. That said, if you do hike Mount Princeston, still come prepared for a long days hike as well as a little rock scrambling. Casa's route is good. 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 canyon walls are so steep that at least some of the canyon is always engulfed in shadow during the day, which is how the Black Canyon got its name. These are both safe routes. The national COVID-19 helpline number in Durango is 800-232-4636. Well, youve come to the right place. I drive the 285>160 route almost weekly for the last few months. Jan 31, 2006. Where is Durango? No problem finding gas and basic supplies, just not much "good" food or coffee. Denver --> independence pass --> Aspen --> Ouray --> Red mountain pass --> Durango. The United States Census Bureau reported a population of 16,887 in the 2010 census. 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. This is a beautiful and quicker drive.