What kind of rental car do I need & are there places I should not drive a rental car? Before heading out, visit cotrip.org for the latest road conditions and closures. Travel in the winter months can be nerve-wracking along Red Mountain Pass. If high-alpine hikes arent your jazz, another great place to explore near Salida is Great Sand Dunes National Park. Am I allowed to travel from Denver to Durango? After hiking the perimeter trail, take a load off and relax in Ourays Hot Springs. Traffic jam westbound I-70 highway Photo Credit: milehightraveler (iStock). At just under four hours, the stretch from Creede to Colorado Springs is the longest drive of this trip. 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. Wolf Creek Pass in CO: Beware of the wolf - Dangerousroads.org High season is considered to be October, November and December. Hi Diane, The drive from Denver to Aspen takes about 4 hours (if there isn't a lot of traffic). (easiest one, no scary mountain driving haha), and if you can suggest good places to stop and eat? 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. 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 . Denver Area Road Trip There is also breakfast included each morning. - Wikipedia. A great trail option for beginners, especially if youre around during wildflower season, is Brush Creek. I-70 mountain travel has its hiccups due to a combination of factors including traffic congestion, steep grades, accidents, and wild weather causing slick roads and other hazards like that one time an avalanche covered the highway (video link). It is located between I-70 and Keystone, offering an alternative route to I-70 and the Eisenhower Tunnel. As with any hike or tour, just remember to bring plenty of water and some snacks along. The train route links Silverton and Durango, and you can even book a seat in a private car. 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. Mesa Verde is a world-class attraction that you really should see. Driving from Denver to Durango? - Colorado Message Board - Tripadvisor What about the altitude/Altitude sickness? You want to avoid leaving Denver on Friday afternoon and you want to avoid returning on Sunday afternoon. 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 have views for miles around and Aspen Sunflowers covering entire hillsides, making for PERFECT photo ops. This is the route Google Maps will give you. The Map Start: Denver to Manitou Springs/Colorado Springs While I-25. From there youll make a left onto CO 291 S which will take you into Salida after eight miles. 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. When beginning your Denver to Durango road trip, you have two routes to choose from. $195 Cheap Flights from Denver (DEN) to Durango (DRO) - Expedia Although its a small mountain town, its bursting at the seams with history, scenery, and adventure opportunities. The total cost of driving from Denver, CO to Durango, CO (one-way) is $53.28 at current gas prices. So here I am in Pagosa Springs. Casa's route is good. If you are headed to the mountains on the weekend, plan ahead for more traffic than usual. * 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. Can I get to Rocky Mountain National Park without a car? Its also helpful to pack warm layers, snacks, water, and a flash flight for unexpected delays and emergencies. 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. I-70 has some gorgeous spots and does top out at about 11,000 ft when you pass through the tunnels near Loveland Pass. There are 115+ hotels available in Durango. It is home to Fort Lewis College. Head west on US-50 W for 60 miles, and then turn right onto CO-135 N which will take you to Crested Butte after 27 miles. Powerhouse Science Center, formerly the The Durango Discovery Museum, is an interactive science center located in Durango, Colorado. Is this a summer trip or a winter trip? What airport would I fly into to go to Englewood, Colorado? What can I see on a Denver to Durango road trip. The best way to get from Denver to Denver Airport is to train which takes 37 min and costs 4,100-14,000. Airfares from $109 One Way, $219 Round Trip from Denver to Durango. Family RV adventure advice for Colorado, Utah & Wyoming. Filled with useful and timely travel information, the guides answer all the hard questions - such as 'How do I buy a ticket? 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 . You will catch C4-70 outside (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? What about Mine Tours and Mining Museums? A direct flight will only take about an hour in the air, which will save you a lot of time. 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 Those with a lot of time on their hands can hike or bike to the summit, which makes for a rewarding journey. Click here to browse other private rentals. If natural disasters happen to occur, travelers are often rerouted between Ridgway and Durango over Lizard Head Pass a much longer route. If youre looking to stretch your legs and get a good hike in while in Creede, the locals recommend checking out the Up and Over trail. Loveland Pass Summit in Winter. Reduced speed limits and temporary closures are often put into place for safety concerns. 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. It is impossible to get from Denver to Durango -- at least in any reasonable way -- without some mountain driving. 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.. Click here to browse more Durango hotels! Success! If you hit the turn too fast you will go right off the edge. 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. The shorter one (US285 south and US160 west), more scenic, has more mountains. My friends and I are coming from Europe to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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. Make yourself known to an official member of staff and/or call the national coronavirus helpline number on 800-232-4636. If youve never gone mountain biking before, then this is a perfect place to try it out. Good coffee is also scarce along that route until you get to Durango. 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. From there, make a right onto US-550 S, which will take you into Ouray after just over 36 miles. Its also noted as the highest road in the country thats kept open on a year-round basis. 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. Top Reasons To Take A Jeep Tour In SW Colorado. Durango, Colorado 81301 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. The drive time from Ouray to Durango is approximately one hour and 45 minutes. I took a GPS with me to attach in the rental car. It is impossible to get from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Looking for the ultimate Colorado summer road trip experience? Durango High School, also known as the Durango 9-R Administration Building, is a former school in Durango, Colorado. There are lots of unique little shops and restaurants in town, and attractions like the Last Chance Mine offer a glimpse of history for those who are interested. It is a 7 hour plus drive, not counting any stops. Rome2rios travel guides to the US tell you the best ways to explore the country, from Amtrak to Greyhound to the New York Subway. The drive between Walsenburg and Pagosa Springs is a very nice one. The cheapest flight from Denver to Durango was found 29 days before departure, on average. You could also travel on Route 24 to pass through Colorado Springs, before connecting and driving west on 160, which will add about 30 minutes to your trip. 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. briken - Denver to Durango is about 403 mi. Lots of good food in Durango. To the best of our knowledge, it is correct as of the last update.Visit Rome2rio travel advice for general help. (easiest one, no scary mountain driving haha), and if you can suggest good places to stop and eat? 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. Thai place in Poncha Springs and Lost Cajun in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Additional terms apply. Plus, Durangos wild west and mining history give it such a distinguished and quirky character. From Durango, we flew back to Denver, instead of driving back. Not much to recommend for food along the way. This trail is close to town and extends to a decent length of 4.3 total miles long. Where Are Colorado's Dangerous Roads? Take A Look At These Maps Camping, backpacking, and hiking opportunities abound in this area once the snow melts in the summertime. Jan 31, 2006. Denver to Durango - 7 ways to travel via train, bus, car - Rome2rio From hiking to climbing to jeep and segway tours, theres a whole heaping lot to do at this picture-perfect place. Having seen and read descriptions of the Million Dollar Highway, I'd like to avoid the drive south between Ouray and Silverton. The Colorado Trail is a 485-mile point-to-point backpacking route in Colorado. When visiting Colorado Springs, 100% the number one thing to do is check out the Garden of the Gods. Durango to Denver drive driving / 2 days / no pets / no RV Durango to Denver road trip planner Here's a sample itinerary for a drive from Durango to Denver. 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. Colorado Road Trip - Denver, Mesa Verde, Durango and more Start early in the day, bring plenty of water and snacks, and be sure to dress in layers. 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. 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. I'd judge the least "scary" of the three to be I-25/US160. To get to Salida from Denver will be 2.5-hour drive. 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. Well start our engines in Colorados capital city of Denver! avoiding scary driving - Durango Forum - Tripadvisor Utah. 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. Colorado Trail - Backpacking Routes Another route, is to take US285 sw from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? This is a beautiful and quicker drive. This is a great introduction to Colorados famous fourteeners and provides extraordinary views thatll redefine what you classify as a scenic byway.. 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! 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. 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. This is a no-brainer as a stop for skiers and snowboarders traveling in the winter, but the Wolf Creek area between South Fork and Durango is also worth keeping in mind as a stop for travelers even in mid-summer. 172. 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. day 2 driving 3.5 hours. I need to return tonight to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Regular fuel costs are around $3.96 per gallon for your trip. Monarch Pass in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. Need we say more? If you drive that route without stops it app.takes 6 hours. Commentdocument.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a6e6fde05a476155cc84d0616c8a9c0f" );document.getElementById("b934630cd5").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Hi! Dont let snowy roads put a damper on your adventure plans. No problem finding gas and basic supplies, just not much "good" food or coffee. Driving from Denver to Durango? - Colorado Message Board - Tripadvisor 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. 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. 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. Crested Butte is hands-down one of the coolest places to check out in Colorado. Colorado, United States. If you'll have the time try to visit both Colorado Springs (Pike's Peak, Garden of the Gods etc.) Where to go at the end of November, Early December?!?! 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. Be sure to enjoy the small towns along the way and explore the rural side of Colorado too! Theres not many other places where you can hike through desert-like dunes with snow-capped mountain peaks as your backdrop. Again. Driving from Denver to Durango - Fodor's Travel Talk Forums 4. level 2. Youll also get to take on thrilling class III rapids at Durangos exciting whitewater park. 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. 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. Takes you to nearly every major mountain zone in the state and the deepest canyons, highest passes, steepest mountains, and coolest towns. Driving to Durango from Denver is a beautiful, six and a half hour drive. You can also go to Colorado Springs and Canon City and Salida then 285 to 160. Cars are unable to make it up the pass during winter weather on a regular basis. Michael Rosebrock / Shutterstock 7. Rome2rio also offers online bookings for selected operators, making reservations easy and straightforward. This trail can be completed either as a loop or an out-and-back from the trailhead across La Garita Street near the gas station. Finally, youll make a left onto CO-115 N for 30 miles into Colorado Springs. How long is the drive from Colorado Springs to Durango?. United Airlines offers flights from Denver Airport to Durango Airport. There will be some mountain driving whichever route you take, but there's no need to be scared. Main Avenue Historic District in Durango, Colorado is a 34acre historic district that was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. Informacin detallada del sitio web y la empresa: jaramarzulli.com, +911647681164, +911647244548, +911646228156, +911646126349, +911645988738 Jara Marzulli | La poetica di un'artista 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 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. With a route that passes south on US Highway 285 through Pike-San Isabel National Forest and continues down to the Great Sand Dunes and the Rio Grande headwaters, the Denver to Durango drive is one of southern Colorados most scenic. While the route offers a fast connection to Winter Park from Denver, avalanches and snowslides often make winter travel on this route extremely difficult. I routinely make the trip via 285 and it is much shorter and beautiful. Thank you so much for all the wonderful information. Running between Ouray and Silverton, the mountain road caps off at 11,018 feet with grades as steep as 8%. We're working around the clock to bring you the latest COVID-19 travel updates.This information is compiled from official sources. For more information, see our privacy policy. All three cross Wolf Creek Pass on US160, which is truly scary only if your brakes fail on the way down. The route has an elevation gain of 9,000 ft and ascends through five climate zones to the 14,264-ft summit of Mount Evans. Maybe see http://www.mapquest.com for that. Photo Credit: Jerilee Bennett. Driving Time from Denver, CO to Durango, CO - Travelmath Which route is the best? 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! The drive from Salida to Crested Butte takes approximately one hour and 45 minutes. Book at least 2 weeks before departure in order to get a below-average price. Photo Credit: Matt Gross Things To Do Driving from Denver to Durango takes about six and a half hours. 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. The United States Census Bureau reported a population of 16,887 in the 2010 census. Make sure to keep a safe following distance between your car and one in front of you. Snowcaped mountains in Berthoud Pass, Colorado. Pass in SW CO? This calculation assumes that your vehicle gets an average gas mileage of 25 mpg . Plus, your guide will provide insightful interpretations on each of the archaeological sites as well as the history of the Ancestral Pueblo people. Hikers and skiers often use the route for accessing backcountry terrain, as well as Arapahoe Basin Resort. When winter weather strikes, motorists are often advised to avoid taking I-25 from Castle Rock to Colorado Springs, particularly in the Monument Hill area where harsh weather tends to hit the hardest. Its a lengthy stretch, but it also takes you through some of Colorados most spectacular wilderness areas, adventurous mountain towns, and exciting cities. Red Mountain Pass. Additional terms apply. To get to Salida from Denver will be 2.5-hour drive. This is one town that has definitely earned its nickname as its surrounded by more than a dozen fourteeners. Where is Durango? Cost of Driving from Denver, CO to Durango, CO - Travelmath 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. Durango is the county seat and the most populous municipality of La Plata County, Colorado, United States. Denver to Durango drive: which route? : Durango - reddit Durango is in southwest Colorado. Answer (1 of 3): I agree with Alan about I-70 and I-80. Its important to note that dates and closures vary, depending on the weather and road conditions. From Sand Dunes, head west on US160 over Wolf Creek Pass to Pagosa. A Mapped Guide to the Ultimate Colorado Road Trip: Part II Thank you for your advise. Editors Note: Never speed. 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. The total driving time is 6 hours, 8 minutes. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and the Colorado State Register of Historic Properties. Not quite what youre looking for? updated Jul 14, 2022 How long is the drive from Denver to Durango? 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 a 7 hour plus drive, not counting any stops. 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. The alternate route out of Denver and straight down I-25 South is about 385 miles in total distance and will take drivers closer to six and a half hours. 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. While its unlikely that traffic jams will ever disappear, avoiding peak travel times allows for an easier and stress-free commute. 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. But. Alternatively, you may use.