Wolf Creek has gained a reputation all throughout Colorado as one of the best ski resorts to visit for anyone looking to escape crowds and long lift lines, and it also boasts some of the highest seasonal accumulations of snowpack out of any Colorado resorts, depending on the year. Jillian Dara is a freelance journalist and fact-checker. This somewhat low-key park is simply jaw-dropping. You can also rent ATVs and off-road vehicles in town if you prefer to not take your own car. Is this a summer trip or a winter trip? Click here to browse other private rentals. Which route is the best? I-25 is a major interstate highway that travels north and south, serving as the main connection from Denver to Colorado Springs. What airport would I fly into to go to Englewood, Colorado? Can you please describe the San Juan Skyway/Million $ Hwy/Red Mtn. ! Photo Credit: milehightraveler (iStock). 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. This nationally-protected area consists of more than 30 square miles of massive dunes and is a must-stop for travelers nearing the latter portion of their Denver to Durango road trip. Which route is the best? Alternatively, you may use. 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. Other points of interest include feeding the fish at the Wildlife Museum's fish hatchery, going kayaking on the Animas River, or stopping in at Animas Brewing Company to try the latest batch of beer. The distance between Denver and Durango is 372 km. Get answers to your questions about 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. Thai place in Poncha Springs and Lost Cajun in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Adds about 2.5 hours to the "boring" way, and is incredibly varied and constantly changing. It is impossible to get from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Semi trucks stuck on I-25. Make yourself known to an official member of staff and/or call the national coronavirus helpline number on 800-232-4636. 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. Sand Dunes are great fun. It stretches from Denver to Durango across the Southern Rockies and can be hiked in 25-35 days. The reason why it's so long is because there is no direct bus service between the two cities. 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. These are both safe routes. It serves as one of the main routes to Colorados ski country including Vail, Aspen, Winter Park, Keystone, and Breckenridge. It's a fairly long drive from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? To get to Salida from Denver will be 2.5-hour drive. 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. Hi Diane, The drive from Denver to Aspen takes about 4 hours (if there isn't a lot of traffic). (easiest one, no scary mountain driving haha), and if you can suggest good places to stop and eat? 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. Youll have views for miles around and Aspen Sunflowers covering entire hillsides, making for PERFECT photo ops. Monarch Pass winds beautifully into the mountains at 11,312 feet along the Continental Divide between Gunnison and Poncha Springs, located just 20 minutes from Salida. We're working around the clock to bring you the latest COVID-19 travel updates.This information is compiled from official sources. As of July 23, Colorado has. Am I allowed to travel from Denver to Durango? Airfares from $109 One Way, $219 Round Trip from Denver to Durango. I took the highway and then 160 to get to Pagosa and it lasted 7 hours. You know what? 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. 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. The museum opened on February 23, 2011 in what was once a power plant. Michael Rosebrock / Shutterstock 7. Not much to recommend for food along the way. 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! North Americas largest sandbox contains some 5 billion cubic meters of sand and stands out against the striking backdrop of the Sangre de Cristo mountains. It's a fairly long drive from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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 . Apart from being the Wildflower Capital of Colorado, Crested Butte is where mountain biking got its start in Colorado. 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. 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. 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. 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. Theres so much we could say about things to do in Durango. 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. Is this a summer trip or a winter trip? Check out our Durango Activities and Things to Do page for more information. (easiest one, no scary mountain driving haha), and if you can suggest good places to stop and eat? We love our home state, and we have more than a few top tips for things to do during your visit. 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. Monarch Pass in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. If youve never gone mountain biking before, then this is a perfect place to try it out. Its also helpful to pack warm layers, snacks, water, and a flash flight for unexpected delays and emergencies. 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. I'd judge the least "scary" of the three to be I-25/US160. Have fun, please forgive us our little OT chat. Planning other road trips from Denver? 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. Of course, theres an endless list of things to do and places to see in and around Denver. First, head Southwest on US Hwy 285 S, which you'll stay on for about 130 miles. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Canada. Jan 31, 2006. Designated drivers beware and drink responsibly, as youve still got a lot of highway to go on this Denver to Durango road trip. Do I have to wear a face mask on public transport in Durango? 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. Not much to recommend for food along the way. Informacin detallada del sitio web y la empresa: caudesucre.com Cau de sucre - blog de repostera creativa, recetas dulces y mucha fotografa! Then, make a right onto CO-149 N and follow that for 22 miles until you reach Creede. If you're looking to just get there as quickly as possible, it's much better to fly. 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. 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 concerts and shows arent your scene, no problem! This drive is most densely populated with residential areas and small towns for about the first hour or so, but the rest is nothing but mountain passes, wide-open valleys, and National Forest areas, with the occasional town to break things up. 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. 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. Heading back to Denver takes one last straight-shot drive of one hour and 20 minutes along I-25 N. Just 70 miles along that highway and youll be back in the city at journeys end! Have any questions about any of these stops? Head out of town along US-160 E for 102 miles until you reach South Fork. Thank you :) 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. Looking for the ultimate Colorado summer road trip experience? We will stop there for a break and continue driving. Plus, your guide will provide insightful interpretations on each of the archaeological sites as well as the history of the Ancestral Pueblo people. The small roadside town of South Fork marks a point of transition where the Rio Grande River begins to shift from its high alpine origins in National Forest land and flow down toward flatter lands in New Mexico and beyond. What are the roads like, and what do I need to know about driving in Colorado? What about Mine Tours and Mining Museums? The quickest way to get from Denver to Durango is to fly and shuttle which costs 300,000-800,000 and takes 5h 24m. 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. If high-alpine hikes arent your jazz, another great place to explore near Salida is Great Sand Dunes National Park. But those in the know, slow down and stop in four . Lots of good food in Durango. 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. What are the travel restrictions in Durango? Grand Junction To Dinosaur Good coffee is also scarce along that route until you get to Durango. If you are traveling to Durango by bus, prepare for a long ride of at least 12 hours. Either way there is only one high pass to cross (Wolf Creek, mentioned above), and I wouldn't call it scary. Duncan is a writer for The World Was Here First. Which route is the best? The cheapest flight from Denver to Durango was found 29 days before departure, on average. Thank you :) In Del Norte, turn right onto US Hwy 160 W. Follow US Hwy 160 W for 118 miles. But assuming youre confident in your car and overall conditions, the Denver to Durango scenic drive down 285 South that also connects with US 160 at Del Norte is the way to go. I-70 mountain travel has its hiccups due to a combination of factors including traffic congestion, steep grades, accidents, and wild weather causing slick roads and other hazards like that one time an avalanche covered the highway (video link). 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. It is impossible to get from Denver to Durango -- at least in any reasonable way -- without some mountain driving. If you have hopes of seeing both Denver and Durango on your trip to Colorado, you should keep in mind that the cities are 337 miles apart. I-70 has some gorgeous spots and does top out at about 11,000 ft when you pass through the tunnels near Loveland Pass. Photo Credit: Jerilee Bennett. It takes approximately 12h 2m to get from Denver to Durango, including transfers. #ouraygram. Commentdocument.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a6e6fde05a476155cc84d0616c8a9c0f" );document.getElementById("b934630cd5").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Hi! Just assume that youll need your camera for just about every spot from here on out. The bus leaves Denver at 6:45 a.m. and arrives in Durango at 7:10 p.m. No problem finding gas and basic supplies, just not much "good" food or coffee. Alternatively, you may use, Best Western Plus Deer Park Hotel And Suites. While the route offers a fast connection to Winter Park from Denver, avalanches and snowslides often make winter travel on this route extremely difficult. 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. Rome2rio is a door-to-door travel information and booking engine, helping you get to and from any location in the world. 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. ), we woke up early and hit the road for what was a 2-hour drive to Grand Junction. Having a wonderful time here. Additional terms apply. I need to return tonight to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Utah. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 50 Animas View Dr. If he could teleport to anywhere on the planet, it would be the mountains of Patagonia in Chile. 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. Durango High School, also known as the Durango 9-R Administration Building, is a former school in Durango, Colorado. Lots of good food in Durango. 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. The cheapest way to get from Denver to Durango is to drive which costs 75,000-120,000 and takes 6h 33m. Brittany is an award-winning journalist based in Denver where she has lived and worked for more than a decade. Each flight takes about an hour, so this is definitely the fastest way to get from Denver to Durango. 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. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. Silverton is an old mining town nestled between Red Mountain and Molas, two San Juan Mountain passes. 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-75890236', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Pagosa Springs are the only 2 I hit along the route. As such, one of the best things to do in Creede is to drive its famous Bachelor Loop. You have permission to edit this article. Powerhouse Science Center, formerly the The Durango Discovery Museum, is an interactive science center located in Durango, Colorado. Durango is the county seat and the most populous municipality of La Plata County, Colorado, United States. The cheapest month to fly is July. 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. 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. 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. Good coffee is also scarce along that route until you get to Durango. 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. 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. As far as rafting day trips go, it doesnt get much easier or more fun than this! 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. 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. This trail is close to town and extends to a decent length of 4.3 total miles long. Photo Credit: Christian Murdock; The Gazette. Winter in Colorado is no joke. There is also breakfast included each morning. 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. By Jeremy P. Meyer | jpmeyer@denverpost.com | The Denver Post. While its unlikely that traffic jams will ever disappear, avoiding peak travel times allows for an easier and stress-free commute. Be sure to take a peek at Denvers Tourism website for other ideas of things to do. If you hit the turn too fast you will go right off the edge. At just under four hours, the stretch from Creede to Colorado Springs is the longest drive of this trip. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in India. But it didn/t work. So yeah, have your camera charged and ready for this spot too. Check out our Denver to Aspen drive & Denver to Moab road trip articles! Of the collegiate peaks, Mount Princeton is designated as one of the easiest to climb. 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. This 17-mile historic loop takes you to several abandoned mines in-between beautiful scenic vistas. That said, if you do hike Mount Princeston, still come prepared for a long days hike as well as a little rock scrambling. Not to mention, its known as one of the most treacherous roads in the state. Let us know in the comments! 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. If you drive that route without stops it app.takes 6 hours. Snowcaped mountains in Berthoud Pass, Colorado. Getting there is through beautiful, mountainous country, but mountainous roads and I believe some white. Another great activity to do near Denver is driving the Mount Evans Scenic Byway. Youll also get to take on thrilling class III rapids at Durangos exciting whitewater park. The Strater Hotel Located in downtown Durango, this beautiful historic hotel is an excellent option for those looking for a bit of a splurge. No problem finding gas and basic supplies, just not much "good" food or coffee. He lives in Colorado and also works as a fly fishing guide and instructor when not editing or writing. 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. 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 . Were Michael and Maggie, an Australian and American couple travelling the world. Where to go at the end of November, Early December?!?! 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 Having seen and read descriptions of the Million Dollar Highway, I'd like to avoid the drive south between Ouray and Silverton. Click here to browse other private rentals. What about the altitude/Altitude sickness? Editors Note: Never speed. 2023 The World Was Here First All rights reserved. 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. Click here to browse other private rentals. 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. 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. Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. Wearing a face mask on public transport in Durango is recommended. Or, Highway 285 to 160 is more scenic and has mountains but is not scary. 4WD and AWD vehicles must have snow tires or all-weather tires with 3/16 inch tread depth. Avalanches often trigger temporary closures, leaving portions of the road buried under several feet of snow. Research, browse, save, and share from 162 Dodge models in Berthoud, CO. Thai place in Poncha Springs and Lost Cajun in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Not quite what youre looking for? 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 . Its actually closer to Albuquerque than Denver as its not far from the New Mexico border. Aetna is Monarch Mountain Resort. To get to Salida from Denver will be 2.5-hour drive. to Guadalupe Victoria Durango Intl. This is a great introduction to Colorados famous fourteeners and provides extraordinary views thatll redefine what you classify as a scenic byway.. However, if youre looking to check out something completely different but equally awesome in Colorado, you cant go wrong with a day trip to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.