When it comes to traveling through heavy snow, strong gusty winds, and blistering cold temperatures, heres our list of some of Colorados most dangerous roads to watch out for this winter. It's said to be one of the most dangerous roads in Colorado. The shortest way is to take Route 285 through to Route 160, which will take you past Buena Vista. Maybe there's a faster drive but we have not done that. Although its a small mountain town, its bursting at the seams with history, scenery, and adventure opportunities. 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. (easiest one, no scary mountain driving haha), and if you can suggest good places to stop and eat? For us, one of the most fun things a first-time visitor can do is catch a show at Red Rocks Amphitheatre. - Wikipedia. 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. Thank you. News, travel inspiration, podcasts, & more. Top Reasons To Take A Jeep Tour In SW Colorado. The distance between Denver and Durango is 372 km. Click here to browse other private rentals. I drive the 285>160 route almost weekly for the last few months. 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. 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. Durango, Colorado 81301 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. Or, Highway 285 to 160 is more scenic and has mountains but is not scary. #3. Thank you :) Back in Durango, drive east on U.S. 160; get your camera ready for breathtaking views of the snow-flecked La Plata Mountain Range. The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad (D&SNG) is a narrow-gauge heritage railroad that operates 45.2mi of track between Durango and Silverton, in the U.S. state of Colorado. Colorado, United States. Monarch Pass winds beautifully into the mountains at 11,312 feet along the Continental Divide between Gunnison and Poncha Springs, located just 20 minutes from Salida. 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. The railway is a federally designated National Historic Landmark and is also designated by the American Society of Civil Engineers as a Historic Civil Engineering Landmark. 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. Browse Dodge vehicles in Berthoud, CO for sale on Cars.com, with prices under $799,952. From Sand Dunes, head west on US160 over Wolf Creek Pass to Pagosa. , Where to Stay on a Denver to Durango Road Trip. Turn right on CO State Hwy 112 W for 13 miles until you reach Del Norte. Instead, I'm proposing driving from Montrose to Cortez, with a stop in Telluride on 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! Grand Junction To Dinosaur What airport would I fly into to go to Englewood, Colorado? 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. Driving from Denver to Durango takes about six and a half hours. It is located between I-70 and Keystone, offering an alternative route to I-70 and the Eisenhower Tunnel. 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. Afternoons can be hot and windy though. 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. 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 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. Driving Distance: 941 miles. I took a GPS with me to attach in the rental car. This is a beautiful and quicker drive. Traffic congestion due to rush hour and ongoing construction is normally expected for this particular stretch of the highway. But. It may be a bit random and unexpected, but thats what makes Great Sand Dunes National Park so awesome! 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. Drop-dead gorgeous and nestled into the heart of the San Juan mountains, visiting Ouray 100% feels like youre being transported to Switzerland. It's actually closer to Albuquerque than Denver as it's not far from the New Mexico border. 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. Alpine travel often gets a little sketchy along Loveland Pass, an 8.7-mile road that soars high into the mountains at nearly 12,000 feet. There is also breakfast included each morning. I would say the "scariest" would be to take US160 over Wolf Creek pass - especially in winter.. Traveling with a dog or cat? I took the highway and then 160 to get to Pagosa and it lasted 7 hours. 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. Having a wonderful time here. I will be making this trip next week and look forward to seeing all this. What should I do if I have COVID-19 symptoms when I arrive in Durango? What are the travel restrictions in Durango? The highway is also notorious for serious semi-accidents and spin-outs due to its steep curvy descent. 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. 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 . No problem finding gas and basic supplies, just not much "good" food or coffee. While the route offers a fast connection to Winter Park from Denver, avalanches and snowslides often make winter travel on this route extremely difficult. High season is considered to be October, November and December. Rome2rio also offers online bookings for selected operators, making reservations easy and straightforward. Oh well. Cortez is 50 miles away from Durango, while Telluride is 110 miles away. 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. Do you think it is faster going the other route or should I rather take the old route because I drive thru the night? Head south continuing along US-550 S (AKA The Million Dollar Highway) for 70.5 miles until you reach Durango. 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 ? and leave at 3:05 pm. If you are headed to the mountains on the weekend, plan ahead for more traffic than usual. 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. But assuming youre confident in your car and overall conditions, the Denver to Durango scenic drive down 285 South that also connects with US 160 at Del Norte is the way to go. 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. 4. level 2. What about the altitude/Altitude sickness? 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. Am I allowed to travel from Denver to Durango? Or, Highway 285 to 160 is more scenic and has mountains but is not scary. There is no direct connection from Denver to Durango. 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 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. No matter the route you choose, you wont be disappointed with this breathtaking destination. Outdoor seating areas are especially nice for sampling the beverages and entrees at either one. 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! Its important to note that dates and closures vary, depending on the weather and road conditions. 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. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Canada. BTW also Mapquest gives the route Casa said but mentioned 5 hours. 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. Take US Hwy 285 south from Denver for approximately 173 miles. High average elevation of 10,000 feet and a few passes over 12,000 feet. 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! Plus, your guide will provide insightful interpretations on each of the archaeological sites as well as the history of the Ancestral Pueblo people. But it didn/t work. Powerhouse Science Center, formerly the The Durango Discovery Museum, is an interactive science center located in Durango, Colorado. 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. What can I see on a Denver to Durango road trip. Good coffee is also scarce along that route until you get to Durango. 10 Best Stops on a Denver to Moab Road Trip. This 17-mile historic loop takes you to several abandoned mines in-between beautiful scenic vistas. ', 'Do the trains and buses have Wifi?' Answer (1 of 3): I agree with Alan about I-70 and I-80. Youll have views for miles around and Aspen Sunflowers covering entire hillsides, making for PERFECT photo ops. From South Fork and US 160, take a right-hand turn onto US 149, also known as the Silver Thread Scenic Byway, for an unforgettable scenic drive to the town of Creede near the headwaters of the Rio Grande. 2:05 pm Pagosa Springs (Colorado) stay for about 1 hour. *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. 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. However, you can also drive up the scenic road yourself, join a guided bus tour, or even take a train to the top! Main Avenue Historic District in Durango, Colorado is a 34acre historic district that was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. Perhaps most amazing about this historic site is that the rock pinnacles for which Chimney Rock gets its name frame multiple astronomical alignment points. Commentdocument.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a6e6fde05a476155cc84d0616c8a9c0f" );document.getElementById("b934630cd5").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Hi! Durango is the county seat and the most populous municipality of La Plata County, Colorado, United States. It is impossible to get from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Thai place in Poncha Springs and Lost Cajun in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Among these are the collegiate peaks which are, unsurprisingly, named after some of the United States most famous colleges and Oxford randomly. Thai place in Poncha Springs and Lost Cajun in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Hiking, mountain biking, climbing, rafting, and off-roading are all staple activities here in our hometown. This somewhat low-key park is simply jaw-dropping. The journey from Crested Butte to Ouray will take approximately 2.5 hours. 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. Success! Another possible stop near Salida located in the shadow of Mt. I routinely make the trip via 285 and it is much shorter and beautiful. 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. This incredible amphitheatre is built right into the front range mountains, making for one of the most beautiful venues in the country. Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2rio's travel planner. Domestic travel is not restricted, but some conditions may apply. Jan 31, 2006. * 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. 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. All three cross Wolf Creek Pass on US160, which is truly scary only if your brakes fail on the way down. 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. Click here to browse more Durango hotels! Its also important to watch out for mandatory chain and traction laws on I-70, especially during the winter months. If youve never gone mountain biking before, then this is a perfect place to try it out. Durango is the county seat and the most populous municipality of La Plata County, Colorado, United States. Most crashes on the pass occur at the switchback curve near the Wolf Creek scenic outlook area. This trail is close to town and extends to a decent length of 4.3 total miles long. Winter in Colorado is no joke. From there, turn left onto US-50 E which will take you into Montrose where you can resume the normal route along US-550 S. This detour will add approximately 80 minutes to your drive time. 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. 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. It is home to Fort Lewis College. drive for about 54 minutes. Can you tell me about guest ranch vacations in Colorado? Another route, is to take US285 sw from Denver toward Buena Vista and then south to Great Sand Dunes. It serves as one of the main routes to Colorado's ski country including Vail, Aspen, Winter Park, Keystone, and Breckenridge. 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. Be sure to take a peek at Denvers Tourism website for other ideas of things to do. Find all the transport options for your trip from Denver to Durango right here. 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. Lots of good food in Durango. Dont let the views distract you on Berthoud Pass. Rome2rio uses cookies to help personalize content and show you personalised ads. Architectural structures left behind by the ancestral Puebloans include pit houses, great kivas, and great houses, according to the U.S. Forest Services website. Theres not many other places where you can hike through desert-like dunes with snow-capped mountain peaks as your backdrop. Loveland Pass Summit in Winter. The Strater Hotel Located in downtown Durango, this beautiful historic hotel is an excellent option for those looking for a bit of a splurge. This 235 mile loop takes you through old mining towns, spectacular scenery, and exhilarating twists & turns. to Guadalupe Victoria Durango Intl. There are 115+ hotels available in Durango. The next best thing to do on a visit to Colorado Springs is to head up to Pikes Peak. Getting there is through beautiful, mountainous country, but mountainous roads and I believe some white. I'd judge the least "scary" of the three to be I-25/US160. Editors Note: Never speed. As always, travel safe and enjoy the views! Cheyenne . At Wolf Creek Pass, pedestrians can access the Continental Divide Trail and the Wolf Creek Trailhead. We love Pikes Peak because theres just so much to explore, and because theres so many ways to actually ascend the peak! 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. Maybe see http://www.mapquest.com for that. 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. Apart from being the Wildflower Capital of Colorado, Crested Butte is where mountain biking got its start in Colorado. Not much to recommend for food along the way. If you're looking to just get there as quickly as possible, it's much better to fly. They zoom past gorgeous Rocky Mountain scenery at speeds up to 75 mph, burrow through the highest auto tunnel in North America, and switch back their way over two-mile-high Vail Pass.