The drive between Walsenburg and Pagosa Springs is a very nice one. 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. 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. Research, browse, save, and share from 162 Dodge models in Berthoud, CO. Durango High School, also known as the Durango 9-R Administration Building, is a former school in Durango, Colorado. Recommended Road Trip Length: 7 days. Thank you so much for all the wonderful information. Although its a small mountain town, its bursting at the seams with history, scenery, and adventure opportunities. You'll be basically traveling in an L-shape on the two long sides of a triangle, instead of driving on the diagonal. 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. From Sand Dunes, head west on US160 over Wolf Creek Pass to Pagosa. Takes you to nearly every major mountain zone in the state and the deepest canyons, highest passes, steepest mountains, and coolest towns. 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! First, head Southwest on US Hwy 285 S, which youll stay on for about 130 miles. As such, one of the best things to do in Creede is to drive its famous Bachelor Loop. 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. But it didn/t work. Click here to browse other private rentals. The shortest way is to take Route 285 through to Route 160, which will take you past Buena Vista. Its also helpful to pack warm layers, snacks, water, and a flash flight for unexpected delays and emergencies. All deals One way Roundtrip Tue, Mar 21 DEN Denver DRO Durango $195 One way just found The route has an elevation gain of 9,000 ft and ascends through five climate zones to the 14,264-ft summit of Mount Evans. Cheyenne . Another route, is to take US285 sw from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Long, steep ascents and descents, particularly around the San Juans. Prices and availability are subject to change. So, stop by if you can. Travel in the winter months can be nerve-wracking along Red Mountain Pass. Aetna is Monarch Mountain Resort. 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. Travel along this high alpine road is strongly discouraged amid snow, freezing temperatures, and blowing snow. Do I have to wear a face mask on public transport in Durango? To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. Where to go at the end of November, Early December?!?! Click here to see their availability. Reduced speed limits and temporary closures are often put into place for safety concerns. 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. There will be some mountain driving whichever route you take, but there's no need to be scared. 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. You can also rent ATVs and off-road vehicles in town if you prefer to not take your own car. Cheap Flights from Denver Intl. One absolute must-do activity is hiking the Ouray Perimeter Trail. 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. The reason why it's so long is because there is no direct bus service between the two cities. The drive from Salida to Crested Butte takes approximately one hour and 45 minutes. Once you reach Creede, known as one of the last Silver Boom towns in Colorado during the late 19th century, you have quite a few options before heading back down to South Fork. Sites such as Coller State Wildlife Area and Palisade Campground are excellent places to get out of the car and take in the views of the Rio Grande on your way up this stretch of highway. Thank you :) While its unlikely that traffic jams will ever disappear, avoiding peak travel times allows for an easier and stress-free commute. The Colorado Trail is a 485-mile point-to-point backpacking route in Colorado. 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. The round trip cost would be $106.55 to go from Denver, CO to Durango, CO and back to Denver, CO again. 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. There is no direct connection from Denver to Durango. 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. 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. Powerhouse Science Center, formerly the The Durango Discovery Museum, is an interactive science center located in Durango, Colorado. By Jeremy P. Meyer | jpmeyer@denverpost.com | The Denver Post. Thank you :) 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. Mostly flat in some areas, Colorado gives drivers the most treacherous section of I-70 through the Rocky Mountains. Having seen and read descriptions of the Million Dollar Highway, I'd like to avoid the drive south between Ouray and Silverton. Which route is the best? briken - Denver to Durango is about 403 mi. drive for about 1 hour. American Airlines also offers flights to Durango, but they require you to first stop in Phoenix, which means it will take at least 4 hours to arrive. 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. Thai place in Poncha Springs and Lost Cajun in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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. *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. The shorter one (US285 south and US160 west), more scenic, has more mountains. Is this a summer trip or a winter 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. Although its a small mountain town, its bursting at the seams with history, scenery, and adventure opportunities. One snowstorm resulted in more than 300 crashes in the Denver metro area, with 93 of those occurring within a 3-hour period. Greyhound is virtually the only bus company operating this route and ticket prices start at $63, although they can be as high as $140. How long is the drive from Colorado Springs to Durango?. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Join our mailing list for discounts, special events, and more. The national COVID-19 helpline number in Durango is 800-232-4636. 10 Best Stops on the Denver to Aspen Drive via Vail. , Where to Stay on a Denver to Durango Road Trip. You can also go to Colorado Springs and Canon City and Salida then 285 to 160. Ice and snow-caked roads, highways, and mountain passes make for dangerous and hazardous driving conditions across the state. 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. It's a fairly long drive from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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. Have fun, please forgive us our little OT chat. A direct flight will only take about an hour in the air, which will save you a lot of time. Not much to recommend for food along the way. ), we woke up early and hit the road for what was a 2-hour drive to Grand Junction. 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. Click here to browse more Durango hotels! Grand Junction To Dinosaur There will be some mountain driving whichever route you take, but there's no need to be scared. As of July 23, Colorado has. Make sure you check road conditions to double check the weather. 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. All three cross Wolf Creek Pass on US160, which is truly scary only if your brakes fail on the way down. At Wolf Creek Pass, pedestrians can access the Continental Divide Trail and the Wolf Creek Trailhead. 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. 2023 The World Was Here First All rights reserved. Drive to Colorado Springs on Interstate 25 and on through Pueblo to Walsenburg where you'll take Hwy 160 west. This is a beautiful and quicker drive. Good coffee is also scarce along that route until you get to Durango. What should I do if I have COVID-19 symptoms when I arrive in Durango? I'd judge the least "scary" of the three to be I-25/US160. At just under four hours, the stretch from Creede to Colorado Springs is the longest drive of this trip. Or, Highway 285 to 160 is more scenic and has mountains but is not scary. Silverton is an old mining town nestled between Red Mountain and Molas, two San Juan Mountain passes. Takes 6hrs plus stops and is both easy and scenic. You have two route options, both of which take you through amazing scenery and worthwhile stops. 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. Takes 6hrs plus stops and is both easy and scenic. Take a tour from Durango and let someone else drive! Just across the valley from Penitente Canyon is the Great Sand Dunes National Park, one of Americas most fascinating natural phenomena. From: 1 traveler 2 travelers 3 travelers 4 travelers 5 travelers 6 travelers. 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. It is the route CasaAzul mentioned. Winter in Colorado is no joke. 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. Its a lengthy stretch, but it also takes you through some of Colorados most spectacular wilderness areas, adventurous mountain towns, and exciting cities. 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. Located 60 miles west of Denver, this incredible highway is the highest paved road in North America. Airfares from $109 One Way, $219 Round Trip from Denver to Durango. One of the last places to stop between Denver and Durango is Chimney Rock National Monument, which features the ancient remains of a native Pueblo settlement dating back 1,000 years. The quickest flight from Denver Airport to Durango Airport is the direct flight which takes 1h 19m. Ancient home of the Ancestral Puebloans, Mesa Verde hosts some of the most impressive and best-preserved Native American ruins in the United States. Lots of good food in Durango. How long will the journey be and what is the fastest route? 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. Yes, travel within United States is currently allowed. 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. 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. And speaking of snow, one of the most popular activities for locals at the dunes is to bring their snowboards, skis and sleds for some nice carving through the sand. 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. 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. 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 Running between Ouray and Silverton, the mountain road caps off at 11,018 feet with grades as steep as 8%. To get to Salida from Denver will be 2.5-hour drive. Dunes, not to be missed with children. 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. Regular fuel costs are around $3.96 per gallon for your trip. While skiers and riders will often go to great lengths to get to the mountains on a powder day, its important to drive carefully along this steep and winding alpine road. 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. It is a 7 hour plus drive, not counting any stops. The bus leaves Denver at 6:45 a.m. and arrives in Durango at 7:10 p.m. The next best thing to do on a visit to Colorado Springs is to head up to Pikes Peak. Aspen vs Vail vs Breckenridge: Which Colorado Town to Visit? If you drive that route without stops it app.takes 6 hours. Having a wonderful time here. The longer one (I-25 south, US160 west) involves faster driving and more traffic. What about the altitude/Altitude sickness? Another possible stop near Salida located in the shadow of Mt. Traffic jam westbound I-70 highway Photo Credit: milehightraveler (iStock). For another great SW road trip, check out our Ultimate Colorado and Utah Road Trip Itinerary. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission at no extra cost to you. I assume you understand that any route you take will be. 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. 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. Dont let the views distract you on Berthoud Pass. We are travelling with 3 children from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 172. Well start our engines in Colorados capital city of Denver! Independence Pass, Trail Ridge Road, Mount Evans Scenic Byway, and Kebler Pass all close annually for the winter season in Colorado. That made for about a 70-mile loop of incredible mountain views! Camping, backpacking, and hiking opportunities abound in this area once the snow melts in the summertime. It ends in Durango, Colorado. This 17-mile historic loop takes you to several abandoned mines in-between beautiful scenic vistas. 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. Need we say more? What are the roads like, and what do I need to know about driving in Colorado? 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! It is impossible to get from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? If you need to rent a car for this trip, you can check out Rentalcars.com which aggregates deals across suppliers. Traffic congestion due to rush hour and ongoing construction is normally expected for this particular stretch of the highway. Pass in SW CO? This trail is close to town and extends to a decent length of 4.3 total miles long. No problem finding gas and basic supplies, just not much "good" food or coffee. ', 'Do the trains and buses have Wifi?' 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. 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 . 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. Lots of good food in Durango. Loveland Pass Summit in Winter. The total driving time is 6 hours, 8 minutes. 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. As far as rafting day trips go, it doesnt get much easier or more fun than this! Can you please describe the San Juan Skyway/Million $ Hwy/Red Mtn. (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-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.

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