Let us know in the comments! 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. Jan 31, 2006. Dunes, not to be missed with children. The journey from Crested Butte to Ouray will take approximately 2.5 hours. Filled with useful and timely travel information, the guides answer all the hard questions - such as 'How do I buy a ticket? Once you reach Creede, known as one of the last Silver Boom towns in Colorado during the late 19th century, you have quite a few options before heading back down to South Fork. Recommended Road Trip Length: 7 days. This is a beautiful and quicker drive. One absolute must-do activity is hiking the Ouray Perimeter Trail. If you drive that route without stops it app.takes 6 hours. Tours and campgrounds are also available, and popular activities include sledding down the dunes (a time-honored favorite), four-wheel tours, and horseback riding. 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. Stroll the shops, restaurants and hotels housed in Durango's preserved late-19th-century buildings and board the railroad for a super-scenic, 45-mile detour to Silverton. ', 'Should I book online before I travel? The quickest way to get from Denver to Durango is to fly and shuttle which costs 300,000-800,000 and takes 5h 24m. He lives in Colorado and also works as a fly fishing guide and instructor when not editing or writing. drive for about 1 hour. If youre looking for an all-in-one Colorado destination, Durangos definitely the place to be. Mountain Goat Lodge This boutique bed and breakfast is an excellent option if youre after a bit of luxury while driving to Durango. Mesa Verde is a world-class attraction that you really should see. 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. briken - Denver to Durango is about 403 mi. Another route, is to take US285 sw from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? $206 Cheap Flights from Denver (DEN) to Durango (DGO) Bundle Your Flight + Hotel & Save! Photo Credit: Jerilee Bennett. The most straightforward choice for the least amount of time on the road is to simply take I-70 West out of Denver, which is the only main highway you need to follow on this drive until making an exit at Highway 9 just 10 to 15 minutes before you arrive at Breckenridge. Then, head toward Ignacio on CO Hwy. It's a fairly long drive from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Another great activity to do near Denver is driving the, Of course, theres an endless list of things to do and places to see in and around Denver. Durango High School, also known as the Durango 9-R Administration Building, is a former school in Durango, Colorado. 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. Two-wheel drive cars can certainly make this gravel-road route, but its recommended to drive the loop backwards if your vehicle isnt great off-road. 5.5 hours of driving without stops. 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. 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. Unless youre making this drive in the mid-summer months of June to August, its a good idea to travel with plenty of warm layers. The longer one (I-25 south, US160 west) involves faster driving and more traffic. 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. Those with a lot of time on their hands can hike or bike to the summit, which makes for a rewarding journey. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Join our mailing list for discounts, special events, and more. Its also helpful to pack warm layers, snacks, water, and a flash flight for unexpected delays and emergencies. It is home to Fort Lewis College. document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 50 Animas View Dr. Pass in SW CO? Hwy-347 turns off north from US-50 toward the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park 8 mi (12.8 km) east of Montrose, but this town also marks the start of one of the best-loved roads in the country, the Million Dollar Highway, a classic stretch of two-lane blacktop that forms a swirling ribbon through the San Juan Mountains, the wildest . Of course, theres an endless list of things to do and places to see in and around Denver. Success! To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. Click here to browse other private rentals. Mostly flat in some areas, Colorado gives drivers the most treacherous section of I-70 through the Rocky Mountains. Wearing a face mask on public transport in Durango is recommended. The cheapest month to fly is July. Answer 1 of 21: Hi, I will be in Denver late Oct. had wanted to ride on Durango to Silverton train. 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). 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. 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! Take US Hwy 285 south from Denver for approximately 173 miles. Make sure to keep a safe following distance between your car and one in front of you. After spending the night in the alpine town of Vail (yes, on the drive over from Rocky Mountain National Park across I-70, we hit several patches of snow and temperatures falling below zero, even at the end of May! It stretches from Denver to Durango across the Southern Rockies and can be hiked in 25-35 days. 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. * Head out of Crested Butte the way you came in down CO-135 N and then make a right onto US-50 W for 65 miles until you reach the town of Montrose. Along the way, possibly stop in Fairplay, see a reconstructed mining town called South Park City. Another great activity to do near Denver is driving the Mount Evans Scenic Byway. 10 Best Stops on a Denver to Moab Road Trip. Theres not many other places where you can hike through desert-like dunes with snow-capped mountain peaks as your backdrop. The road distance is 537.8 km. The steep, winding switchbacks can make your stomach turn on this high mountain pass, reaching an elevation of 11,307 feet. A great trail option for beginners, especially if youre around during wildflower season, is. News, travel inspiration, podcasts, & more. 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. I drive the 285>160 route almost weekly for the last few months. Good coffee is also scarce along that route until you get to Durango. Michael Rosebrock / Shutterstock 7. Im traveling with a friend who has limited mobility. Back in Durango, drive east on U.S. 160; get your camera ready for breathtaking views of the snow-flecked La Plata Mountain Range. 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. 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. This calculation assumes that your vehicle gets an average gas mileage of 25 mpg . Make yourself known to an official member of staff and/or call the national coronavirus helpline number on 800-232-4636. Browse Dodge vehicles in Berthoud, CO for sale on Cars.com, with prices under $799,952. Roads surrounding the Denver metro area are often a mess, especially when you add snow and ice to the mix. A Google mapping exercise will offer you two routes, one about a half-hour longer than the other. 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. What about Mine Tours and Mining Museums? This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. 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. Another possible stop near Salida located in the shadow of Mt. Among these are the collegiate peaks which are, unsurprisingly, named after some of the United States most famous colleges and Oxford randomly. Members who are extremely knowledgeable about this destination and answer travellers questions frequently. 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. This is the route Google Maps will give you. 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. The total driving time is 6 hours, 8 minutes. 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. Denver --> independence pass --> Aspen --> Ouray --> Red mountain pass --> Durango. Youll also get to take on thrilling class III rapids at Durangos exciting whitewater park. Grand Junction To Dinosaur As always, travel safe and enjoy the views! Informacin detallada del sitio web y la empresa: jaramarzulli.com, +911647681164, +911647244548, +911646228156, +911646126349, +911645988738 Jara Marzulli | La poetica di un'artista 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. 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. For us, one of the most fun things a first-time visitor can do is catch a show at Red Rocks Amphitheatre. What are the roads like, and what do I need to know about driving in Colorado? The Perfect 1, 2 or 3 Days in Montpellier Itinerary, The Perfect 1, 2 to 3 Days in Toulouse Itinerary, The Perfect 2 to 3 Days in Nice Itinerary, The Perfect 5 to 7 Days in Finland Itinerary (Winter or Summer). For another great SW road trip, check out our Ultimate Colorado and Utah Road Trip Itinerary. 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. Whichever option you choose, you find incredible scenery unlike anything else in Colorado. As such, one of the best things to do in Creede is to drive its famous Bachelor Loop. Do you think it is faster going the other route or should I rather take the old route because I drive thru the night? Yes, the driving distance between Denver to Durango is 538 km. (easiest one, no scary mountain driving haha), and if you can suggest good places to stop and eat? Error! Alternatively, you may use, Best Western Plus Deer Park Hotel And Suites. Be sure to take a peek at Denvers Tourism website for other ideas of things to do. Click here to browse other private rentals. If you need to rent a car for this trip, you can check out Rentalcars.com which aggregates deals across suppliers. It may be a bit random and unexpected, but thats what makes Great Sand Dunes National Park so awesome! Durango is the county seat and the most populous municipality of La Plata County, Colorado, United States. If concerts and shows arent your scene, no problem! (easiest one, no scary mountain driving haha), and if you can suggest good places to stop and eat? What are the travel restrictions in Durango? I drive the 285>160 route almost weekly for the last few months. The museum opened on February 23, 2011 in what was once a power plant. You can't get to Durango by train, but if you're looking for an old west experience, hop aboard the Silverton Silverlight Express. Takes 6hrs plus stops and is both easy and scenic. Can you tell me about guest ranch vacations in Colorado? The drive between Walsenburg and Pagosa Springs is a very nice one. Your best and most scenic route from Denver to Durango tends to be 285 South, though you could also choose to go straight south from Denver on Interstate 25. The highway is also notorious for serious semi-accidents and spin-outs due to its steep curvy descent. If playing it safe during times of the year with bad weather is your goal, it might make sense to take the longer route down I-25 and on to US 160 at Walsenburg. Traffic congestion due to rush hour and ongoing construction is normally expected for this particular stretch of the highway. 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. We love Pikes Peak because theres just so much to explore, and because theres so many ways to actually ascend the peak! It is a 7 hour plus drive, not counting any stops. Rome2rio is a door-to-door travel information and booking engine, helping you get to and from any location in the world. Thank you :) Aetna is Monarch Mountain Resort. Good coffee is also scarce along that route until you get to Durango. I need to return tonight to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? It's said to be one of the most dangerous roads in Colorado. When you reach Del Norte, turn left onto CO-112 E for 13 miles until you reach US-285 N which youll follow for 64 miles. Heading back to Denver takes one last straight-shot drive of one hour and 20 minutes along I-25 N. Just 70 miles along that highway and youll be back in the city at journeys end! There was an error processing your request. 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. Breckenridge, Vail, Steamboat, or Estes Park for summer? 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 . I will try to go the route thru the Great Sand Dunes. 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. 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. This trail can be completed either as a loop or an out-and-back from the trailhead across La Garita Street near the gas station. *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. Have any questions about any of these stops? This is a great introduction to Colorados famous fourteeners and provides extraordinary views thatll redefine what you classify as a scenic byway.. It is impossible to get from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? If youre traveling on slippery or snowy roads, use caution, slow down, and please, take it easy on the brakes. Top Reasons To Take A Jeep Tour In SW Colorado. 4WD and AWD vehicles must have snow tires or all-weather tires with 3/16 inch tread depth. Answer (1 of 3): I agree with Alan about I-70 and I-80. 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 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. 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. I-70 mountain travel has its hiccups due to a combination of factors including traffic congestion, steep grades, accidents, and wild weather causing slick roads and other hazards like that one time an avalanche covered the highway (video link). Which route is the best? This incredible amphitheatre is built right into the front range mountains, making for one of the most beautiful venues in the country. What airport would I fly into to go to Englewood, Colorado? If natural disasters happen to occur, travelers are often rerouted between Ridgway and Durango over Lizard Head Pass a much longer route. Domestic travel is not restricted, but some conditions may apply. It's actually closer to Albuquerque than Denver as it's not far from the New Mexico border. The quickest flight from Denver Airport to Durango Airport is the direct flight which takes 1h 19m. Were passionate about getting off the beaten path, promoting responsible tourism, supporting local economies and sharing our knowledge with other travellers! 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. The cheapest flight from Denver to Durango was found 29 days before departure, on average. The total cost of driving from Denver, CO to Durango, CO (one-way) is $53.28 at current gas prices. Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. From Sand Dunes, head west on US160 over Wolf Creek Pass to Pagosa. If you're planning a road trip, you might be interested in seeing the total driving distance from Denver, CO to Durango, CO. You can also calculate the cost to drive from Denver, CO to Durango, CO based on current local gas prices . Drive from Durango to Denver 6h 33m $60 - $90 Shuttle to Durango, fly Take a shuttle bus from Durango Transit Center to Purgatory Plaza Fly from Durango (DRO) to Denver (DEN) 5h 16m $223 - $531 Shuttle to Telluride Regional, fly Take a shuttle bus from Durango, CO to Silverton, CO Fly from Telluride Regional (TEX) to Denver (DEN) 6h 12m $437 - $865 Click here to see their availability. Driving Distance: 941 miles. 2023 The World Was Here First All rights reserved. A ride on this tram takes you up to some of the best possible views of the Continental Divide, and it does it in a speedy fashion that makes this viable even as a short stop. BTW also Mapquest gives the route Casa said but mentioned 5 hours. You might think about adding handicap information for some of the stops. As the name would suggest, this steep 3-mile hike takes you up to a gorgeous viewpoint overlooking the town and valley beyond. 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. Outdoor seating areas are especially nice for sampling the beverages and entrees at either one. That said, if you do hike Mount Princeston, still come prepared for a long days hike as well as a little rock scrambling. 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. Well start our engines in Colorados capital city of Denver! This trail is close to town and extends to a decent length of 4.3 total miles long. But. It serves as one of the main routes to Colorado's ski country including Vail, Aspen, Winter Park, Keystone, and Breckenridge. Thank you so much for all the wonderful information. As of July 23, Colorado has. Running between Ouray and Silverton, the mountain road caps off at 11,018 feet with grades as steep as 8%. What can I see on a Denver to Durango road trip. But those in the know, slow down and stop in four . Driving to Durango from Denver is a beautiful, six and a half hour drive. Turn right on CO State Hwy 112 W for 13 miles until you reach Del Norte. Can you please describe the San Juan Skyway/Million $ Hwy/Red Mtn. He has spent time in Costa Rica and has made numerous trips exploring the Western states of the Rocky Mountains. No problem finding gas and basic supplies, just not much "good" food or coffee. Maybe see http://www.mapquest.com for that. Additional terms apply. 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! The shortest way is to take Route 285 through to Route 160, which will take you past Buena Vista. From there, make a right onto US-50 E (passing back through Salida) and follow that for 70 miles until you reach Penrose. Lots of good food in Durango. What should I do if I have COVID-19 symptoms when I arrive in Durango? 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. The longer one (I-25 south, US160 west) involves faster driving and more traffic. Photo Credit: Matt Gross Things To Do It is impossible to get from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ?
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