least scary drive from denver to durango

Are you planning to drive from Denver to Durango? We have done the drive (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Situated in a beautiful, historic building, they have a range of gorgeous rooms on offer and a great bar and restaurant on site. After spending the night in the alpine town of Vail (yes, on the drive over from Rocky Mountain National Park across I-70, we hit several patches of snow and temperatures falling below zero, even at the end of May! 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. Youll also get to take on thrilling class III rapids at Durangos exciting whitewater park. The museum opened on February 23, 2011 in what was once a power plant. Click here to browse other private rentals. If youre looking for both the most scenic and time-efficient route for a Denver to Durango drive, with plenty of opportunities for fun, interesting stops in between, then the roughly six-hour trajectory down US 285 is by far the best option. The railway is a federally designated National Historic Landmark and is also designated by the American Society of Civil Engineers as a Historic Civil Engineering Landmark. ! It serves as one of the main routes to Colorado's ski country including Vail, Aspen, Winter Park, Keystone, and Breckenridge. This calculation assumes that your vehicle gets an average gas mileage of 25 mpg . Wearing a face mask on public transport in Durango is recommended. Drive from Durango to Denver 6h 33m $60 - $90 Shuttle to Durango, fly Take a shuttle bus from Durango Transit Center to Purgatory Plaza Fly from Durango (DRO) to Denver (DEN) 5h 16m $223 - $531 Shuttle to Telluride Regional, fly Take a shuttle bus from Durango, CO to Silverton, CO Fly from Telluride Regional (TEX) to Denver (DEN) 6h 12m $437 - $865 What airport would I fly into to go to Englewood, Colorado? Good coffee is also scarce along that route until you get to Durango. The road distance is 537.8 km. The social distance requirement in Durango is 2 metres. However, as the expression goes, its not the destination, its the journey. Photo Credit: Christian Murdock; The Gazette. drive for about 1 hour. Good coffee is also scarce along that route until you get to Durango. Cheyenne . Those with a lot of time on their hands can hike or bike to the summit, which makes for a rewarding journey. (easiest one, no scary mountain driving haha), and if you can suggest good places to stop and eat? From: 1 traveler 2 travelers 3 travelers 4 travelers 5 travelers 6 travelers. Then, head toward Ignacio on CO Hwy. Crested Butte is hands-down one of the coolest places to check out in Colorado. 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. It stretches from Denver to Durango across the Southern Rockies and can be hiked in 25-35 days. No problem finding gas and basic supplies, just not much "good" food or coffee. Lodging for 2 nights in Estes park in mid May, Where to stay near Union Station if using Red Rocks shuttle. 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. In Winter do I need a 4 Wheel Drive Vehicle in Colorado? - to help you get the most out of your next trip. 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. A Google mapping exercise will offer you two routes, one about a half-hour longer than the other. Click here to see their availability. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Canada. Save this link to stay updated on COVID-19 restrictions, If you need help, visit the national COVID-19 website or call the COVID-19 Helpline 800-232-4636. For us, one of the most fun things a first-time visitor can do is catch a show at Red Rocks Amphitheatre. He lives in Colorado and also works as a fly fishing guide and instructor when not editing or writing. Semi trucks stuck on I-25. Be sure to take a peek at, This is one town that has definitely earned its nickname as its surrounded by more than a dozen fourteeners. As far as rafting day trips go, it doesnt get much easier or more fun than this! Takes 6hrs plus stops and is both easy and scenic. Theres not many other places where you can hike through desert-like dunes with snow-capped mountain peaks as your backdrop. This is the route Google Maps will give you. Good coffee is also scarce along that route until you get to Durango. Ancient home of the Ancestral Puebloans, Mesa Verde hosts some of the most impressive and best-preserved Native American ruins in the United States. 4:17 pm arrive 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. Pass in SW CO? For another great SW road trip, check out our Ultimate Colorado and Utah Road Trip Itinerary. 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 way to get from Denver to Durango is to fly and shuttle which costs 300,000-800,000 and takes 5h 24m. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. If you're planning a road trip to Denver, you can research locations to stop along the way. ', 'Should I book online before I travel? Theres so much we could say about things to do in Durango. 5.5 hours of driving without stops. I drive the 285>160 route almost weekly for the last few months. Among these are the collegiate peaks which are, unsurprisingly, named after some of the United States most famous colleges and Oxford randomly. First, head Southwest on US Hwy 285 S, which youll stay on for about 130 miles. It's actually closer to Albuquerque than Denver as it's not far from the New Mexico border. I assume you understand that any route you take will be. For instance, this beautiful treehouse home with a hot tub is a great choice. Total Distance: 1,098 miles *Time and distance may vary depending on traffic, change in routes, stops along the way, etc. Where is Durango? Then, make a right onto CO-149 N and follow that for 22 miles until you reach Creede. 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. Which route is the best? How long is the drive from Denver to Durango? 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 with any hike or tour, just remember to bring plenty of water and some snacks along. The distance between Denver and Durango is 372 km. 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. The cheapest way to get from Denver to Durango is to drive which costs 75,000-120,000 and takes 6h 33m. Monarch Pass in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. 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. 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 home to Fort Lewis College. Silverton is an old mining town nestled between Red Mountain and Molas, two San Juan Mountain passes. All deals One way Roundtrip Tue, Mar 21 DEN Denver DRO Durango $195 One way just found 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. A great trail option for beginners, especially if youre around during wildflower season, is Brush Creek. The drive from Salida to Crested Butte takes approximately one hour and 45 minutes. 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. Independence Pass, Trail Ridge Road, Mount Evans Scenic Byway, and Kebler Pass all close annually for the winter season in Colorado. 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. So, pack your bags, fasten your seatbelts, and get ready to hit the road on this Denver to Durango loop road trip! Not far from the New Mexico border, Durango is actually closer to Albuquerque than Denver, with 215 miles between them. Its actually closer to Albuquerque than Denver as its not far from the New Mexico border. Turn right on CO State Hwy 112 W for 13 miles until you reach Del Norte. 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. If high-alpine hikes arent your jazz, another great place to explore near Salida is Great Sand Dunes National Park. 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 . Rome2rios travel guides to the US tell you the best ways to explore the country, from Amtrak to Greyhound to the New York Subway. Its also important to watch out for mandatory chain and traction laws on I-70, especially during the winter months. , Where to Stay on a Denver to Durango Road Trip. Greyhound is virtually the only bus company operating this route and ticket prices start at $63, although they can be as high as $140. 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. Not much to recommend for food along the way. Well start our engines in Colorados capital city of Denver! Informacin detallada del sitio web y la empresa: jaramarzulli.com, +911647681164, +911647244548, +911646228156, +911646126349, +911645988738 Jara Marzulli | La poetica di un'artista 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. If youre hiking with children or just dont enjoy exposure to steep drop-offs, then its recommended to do the out-at-back version. Driving to Durango from Denver is a beautiful, six and a half hour drive. You know what? It's a fairly long drive from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? News, travel inspiration, podcasts, & more. Were passionate about getting off the beaten path, promoting responsible tourism, supporting local economies and sharing our knowledge with other travellers! 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. Or, Highway 285 to 160 is more scenic and has mountains but is not scary. The best way to get from Denver to Denver Airport is to train which takes 37 min and costs 4,100-14,000. 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. Click here to browse other private rentals. As of July 23, Colorado has. From there you'll make a left onto CO 291 S which will take you into Salida after eight miles. We tackled this whole itinerary in 3 nights but you would be better served to spend at least double that amount of time. Another possible stop near Salida located in the shadow of Mt. 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. Alternatively, Outdoorsy is an option if you prefer to rent an RV or campervan. 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. 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. BTW also Mapquest gives the route Casa said but mentioned 5 hours. Taking I-25 adds something like 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic, and will take you past the flatter, more populated areas of Colorado Springs and Pueblo. The United States Census Bureau reported a population of 16,887 in the 2010 census. What are the roads like, and what do I need to know about driving in Colorado? It is impossible to get from Denver to Durango -- at least in any reasonable way -- without some mountain driving. We know what youre thinking: sand dunes in Colorado? Jillian Dara is a freelance journalist and fact-checker. Not much to recommend for food along the way. Can I get to Rocky Mountain National Park without a car? I drive the 285>160 route almost weekly for the last few months. To get to Salida from Denver will be 2.5-hour drive. Snowcaped mountains in Berthoud Pass, Colorado. Should probably count on 7 - 7.5 hrs - not easy to make really good time in the mountains. We are travelling with 3 children from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? If you are concerned about scary mountain driving, Red Mountain pass isn't scary, but the first part of the Million Dollar highway from Ouray south 10 or 20 miles is. From hiking to climbing to jeep and segway tours, theres a whole heaping lot to do at this picture-perfect place. 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. If youre not familiar, Monarch Pass leads to the natural snowy slopes of Monarch Mountain. 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. As the name would suggest, this steep 3-mile hike takes you up to a gorgeous viewpoint overlooking the town and valley beyond. Or, Highway 285 to 160 is more scenic and has mountains but is not scary. 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. Drop-dead gorgeous and nestled into the heart of the San Juan mountains, visiting Ouray 100% feels like youre being transported to Switzerland. Issue is that I (the mom, who is not going to be the driver) am fairly averse to heights. Afternoons can be hot and windy though. Does anyone know why? I drive the 285>160 route almost weekly for the last few months. To get to Salida from Denver will be 2.5-hour drive. The longer one (I-25 south, US160 west) involves faster driving and more traffic. Lots of good food in Durango. 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. Again. 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. Tue, Jul 25. Rome2rio uses cookies to help personalize content and show you personalised ads. Top Reasons To Take A Jeep Tour In SW Colorado. You can also go to Colorado Springs and Canon City and Salida then 285 to 160. This is a lodging and day-use facility built around an odorless hot spring that bubbles up out of the ground at around 140 degrees Fahrenheit (60 degrees Celsius). Colorado, United States. Having seen and read descriptions of the Million Dollar Highway, I'd like to avoid the drive south between Ouray and Silverton. What should I do if I have COVID-19 symptoms when I arrive in Durango? 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. Lots of good food in Durango. The total cost of driving from Denver, CO to Durango, CO (one-way) is $53.28 at current gas prices. more. 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! Additional terms apply. 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. Which route is the best? Its also noted as the highest road in the country thats kept open on a year-round basis. I will be making this trip next week and look forward to seeing all this. 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. 10 Best Stops on a Denver to Moab Road Trip. This one is best for families with kids, as there is an entire miniature town complete with painted and detailed buildings, a playground and park, a gift shop, and even an old steam train ride. Traffic jam westbound I-70 highway Photo Credit: milehightraveler (iStock). This trail is close to town and extends to a decent length of 4.3 total miles long. I will try to go the route thru the Great Sand Dunes. Informacin detallada del sitio web y la empresa: caudesucre.com Cau de sucre - blog de repostera creativa, recetas dulces y mucha fotografa! 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. 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! 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). Tours and campgrounds are also available, and popular activities include sledding down the dunes (a time-honored favorite), four-wheel tours, and horseback riding. (easiest one, no scary mountain driving haha), and if you can suggest good places to stop and eat? Loveland Pass Summit in Winter. 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. 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. For a more complete guide on the hike, check out this, If high-alpine hikes arent your jazz, another great place to explore near Salida is, Crested Butte is hands-down one of the coolest places to check out in Colorado. Whichever option you choose, you find incredible scenery unlike anything else in Colorado. and leave at 3:05 pm. Having a wonderful time here. Although its a small mountain town, its bursting at the seams with history, scenery, and adventure opportunities. Thai place in Poncha Springs and Lost Cajun in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Am I allowed to travel from Denver to Durango? Well, thats it for this epic Colorado summer road trip. Travel along this high alpine road is strongly discouraged amid snow, freezing temperatures, and blowing snow. We will stop there for a break and continue driving. 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. Make sure to keep a safe following distance between your car and one in front of you. After hiking the perimeter trail, take a load off and relax in Ourays Hot Springs. Oh well. Another great activity to do near Denver is driving the Mount Evans Scenic Byway. Maybe there's a faster drive but we have not done that. Youll have views for miles around and Aspen Sunflowers covering entire hillsides, making for PERFECT photo ops. Drive to Colorado Springs on Interstate 25 and on through Pueblo to Walsenburg where you'll take Hwy 160 west. So yeah, have your camera charged and ready for this spot too. Now I am thinking of taking another route. There are 115+ hotels available in Durango. 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 next best thing to do on a visit to Colorado Springs is to head up to Pikes Peak. The 160 to 285 would be the fastest. The Colorado Trail is a 485-mile point-to-point backpacking route in Colorado. 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. Cheap Flights from Denver Intl. We love our home state, and we have more than a few top tips for things to do during your visit. The surrounding area is also brimming with National Forest areas and hiking trails with dispersed camping and car camping options in good supply, so this is a good area to consider when thinking about spending a night on the road in the mild weather of late spring, summer, and early fall. In Del Norte, turn right onto US Hwy 160 W. Follow US Hwy 160 W for 118 miles. Along the National Parks Loop, you'll also go through some other small towns worth exploring like Telluride, Durango, and Buena Vista. 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. What about Mine Tours and Mining Museums? This 235 mile loop takes you through old mining towns, spectacular scenery, and exhilarating twists & turns. 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. Answer (1 of 3): I agree with Alan about I-70 and I-80. Recommended Road Trip Length: 7 days. These are both safe routes. Looking for the ultimate Colorado summer road trip experience? Yep, its that simple. Rome2rio makes travelling from Denver to Durango easy. Pack your hiking boots and a rain jacket as well if you plan on stopping at hiking trails or national parks and monuments like the Great Sand Dunes and Chimney Rock National Monument in the San Juan Forest. Mesa Verde is a world-class attraction that you really should see. You have permission to edit this article. Click here to browse more Durango hotels! Take US Hwy 285 south from Denver for approximately 173 miles. The bus leaves Denver at 6:45 a.m. and arrives in Durango at 7:10 p.m. 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. A $15 Gratuity is included in all pricing above. 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. 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. 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. Make sure you check road conditions to double check the weather. Thank you so much for all the wonderful information. Thank you for your advise. 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. It serves as one of the main routes to Colorados ski country including Vail, Aspen, Winter Park, Keystone, and Breckenridge. 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. Yes, travel within United States is currently allowed. Thai place in Poncha Springs and Lost Cajun in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Either way there is only one high pass to cross (Wolf Creek, mentioned above), and I wouldn't call it scary. Most crashes on the pass occur at the switchback curve near the Wolf Creek scenic outlook area. Each flight takes about an hour, so this is definitely the fastest way to get from Denver to Durango. ', 'How much should I expect to pay? Among these are the collegiate peaks which are, unsurprisingly, named after some of the United States most famous colleges and Oxford randomly. See what its like to plow this dangerous road here. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. 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. From there youll make a left onto CO 291 S which will take you into Salida after eight miles. The river flows right through town and features fun, refreshing splashes from class I and II rapids. 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. There will be some mountain driving whichever route you take, but there's no need to be scared. Located 60 miles west of Denver, this incredible highway is the highest paved road in North America. Let us know in the comments!

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least scary drive from denver to durango