least scary drive from denver to durango

The most straightforward choice for the least amount of time on the road is to simply take I-70 West out of Denver, which is the only main highway you need to follow on this drive until making an exit at Highway 9 just 10 to 15 minutes before you arrive at Breckenridge. Crested Butte is hands-down one of the coolest places to check out in Colorado. Durango High School, also known as the Durango 9-R Administration Building, is a former school in Durango, Colorado. Family RV adventure advice for Colorado, Utah & Wyoming. All three cross Wolf Creek Pass on US160, which is truly scary only if your brakes fail on the way down. For a more complete guide on the hike, check out this Out There Colorado article. Whichever option you choose, you find incredible scenery unlike anything else in Colorado. (easiest one, no scary mountain driving haha), and if you can suggest good places to stop and eat? Cars are unable to make it up the pass during winter weather on a regular basis. There are 115+ hotels available in Durango. No problem finding gas and basic supplies, just not much "good" food or coffee. Stops and things to do on Colorado Springs to Durango drive - Wanderlog 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). Another great activity to do near Denver is driving the Mount Evans Scenic Byway. Perhaps most amazing about this historic site is that the rock pinnacles for which Chimney Rock gets its name frame multiple astronomical alignment points. The drive from Denver, Colorado, to Las Vegas, Nevada, is a drive of epic proportions. briken - Denver to Durango is about 403 mi. Still, the bus is significantly cheaper than flying and depending on gas prices and whether or not you need to rent a car or book a hotel overnight, it's probably cheaper than driving too. 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. Answer 1 of 21: Hi, I will be in Denver late Oct. had wanted to ride on Durango to Silverton train. 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. It is well located, there are a number of plush rooms available, and the breakfast included uses dairy products sourced from the propertys own goats! While its unlikely that traffic jams will ever disappear, avoiding peak travel times allows for an easier and stress-free commute. 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. A direct flight will only take about an hour in the air, which will save you a lot of time. jaramarzulli.com Informacin detallada del sitio web y la empresa 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. Browse Dodge vehicles in Berthoud, CO for sale on Cars.com, with prices under $799,952. Thank you for your advise. From Durango, we flew back to Denver, instead of driving back. Last updated: 1 Mar 2023 Not much to recommend for food along the way. Just be sure to downshift on the downhill side. The Million Dollar Highway is a scenic section of the US-550 highway which runs north to south. It ends in Durango, Colorado. Wolf Creek Pass in CO: Beware of the wolf - Dangerousroads.org Is it compulsory to practice social distancing in Durango? Hiking, mountain biking, climbing, rafting, and off-roading are all staple activities here in our hometown. It is impossible to get from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Check out our Durango Activities and Things to Do page for more information. The shortest way is to take Route 285 through to Route 160, which will take you past Buena Vista. We are travelling with 3 children from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Thank you :) This trail is close to town and extends to a decent length of 4.3 total miles long. There is no direct connection from Denver to Durango. If you're planning a road trip to Denver, you can research locations to stop along the way. more. You can also go to Colorado Springs and Canon City and Salida then 285 to 160. Prices start at 117,500 per night. I'd judge the least "scary" of the three to be I-25/US160. The drive is gorgeous and, although you reach some very high elevations, it is not scary if you stick to the main route . 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. 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! 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. 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. It is centrally locate and has both private, ensuite rooms available along with hostel dorm beds. 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. The steep, winding switchbacks can make your stomach turn on this high mountain pass, reaching an elevation of 11,307 feet. Colorado wildfires: Several fires explode across Front Range Looking for the ultimate Colorado summer road trip experience? Powerhouse Science Center, formerly the The Durango Discovery Museum, is an interactive science center located in Durango, Colorado. Oh well. Were passionate about getting off the beaten path, promoting responsible tourism, supporting local economies and sharing our knowledge with other travellers! If you intend to make all (or even a few) of these stops, youre likely going to want to find a place to stay to break up the drive. Click here to browse other private rentals. * 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. So, pack your bags, fasten your seatbelts, and get ready to hit the road on this Denver to Durango loop road trip! Dont let the views distract you on Berthoud Pass. Loveland Pass Summit in Winter. The Colorado Trail is a 485-mile point-to-point backpacking route in Colorado. Exceptions may apply, for full details: Centers for Disease control and prevention (CDC). You have permission to edit this article. Jillian Dara is a freelance journalist and fact-checker. The next best thing to do on a visit to Colorado Springs is to head up to Pikes Peak. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-75870242', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Denver to Durango -- at least in any reasonable way -- without some mountain driving. While the route offers a fast connection to Winter Park from Denver, avalanches and snowslides often make winter travel on this route extremely difficult. It is impossible to get from Denver to Durango -- at least in any reasonable way -- without some mountain 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. $109 Cheap Flights from Denver to Durango - Orbitz Recommended Road Trip Length: 7 days. 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. Your Guide to a Million Dollar Highway Road Trip - Reader's Digest Having a wonderful time here. Drop-dead gorgeous and nestled into the heart of the San Juan mountains, visiting Ouray 100% feels like youre being transported to Switzerland. 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. Mountain Goat Lodge This boutique bed and breakfast is an excellent option if youre after a bit of luxury while driving to Durango. United Airlines offers flights from Denver Airport to Durango Airport. Maybe see http://www.mapquest.com for that. The drive time from Ouray to Durango is approximately one hour and 45 minutes. Not far from the New Mexico border, Durango is actually closer to Albuquerque than Denver, with 215 miles between them. High average elevation of 10,000 feet and a few passes over 12,000 feet. You know what? Driving from Denver to Durango? - Colorado Forum - Tripadvisor All deals One way Roundtrip Tue, Mar 21 DEN Denver DRO Durango $195 One way just found 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. The drive from Salida to Crested Butte takes approximately one hour and 45 minutes. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you :) Click here to see their availability, Private Rental If its a private vacation rental that youre after in Durango, youll find that there are countless options to choose from. day 2 driving 3.5 hours. BTW also Mapquest gives the route Casa said but mentioned 5 hours. 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. 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. Where to go at the end of November, Early December?!?! Thai place in Poncha Springs and Lost Cajun in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? According to a recent study, the average Denver commuter spends 83 hours per year stuck in traffic. Used Dodge cars for sale in Berthoud, CO under $799,952 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. Start early in the day, bring plenty of water and snacks, and be sure to dress in layers. Denver to Pagosa Springs - Durango Forum - Tripadvisor 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. Call us biased on this if you like, but heading down the Lower Animas is a Durango summer staple. If youre passing through outside of ski season, Monarch is still worth a stop thanks to the Monarch Crest Scenic Tramway thats open from May through the fall. A $15 Gratuity is included in all pricing above. The quickest flight from Denver Airport to Durango Airport is the direct flight which takes 1h 19m. 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. Portions of I-70 often close due to severe weather conditions. 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 . Montrose and The Million Dollar Highway - ROAD TRIP USA Or, Highway 285 to 160 is more scenic and has mountains but is not scary. Dont let snowy roads put a damper on your adventure plans. 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. Takes 6hrs plus stops and is both easy and scenic. Long, steep ascents and descents, particularly around the San Juans. 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. Which route is the best? Apart from being the Wildflower Capital of Colorado, Crested Butte is where mountain biking got its start in Colorado. 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. As you reach the classic mountain town of Salida and the nearby area, the Arkansas River is the main artery for a lot of watersports recreation, from fly fishing and whitewater rafting to kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP). 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. Photo Credit: Christian Murdock; The Gazette. Architectural structures left behind by the ancestral Puebloans include pit houses, great kivas, and great houses, according to the U.S. Forest Services website. 13 Best Stops on the Denver to Las Vegas Drive - Divergent Travelers Silverton is an old mining town nestled between Red Mountain and Molas, two San Juan Mountain passes. Colorado State Patrol is increasing its watch along the Western Slope, where it says the roads have become the most dangerous place to drive in Colorado during July. If youre traveling on slippery or snowy roads, use caution, slow down, and please, take it easy on the brakes. (easiest one, no scary mountain driving haha), and if you can suggest good places to stop and eat? It takes approximately 6h 33m to drive from Denver to Durango. Lodging for 2 nights in Estes park in mid May, Where to stay near Union Station if using Red Rocks shuttle. Check out our Denver to Aspen drive & Denver to Moab road trip articles! Denver to Vail, Colorado -- the Slow Way | HuffPost Contributor But those in the know, slow down and stop in four . 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. 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. 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. 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. Head south continuing along US-550 S (AKA The Million Dollar Highway) for 70.5 miles until you reach Durango. Make sure you check road conditions to double check the weather. From there, make a right onto US-50 E (passing back through Salida) and follow that for 70 miles until you reach Penrose. Reduced speed limits and temporary closures are often put into place for safety concerns. Click here to see their availability, The Salida Inn & Hostel If youre traveling on a bit of a tighter budget, then this inn and hostel is an excellent choice. In Winter do I need a 4 Wheel Drive Vehicle in Colorado? 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. From there you'll make a left onto CO 291 S which will take you into Salida after eight miles. For first-time visitors we recommend either taking a guided nature walk to learn about the areas history and geology, or just taking to the trails on your own to explore at your own pace. You can also go to Colorado Springs and Canon City and Salida then 285 to 160. If you are headed to the mountains on the weekend, plan ahead for more traffic than usual. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. While the quickest route between these two cities would take a fast driver 12 hours to complete without stopping, we suggest taking it slow and enjoying everything there is to see on the way. Traffic jam westbound I-70 highway Photo Credit: milehightraveler (iStock). For us, one of the most fun things a first-time visitor can do is catch a show at Red Rocks Amphitheatre. Aetna is Monarch Mountain Resort. Driving from Denver to Durango? - Colorado Forum - Tripadvisor Where Are Colorado's Dangerous Roads? Take A Look At These Maps If you need to rent a car for this trip, you can check out Rentalcars.com which aggregates deals across suppliers. Takes 6hrs plus stops and is both easy and scenic. Aspen vs Vail vs Breckenridge: Which Colorado Town to Visit? Getting there is through beautiful, mountainous country, but mountainous roads and I believe some white. If youve never gone mountain biking before, then this is a perfect place to try it out. Additional terms apply. You probably want to avoid going to Durango via 550 through Ouray and Silverton (Million Dollar Highway) which is an incredibly scenic, paved, state highway but also has extreme dropoffs without guardrails in places, and little to no shoulder in placesnot the best road for you. 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. At Wolf Creek Pass, pedestrians can access the Continental Divide Trail and the Wolf Creek Trailhead. drive for about 54 minutes. caudesucre.com Informacin detallada del sitio web y la empresa $206 Cheap Flights from Denver (DEN) to Durango (DGO) Bundle Your Flight + Hotel & Save! But I need to leave here at midnight. It serves as one of the main routes to Colorado's ski country including Vail, Aspen, Winter Park, Keystone, and Breckenridge. It's a fairly long drive from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? , Where to Stay on a Denver to Durango Road Trip. Sand Dunes are great fun. 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. 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. Yep, its that simple. The bus leaves Denver at 6:45 a.m. and arrives in Durango at 7:10 p.m. 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. The train route links Silverton and Durango, and you can even book a seat in a private car. 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. 5.5 hours of driving without stops. 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. Cheyenne . It is impossible to get from Denver to Durango -- at least in any reasonable way -- without some mountain driving. I drive the 285>160 route almost weekly for the last few months. At just under four hours, the stretch from Creede to Colorado Springs is the longest drive of this trip. Click here to browse other private rentals. That made for about a 70-mile loop of incredible mountain views! Then, head toward Ignacio on CO Hwy. 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. I will try to go the route thru the Great Sand Dunes. I drive the 285>160 route almost weekly for the last few months. A Mapped Guide to the Ultimate Colorado Road Trip: Part II At this park, you can either take an easy day to drive to the scenic lookouts, or you can book a permit to take the steep hike down to the canyon floor and Gunnison river. However, you can take the bus to Grand Valley Downtown Transfer Station, take the drive to Montrose Airport, take the shuttle to Telluride, take the taxi to Silverton, CO, then take the shuttle to Durango, CO. Alternatively, you can take the bus to Grand Valley Downtown Transfer Station, take the drive to Montrose Airport, take the shuttle to Telluride, take the taxi to Silverton, then take the train to Durango, CO. Rome2rio's Travel Guide series provide vital information for the global traveller. Good coffee is also scarce along that route until you get to Durango. Outdoor seating areas are especially nice for sampling the beverages and entrees at either one. How to Get from Denver to Durango - TripSavvy To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. 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. Error! Have any questions about any of these stops? Although its a small mountain town, its bursting at the seams with history, scenery, and adventure opportunities. The distance between Denver and Durango is 372 km. 10 Best Stops on a Denver to Moab Road Trip. Mesa Verde is a world-class attraction that you really should see. You can also fly from Denver to Durango, if all this seems to be too much. From Sand Dunes, head west on US160 over Wolf Creek Pass to Pagosa. The 8 Most Scenic Drives In Colorado - TravelAwaits 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. Does anyone know why? - to help you get the most out of your next trip. Denver to Durango - 7 ways to travel via train, bus, car - Rome2rio 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. Prices and availability are subject to change. Driving from Denver to Durango? - Colorado Forum - Tripadvisor Its a lengthy stretch, but it also takes you through some of Colorados most spectacular wilderness areas, adventurous mountain towns, and exciting cities. The total driving time is 6 hours, 8 minutes. 5.5 hours of driving without stops. The 160 to 285 would be the fastest. 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. 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. This is a great introduction to Colorados famous fourteeners and provides extraordinary views thatll redefine what you classify as a scenic byway.. News, travel inspiration, podcasts, & more. Its important to note that dates and closures vary, depending on the weather and road conditions. Well start our engines in Colorados capital city of Denver! ! 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! Red Mountain Pass. Tue, Jul 25. Apart from being the Wildflower Capital of Colorado, Crested Butte is where mountain biking got its start in Colorado. However, as the expression goes, its not the destination, its the journey. 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. (easiest one, no scary mountain driving haha), and if you can suggest good places to stop and eat? Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. Hikers and skiers often use the route for accessing backcountry terrain, as well as Arapahoe Basin Resort. Pass in SW CO? Of the collegiate peaks, Mount Princeton is designated as one of the easiest to climb. Duncan is a writer for The World Was Here First. Although its a small mountain town, its bursting at the seams with history, scenery, and adventure opportunities. Colorados capital city has something for everyone: great food, impressive history, beautiful views, and plenty of adventure opportunities close by! Rome2rio is a door-to-door travel information and booking engine, helping you get to and from any location in the world. As far as rafting day trips go, it doesnt get much easier or more fun than this! To get to Salida from Denver will be 2.5-hour drive. Located 60 miles west of Denver, this incredible highway is the highest paved road in North America. One absolute must-do activity is hiking the Ouray Perimeter Trail. Its actually closer to Albuquerque than Denver as its not far from the New Mexico border. 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. 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.

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