To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. Denver Area Road Trip Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. 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. 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. Just be sure to downshift on the downhill side. All deals One way Roundtrip Tue, Mar 21 DEN Denver DRO Durango $195 One way just found Getting there is through beautiful, mountainous country, but mountainous roads and I believe some white. 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. briken - Denver to Durango is about 403 mi. This trail is close to town and extends to a decent length of 4.3 total miles long. If we could only recommend two things (as has been established as the pattern of this post), then the first wed recommend is a rafting trip on the Lower Animas river. It's a fairly long drive from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Thai place in Poncha Springs and Lost Cajun in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Thai place in Poncha Springs and Lost Cajun in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Wolf Creek Pass in CO: Beware of the wolf - Dangerousroads.org Breckenridge, Vail, Steamboat, or Estes Park for summer? So yeah, have your camera charged and ready for this spot too. High average elevation of 10,000 feet and a few passes over 12,000 feet. This option is best to keep in mind for the rafting season of May through August when the mountain snowmelt levels are in their prime. There will be some mountain driving whichever route you take, but there's no need to be scared. Rome2rio displays up to date schedules, route maps, journey times and estimated fares from relevant transport operators, ensuring you can make an informed decision about which option will suit you best. If you'll have the time try to visit both Colorado Springs (Pike's Peak, Garden of the Gods etc.) Located 60 miles west of Denver, this incredible highway is the highest paved road in North America. I need to return tonight to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Make sure you check road conditions to double check the weather. Main Avenue Historic District in Durango, Colorado is a 34acre historic district that was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. Of the collegiate peaks, Mount Princeton is designated as one of the easiest to climb. Where to go at the end of November, Early December?!?! Among these are the collegiate peaks which are, unsurprisingly, named after some of the United States most famous colleges and Oxford randomly. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Take a tour from Durango and let someone else drive! *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. Running between Ouray and Silverton, the mountain road caps off at 11,018 feet with grades as steep as 8%. Click here to browse other private rentals. Casa's route is good. Traveling with a dog or cat? It takes approximately 12h 2m to get from Denver to Durango, including transfers. Mostly flat in some areas, Colorado gives drivers the most treacherous section of I-70 through the Rocky Mountains. Lodging for 2 nights in Estes park in mid May, Where to stay near Union Station if using Red Rocks shuttle. Good coffee is also scarce along that route until you get to Durango. Aetna is Monarch Mountain Resort. 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. A great trail option for beginners, especially if youre around during wildflower season, is. Independence Pass, Trail Ridge Road, Mount Evans Scenic Byway, and Kebler Pass all close annually for the winter season in Colorado. Planning other road trips from Denver? One of the defining features of the Penitente Canyon area is a natural arch, sometimes called La Ventana (the window in Spanish), which anyone seeking to venture further into this area should prioritize. Book at least 2 weeks before departure in order to get a below-average price. It is a 7 hour plus drive, not counting any stops. Just assume that youll need your camera for just about every spot from here on out. 4WD and AWD vehicles must have snow tires or all-weather tires with 3/16 inch tread depth. How long is the drive from Colorado Springs to Durango?. Which route is the best? The best way to get from Denver to Denver Airport is to train which takes 37 min and costs 4,100-14,000. #ouraygram. Denver to Durango in a day. - RoadTrip America Driving from Denver to Durango? - Colorado Forum - Tripadvisor Apart from being the Wildflower Capital of Colorado, Crested Butte is where mountain biking got its start in Colorado. For a more complete guide on the hike, check out this Out There Colorado article. 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. 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! Before heading out, visit cotrip.org for the latest road conditions and closures. Monument to fallen snowplow drivers. Among these are the collegiate peaks which are, unsurprisingly, named after some of the United States most famous colleges and Oxford randomly. Traffic congestion due to rush hour and ongoing construction is normally expected for this particular stretch of the highway. But those in the know, slow down and stop in four . At Wolf Creek Pass, pedestrians can access the Continental Divide Trail and the Wolf Creek Trailhead. Yes, the driving distance between Denver to Durango is 538 km. At this park, you can either take an easy day to drive to the scenic lookouts, or you can book a permit to take the steep hike down to the canyon floor and Gunnison river. Its actually closer to Albuquerque than Denver as its not far from the New Mexico border. 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! 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. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Powerhouse Science Center, formerly the The Durango Discovery Museum, is an interactive science center located in Durango, Colorado. 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. 8 Best Stops on a Denver to Breckenridge Drive Lots of good food in Durango. Is this a summer trip or a winter trip? Denver to Moab - How to Enjoy an Epic Weekend Road Trip The journey from Crested Butte to Ouray will take approximately 2.5 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. As such, one of the best things to do in Creede is to drive its famous Bachelor Loop. 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. 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. If youre hiking with children or just dont enjoy exposure to steep drop-offs, then its recommended to do the out-at-back version. From there, make a right onto US-550 S, which will take you into Ouray after just over 36 miles. Back in Durango, drive east on U.S. 160; get your camera ready for breathtaking views of the snow-flecked La Plata Mountain Range. 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. 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. Portions of I-70 often close due to severe weather conditions. The museum opened on February 23, 2011 in what was once a power plant. We know what youre thinking: sand dunes in Colorado? There are 115+ hotels available in Durango. Which route is the best? A direct flight will only take about an hour in the air, which will save you a lot of time. 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. Click here to browse other private rentals. The total driving time is 6 hours, 8 minutes. 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. . 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. What about Mine Tours and Mining Museums? From: 1 traveler 2 travelers 3 travelers 4 travelers 5 travelers 6 travelers. Regular fuel costs are around $3.96 per gallon for your trip. 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. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. When you reach Del Norte, turn left onto CO-112 E for 13 miles until you reach US-285 N which youll follow for 64 miles. Where is Durango? Having seen and read descriptions of the Million Dollar Highway, I'd like to avoid the drive south between Ouray and Silverton. The creekside hot spring pools here are naturally divided with river rocks to range in temperature from 70 to 120 degrees Fahrenheit (21 to 49 degrees Celsius), so you can even temper your experience by relaxing in the pool thats closest to your personal heat preferences. Take a tour from Durango and let someone else drive! Stops and things to do on Colorado Springs to Durango drive - Wanderlog Make yourself known to an official member of staff and/or call the national coronavirus helpline number on 800-232-4636. 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. Turn right on CO State Hwy 112 W for 13 miles until you reach Del Norte. To the best of our knowledge, it is correct as of the last update.Visit Rome2rio travel advice for general help. 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. See what its like to plow this dangerous road here. (easiest one, no scary mountain driving haha), and if you can suggest good places to stop and eat? The direct drive from Colorado Springs to Durango is 313 mi (503 km), and should have a drive time of 6 hrs 20 mins in normal traffic.. Read on for more about how best to plan for a trip from Denver to Durango with some opportunities for recreation, relaxation, and sightseeing along the way. 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. 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. Rome2rio uses cookies to help personalize content and show you personalised ads. Driving from Denver to Durango? - Colorado Message Board - Tripadvisor Colorado wildfires: Several fires explode across Front Range Private Vacation Rental There are a number of great properties to choose from in Salida such as this beautiful secluded log cabin if youre looking for a peaceful getaway. 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. Denver --> independence pass --> Aspen --> Ouray --> Red mountain pass --> Durango. 10 Best Stops on a Denver to Durango Drive - The World Was Here First 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. News, travel inspiration, podcasts, & more. You will catch C4-70 outside (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? to Guadalupe Victoria Durango Intl. 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! Research, browse, save, and share from 162 Dodge models in Berthoud, CO. Well start our engines in Colorados capital city of Denver! Lots of good food in Durango. From hiking to climbing to jeep and segway tours, theres a whole heaping lot to do at this picture-perfect place. This protected archaeological site of San Juan National Forest is best experienced by joining one of the daily guided walking tours offered by the U.S. Forest Service management staff. Youll have views for miles around and Aspen Sunflowers covering entire hillsides, making for PERFECT photo ops. (easiest one, no scary mountain driving haha), and if you can suggest good places to stop and eat? That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission at no extra cost to you. 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. (easiest one, no scary mountain driving haha), and if you can suggest good places to stop and eat? That made for about a 70-mile loop of incredible mountain views! day 2 driving 3.5 hours. I assume you understand that any route you take will be. Adds about 2.5 hours to the "boring" way, and is incredibly varied and constantly changing. 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! This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Canada. Find all the transport options for your trip from Denver to Durango right here. Not much to recommend for food along the way. For instance, this beautiful treehouse home with a hot tub is a great choice. Driving Time from Denver, CO to Durango, CO - Travelmath If youre not familiar, Monarch Pass leads to the natural snowy slopes of Monarch Mountain. Photo Credit: Christian Murdock; The Gazette. Brittany is an award-winning journalist based in Denver where she has lived and worked for more than a decade. Is this a summer trip or a winter trip? Whichever option you choose, you find incredible scenery unlike anything else in Colorado. The Million Dollar Highway is a scenic section of the US-550 highway which runs north to south. 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. The shorter one (US285 south and US160 west), more scenic, has more mountains. Used Dodge cars for sale in Berthoud, CO under $799,952 Ancient home of the Ancestral Puebloans, Mesa Verde hosts some of the most impressive and best-preserved Native American ruins in the United States. 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. 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. This 235 mile loop takes you through old mining towns, spectacular scenery, and exhilarating twists & turns. 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. 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. 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. Can I get to Rocky Mountain National Park without a car? ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-13122554', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Denver to Pagosa Springs by car. ', 'Should I book online before I travel? What airport would I fly into to go to Englewood, Colorado? Is it compulsory to practice social distancing in Durango? 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. This is a great introduction to Colorados famous fourteeners and provides extraordinary views thatll redefine what you classify as a scenic byway.. All three cross Wolf Creek Pass on US160, which is truly scary only if your brakes fail on the way down. Head out of town along US-160 E for 102 miles until you reach South Fork. Good coffee is also scarce along that route until you get to Durango. Signup today for free and be the first to get notified on new updates. Pricing is calculated from the Purgatory Transportation Terminal in Durango, Colorado, and is based on vehicle capacity and mileage as follows: 1-4 passengers $2.50 per mile; 5-10 passengers $3.00 per mile; 11-29 passengers $3.50 per mile. However, you can also drive up the scenic road yourself, join a guided bus tour, or even take a train to the top! While the route offers a fast connection to Winter Park from Denver, avalanches and snowslides often make winter travel on this route extremely difficult. 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 . Thank you for your advise. ', 'Do the trains and buses have Wifi?' 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. Are you planning to drive from Denver to Durango? When beginning your Denver to Durango road trip, you have two routes to choose from. If not, the area works just fine as a pretty place to drive through. 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. 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. No matter the route you choose, you wont be disappointed with this breathtaking destination. Driving from Denver to Durango - Fodor's Travel Talk Forums Click here to browse more Durango hotels! ), we woke up early and hit the road for what was a 2-hour drive to Grand Junction. Hiking, mountain biking, climbing, rafting, and off-roading are all staple activities here in our hometown. Architectural structures left behind by the ancestral Puebloans include pit houses, great kivas, and great houses, according to the U.S. Forest Services website. Traffic on I-70. If you're looking to just get there as quickly as possible, it's much better to fly. 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. If concerts and shows arent your scene, no problem! Those with a lot of time on their hands can hike or bike to the summit, which makes for a rewarding journey. Colorado's Scenic Million Dollar Highway: Silverton to Ouray Yes, travel within United States is currently allowed. If youre looking for an all-in-one Colorado destination, Durangos definitely the place to be. 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. Duncan is a writer for The World Was Here First. A Mapped Guide to the Ultimate Colorado Road Trip: Part II The cheapest way to get from Denver to Durango is to drive which costs 75,000-120,000 and takes 6h 33m. A great trail option for beginners, especially if youre around during wildflower season, is Brush Creek. Success! Cortez is 50 miles away from Durango, while Telluride is 110 miles away. Denver to Durango drive - plan a road trip 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. After hiking the perimeter trail, take a load off and relax in Ourays Hot Springs. Well, youve come to the right place. What kind of rental car do I need & are there places I should not drive a rental car? The shorter one (US285 south and US160 west), more scenic, has more mountains. Apart from being the Wildflower Capital of Colorado, Crested Butte is where mountain biking got its start in Colorado. Traffic jam westbound I-70 highway Photo Credit: milehightraveler (iStock). 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. The Best Colorado Summer Road Trip - Denver to Durango Loop The 160 to 285 would be the fastest. The shorter one (US285 south and US160 west), more scenic, has more mountains. A $15 Gratuity is included in all pricing above. 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. Drive to Colorado Springs on Interstate 25 and on through Pueblo to Walsenburg where you'll take Hwy 160 west. I routinely make the trip via 285 and it is much shorter and beautiful. This is a beautiful and quicker drive. Click here to see their availability, Private Rental If its a private vacation rental that youre after in Durango, youll find that there are countless options to choose from. Dont let the views distract you on Berthoud Pass. Its also helpful to pack warm layers, snacks, water, and a flash flight for unexpected delays and emergencies. 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. The 7 most dangerous winter roads in Colorado Prices and availability are subject to change. 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. 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. Your trip begins in Denver, Colorado. Check out our Durango Activities and Things to Do page for more information. Utah. Filled with useful and timely travel information, the guides answer all the hard questions - such as 'How do I buy a ticket? 4:17 pm arrive in Durango. If natural disasters happen to occur, travelers are often rerouted between Ridgway and Durango over Lizard Head Pass a much longer route. I will be making this trip next week and look forward to seeing all this. It's actually closer to Albuquerque than Denver as it's not far from the New Mexico border. Driving from Denver to Durango takes about six and a half hours. The bus leaves Denver at 6:45 a.m. and arrives in Durango at 7:10 p.m. Hi Diane, The drive from Denver to Aspen takes about 4 hours (if there isn't a lot of traffic). Colorados capital city has something for everyone: great food, impressive history, beautiful views, and plenty of adventure opportunities close by! Theres not many other places where you can hike through desert-like dunes with snow-capped mountain peaks as your backdrop. You have permission to edit this article. By Jeremy P. Meyer | jpmeyer@denverpost.com | The Denver Post. Call us biased on this if you like, but heading down the Lower Animas is a Durango summer staple. Driving from Denver to Durango? - Colorado Forum - Tripadvisor Jan 31, 2006. 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. My friends and I are coming from Europe to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? You have two route options, both of which take you through amazing scenery and worthwhile stops. We will stop there for a break and continue driving. Im traveling with a friend who has limited mobility. Exceptions may apply, for full details: Centers for Disease control and prevention (CDC). That said, if you do hike Mount Princeston, still come prepared for a long days hike as well as a little rock scrambling. Outdoor seating areas are especially nice for sampling the beverages and entrees at either one. Alternatively, you may use. 5.5 hours of driving without stops. This 17-mile historic loop takes you to several abandoned mines in-between beautiful scenic vistas. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. 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. Stops and things to do on Denver to Durango drive or road trip - Wanderlog 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 .