least scary drive from denver to durango

The road distance is 537.8 km. That's because Mapquest knows you drive fast Tet, lol!!! Utah. This calculation assumes that your vehicle gets an average gas mileage of 25 mpg . 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. Reduced speed limits and temporary closures are often put into place for safety concerns. If you must go out, make sure you are prepared for winter travel and your tires meet the minimal requirements for Colorados new traction law. Its a lengthy stretch, but it also takes you through some of Colorados most spectacular wilderness areas, adventurous mountain towns, and exciting cities. The Map Start: Denver to Manitou Springs/Colorado Springs While I-25. Getting there is through beautiful, mountainous country, but mountainous roads and I believe some white. - to help you get the most out of your next trip. more. If you drove there from Albuquerque it would take you about half as long. Am I allowed to travel from Denver to Durango? The shorter one (US285 south and US160 west), more scenic, has more mountains. Architectural structures left behind by the ancestral Puebloans include pit houses, great kivas, and great houses, according to the U.S. Forest Services website. Research, browse, save, and share from 162 Dodge models in Berthoud, CO. The drive time from Durango to Creede takes just under 2.5 hours. 172. Powerhouse Science Center, formerly the The Durango Discovery Museum, is an interactive science center located in Durango, Colorado. Answer 1 of 6: My friends and I are coming from Europe to Denver Airport and we are supposed to go to Durango by car. The small town of Bailey is about 25 minutes from Tiny Town at the bottom of a steep incline just as 285 bends and begins to trace a path along the North Fork of the South Platte River. 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. 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. 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. Were Michael and Maggie, an Australian and American couple travelling the world. ), we woke up early and hit the road for what was a 2-hour drive to Grand Junction. 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. It stretches from Denver to Durango across the Southern Rockies and can be hiked in 25-35 days. ', 'Should I book online before I travel? 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. *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. Drive to Colorado Springs on Interstate 25 and on through Pueblo to Walsenburg where you'll take Hwy 160 west. 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. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. Domestic travel is not restricted, but some conditions may apply. And good news for dog-lovers: pets are allowed on this trail but must be kept on a leash. The round trip cost would be $106.55 to go from Denver, CO to Durango, CO and back to Denver, CO again. Traffic jam westbound I-70 highway Photo Credit: milehightraveler (iStock). I need to return tonight to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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. 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. Adds about 2.5 hours to the "boring" way, and is incredibly varied and constantly changing. You can also fly from Denver to Durango, if all this seems to be too much. 10 Best Stops on the Denver to Aspen Drive via Vail. 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. This is a beautiful and quicker drive. day 2 driving 3.5 hours. There is also breakfast included each morning. Which route is the best? This one is best for families with kids, as there is an entire miniature town complete with painted and detailed buildings, a playground and park, a gift shop, and even an old steam train ride. This 17-mile historic loop takes you to several abandoned mines in-between beautiful scenic vistas. ', 'Do the trains and buses have Wifi?' 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. 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. What are the roads like, and what do I need to know about driving in Colorado? drive for about 1 hour. Members who are extremely knowledgeable about this destination and answer travellers questions frequently. 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 drive the 285>160 route almost weekly for the last few months. Well, youve come to the right place. See what its like to plow this dangerous road here. If you drive that route without stops it app.takes 6 hours. Traveling with a dog or cat? Take a tour from Durango and let someone else drive! Call us biased on this if you like, but heading down the Lower Animas is a Durango summer staple. 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. Good coffee is also scarce along that route until you get to Durango. Problem is no-one knows what the weather will be then. There are 115+ hotels available in Durango. The drive is gorgeous and, although you reach some very high elevations, it is not scary if you stick to the main route . This 235 mile loop takes you through old mining towns, spectacular scenery, and exhilarating twists & turns. 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. Dont forget to clear ice and snow from your windshield, windows, mirrors, and vehicle lights before driving. A $15 Gratuity is included in all pricing above. Issue is that I (the mom, who is not going to be the driver) am fairly averse to heights. 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. Exceptions may apply, for full details: Centers for Disease control and prevention (CDC). One absolute must-do activity is hiking the Ouray Perimeter Trail. I drive the 285>160 route almost weekly for the last few months. Alternatively, Outdoorsy is an option if you prefer to rent an RV or campervan. You can also go to Colorado Springs and Canon City and Salida then 285 to 160. Apart from being the Wildflower Capital of Colorado, Crested Butte is where mountain biking got its start in Colorado. In fact, winter weather is often the blame for the majority of delays and crashes. Although its a small mountain town, its bursting at the seams with history, scenery, and adventure opportunities. Signup today for free and be the first to get notified on new updates. Along the National Parks Loop, you'll also go through some other small towns worth exploring like Telluride, Durango, and Buena Vista. 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. 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. We are travelling with 3 children from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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 From Sand Dunes, head west on US160 over Wolf Creek Pass to Pagosa. Driving to Durango from Denver is a beautiful, six and a half hour drive. 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. Her work has appeared in Travel + Leisure, USA Today, Michelin Guides, Hemispheres, DuJour, and Forbes. It is impossible to get from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? However, as the expression goes, its not the destination, its the journey. Driving from Denver to Durango takes about six and a half hours. United Airlines offers flights from Denver Airport to Durango Airport. Browse Dodge vehicles in Berthoud, CO for sale on Cars.com, with prices under $799,952. This protected archaeological site of San Juan National Forest is best experienced by joining one of the daily guided walking tours offered by the U.S. Forest Service management staff. But it didn/t work. 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. There is no direct connection from Denver to Durango. This is the route Google Maps will give you. 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 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. Ancient home of the Ancestral Puebloans, Mesa Verde hosts some of the most impressive and best-preserved Native American ruins in the United States. A direct flight will only take about an hour in the air, which will save you a lot of time. Of the collegiate peaks, Mount Princeton is designated as one of the easiest to climb. Among these are the collegiate peaks which are, unsurprisingly, named after some of the United States most famous colleges and Oxford randomly. 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. Regular fuel costs are around $3.96 per gallon for your trip. 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. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission at no extra cost to you. Rome2rio is a door-to-door travel information and booking engine, helping you get to and from any location in the world. Where is Durango? Cheap Flights from Denver Intl. 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. If you'll have the time try to visit both Colorado Springs (Pike's Peak, Garden of the Gods etc.) To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. Our next recommendation is to take a guided tour at Mesa Verde National Park. I'd judge the least "scary" of the three to be I-25/US160. News, travel inspiration, podcasts, & more. Another route, is to take US285 sw from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Along the way, possibly stop in Fairplay, see a reconstructed mining town called South Park City. 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. Standard tickets are only $10 for adults, and this area also has a lot of great trails for hiking in the warmer parts of the year. For instance, this beautiful treehouse home with a hot tub is a great choice. 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. Those with a lot of time on their hands can hike or bike to the summit, which makes for a rewarding journey. 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. Should probably count on 7 - 7.5 hrs - not easy to make really good time in the mountains. Mostly flat in some areas, Colorado gives drivers the most treacherous section of I-70 through the Rocky Mountains. Prices start at 117,500 per night. Situated in a beautiful, historic building, they have a range of gorgeous rooms on offer and a great bar and restaurant on site. Monarch Pass in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. This is a beautiful and quicker drive. 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. If youre looking for both the most scenic and time-efficient route for a Denver to Durango drive, with plenty of opportunities for fun, interesting stops in between, then the roughly six-hour trajectory down US 285 is by far the best option. There was an error processing your request. Is this a summer trip or a winter trip? 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. While the route offers a fast connection to Winter Park from Denver, avalanches and snowslides often make winter travel on this route extremely difficult. 2:05 pm Pagosa Springs (Colorado) stay for about 1 hour. 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. The museum opened on February 23, 2011 in what was once a power plant. 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. He lives in Colorado and also works as a fly fishing guide and instructor when not editing or writing. 5.5 hours of driving without stops. Portions of I-70 often close due to severe weather conditions. Rome2rio also offers online bookings for selected operators, making reservations easy and straightforward. Just a stones throw off 285 South before you reach the town of Del Norte on the Denver to Durango drive, Penitente Canyon offers scenic views and chances to hike, rock climb, and bike through the towering canyon walls. Family RV adventure advice for Colorado, Utah & Wyoming. 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. 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. But. Apart from being the Wildflower Capital of Colorado, Crested Butte is where mountain biking got its start in Colorado. Rome2rio makes travelling from Denver to Durango easy. If youre not familiar, Monarch Pass leads to the natural snowy slopes of Monarch Mountain. Theres so much we could say about things to do in Durango. If you need to rent a car for this trip, you can check out Rentalcars.com which aggregates deals across suppliers. The national COVID-19 helpline number in Durango is 800-232-4636. Hikers and skiers often use the route for accessing backcountry terrain, as well as Arapahoe Basin Resort. Last updated: 1 Mar 2023 If youre hiking with children or just dont enjoy exposure to steep drop-offs, then its recommended to do the out-at-back version. 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. 2023 The World Was Here First All rights reserved. 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. Located 60 miles west of Denver, this incredible highway is the highest paved road in North America. document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 50 Animas View Dr. Back in Durango, drive east on U.S. 160; get your camera ready for breathtaking views of the snow-flecked La Plata Mountain Range. It is impossible to get from Denver to Durango -- at least in any reasonable way -- without some mountain driving. 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 . The cheapest way to get from Denver to Durango is to drive which costs 75,000-120,000 and takes 6h 33m. Its actually closer to Albuquerque than Denver as its not far from the New Mexico border. Sand Dunes are great fun. Which route is the best? An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Traffic on I-70. What kind of rental car do I need & are there places I should not drive a rental car? It is a 7 hour plus drive, not counting any stops. Snowcaped mountains in Berthoud Pass, Colorado. 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. You know what? Is it compulsory to practice social distancing in Durango? You will catch C4-70 outside (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Crested Butte is hands-down one of the coolest places to check out in Colorado. The steep, winding switchbacks can make your stomach turn on this high mountain pass, reaching an elevation of 11,307 feet. From there you'll make a left onto CO 291 S which will take you into Salida after eight miles. 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. Semi trucks stuck on I-25. Informacin detallada del sitio web y la empresa: jaramarzulli.com, +911647681164, +911647244548, +911646228156, +911646126349, +911645988738 Jara Marzulli | La poetica di un'artista You'll be basically traveling in an L-shape on the two long sides of a triangle, instead of driving on the diagonal. The shortest way is to take Route 285 through to Route 160, which will take you past Buena Vista. Thank you :) Or, Highway 285 to 160 is more scenic and has mountains but is not scary. briken - Denver to Durango is about 403 mi. Pass in SW CO? Both Aspen Peak and Mad Jacks also offer delicious food options and events featuring live music acts, with Aspen Peaks Bluegrass and BBQ Night serving as a good example of a local favorite where guests are served food options like southern shrimp and grits and St. Louis-style ribs with mashed potatoes and sauted kale. What airport would I fly into to go to Englewood, Colorado? No problem finding gas and basic supplies, just not much "good" food or coffee. 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. Youll have views for miles around and Aspen Sunflowers covering entire hillsides, making for PERFECT photo ops. From there, make a right onto US-550 S, which will take you into Ouray after just over 36 miles. I-70 has some gorgeous spots and does top out at about 11,000 ft when you pass through the tunnels near Loveland Pass. 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 . When beginning your Denver to Durango road trip, you have two routes to choose from. 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. Click here to browse more Salida hotels! Which route is the best? Editors Note: Never speed. Check out our Denver to Aspen drive & Denver to Moab road trip articles! Not much to recommend for food along the way. . Finally, youll make a left onto CO-115 N for 30 miles into Colorado Springs. Do I have to wear a face mask on public transport in Durango? As such, one of the best things to do in Creede is to drive its famous Bachelor Loop. It serves as one of the main routes to Colorados ski country including Vail, Aspen, Winter Park, Keystone, and Breckenridge. Head out of Creede the way you came in along CO-149 S for 22 miles and then make a left onto US-160 E for 17 miles. The cheapest month to fly is July. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-13129427', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Denver toward Buena Vista and then south to Great Sand Dunes. From hiking to climbing to jeep and segway tours, theres a whole heaping lot to do at this picture-perfect place. This incredible amphitheatre is built right into the front range mountains, making for one of the most beautiful venues in the country. Commentdocument.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a6e6fde05a476155cc84d0616c8a9c0f" );document.getElementById("b934630cd5").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Hi! document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Join our mailing list for discounts, special events, and more. 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. Take US Hwy 285 south from Denver for approximately 173 miles. Thai place in Poncha Springs and Lost Cajun in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Theres also an observation site for the renowned Treasure Falls thats located just south of the pass. 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 . Thank you :) Of course, theres an endless list of things to do and places to see in and around Denver. 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. 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. We extended it to a full loop: Boulder Canyon Drive up to Nederland, Highway 72 from Nederland to Highway 7 just south of Rocky Mountain National Park, Highway 7 back over to Highway 36, and then back down to Boulder. 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. The United States Census Bureau reported a population of 16,887 in the 2010 census. Then, head toward Ignacio on CO Hwy. No problem finding gas and basic supplies, just not much "good" food or coffee. Services like gas stations and restaurants are in good supply at Salida, Saguache, and other areas along the way. I took the highway and then 160 to get to Pagosa and it lasted 7 hours. Outdoor seating areas are especially nice for sampling the beverages and entrees at either one. Your trip begins in Denver, Colorado. Make sure you check road conditions to double check the weather. We have done the drive (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Not much to recommend for food along the way. 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. 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. 5.5 hours of driving without stops. One snowstorm resulted in more than 300 crashes in the Denver metro area, with 93 of those occurring within a 3-hour period. 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. Click here to browse other private rentals. Michael Rosebrock / Shutterstock 7. Before heading out, visit cotrip.org for the latest road conditions and closures. Additional terms apply. 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 . The train route links Silverton and Durango, and you can even book a seat in a private car. Durango is the county seat and the most populous municipality of La Plata County, Colorado, United States. $206 Cheap Flights from Denver (DEN) to Durango (DGO) Bundle Your Flight + Hotel & Save! To get to Salida from Denver will be 2.5-hour drive. Maybe there's a faster drive but we have not done that. Where to go at the end of November, Early December?!?! Colorado, United States. 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. 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. Just across the valley from Penitente Canyon is the Great Sand Dunes National Park, one of Americas most fascinating natural phenomena. If youre traveling on slippery or snowy roads, use caution, slow down, and please, take it easy on the brakes. 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. 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). Rome2rios travel guides to the US tell you the best ways to explore the country, from Amtrak to Greyhound to the New York Subway. Photo Credit: Jerilee Bennett. (easiest one, no scary mountain driving haha), and if you can suggest good places to stop and eat? The reason why it's so long is because there is no direct bus service between the two cities. 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. Good coffee is also scarce along that route until you get to Durango. (easiest one, no scary mountain driving haha), and if you can suggest good places to stop and eat? I'd judge the least "scary" of the three to be I-25/US160.

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least scary drive from denver to durango