I routinely make the trip via 285 and it is much shorter and beautiful. All three cross Wolf Creek Pass on US160, which is truly scary only if your brakes fail on the way down. Instead, I'm proposing driving from Montrose to Cortez, with a stop in Telluride on the way. 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. Maybe there's a faster drive but we have not done that. Services like gas stations and restaurants are in good supply at Salida, Saguache, and other areas along the way. Good coffee is also scarce along that route until you get to Durango. Be sure to enjoy the small towns along the way and explore the rural side of Colorado too! What airport would I fly into to go to Englewood, Colorado? You can also rent ATVs and off-road vehicles in town if you prefer to not take your own car. Centers for Disease control and prevention (CDC), Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Durango, Holiday Inn & Suites Durango Downtown, an IHG Hotel, Denver to Pikes Peak Center for the Performing Arts, Glendale Los Angeles County CA USA to Durango CO USA, Petrified Forest National Park to Durango CO USA, There is a social distancing requirement of 2 metres. Dont let snowy roads put a damper on your adventure plans. But. 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. A great trail option for beginners, especially if youre around during wildflower season, is Brush Creek. No problem finding gas and basic supplies, just not much "good" food or coffee. At Wolf Creek Pass, pedestrians can access the Continental Divide Trail and the Wolf Creek Trailhead. Commentdocument.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a6e6fde05a476155cc84d0616c8a9c0f" );document.getElementById("b934630cd5").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Hi! more. Theres also an observation site for the renowned Treasure Falls thats located just south of the pass. Oh well. Watch carefully for deer early mornings and twilight! Takes 6hrs plus stops and is both easy and scenic. The 160 to 285 would be the fastest. Her work has appeared in Travel + Leisure, USA Today, Michelin Guides, Hemispheres, DuJour, and Forbes. 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 . 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. Durango is the county seat and the most populous municipality of La Plata County, Colorado, United States. Powerhouse Science Center, formerly the The Durango Discovery Museum, is an interactive science center located in Durango, Colorado. For more information, see our privacy policy. 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. This is the route Google Maps will give you. There will be some mountain driving whichever route you take, but there's no need to be scared. According to a recent study, the average Denver commuter spends 83 hours per year stuck in traffic. Camping, backpacking, and hiking opportunities abound in this area once the snow melts in the summertime. Along the National Parks Loop, you'll also go through some other small towns worth exploring like Telluride, Durango, and Buena Vista. Afternoons can be hot and windy though. The shorter one (US285 south and US160 west), more scenic, has more mountains. If concerts and shows arent your scene, no problem! Durango is the county seat and the most populous municipality of La Plata County, Colorado, United States. briken - Denver to Durango is about 403 mi. Airfares from $109 One Way, $219 Round Trip from Denver to Durango. For photographers, taking photos of the sunset from atop one of the dunes is an unforgettable experience. ! As of July 23, Colorado has. It's a fairly long drive from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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. It takes approximately 12h 2m to get from Denver to Durango, including transfers. Driving Distance: 941 miles. I need to return tonight to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Photo Credit: Christian Murdock; The Gazette. This trail is close to town and extends to a decent length of 4.3 total miles long. Monarch Pass in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. Prices and availability are subject to change. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission at no extra cost to you. Informacin detallada del sitio web y la empresa: caudesucre.com Cau de sucre - blog de repostera creativa, recetas dulces y mucha fotografa! . Drop-dead gorgeous and nestled into the heart of the San Juan mountains, visiting Ouray 100% feels like youre being transported to Switzerland. What is the national COVID-19 helpline number in Durango? Its actually closer to Albuquerque than Denver as its not far from the New Mexico border. Although its a small mountain town, its bursting at the seams with history, scenery, and adventure opportunities. 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. Youll have views for miles around and Aspen Sunflowers covering entire hillsides, making for PERFECT photo ops. SIGN UP: Free daily newsletter + 20% off in the OTC gear shop, The 7 most dangerous winter roads in Colorado, 93 of those occurring within a 3-hour period, Denver commuter spends 83 hours per year stuck in traffic, Public access for two Colorado 14ers to close, after bill to protect landowners from liability dies, [VIDEO] Snowboarders spend over an hour in a tree to avoid angry moose in Colorado, $50,000 reward offered in search for suspect who robbed USPS letter carrier, Nathaniel Rateliff, Elle King among artists coming to Denver area in March, Skier Shiffrin locks up overall title, still chases win 86, US to focus bison restoration on expanding tribal herds. 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. If youve never gone mountain biking before, then this is a perfect place to try it out. Having seen and read descriptions of the Million Dollar Highway, I'd like to avoid the drive south between Ouray and Silverton. 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. It is home to Fort Lewis College. The winter-weary Northeast and upper Midwest were digging out Saturday from heavy snowfall while cleanup began in battered parts of the South and Midwest after a sprawling storm system produced . 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). The next best thing to do on a visit to Colorado Springs is to head up to Pikes Peak. 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. Take a tour from Durango and let someone else drive! Its also helpful to pack warm layers, snacks, water, and a flash flight for unexpected delays and emergencies. Outdoor seating areas are especially nice for sampling the beverages and entrees at either one. 172. A direct flight will only take about an hour in the air, which will save you a lot of time. Durango, Colorado 81301 (easiest one, no scary mountain driving haha), and if you can suggest good places to stop and eat? Hikers and skiers often use the route for accessing backcountry terrain, as well as Arapahoe Basin Resort. 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. If you are headed to the mountains on the weekend, plan ahead for more traffic than usual. The views of the Rocky Mountain landscape here are impressive at any time of the year, but this is an especially good stop if visiting during the winter when you can enjoy the contrast between the calming hot spring waters and the snowy peaks and surroundings. This is a great introduction to Colorados famous fourteeners and provides extraordinary views thatll redefine what you classify as a scenic byway.. Thank you :) Domestic travel is not restricted, but some conditions may apply. I'd judge the least "scary" of the three to be I-25/US160. As with any hike or tour, just remember to bring plenty of water and some snacks along. The drive time from Durango to Creede takes just under 2.5 hours. 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. Then, make a right onto CO-149 N and follow that for 22 miles until you reach Creede. If youre hiking with children or just dont enjoy exposure to steep drop-offs, then its recommended to do the out-at-back version. 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. 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 . Not much to recommend for food along the way. A great trail option for beginners, especially if youre around during wildflower season, is. 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. 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. The shorter one (US285 south and US160 west), more scenic, has more mountains. Durango High School, also known as the Durango 9-R Administration Building, is a former school in Durango, Colorado. Denver Area Road Trip 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. From Durango, we flew back to Denver, instead of driving back. For us, one of the most fun things a first-time visitor can do is catch a show at Red Rocks Amphitheatre. Not quite what youre looking for? We will stop there for a break and continue driving. Not to mention, its known as one of the most treacherous roads in the state. Crested Butte is hands-down one of the coolest places to check out in Colorado. Stroll the shops, restaurants and hotels housed in Durango's preserved late-19th-century buildings and board the railroad for a super-scenic, 45-mile detour to Silverton. Good coffee is also scarce along that route until you get to Durango. Well, thats it for this epic Colorado summer road trip. There will be some mountain driving whichever route you take, but there's no need to be scared. It is impossible to get from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? drive for about 1 hour. High average elevation of 10,000 feet and a few passes over 12,000 feet. He has spent time in Costa Rica and has made numerous trips exploring the Western states of the Rocky Mountains. - Wikipedia. Call us biased on this if you like, but heading down the Lower Animas is a Durango summer staple. 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. It's a fairly long drive from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Grand Junction To Dinosaur 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. The longer one (I-25 south, US160 west) involves faster driving and more traffic. The United States Census Bureau reported a population of 16,887 in the 2010 census. 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. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. The journey from Crested Butte to Ouray will take approximately 2.5 hours. Find all the transport options for your trip from Denver to Durango right here. 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. 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. 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 Now I am thinking of taking another route. 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. If he could teleport to anywhere on the planet, it would be the mountains of Patagonia in Chile. Well start our engines in Colorados capital city of Denver! If not, the area works just fine as a pretty place to drive through. 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. 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. 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. I took the highway and then 160 to get to Pagosa and it lasted 7 hours. and leave at 3:05 pm. That said, if you do hike Mount Princeston, still come prepared for a long days hike as well as a little rock scrambling. You have permission to edit this article. For another great SW road trip, check out our Ultimate Colorado and Utah Road Trip Itinerary. 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. No problem finding gas and basic supplies, just not much "good" food or coffee. It's actually closer to Albuquerque than Denver as it's not far from the New Mexico border. We tackled this whole itinerary in 3 nights but you would be better served to spend at least double that amount of time. Thank you :) 5.5 hours of driving without stops. Some of the road trip highlights include stops in Frisco, Ouray, Buena Vista, or Pagosa Hot Springs, each of which offers plenty of outdoor adventure. I'd judge the least "scary" of the three to be I-25/US160. It is impossible to get from Denver to Durango -- at least in any reasonable way -- without some mountain driving. Red Mountain Pass. 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. To the best of our knowledge, it is correct as of the last update.Visit Rome2rio travel advice for general help. From there, make a right onto US-50 E (passing back through Salida) and follow that for 70 miles until you reach Penrose. News, travel inspiration, podcasts, & more. The museum opened on February 23, 2011 in what was once a power plant. 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. Regular fuel costs are around $3.96 per gallon for your trip. Roads surrounding the Denver metro area are often a mess, especially when you add snow and ice to the mix. 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. It is centrally locate and has both private, ensuite rooms available along with hostel dorm beds. and Great Sand. Its also noted as the highest road in the country thats kept open on a year-round basis. 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 scenic section that we refer to as the Million Dollar Highway is the 25-mile section between Ouray and Silverton, then from Silverton to Durango the scenic road technically becomes the San Juan Skyway. Keep in mind though, it's an incredibly long ride because you'll need to travel out of your way to switch buses in Grand Junction. How long will the journey be and what is the fastest route? From there, make a right onto US-550 S, which will take you into Ouray after just over 36 miles. If youre traveling on slippery or snowy roads, use caution, slow down, and please, take it easy on the brakes. Alternatively, Outdoorsy is an option if you prefer to rent an RV or campervan. It is impossible to get from Denver to Durango -- at least in any reasonable way -- without some mountain driving. $206 Cheap Flights from Denver (DEN) to Durango (DGO) Bundle Your Flight + Hotel & Save! 4:17 pm arrive in Durango. What are the travel restrictions in Durango? 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. Drive to Colorado Springs on Interstate 25 and on through Pueblo to Walsenburg where you'll take Hwy 160 west. 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. drive for about 54 minutes. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. It features a challenging switchback turn -on the west side- with a 200-foot drop off on the other side of the curve. Good coffee is also scarce along that route until you get to Durango. 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. Pass in SW CO? Avalanches often trigger temporary closures, leaving portions of the road buried under several feet of snow. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in India. Top Reasons To Take A Jeep Tour In SW Colorado. Rome2rio also offers online bookings for selected operators, making reservations easy and straightforward. 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. 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. Start early in the day, bring plenty of water and snacks, and be sure to dress in layers. For a more complete guide on the hike, check out this, If high-alpine hikes arent your jazz, another great place to explore near Salida is, Crested Butte is hands-down one of the coolest places to check out in Colorado.