least scary drive from denver to durango

But. The shorter one (US285 south and US160 west), more scenic, has more mountains. From: 1 traveler 2 travelers 3 travelers 4 travelers 5 travelers 6 travelers. As with any hike or tour, just remember to bring plenty of water and some snacks along. I took the highway and then 160 to get to Pagosa and it lasted 7 hours. Start early in the day, bring plenty of water and snacks, and be sure to dress in layers. 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. 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. Browse Dodge vehicles in Berthoud, CO for sale on Cars.com, with prices under $799,952. After hiking the perimeter trail, take a load off and relax in Ourays Hot Springs. Good coffee is also scarce along that route until you get to Durango. From Tiny Town, the next few stops between Conifer and Buena Vista also tend to be good ones for travelers and looking to take their time, relax, and settle into vacation mode while on the way out of the Denver bubble. Where to go at the end of November, Early December?!?! (easiest one, no scary mountain driving haha), and if you can suggest good places to stop and eat? Check out our Durango Activities and Things to Do page for more information. 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. 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. From there youll make a left onto CO 291 S which will take you into Salida after eight miles. That made for about a 70-mile loop of incredible mountain views! That said, if you do hike Mount Princeston, still come prepared for a long days hike as well as a little rock scrambling. North Americas largest sandbox contains some 5 billion cubic meters of sand and stands out against the striking backdrop of the Sangre de Cristo mountains. Instead, you will have to first take the bus from Denver to Grand Junction, Colorado and then hop on a second bus heading to Durango. Adds about 2.5 hours to the "boring" way, and is incredibly varied and constantly changing. Click here to browse more Durango hotels! It's a fairly long drive from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? (easiest one, no scary mountain driving haha), and if you can suggest good places to stop and eat? All three cross Wolf Creek Pass on US160, which is truly scary only if your brakes fail on the way down. Do you think it is faster going the other route or should I rather take the old route because I drive thru the night? The building opened in 1917, and served as a high school until 1976, after which it became the district administration building. For first-time visitors we recommend either taking a guided nature walk to learn about the areas history and geology, or just taking to the trails on your own to explore at your own pace. *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. 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. The shorter one (US285 south and US160 west), more scenic, has more mountains. Outdoor seating areas are especially nice for sampling the beverages and entrees at either one. Most crashes on the pass occur at the switchback curve near the Wolf Creek scenic outlook area. If youre passing through outside of ski season, Monarch is still worth a stop thanks to the Monarch Crest Scenic Tramway thats open from May through the fall. The highway is also notorious for serious semi-accidents and spin-outs due to its steep curvy descent. * 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. 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. If not, the area works just fine as a pretty place to drive through. 5.5 hours of driving without stops. Take a tour from Durango and let someone else drive! This trail is close to town and extends to a decent length of 4.3 total miles long. No problem finding gas and basic supplies, just not much "good" food or coffee. 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. Thank you for your advise. One of the last places to stop between Denver and Durango is Chimney Rock National Monument, which features the ancient remains of a native Pueblo settlement dating back 1,000 years. Not much to recommend for food along the way. Takes 6hrs plus stops and is both easy and scenic. Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2rio's travel planner. Driving from Denver to Durango takes about six and a half hours. Utah. A $15 Gratuity is included in all pricing above. However, as the expression goes, its not the destination, its the journey. 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. 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. If youre traveling on slippery or snowy roads, use caution, slow down, and please, take it easy on the brakes. At Red Rocks you can catch concerts, stand-up comedy shows, film screenings, and, in the mornings, you can even join a yoga class. Are you planning to drive from Denver to Durango? High season is considered to be October, November and December. 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. The cheapest flight from Denver to Durango was found 29 days before departure, on average. Filled with useful and timely travel information, the guides answer all the hard questions - such as 'How do I buy a ticket? It takes approximately 12h 2m to get from Denver to Durango, including transfers. Youll have views for miles around and Aspen Sunflowers covering entire hillsides, making for PERFECT photo ops. 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 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. 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. ! Or, Highway 285 to 160 is more scenic and has mountains but is not scary. As always, travel safe and enjoy the views! Then, head toward Ignacio on CO Hwy. The United States Census Bureau reported a population of 16,887 in the 2010 census. 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. I assume you understand that any route you take will be. 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. Head south continuing along US-550 S (AKA The Million Dollar Highway) for 70.5 miles until you reach Durango. Thank you :) Plus, Durangos wild west and mining history give it such a distinguished and quirky character. drive for about 1 hour. The round trip cost would be $106.55 to go from Denver, CO to Durango, CO and back to Denver, CO again. Just across the valley from Penitente Canyon is the Great Sand Dunes National Park, one of Americas most fascinating natural phenomena. Last updated: 1 Mar 2023 Well start our engines in Colorados capital city of Denver! High average elevation of 10,000 feet and a few passes over 12,000 feet. While skiers and riders will often go to great lengths to get to the mountains on a powder day, its important to drive carefully along this steep and winding alpine road. If you're planning a road trip to Denver, you can research locations to stop along the way. 4:17 pm arrive in Durango. Its important to note that dates and closures vary, depending on the weather and road conditions. Success! . Another route, is to take US285 sw from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Alternatively, Outdoorsy is an option if you prefer to rent an RV or campervan. A great trail option for beginners, especially if youre around during wildflower season, is. This is a beautiful and quicker drive. 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. My friends and I are coming from Europe to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? This is the route Google Maps will give you. But I need to leave here at midnight. 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. more. Not to mention, its known as one of the most treacherous roads in the state. Then, make a right onto CO-149 N and follow that for 22 miles until you reach Creede. Lots of good food in Durango. Error! Cheyenne . 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. If you're going on a road trip from Colorado Springs to Durango, we did the research for you and compiled some great stops along the way with Pagosa Springs and top places to visit like . Driving Distance: 941 miles. 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. It is impossible to get from Denver to Durango -- at least in any reasonable way -- without some mountain driving. Planning other road trips from Denver? 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. 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. 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. 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 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). This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. Wearing a face mask on public transport in Durango is recommended. This 17-mile historic loop takes you to several abandoned mines in-between beautiful scenic vistas. 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. Youll also get to take on thrilling class III rapids at Durangos exciting whitewater park. Rome2rio is a door-to-door travel information and booking engine, helping you get to and from any location in the world. 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. The social distance requirement in Durango is 2 metres. Click here to browse other private rentals. Whichever option you choose, you find incredible scenery unlike anything else in Colorado. What kind of rental car do I need & are there places I should not drive a rental car? It's actually closer to Albuquerque than Denver as it's not far from the New Mexico border. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. I routinely make the trip via 285 and it is much shorter and beautiful. 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. I drive the 285>160 route almost weekly for the last few months. Theres also an observation site for the renowned Treasure Falls thats located just south of the pass. Loveland Pass Summit in Winter. You can also rent ATVs and off-road vehicles in town if you prefer to not take your own car. Good coffee is also scarce along that route until you get to Durango. Along the National Parks Loop, you'll also go through some other small towns worth exploring like Telluride, Durango, and Buena Vista. The total cost of driving from Denver, CO to Durango, CO (one-way) is $53.28 at current gas prices. Editors Note: Never speed. Another possible stop near Salida located in the shadow of Mt. Is this a summer trip or a winter trip? Red Mountain Pass. 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. 4. level 2. Not far from the New Mexico border, Durango is actually closer to Albuquerque than Denver, with 215 miles between them. 172. 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. If you'll have the time try to visit both Colorado Springs (Pike's Peak, Garden of the Gods etc.) It serves as one of the main routes to Colorados ski country including Vail, Aspen, Winter Park, Keystone, and Breckenridge. Thank you :) 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. The journey from Crested Butte to Ouray will take approximately 2.5 hours. Michael Rosebrock / Shutterstock 7. 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. It is impossible to get from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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). It features a challenging switchback turn -on the west side- with a 200-foot drop off on the other side of the curve. The town of Salida is an excellent option, as it is a good halfway point between Denver and Durango and has lots of interesting things on offer. Well, youve come to the right place. I need to return tonight to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Signup today for free and be the first to get notified on new updates. If you need to rent a car for this trip, you can check out Rentalcars.com which aggregates deals across suppliers. Its also noted as the highest road in the country thats kept open on a year-round basis. Make yourself known to an official member of staff and/or call the national coronavirus helpline number on 800-232-4636. 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. Lodging for 2 nights in Estes park in mid May, Where to stay near Union Station if using Red Rocks shuttle. If youre looking for an all-in-one Colorado destination, Durangos definitely the place to be. 2:05 pm Pagosa Springs (Colorado) stay for about 1 hour. That said, if you do hike Mount Princeston, still come prepared for a long days hike as well as a little rock scrambling. Take US Hwy 285 south from Denver for approximately 173 miles. From Sand Dunes, head west on US160 over Wolf Creek Pass to Pagosa. Which route is the best? Reduced speed limits and temporary closures are often put into place for safety concerns. 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. Or, Highway 285 to 160 is more scenic and has mountains but is not scary. No trip to the area should skip it in my opinion. (easiest one, no scary mountain driving haha), and if you can suggest good places to stop and eat? Roadtrip from SoCal to Mt Rushmore thru Colorado, Best Western Plus Deer Park Hotel And Suites. The drive from Denver, Colorado, to Las Vegas, Nevada, is a drive of epic proportions. 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. Check out our Denver to Aspen drive & Denver to Moab road trip articles! Total Distance: 1,098 miles *Time and distance may vary depending on traffic, change in routes, stops along the way, etc. 10 Best Stops on a Denver to Moab Road Trip. Among these are the collegiate peaks which are, unsurprisingly, named after some of the United States most famous colleges and Oxford randomly. Durango is the county seat and the most populous municipality of La Plata County, Colorado, United States. Drive to Colorado Springs on Interstate 25 and on through Pueblo to Walsenburg where you'll take Hwy 160 west. When you reach the summit of Red Mountain Pass, you will be standing at an elevation of 11,018 ft. Legend has it that the name Million Dollar Highway comes from the 1920s cost to build the highway at over $1 million a mile. Read on for more about how best to plan for a trip from Denver to Durango with some opportunities for recreation, relaxation, and sightseeing along the way. Domestic travel is not restricted, but some conditions may apply. ', 'Do the trains and buses have Wifi?' 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. The steep, winding switchbacks can make your stomach turn on this high mountain pass, reaching an elevation of 11,307 feet. Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. Just assume that youll need your camera for just about every spot from here on out. There was an error processing your request. Do I have to wear a face mask on public transport in Durango? 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 . Designated drivers beware and drink responsibly, as youve still got a lot of highway to go on this Denver to Durango road trip. Aetna is Monarch Mountain Resort. What is the national COVID-19 helpline number in Durango? 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. Does anyone know why? It is home to Fort Lewis College. Mostly flat in some areas, Colorado gives drivers the most treacherous section of I-70 through the Rocky Mountains. Having a wonderful time here. Were Michael and Maggie, an Australian and American couple travelling the world. I took a GPS with me to attach in the rental car. Still, the bus is significantly cheaper than flying and depending on gas prices and whether or not you need to rent a car or book a hotel overnight, it's probably cheaper than driving too. Before heading out, visit cotrip.org for the latest road conditions and closures. Commentdocument.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a6e6fde05a476155cc84d0616c8a9c0f" );document.getElementById("b934630cd5").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Hi! Traffic congestion due to rush hour and ongoing construction is normally expected for this particular stretch of the highway. We love Pikes Peak because theres just so much to explore, and because theres so many ways to actually ascend the peak! Click here to browse other private rentals. 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 . Ice and snow-caked roads, highways, and mountain passes make for dangerous and hazardous driving conditions across the state. A Google mapping exercise will offer you two routes, one about a half-hour longer than the other. The shortest way is to take Route 285 through to Route 160, which will take you past Buena Vista. Every month, almost a million vehicles travel the 100 miles on Interstate 70 between Denver and Vail, Colorado. 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). The longer one (I-25 south, US160 west) involves faster driving and more traffic. document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 50 Animas View Dr. Denver Area Road Trip Back in Durango, drive east on U.S. 160; get your camera ready for breathtaking views of the snow-flecked La Plata Mountain Range. BTW also Mapquest gives the route Casa said but mentioned 5 hours. Be sure to enjoy the small towns along the way and explore the rural side of Colorado too! 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. 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. It is centrally locate and has both private, ensuite rooms available along with hostel dorm beds. Maybe there's a faster drive but we have not done that. According to a recent study, the average Denver commuter spends 83 hours per year stuck in traffic. Hi Diane, The drive from Denver to Aspen takes about 4 hours (if there isn't a lot of traffic). 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. You can also go to Colorado Springs and Canon City and Salida then 285 to 160. From there you'll make a left onto CO 291 S which will take you into Salida after eight miles. If you intend to make all (or even a few) of these stops, youre likely going to want to find a place to stay to break up the drive. 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. It may be a bit random and unexpected, but thats what makes Great Sand Dunes National Park so awesome! We're working around the clock to bring you the latest COVID-19 travel updates.This information is compiled from official sources. Which route is the best? and Great Sand. 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 . 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. Click here to browse other private rentals. drive for about 54 minutes. Just be sure to downshift on the downhill side. 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. Click here to browse other private rentals. The Strater Hotel Located in downtown Durango, this beautiful historic hotel is an excellent option for those looking for a bit of a splurge. The drive time from Ouray to Durango is approximately one hour and 45 minutes. If you don't have time to board the train, it's worth it to at least pay a visit to the railroad museum in Durango. I'd judge the least "scary" of the three to be I-25/US160. (easiest one, no scary mountain driving haha), and if you can suggest good places to stop and eat? Legitimately called the San Juan Skyway, this nasty trek in southwestern Colorado features the Coal Bank Pass, a very steep and very scary road with weather that is harsh and unpredictable. (easiest one, no scary mountain driving haha), and if you can suggest good places to stop and eat? document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Join our mailing list for discounts, special events, and more. You might think about adding handicap information for some of the stops. Not much to recommend for food along the way. 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. So here I am in Pagosa Springs. 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! Cheap Flights from Denver Intl. 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. 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. 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. - to help you get the most out of your next trip. The drive between Walsenburg and Pagosa Springs is a very nice one. Travel in the winter months can be nerve-wracking along Red Mountain Pass. 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. Finally, youll make a left onto CO-115 N for 30 miles into Colorado Springs. It is located between I-70 and Keystone, offering an alternative route to I-70 and the Eisenhower Tunnel. Thank you. Informacin detallada del sitio web y la empresa: caudesucre.com Cau de sucre - blog de repostera creativa, recetas dulces y mucha fotografa! 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. What airport would I fly into to go to Englewood, Colorado? ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-13124761', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Denver-Pagosa Springs via Colorado Springs and Walsenburg on I25 and us160 via Great Sand Dunes NP and Wolf Creek pass to Pagosa Springs.