Just assume that youll need your camera for just about every spot from here on out. The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad (D&SNG) is a narrow-gauge heritage railroad that operates 45.2mi of track between Durango and Silverton, in the U.S. state of Colorado. A $15 Gratuity is included in all pricing above. A Google mapping exercise will offer you two routes, one about a half-hour longer than the other. The Colorado Trail is a 485-mile point-to-point backpacking route in Colorado. 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). From hiking to climbing to jeep and segway tours, theres a whole heaping lot to do at this picture-perfect place. Another possible stop near Salida located in the shadow of Mt. It may be a bit random and unexpected, but thats what makes Great Sand Dunes National Park so awesome! #ouraygram. 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. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. 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 . However, if youre looking to check out something completely different but equally awesome in Colorado, you cant go wrong with a day trip to, Drop-dead gorgeous and nestled into the heart of the San Juan mountains, visiting Ouray 100% feels like youre being transported to Switzerland. The cheapest way to get from Denver to Durango is to drive which costs 75,000-120,000 and takes 6h 33m. The distance between Denver and Durango is 372 km. 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. 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. 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. 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. No problem finding gas and basic supplies, just not much "good" food or coffee. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. 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. (easiest one, no scary mountain driving haha), and if you can suggest good places to stop and eat? One reason you might choose to take the I-25 route from Denver to Durango would be if youd rather minimize the mountain driving on winding, less-maintained roads. You will likely be going over Wolf Creek Pass and if this is a winter trip you will be going over one of the snowiest passes in the state, but it is plowed and maintained. The 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. By Jeremy P. Meyer | jpmeyer@denverpost.com | The Denver Post. One snowstorm resulted in more than 300 crashes in the Denver metro area, with 93 of those occurring within a 3-hour period. 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 youve never gone mountain biking before, then this is a perfect place to try it out. Additional terms apply. Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2rio's travel planner. Its also helpful to pack warm layers, snacks, water, and a flash flight for unexpected delays and emergencies. Theres also an observation site for the renowned Treasure Falls thats located just south of the pass. Her work has appeared in Travel + Leisure, USA Today, Michelin Guides, Hemispheres, DuJour, and Forbes. 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. Click here to browse other private rentals. 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. This is a beautiful and quicker drive. The Map Start: Denver to Manitou Springs/Colorado Springs While I-25. At just under four hours, the stretch from Creede to Colorado Springs is the longest drive of this trip. Although its a small mountain town, its bursting at the seams with history, scenery, and adventure opportunities. Lots of good food in Durango. Can you please describe the San Juan Skyway/Million $ Hwy/Red Mtn. #3. Good coffee is also scarce along that route until you get to Durango. 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. The longer one (I-25 south, US160 west) involves faster driving and more traffic. 5.5 hours of driving without stops. What kind of rental car do I need & are there places I should not drive a rental car? It is home to Fort Lewis College. 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. Utah. briken - Denver to Durango is about 403 mi. From there you'll make a left onto CO 291 S which will take you into Salida after eight miles. ', 'How much should I expect to pay? That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission at no extra cost to you. 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. From there, make a right onto US-550 S, which will take you into Ouray after just over 36 miles. Theres not many other places where you can hike through desert-like dunes with snow-capped mountain peaks as your backdrop. In Del Norte, turn right onto US Hwy 160 W. Follow US Hwy 160 W for 118 miles. You have permission to edit this article. 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. Among these are the collegiate peaks which are, unsurprisingly, named after some of the United States most famous colleges and Oxford randomly. We will stop there for a break and continue driving. Red Mountain Pass. Silverton is an old mining town nestled between Red Mountain and Molas, two San Juan Mountain passes. Not much to recommend for food along the way. Driving from Denver to Durango takes about six and a half hours. What are the travel restrictions in Durango? Click here to see their availability. Do you think it is faster going the other route or should I rather take the old route because I drive thru the night? 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. 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. A great trail option for beginners, especially if youre around during wildflower season, is. Jillian Dara is a freelance journalist and fact-checker. 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. Oh well. Can you tell me about guest ranch vacations in Colorado? more. Start early in the day, bring plenty of water and snacks, and be sure to dress in layers. If you are headed to the mountains on the weekend, plan ahead for more traffic than usual. After hiking the perimeter trail, take a load off and relax in Ourays Hot Springs. I assume you understand that any route you take will be. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-75890404', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Pagosa Springs are the only 2 I hit along the route. I routinely make the trip via 285 and it is much shorter and beautiful. Mesa Verde is a world-class attraction that you really should see. 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! Its also important to watch out for mandatory chain and traction laws on I-70, especially during the winter months. The drive time from Durango to Creede takes just under 2.5 hours. Thank you :) Outdoor seating areas are especially nice for sampling the beverages and entrees at either one. So yeah, have your camera charged and ready for this spot too. Casa's route is good. Its important to note that dates and closures vary, depending on the weather and road conditions. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. 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. Driving to Durango from Denver is a beautiful, six and a half hour drive. I drive the 285>160 route almost weekly for the last few months. Are you planning to drive from Denver to Durango? 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. 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. Where to go at the end of November, Early December?!?! Is this a summer trip or a winter trip? Snowcaped mountains in Berthoud Pass, Colorado. If youre not familiar, Monarch Pass leads to the natural snowy slopes of Monarch Mountain. This 17-mile historic loop takes you to several abandoned mines in-between beautiful scenic vistas. 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. 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. All three cross Wolf Creek Pass on US160, which is truly scary only if your brakes fail on the way down. Not much to recommend for food along the way. Just be sure to downshift on the downhill side. For more information, see our privacy policy. Commentdocument.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a6e6fde05a476155cc84d0616c8a9c0f" );document.getElementById("b934630cd5").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Hi! Editors Note: Never speed. 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. So, stop by if you can. A Google mapping exercise will offer you two routes, one about a half-hour longer than the other. Which route is the best? 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. Not to mention, its known as one of the most treacherous roads in the state. This calculation assumes that your vehicle gets an average gas mileage of 25 mpg . Driving from Denver to Durango takes about six and a half hours. 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. 2:05 pm Pagosa Springs (Colorado) stay for about 1 hour. The building opened in 1917, and served as a high school until 1976, after which it became the district administration building. The road distance is 537.8 km. The best way to get from Denver to Denver Airport is to train which takes 37 min and costs 4,100-14,000. Have any questions about any of these stops? Well, youve come to the right place. You can also rent ATVs and off-road vehicles in town if you prefer to not take your own car. 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. From there, turn left onto US-50 E which will take you into Montrose where you can resume the normal route along US-550 S. This detour will add approximately 80 minutes to your drive time. The shorter one (US285 south and US160 west), more scenic, has more mountains. Camping, backpacking, and hiking opportunities abound in this area once the snow melts in the summertime. What is the national COVID-19 helpline number in Durango? 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! Answer (1 of 3): I agree with Alan about I-70 and I-80. All three cross Wolf Creek Pass on US160, which is truly scary only if your brakes fail on the way down. . more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. According to a recent study, the average Denver commuter spends 83 hours per year stuck in traffic. Rome2rio also offers online bookings for selected operators, making reservations easy and straightforward. This is a beautiful and quicker drive. Apart from being the Wildflower Capital of Colorado, Crested Butte is where mountain biking got its start in Colorado. Which route is the best? 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. It's a fairly long drive from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? From Sand Dunes, head west on US160 over Wolf Creek Pass to Pagosa. Drive to Colorado Springs on Interstate 25 and on through Pueblo to Walsenburg where you'll take Hwy 160 west. Mountain Goat Lodge This boutique bed and breakfast is an excellent option if youre after a bit of luxury while driving to Durango. It takes approximately 12h 2m to get from Denver to Durango, including transfers. If concerts and shows arent your scene, no problem! 10 Best Stops on the Denver to Aspen Drive via Vail. It ends in Durango, Colorado. This is the route Google Maps will give you. 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. It is home to Fort Lewis College. 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. Find all the transport options for your trip from Denver to Durango right here. 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. Powerhouse Science Center, formerly the The Durango Discovery Museum, is an interactive science center located in Durango, Colorado. Rome2rio makes travelling from Denver to Durango easy. Get answers to your questions about Colorado. 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. 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. 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. Services like gas stations and restaurants are in good supply at Salida, Saguache, and other areas along the way. I took the highway and then 160 to get to Pagosa and it lasted 7 hours. Having seen and read descriptions of the Million Dollar Highway, I'd like to avoid the drive south between Ouray and Silverton. Check out our Durango Activities and Things to Do page for more information. (easiest one, no scary mountain driving haha), and if you can suggest good places to stop and eat? Brittany is an award-winning journalist based in Denver where she has lived and worked for more than a decade. The bus leaves Denver at 6:45 a.m. and arrives in Durango at 7:10 p.m. Back in Durango, drive east on U.S. 160; get your camera ready for breathtaking views of the snow-flecked La Plata Mountain Range. Prices and availability are subject to change. It is a 7 hour plus drive, not counting any stops. A direct flight will only take about an hour in the air, which will save you a lot of time. 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. 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. 4. level 2. Most crashes on the pass occur at the switchback curve near the Wolf Creek scenic outlook area. Well, thats it for this epic Colorado summer road trip.
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