least scary drive from denver to durango least scary drive from denver to durango

Travel in the winter months can be nerve-wracking along Red Mountain Pass. 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. We love Pikes Peak because theres just so much to explore, and because theres so many ways to actually ascend the peak! 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. What should I do if I have COVID-19 symptoms when I arrive in Durango? If high-alpine hikes arent your jazz, another great place to explore near Salida is Great Sand Dunes National Park. briken - Denver to Durango is about 403 mi. Well, youve come to the right place. But it didn/t work. Make sure you check road conditions to double check the weather. 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. Just across the valley from Penitente Canyon is the Great Sand Dunes National Park, one of Americas most fascinating natural phenomena. The distance between Denver and Durango is 372 km. Theres not many other places where you can hike through desert-like dunes with snow-capped mountain peaks as your backdrop. The quickest flight from Denver Airport to Durango Airport is the direct flight which takes 1h 19m. He has spent time in Costa Rica and has made numerous trips exploring the Western states of the Rocky Mountains. Services like gas stations and restaurants are in good supply at Salida, Saguache, and other areas along the way. Start early in the day, bring plenty of water and snacks, and be sure to dress in layers. But those in the know, slow down and stop in four . Click here to browse other private rentals. Running between Ouray and Silverton, the mountain road caps off at 11,018 feet with grades as steep as 8%. 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. Or, Highway 285 to 160 is more scenic and has mountains but is not scary. Instead, you will have to first take the bus from Denver to Grand Junction, Colorado and then hop on a second bus heading to Durango. You'll be basically traveling in an L-shape on the two long sides of a triangle, instead of driving on the diagonal. It serves as one of the main routes to Colorados ski country including Vail, Aspen, Winter Park, Keystone, and Breckenridge. Every month, almost a million vehicles travel the 100 miles on Interstate 70 between Denver and Vail, Colorado. 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. Alternatively, Outdoorsy is an option if you prefer to rent an RV or campervan. Research, browse, save, and share from 162 Dodge models in Berthoud, CO. 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. Among these are the collegiate peaks which are, unsurprisingly, named after some of the United States most famous colleges and Oxford randomly. 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. Travel along this high alpine road is strongly discouraged amid snow, freezing temperatures, and blowing snow. 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. Get answers to your questions about Colorado. Colorado, United States. 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. Can you please describe the San Juan Skyway/Million $ Hwy/Red Mtn. For more information, see our privacy policy. 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. If you need to rent a car for this trip, you can check out Rentalcars.com which aggregates deals across suppliers. (easiest one, no scary mountain driving haha), and if you can suggest good places to stop and eat? It's said to be one of the most dangerous roads in Colorado. Click here to browse other private rentals. We love our home state, and we have more than a few top tips for things to do during your visit. Good coffee is also scarce along that route until you get to Durango. Your trip begins in Denver, Colorado. You can't get to Durango by train, but if you're looking for an old west experience, hop aboard the Silverton Silverlight Express. 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. This somewhat low-key park is simply jaw-dropping. There will be some mountain driving whichever route you take, but there's no need to be scared. Filled with useful and timely travel information, the guides answer all the hard questions - such as 'How do I buy a ticket? 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. Driving to Durango from Denver is a beautiful, six and a half hour drive. First, head Southwest on US Hwy 285 S, which youll stay on for about 130 miles. updated Jul 14, 2022 How long is the drive from Denver to Durango? Plus, your guide will provide insightful interpretations on each of the archaeological sites as well as the history of the Ancestral Pueblo people. There will be some mountain driving whichever route you take, but there's no need to be scared. Take a tour from Durango and let someone else drive! 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. 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. Driving from Denver to Durango takes about six and a half hours. 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. What are the travel restrictions in Durango? Good coffee is also scarce along that route until you get to Durango. Alternatively, you may use, Best Western Plus Deer Park Hotel And Suites. Perhaps most amazing about this historic site is that the rock pinnacles for which Chimney Rock gets its name frame multiple astronomical alignment points. 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 . This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Canada. $206 Cheap Flights from Denver (DEN) to Durango (DGO) Bundle Your Flight + Hotel & Save! Click here to browse other private rentals. Silverton is an old mining town nestled between Red Mountain and Molas, two San Juan Mountain passes. Informacin detallada del sitio web y la empresa: jaramarzulli.com, +911647681164, +911647244548, +911646228156, +911646126349, +911645988738 Jara Marzulli | La poetica di un'artista Check out our Denver to Aspen drive & Denver to Moab road trip articles! 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. Good coffee is also scarce along that route until you get to Durango. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. This is a beautiful and quicker drive. Wearing a face mask on public transport in Durango is recommended. Find all the transport options for your trip from Denver to Durango right here. Thai place in Poncha Springs and Lost Cajun in (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. Thai place in Poncha Springs and Lost Cajun in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? It takes approximately 12h 2m to get from Denver to Durango, including transfers. I need to return tonight to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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. Hikers and skiers often use the route for accessing backcountry terrain, as well as Arapahoe Basin Resort. Informacin detallada del sitio web y la empresa: caudesucre.com Cau de sucre - blog de repostera creativa, recetas dulces y mucha fotografa! It serves as one of the main routes to Colorado's ski country including Vail, Aspen, Winter Park, Keystone, and Breckenridge. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. Its actually closer to Albuquerque than Denver as its not far from the New Mexico border. It is home to Fort Lewis College. Lots of good food in Durango. Another great activity to do near Denver is driving the Mount Evans Scenic Byway. 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. Along the National Parks Loop, you'll also go through some other small towns worth exploring like Telluride, Durango, and Buena Vista. Not much to recommend for food along the way. Denver Area Road Trip Maybe see http://www.mapquest.com for that. Not quite what youre looking for? 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. But. and Great Sand. I-25 is a major interstate highway that travels north and south, serving as the main connection from Denver to Colorado Springs. 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 . Although you can explore much of the park on your own, taking a guided tour is the way to go as thats the only way to gain access to the most popular sites such as Cliff Palace and Balcony House. 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. A great trail option for beginners, especially if youre around during wildflower season, is Brush Creek. Either way there is only one high pass to cross (Wolf Creek, mentioned above), and I wouldn't call it scary. 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. 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). Two-wheel drive cars can certainly make this gravel-road route, but its recommended to drive the loop backwards if your vehicle isnt great off-road. The train route links Silverton and Durango, and you can even book a seat in a private car. and leave at 3:05 pm. That's because Mapquest knows you drive fast Tet, lol!!! 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. 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. 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. The Map Start: Denver to Manitou Springs/Colorado Springs While I-25. 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. 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. Mountain Goat Lodge This boutique bed and breakfast is an excellent option if youre after a bit of luxury while driving to Durango. I drive the 285>160 route almost weekly for the last few months. Planning other road trips from Denver? Reduced speed limits and temporary closures are often put into place for safety concerns. If you're going on a road trip from Colorado Springs to Durango, we did the research for you and compiled some great stops along the way with Pagosa Springs and top places to visit like . 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. The shortest way is to take Route 285 through to Route 160, which will take you past Buena Vista. 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. 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 . The 160 to 285 would be the fastest. Rome2rios travel guides to the US tell you the best ways to explore the country, from Amtrak to Greyhound to the New York Subway. Have fun, please forgive us our little OT chat. Crested Butte is hands-down one of the coolest places to check out in Colorado. Is this a summer trip or a winter trip? From Durango, we flew back to Denver, instead of driving back. How long is the drive from Colorado Springs to Durango?. Among the marquee attractions near Salida is Browns Canyon, which was also designated a National Monument recently in 2015. If youve never gone mountain biking before, then this is a perfect place to try it out. 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. For us, one of the most fun things a first-time visitor can do is catch a show at, If concerts and shows arent your scene, no problem! 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. Greyhound is virtually the only bus company operating this route and ticket prices start at $63, although they can be as high as $140. As always, travel safe and enjoy the views! 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. 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. 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. Utah. Book at least 2 weeks before departure in order to get a below-average price. I drive the 285>160 route almost weekly for the last few months. It is a 7 hour plus drive, not counting any stops. Aetna is Monarch Mountain Resort. *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. Then, make a right onto CO-149 N and follow that for 22 miles until you reach Creede. From there you'll make a left onto CO 291 S which will take you into Salida after eight miles. That made for about a 70-mile loop of incredible mountain views! For us, one of the most fun things a first-time visitor can do is catch a show at Red Rocks Amphitheatre. 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. There are 115+ hotels available in Durango. This incredible amphitheatre is built right into the front range mountains, making for one of the most beautiful venues in the country. This 17-mile historic loop takes you to several abandoned mines in-between beautiful scenic vistas. Portions of I-70 often close due to severe weather conditions. At Wolf Creek Pass, pedestrians can access the Continental Divide Trail and the Wolf Creek Trailhead. We are travelling with 3 children from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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. What can I see on a Denver to Durango road trip. An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Thank you. Denver --> independence pass --> Aspen --> Ouray --> Red mountain pass --> Durango. 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 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. I assume you understand that any route you take will be. 10 Best Stops on the Denver to Aspen Drive via Vail. Those with a lot of time on their hands can hike or bike to the summit, which makes for a rewarding journey. Domestic travel is not restricted, but some conditions may apply. Let us know in the comments! If youre not familiar, Monarch Pass leads to the natural snowy slopes of Monarch Mountain. Yep, its that simple. No problem finding gas and basic supplies, just not much "good" food or coffee. You have permission to edit this article. Rome2rio also offers online bookings for selected operators, making reservations easy and straightforward. Were passionate about getting off the beaten path, promoting responsible tourism, supporting local economies and sharing our knowledge with other travellers! 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. 2:05 pm Pagosa Springs (Colorado) stay for about 1 hour. Click here to browse other private rentals. Raft trips in the canyon can be booked through several outfitters based out of Salida and the surrounding area, such as Browns Canyon Rafting, KODI Rafting, Noahs Ark, and several others. Stretching from Utah, through Colorado and all the way out to Maryland, I-70 is a famous interstate highway that is widely used every day for local and interstate travel. Is this a summer trip or a winter trip? And good news for dog-lovers: pets are allowed on this trail but must be kept on a leash. Prices and availability are subject to change. 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. If you drive that route without stops it app.takes 6 hours. Lots of good food in Durango. 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! 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. Architectural structures left behind by the ancestral Puebloans include pit houses, great kivas, and great houses, according to the U.S. Forest Services website. 10 Best Stops on a Denver to Moab Road Trip. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Join our mailing list for discounts, special events, and more. - to help you get the most out of your next trip. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-13327901', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Denver, then N to I-70E direct to airport. Additional terms apply. The Colorado Trail is a 485-mile point-to-point backpacking route in Colorado. Thank you :) All three cross Wolf Creek Pass on US160, which is truly scary only if your brakes fail on the way down. (easiest one, no scary mountain driving haha), and if you can suggest good places to stop and eat? Members who are extremely knowledgeable about this destination and answer travellers questions frequently. Along the way, possibly stop in Fairplay, see a reconstructed mining town called South Park City. Thank you :) 4. level 2. 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. Instead, I'm proposing driving from Montrose to Cortez, with a stop in Telluride on the way. Additional terms apply. The drive between Walsenburg and Pagosa Springs is a very nice one. How long will the journey be and what is the fastest route? For photographers, taking photos of the sunset from atop one of the dunes is an unforgettable experience. 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. Among these are the collegiate peaks which are, unsurprisingly, named after some of the United States most famous colleges and Oxford randomly. 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. 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. 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. 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 . And as this road trip tends to take only about six to six and a half hours, its easy to pull off in a single day with plenty of time for some stops near the highway. Can I get to Rocky Mountain National Park without a car? No matter the route you choose, you wont be disappointed with this breathtaking destination. Located 60 miles west of Denver, this incredible highway is the highest paved road in North America. , Where to Stay on a Denver to Durango Road Trip. They zoom past gorgeous Rocky Mountain scenery at speeds up to 75 mph, burrow through the highest auto tunnel in North America, and switch back their way over two-mile-high Vail Pass. 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.