least scary drive from denver to durango

Jan 31, 2006. Informacin detallada del sitio web y la empresa: caudesucre.com Cau de sucre - blog de repostera creativa, recetas dulces y mucha fotografa! The direct drive from Colorado Springs to Durango is 313 mi (503 km), and should have a drive time of 6 hrs 20 mins in normal traffic.. 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. Im traveling with a friend who has limited mobility. The drive is gorgeous and, although you reach some very high elevations, it is not scary if you stick to the main route . 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. 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. As such, one of the best things to do in Creede is to drive its famous Bachelor Loop. The Strater Hotel Located in downtown Durango, this beautiful historic hotel is an excellent option for those looking for a bit of a splurge. Although its a small mountain town, its bursting at the seams with history, scenery, and adventure opportunities. What kind of rental car do I need & are there places I should not drive a rental car? 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. #ouraygram. 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. All three cross Wolf Creek Pass on US160, which is truly scary only if your brakes fail on the way down. 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. Filled with useful and timely travel information, the guides answer all the hard questions - such as 'How do I buy a ticket? For casual hikers, the 1.6-mile Penitente Canyon Loop is a great option that wont leave you exhausted or needing an extensive amount of gear. Thank you :) If youre looking for an all-in-one Colorado destination, Durangos definitely the place to be. 5.5 hours of driving without stops. Either way there is only one high pass to cross (Wolf Creek, mentioned above), and I wouldn't call it scary. 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. 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. 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 Which route is the best? Youll also get to take on thrilling class III rapids at Durangos exciting whitewater park. Well, thats it for this epic Colorado summer road trip. Your trip begins in Denver, Colorado. Wearing a face mask on public transport in Durango is recommended. * 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. ', 'Do the trains and buses have Wifi?' This option is best to keep in mind for the rafting season of May through August when the mountain snowmelt levels are in their prime. 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. I will be making this trip next week and look forward to seeing all this. Having seen and read descriptions of the Million Dollar Highway, I'd like to avoid the drive south between Ouray and Silverton. Let us know in the comments! Can you please describe the San Juan Skyway/Million $ Hwy/Red Mtn. That made for about a 70-mile loop of incredible mountain views! It ends in Durango, Colorado. 4:17 pm arrive in Durango. If you are headed to the mountains on the weekend, plan ahead for more traffic than usual. If youre hiking with children or just dont enjoy exposure to steep drop-offs, then its recommended to do the out-at-back version. Traveling with a dog or cat? Outdoor seating areas are especially nice for sampling the beverages and entrees at either one. A direct flight will only take about an hour in the air, which will save you a lot of time. 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. 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. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Join our mailing list for discounts, special events, and more. Of course, theres an endless list of things to do and places to see in and around Denver. As always, travel safe and enjoy the views! Make yourself known to an official member of staff and/or call the national coronavirus helpline number on 800-232-4636. You can also go to Colorado Springs and Canon City and Salida then 285 to 160. 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's actually closer to Albuquerque than Denver as it's not far from the New Mexico border. 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. 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 . Located 60 miles west of Denver, this incredible highway is the highest paved road in North America. Planning other road trips from Denver? 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 are 115+ hotels available in Durango. 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. Its actually closer to Albuquerque than Denver as its not far from the New Mexico border. If youve never gone mountain biking before, then this is a perfect place to try it out. Maybe there's a faster drive but we have not done that. Another route, is to take US285 sw 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. Youll have views for miles around and Aspen Sunflowers covering entire hillsides, making for PERFECT photo ops. The shorter one (US285 south and US160 west), more scenic, has more mountains. Adds about 2.5 hours to the "boring" way, and is incredibly varied and constantly changing. By Jeremy P. Meyer | jpmeyer@denverpost.com | The Denver Post. Situated in a beautiful, historic building, they have a range of gorgeous rooms on offer and a great bar and restaurant on site. My friends and I are coming from Europe to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Which route is the best? Instead, I'm proposing driving from Montrose to Cortez, with a stop in Telluride on the way. 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 journey from Crested Butte to Ouray will take approximately 2.5 hours. And good news for dog-lovers: pets are allowed on this trail but must be kept on a leash. 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. Dont let the views distract you on Berthoud Pass. Just across the valley from Penitente Canyon is the Great Sand Dunes National Park, one of Americas most fascinating natural phenomena. Photo Credit: Matt Gross Things To Do For instance, this beautiful treehouse home with a hot tub is a great choice. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission at no extra cost to you. Lots of good food in Durango. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. So, stop by if you can. Tue, Jul 25. 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. Each flight takes about an hour, so this is definitely the fastest way to get from Denver to Durango. Total Distance: 1,098 miles *Time and distance may vary depending on traffic, change in routes, stops along the way, etc. Find all the transport options for your trip from Denver to Durango right here. If you're looking to just get there as quickly as possible, it's much better to fly. 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. First, head Southwest on US Hwy 285 S, which you'll stay on for about 130 miles. Looking for the ultimate Colorado summer road trip experience? Oh well. See what its like to plow this dangerous road here. The shorter one (US285 south and US160 west), more scenic, has more mountains. Make sure you check road conditions to double check the weather. Getting there is through beautiful, mountainous country, but mountainous roads and I believe some white. Casa's route is good. The total driving time is 6 hours, 8 minutes. Snowcaped mountains in Berthoud Pass, Colorado. Denver --> independence pass --> Aspen --> Ouray --> Red mountain pass --> Durango. 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. Which route is the best? ! What is the national COVID-19 helpline number in Durango? Just assume that youll need your camera for just about every spot from here on out. 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. From hiking to climbing to jeep and segway tours, theres a whole heaping lot to do at this picture-perfect place. Designated drivers beware and drink responsibly, as youve still got a lot of highway to go on this Denver to Durango road trip. $206 Cheap Flights from Denver (DEN) to Durango (DGO) Bundle Your Flight + Hotel & Save! Is it compulsory to practice social distancing in Durango? Most crashes on the pass occur at the switchback curve near the Wolf Creek scenic outlook area. By proceeding, you accept the use of cookies in accordance with our, Take the bus from Union Station Gate B4 to Grand Valley Downtown Transfer Station, Drive from Grand Valley Downtown Transfer Station to Montrose Airport, Take a shuttle bus from Montrose Airport to Telluride, Take a shuttle bus from Silverton, CO to Durango, CO, Take the train from Silverton to Durango, CO, Take a shuttle bus from Purgatory Plaza to Durango Transit Center, Fly from Denver (DEN) to Telluride Regional (TEX), Take a shuttle bus from Mesa Verde National Park to Purgatory Resort. and leave at 3:05 pm. The highway is also notorious for serious semi-accidents and spin-outs due to its steep curvy descent. 4. level 2. to Guadalupe Victoria Durango Intl. Utah. Thank you. I will try to go the route thru the Great Sand Dunes. Truckers are required to have chains and passenger vehicles must have either snow tires, mud/snow tires, chains, or an alternative device like an autosock. Click here to browse more Durango hotels! It stretches from Denver to Durango across the Southern Rockies and can be hiked in 25-35 days. News, travel inspiration, podcasts, & more. A Google mapping exercise will offer you two routes, one about a half-hour longer than the other. From Sand Dunes, head west on US160 over Wolf Creek Pass to Pagosa. We love our home state, and we have more than a few top tips for things to do during your visit. Its also helpful to pack warm layers, snacks, water, and a flash flight for unexpected delays and emergencies. briken - Denver to Durango is about 403 mi. Yes, travel within United States is currently allowed. 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. The best way to get from Denver to Denver Airport is to train which takes 37 min and costs 4,100-14,000. Is this a summer trip or a winter trip? For a more complete guide on the hike, check out this Out There Colorado article. We will stop there for a break and continue driving. This is a great introduction to Colorados famous fourteeners and provides extraordinary views thatll redefine what you classify as a scenic byway.. Pass in SW CO? This 17-mile historic loop takes you to several abandoned mines in-between beautiful scenic vistas. That said, if you do hike Mount Princeston, still come prepared for a long days hike as well as a little rock scrambling. When beginning your Denver to Durango road trip, you have two routes to choose from. 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. Just be sure to downshift on the downhill side. I drive the 285>160 route almost weekly for the last few months. A great trail option for beginners, especially if youre around during wildflower season, is Brush Creek. It's a fairly long drive from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Its also important to watch out for mandatory chain and traction laws on I-70, especially during the winter months. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. The creekside hot spring pools here are naturally divided with river rocks to range in temperature from 70 to 120 degrees Fahrenheit (21 to 49 degrees Celsius), so you can even temper your experience by relaxing in the pool thats closest to your personal heat preferences. But. Can you tell me about guest ranch vacations in Colorado? Airfares from $109 One Way, $219 Round Trip from Denver to Durango. 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. It's a fairly long drive from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Then, head toward Ignacio on CO Hwy. What should I do if I have COVID-19 symptoms when I arrive in Durango? Of the collegiate peaks, Mount Princeton is designated as one of the easiest to climb. Find all the transport options for your trip from Denver to Durango right here. 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. Additional terms apply. As the name would suggest, this steep 3-mile hike takes you up to a gorgeous viewpoint overlooking the town and valley beyond. A Google mapping exercise will offer you two routes, one about a half-hour longer than the other. How long is the drive from Colorado Springs to Durango?. 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! Among these are the collegiate peaks which are, unsurprisingly, named after some of the United States most famous colleges and Oxford randomly. It is a 7 hour plus drive, not counting any stops. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. 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. Thank you for your advise. Silverton is an old mining town nestled between Red Mountain and Molas, two San Juan Mountain passes. Check out our Denver to Aspen drive & Denver to Moab road trip articles! This 235 mile loop takes you through old mining towns, spectacular scenery, and exhilarating twists & turns. 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. - Wikipedia. Rome2rio also offers online bookings for selected operators, making reservations easy and straightforward. ', 'How much should I expect to pay? 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. This is the route Google Maps will give you. (easiest one, no scary mountain driving haha), and if you can suggest good places to stop and eat? 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. Make sure to keep a safe following distance between your car and one in front of you. Among these are the collegiate peaks which are, unsurprisingly, named after some of the United States most famous colleges and Oxford randomly. Is this a summer trip or a winter trip? Be sure to enjoy the small towns along the way and explore the rural side of Colorado too! Breckenridge, Vail, Steamboat, or Estes Park for summer? Travel in the winter months can be nerve-wracking along Red Mountain Pass. 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. It serves as one of the main routes to Colorados ski country including Vail, Aspen, Winter Park, Keystone, and Breckenridge. Camping, backpacking, and hiking opportunities abound in this area once the snow melts in the summertime. It may be a bit random and unexpected, but thats what makes Great Sand Dunes National Park so awesome! I'd judge the least "scary" of the three to be I-25/US160. document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 50 Animas View Dr. Not much to recommend for food along the way. 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. Crested Butte is hands-down one of the coolest places to check out in Colorado. One absolute must-do activity is hiking the Ouray Perimeter Trail. The Colorado Trail is a 485-mile point-to-point backpacking route in Colorado. Click here to browse other private rentals. 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. If you want to shop around for the cheapest fares, you can compare flights flying to other airports in Southwest Colorado like the Telluride Regional Airport (TEX) or the Cortez Municipal Airport (CEZ), but that will require you to drive the rest of the way. What airport would I fly into to go to Englewood, Colorado? Its also noted as the highest road in the country thats kept open on a year-round basis. Roadtrip from SoCal to Mt Rushmore thru Colorado, Best Western Plus Deer Park Hotel And Suites. Thank you :) From: 1 traveler 2 travelers 3 travelers 4 travelers 5 travelers 6 travelers. For photographers, taking photos of the sunset from atop one of the dunes is an unforgettable experience. It might sound like a bad deal, but these tickets can be a little bit cheaper than United's direct flights and it's still faster than driving. First, head Southwest on US Hwy 285 S, which youll stay on for about 130 miles. The road distance is 537.8 km. However, as the expression goes, its not the destination, its the journey. 5.5 hours of driving without stops. Are you planning to drive from Denver to Durango? Click here to browse more Durango hotels! I routinely make the trip via 285 and it is much shorter and beautiful. Not far from the New Mexico border, Durango is actually closer to Albuquerque than Denver, with 215 miles between them. Hi Diane, The drive from Denver to Aspen takes about 4 hours (if there isn't a lot of traffic). But I need to leave here at midnight. The building opened in 1917, and served as a high school until 1976, after which it became the district administration building. While its unlikely that traffic jams will ever disappear, avoiding peak travel times allows for an easier and stress-free commute. 172. Not quite what youre looking for? It is impossible to get from Denver to Durango -- at least in any reasonable way -- without some mountain driving. A Google mapping exercise will offer you two routes, one about a half-hour longer than the other. 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. 10 Best Stops on a Denver to Moab Road Trip. 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). Aspen vs Vail vs Breckenridge: Which Colorado Town to Visit? High season is considered to be October, November and December. Were passionate about getting off the beaten path, promoting responsible tourism, supporting local economies and sharing our knowledge with other travellers! Driving from Denver to Durango takes about six and a half hours. Have any questions about any of these stops? You know what? Takes 6hrs plus stops and is both easy and scenic. Answer 1 of 21: Hi, I will be in Denver late Oct. had wanted to ride on Durango to Silverton train. 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 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 . 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. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. 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. It serves as one of the main routes to Colorado's ski country including Vail, Aspen, Winter Park, Keystone, and Breckenridge. This calculation assumes that your vehicle gets an average gas mileage of 25 mpg . Theres so much we could say about things to do in Durango. Have fun, please forgive us our little OT chat. The drive between Walsenburg and Pagosa Springs is a very nice one. 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. Afternoons can be hot and windy though. It is impossible to get from Denver to Durango -- at least in any reasonable way -- without some mountain driving. 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. Again. Good coffee is also scarce along that route until you get to Durango. It takes approximately 6h 33m to drive from Denver to Durango. Lots of good food in Durango. Am I allowed to travel from Denver to Durango? 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. 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. This is a lodging and day-use facility built around an odorless hot spring that bubbles up out of the ground at around 140 degrees Fahrenheit (60 degrees Celsius). 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.