I assume you understand that any route you take will be. 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. This is a beautiful and quicker drive. That said, if you do hike Mount Princeston, still come prepared for a long days hike as well as a little rock scrambling. Dont forget to clear ice and snow from your windshield, windows, mirrors, and vehicle lights before driving. Have any questions about any of these stops? Well start our engines in Colorados capital city of Denver! 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. Click here to browse more Durango hotels! Portions of I-70 often close due to severe weather conditions. The cheapest flight from Denver to Durango was found 29 days before departure, on average. Mountain Goat Lodge This boutique bed and breakfast is an excellent option if youre after a bit of luxury while driving to Durango. The distance between Denver and Durango is 372 km. Prices and availability are subject to change. Loveland Pass Summit in Winter. The United States Census Bureau reported a population of 16,887 in the 2010 census. 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. There are 115+ hotels available in Durango. (easiest one, no scary mountain driving haha), and if you can suggest good places to stop and eat? This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. 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. The drive time from Durango to Creede takes just under 2.5 hours. A great trail option for beginners, especially if youre around during wildflower season, is Brush Creek. One absolute must-do activity is hiking the Ouray Perimeter Trail. No problem finding gas and basic supplies, just not much "good" food or coffee. Good coffee is also scarce along that route until you get to Durango. 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. Denver to Pagosa Springs - Durango Forum - Tripadvisor Your best and most scenic route from Denver to Durango tends to be 285 South, though you could also choose to go straight south from Denver on Interstate 25. 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. Browse Dodge vehicles in Berthoud, CO for sale on Cars.com, with prices under $799,952. 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. Monument to fallen snowplow drivers. I will be making this trip next week and look forward to seeing all this. $195 Cheap Flights from Denver (DEN) to Durango (DRO) - Expedia A Mapped Guide to the Ultimate Colorado Road Trip: Part II Should probably count on 7 - 7.5 hrs - not easy to make really good time in the mountains. Driving from Denver to Durango? - Colorado Forum - Tripadvisor Takes 6hrs plus stops and is both easy and scenic. One of your first possible stops between Denver and Durango after youve merged onto US 285 South is the Tiny Town & Railroad thats just a short distance down South Turkey Creek Road. Cheap Flights from Denver Intl. Which route is the best? 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. When you reach the summit of Red Mountain Pass, you will be standing at an elevation of 11,018 ft. Legend has it that the name Million Dollar Highway comes from the 1920s cost to build the highway at over $1 million a mile. Youll also get to take on thrilling class III rapids at Durangos exciting whitewater park. Wearing a face mask on public transport in Durango is recommended. Thank you so much for all the wonderful information. 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). Michael Rosebrock / Shutterstock 7. To get to Salida from Denver will be 2.5-hour drive. Good coffee is also scarce along that route until you get to Durango. Or, Highway 285 to 160 is more scenic and has mountains but is not scary. 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. That's because Mapquest knows you drive fast Tet, lol!!! Located 60 miles west of Denver, this incredible highway is the highest paved road in North America. Just be sure to downshift on the downhill side. My friends and I are coming from Europe to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? But those in the know, slow down and stop in four . 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. 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. The reason why it's so long is because there is no direct bus service between the two cities. This is the route Google Maps will give you. Powerhouse Science Center, formerly the The Durango Discovery Museum, is an interactive science center located in Durango, Colorado. Drop-dead gorgeous and nestled into the heart of the San Juan mountains, visiting Ouray 100% feels like youre being transported to Switzerland. Apart from being the Wildflower Capital of Colorado, Crested Butte is where mountain biking got its start in 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. Thank you :) Of the collegiate peaks, Mount Princeton is designated as one of the easiest to climb. It takes approximately 12h 2m to get from Denver to Durango, including transfers. (easiest one, no scary mountain driving haha), and if you can suggest good places to stop and eat? Driving Distance: 941 miles. Takes 6hrs plus stops and is both easy and scenic. If youre traveling on slippery or snowy roads, use caution, slow down, and please, take it easy on the brakes. High average elevation of 10,000 feet and a few passes over 12,000 feet. 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. 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. If he could teleport to anywhere on the planet, it would be the mountains of Patagonia in Chile. First, head Southwest on US Hwy 285 S, which youll stay on for about 130 miles. When beginning your Denver to Durango road trip, you have two routes to choose from. 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. 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. 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. more. 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. 8 Best Stops on a Denver to Breckenridge Drive Takes 6hrs plus stops and is both easy and scenic. 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. 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. If youre hiking with children or just dont enjoy exposure to steep drop-offs, then its recommended to do the out-at-back version. See what its like to plow this dangerous road here. 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. 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. Take a tour from Durango and let someone else drive! There is no direct connection from Denver to Durango. Main Avenue Historic District in Durango, Colorado is a 34acre historic district that was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. The highway is also notorious for serious semi-accidents and spin-outs due to its steep curvy descent. However, as the expression goes, its not the destination, its the journey. 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. Head south continuing along US-550 S (AKA The Million Dollar Highway) for 70.5 miles until you reach Durango. Traffic jam westbound I-70 highway Photo Credit: milehightraveler (iStock). We are travelling with 3 children from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-13122554', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Denver to Pagosa Springs by car. Youll have views for miles around and Aspen Sunflowers covering entire hillsides, making for PERFECT photo ops. Click here to see their availability. Colorado wildfires: Several fires explode across Front Range 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. 16 Best Things to Do in Colorado in Summer, Travel From Madrid to San Sebastian by Train, Car, and Plane, How to Travel From Rome to Naples by Train, Plane, Bus, or Car, The Top 10 Things to Do in Durango, Colorado, How to Travel From Denver to Las Vegas by Bus, Car, and Plane, How to Travel From Montreal to Quebec City by Train, Bus, Car, and Plane, How to Travel from Los Angeles to the Grand Canyon by Train, Bus, Car, and Plane, The Best Places to See Fall Colors in Colorado, How to Travel from Los Angeles to Denver by Train, Bus, Car, and Plane, Get our travel tips Delivered to your inbox. Tours and campgrounds are also available, and popular activities include sledding down the dunes (a time-honored favorite), four-wheel tours, and horseback riding. 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. In Del Norte, turn right onto US Hwy 160 W. Follow US Hwy 160 W for 118 miles. Mesa Verde is a world-class attraction that you really should see. ), we woke up early and hit the road for what was a 2-hour drive to Grand Junction. 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. I-25 is a major interstate highway that travels north and south, serving as the main connection from Denver to Colorado Springs. He lives in Colorado and also works as a fly fishing guide and instructor when not editing or writing. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-13326355', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Denver to catch a 10 flight. Creedes title of The Last Boom Town comes from its legacy as a silver-mining town, which you can learn about in this PBS short documentary. Driving from Denver to Durango - Fodor's Travel Talk Forums Watch carefully for deer early mornings and twilight! 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. Greyhound is virtually the only bus company operating this route and ticket prices start at $63, although they can be as high as $140. Book at least 2 weeks before departure in order to get a below-average price. 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 . If you are headed to the mountains on the weekend, plan ahead for more traffic than usual. Click here to see their availability, Siesta Motel If youre looking for some more budget-friendly accommodation options, then this motel is a geat choice. 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. 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. Semi trucks stuck on I-25. avoiding scary driving - Durango Forum - Tripadvisor What kind of rental car do I need & are there places I should not drive a rental car? 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. From South Fork and US 160, take a right-hand turn onto US 149, also known as the Silver Thread Scenic Byway, for an unforgettable scenic drive to the town of Creede near the headwaters of the Rio Grande. That said, if you do hike Mount Princeston, still come prepared for a long days hike as well as a little rock scrambling. 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. 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. Not far from the New Mexico border, Durango is actually closer to Albuquerque than Denver, with 215 miles between them. 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. 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. If you need to rent a car for this trip, you can check out Rentalcars.com which aggregates deals across suppliers. My friends and I are coming from Europe to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? The shortest way is to take Route 285 through to Route 160, which will take you past Buena Vista. - to help you get the most out of your next trip. Last updated: 1 Mar 2023 A great trail option for beginners, especially if youre around during wildflower season, is. Signup today for free and be the first to get notified on new updates. It may be a bit random and unexpected, but thats what makes Great Sand Dunes National Park so awesome! You have two route options, both of which take you through amazing scenery and worthwhile stops. That made for about a 70-mile loop of incredible mountain views! Jillian Dara is a freelance journalist and fact-checker. 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. 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. 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. And good news for dog-lovers: pets are allowed on this trail but must be kept on a leash. 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. If high-alpine hikes arent your jazz, another great place to explore near Salida is Great Sand Dunes National Park. Traveling with a dog or cat? Among these are the collegiate peaks which are, unsurprisingly, named after some of the United States most famous colleges and Oxford randomly. Maybe see http://www.mapquest.com for that. Thank you :) Do you think it is faster going the other route or should I rather take the old route because I drive thru the night? Let us know in the comments! 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.