least scary drive from denver to durango

BTW also Mapquest gives the route Casa said but mentioned 5 hours. Montrose and The Million Dollar Highway - ROAD TRIP USA Cortez is 50 miles away from Durango, while Telluride is 110 miles away. 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. It serves as one of the main routes to Colorado's ski country including Vail, Aspen, Winter Park, Keystone, and Breckenridge. It is impossible to get from Denver to Durango -- at least in any reasonable way -- without some mountain driving. That said, if you do hike Mount Princeston, still come prepared for a long days hike as well as a little rock scrambling. Michael Rosebrock / Shutterstock 7. For another great SW road trip, check out our Ultimate Colorado and Utah Road Trip Itinerary. Driving from Denver to Durango? - Colorado Message Board - Tripadvisor While its unlikely that traffic jams will ever disappear, avoiding peak travel times allows for an easier and stress-free commute. Which route is the best? We love Pikes Peak because theres just so much to explore, and because theres so many ways to actually ascend the peak! This is the route Google Maps will give you. 172. Well, youve come to the right place. Photo Credit: Matt Gross Things To Do 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. It may be a bit random and unexpected, but thats what makes Great Sand Dunes National Park so awesome! 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. 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. Jillian Dara is a freelance journalist and fact-checker. The drive time from Durango to Creede takes just under 2.5 hours. Casa's route is good. I drive the 285>160 route almost weekly for the last few months. If youve never gone mountain biking before, then this is a perfect place to try it out. Then, head toward Ignacio on CO Hwy. If you have hopes of seeing both Denver and Durango on your trip to Colorado, you should keep in mind that the cities are 337 miles apart. Commentdocument.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a6e6fde05a476155cc84d0616c8a9c0f" );document.getElementById("b934630cd5").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Hi! 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. 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. Prices and availability are subject to change. Silverton is an old mining town nestled between Red Mountain and Molas, two San Juan Mountain passes. Having a wonderful time here. Call us biased on this if you like, but heading down the Lower Animas is a Durango summer staple. The views of the Rocky Mountain landscape here are impressive at any time of the year, but this is an especially good stop if visiting during the winter when you can enjoy the contrast between the calming hot spring waters and the snowy peaks and surroundings. Takes 6hrs plus stops and is both easy and scenic. Theres a lot of great terrain here for skiers of all skill levels in the wintertime, with everything from black diamond tree runs to easy, gradual glades and trails on the slopes that descend from Monarch Pass. 'A little scary': Iditarod begins with smallest field ever Roadtrip from SoCal to Mt Rushmore thru Colorado, Best Western Plus Deer Park Hotel And Suites. The cheapest way to get from Denver to Durango is to drive which costs 75,000-120,000 and takes 6h 33m. No problem finding gas and basic supplies, just not much "good" food or coffee. The United States Census Bureau reported a population of 16,887 in the 2010 census. * 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. That said, if you do hike Mount Princeston, still come prepared for a long days hike as well as a little rock scrambling. . Thank you. Start early in the day, bring plenty of water and snacks, and be sure to dress in layers. Im traveling with a friend who has limited mobility. This trail is close to town and extends to a decent length of 4.3 total miles long. 4:17 pm arrive in Durango. 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. ', '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. This canyon has high walls and granite cliffs that have been carved out by the slow grind of time and the erosion forces of the Arkansas River. (easiest one, no scary mountain driving haha), and if you can suggest good places to stop and eat? From there you'll make a left onto CO 291 S which will take you into Salida after eight miles. 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. Thai place in Poncha Springs and Lost Cajun in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Driving from Denver to Durango takes about six and a half hours. Durango High School, also known as the Durango 9-R Administration Building, is a former school in Durango, Colorado. When visiting Colorado Springs, 100% the number one thing to do is check out the Garden of the Gods. Instead, I'm proposing driving from Montrose to Cortez, with a stop in Telluride on the way. So, stop by if you can. This incredible amphitheatre is built right into the front range mountains, making for one of the most beautiful venues in the country. These are both safe routes. 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! Its a lengthy stretch, but it also takes you through some of Colorados most spectacular wilderness areas, adventurous mountain towns, and exciting cities. Sand Dunes are great fun. This is the route Google Maps will give you. If you're looking to just get there as quickly as possible, it's much better to fly. 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 . Family RV adventure advice for Colorado, Utah & Wyoming. Adds about 2.5 hours to the "boring" way, and is incredibly varied and constantly changing. But I need to leave here at midnight. The longer one (I-25 south, US160 west) involves faster driving and more traffic. Services like gas stations and restaurants are in good supply at Salida, Saguache, and other areas along the way. Toll Free: 800-567-6745, Colorados capital city has something for everyone: great food, impressive history, beautiful views, and plenty of adventure opportunities close by! Is this a summer trip or a winter trip? Traveling with a dog or cat? It is a 7 hour plus drive, not counting any stops. Can I get to Rocky Mountain National Park without a car? Rome2rio uses cookies to help personalize content and show you personalised ads. Prices starting at $219 for return flights and $109 for one-way flights to Durango were the cheapest prices found within the past 7 days, for the period specified. Colorado State Patrol is increasing its watch along the Western Slope, where it says the roads have become the most dangerous place to drive in Colorado during July. Finally, youll make a left onto CO-115 N for 30 miles into Colorado Springs. 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. The distance between Denver and Durango is 372 km. Or, Highway 285 to 160 is more scenic and has mountains but is not scary. Were passionate about getting off the beaten path, promoting responsible tourism, supporting local economies and sharing our knowledge with other travellers! Well, thats it for this epic Colorado summer road trip. Colorados capital city has something for everyone: great food, impressive history, beautiful views, and plenty of adventure opportunities close by! Editors Note: Never speed. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Is this a summer trip or a winter trip? Good coffee is also scarce along that route until you get to Durango. The river flows right through town and features fun, refreshing splashes from class I and II rapids. 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! 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. 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. 5.5 hours of driving without stops. A Google mapping exercise will offer you two routes, one about a half-hour longer than the other. If youre not familiar, Monarch Pass leads to the natural snowy slopes of Monarch Mountain. This is a beautiful and quicker drive. Not far from the New Mexico border, Durango is actually closer to Albuquerque than Denver, with 215 miles between them. 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. Brittany is an award-winning journalist based in Denver where she has lived and worked for more than a decade. Independence Pass, Trail Ridge Road, Mount Evans Scenic Byway, and Kebler Pass all close annually for the winter season in Colorado. It is impossible to get from Denver to Durango -- at least in any reasonable way -- without some mountain driving. 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. I routinely make the trip via 285 and it is much shorter and beautiful. 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. The Colorado Trail is a 485-mile point-to-point backpacking route in Colorado. No matter the route you choose, you wont be disappointed with this breathtaking destination. Planning other road trips from Denver? If you are traveling to Durango by bus, prepare for a long ride of at least 12 hours. Its also important to watch out for mandatory chain and traction laws on I-70, especially during the winter months. Situated in a beautiful, historic building, they have a range of gorgeous rooms on offer and a great bar and restaurant on site. As always, travel safe and enjoy the views! Only 33 mushers will participate in the ceremonial start of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race on Saturday, the smallest field ever to take their dog teams nearly 1,000 miles (1,609 kilometers) over . Greyhound is virtually the only bus company operating this route and ticket prices start at $63, although they can be as high as $140. The building opened in 1917, and served as a high school until 1976, after which it became the district administration building. Its also noted as the highest road in the country thats kept open on a year-round basis. Used Dodge cars for sale in Berthoud, CO under $799,952 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. It stretches from Denver to Durango across the Southern Rockies and can be hiked in 25-35 days. Now I am thinking of taking another route. 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. Lots of good food in Durango. 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. How long will the journey be and what is the fastest route? 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 quickest flight from Denver Airport to Durango Airport is the direct flight which takes 1h 19m. 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. Rome2rio is a door-to-door travel information and booking engine, helping you get to and from any location in the world. As with any hike or tour, just remember to bring plenty of water and some snacks along. If youre traveling on slippery or snowy roads, use caution, slow down, and please, take it easy on the brakes. $206 Cheap Flights from Denver (DEN) to Durango (DGO) Bundle Your Flight + Hotel & Save! 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. 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. 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. Heavy snow slams Northeast; storm cleanup begins in South As such, one of the best things to do in Creede is to drive its famous Bachelor Loop. No trip to the area should skip it in my opinion. Alternatively, you may use. Among the marquee attractions near Salida is Browns Canyon, which was also designated a National Monument recently in 2015. 5.5 hours of driving without stops. Be sure to enjoy the small towns along the way and explore the rural side of Colorado too! To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. 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. There is also breakfast included each morning. From there, make a right onto US-50 E (passing back through Salida) and follow that for 70 miles until you reach Penrose. day 2 driving 3.5 hours. Watch carefully for deer early mornings and twilight! 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. 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. You have two route options, both of which take you through amazing scenery and worthwhile stops. A Mapped Guide to the Ultimate Colorado Road Trip: Part II Well start our engines in Colorados capital city of Denver! Utah. If you're planning a road trip to Denver, you can research locations to stop along the way. The cheapest flight from Denver to Durango was found 29 days before departure, on average. So, pack your bags, fasten your seatbelts, and get ready to hit the road on this Denver to Durango loop road trip! Driving from Denver to Durango? - Colorado Forum - Tripadvisor It ends in Durango, Colorado. Having a Jeep or other SUV or truck may come in handy if you plan on doing any venturing down the dusty National Forest access roads, however. 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. If he could teleport to anywhere on the planet, it would be the mountains of Patagonia in Chile. Just be sure to downshift on the downhill side. Click here to browse more Durango hotels! Apart from being the Wildflower Capital of Colorado, Crested Butte is where mountain biking got its start in Colorado. The drive is gorgeous and, although you reach some very high elevations, it is not scary if you stick to the main route . Perhaps most amazing about this historic site is that the rock pinnacles for which Chimney Rock gets its name frame multiple astronomical alignment points. One reason you might choose to take the I-25 route from Denver to Durango would be if youd rather minimize the mountain driving on winding, less-maintained roads. Stops and things to do on Denver to Durango drive or road trip - Wanderlog Reduced speed limits and temporary closures are often put into place for safety concerns. Avalanches often trigger temporary closures, leaving portions of the road buried under several feet of snow. Centers for Disease control and prevention (CDC), Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Durango, Holiday Inn & Suites Durango Downtown, an IHG Hotel, Denver to Pikes Peak Center for the Performing Arts, Glendale Los Angeles County CA USA to Durango CO USA, Petrified Forest National Park to Durango CO USA, There is a social distancing requirement of 2 metres.