From hiking to climbing to jeep and segway tours, theres a whole heaping lot to do at this picture-perfect place. The train route links Silverton and Durango, and you can even book a seat in a private car. Just assume that youll need your camera for just about every spot from here on out. Editors Note: Never speed. ', 'How much should I expect to pay? Most crashes on the pass occur at the switchback curve near the Wolf Creek scenic outlook area. There is no direct connection from Denver to 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 cheapest way to get from Denver to Durango is to drive which costs 75,000-120,000 and takes 6h 33m. The Colorado Trail is a 485-mile point-to-point backpacking route in Colorado. Click here to browse more Durango hotels! Pass in SW CO? The 160 to 285 would be the fastest. Its a lengthy stretch, but it also takes you through some of Colorados most spectacular wilderness areas, adventurous mountain towns, and exciting cities. I routinely make the trip via 285 and it is much shorter and beautiful. It is located between I-70 and Keystone, offering an alternative route to I-70 and the Eisenhower Tunnel. Error! A direct flight will only take about an hour in the air, which will save you a lot of time. Watch carefully for deer early mornings and twilight! Where to go at the end of November, Early December?!?! Just be sure to downshift on the downhill side. Situated in a beautiful, historic building, they have a range of gorgeous rooms on offer and a great bar and restaurant on site. My friends and I are coming from Europe to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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). 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. 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. Good coffee is also scarce along that route until you get to Durango. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Join our mailing list for discounts, special events, and more. Denver --> independence pass --> Aspen --> Ouray --> Red mountain pass --> Durango. more. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Does anyone know why? Click here to see their availability. Is this a summer trip or a winter trip? 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 is well located, there are a number of plush rooms available, and the breakfast included uses dairy products sourced from the propertys own goats! When you reach the summit of Red Mountain Pass, you will be standing at an elevation of 11,018 ft. Legend has it that the name Million Dollar Highway comes from the 1920s cost to build the highway at over $1 million a mile. Whichever option you choose, you find incredible scenery unlike anything else in Colorado. 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. You can also fly from Denver to Durango, if all this seems to be too much. Click here to browse other private rentals. Click here to see their availability, Siesta Motel If youre looking for some more budget-friendly accommodation options, then this motel is a geat choice. 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. One absolute must-do activity is hiking the Ouray Perimeter Trail. Driving from Denver to Durango takes about six and a half hours. I need to return tonight to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Photo Credit: Matt Gross Things To Do What are the travel restrictions in Durango? No problem finding gas and basic supplies, just not much "good" food or coffee. 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. We have done the drive (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Theres so much we could say about things to do in Durango. If youve never gone mountain biking before, then this is a perfect place to try it out. Regular fuel costs are around $3.96 per gallon for your trip. Again. 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. 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. Photo Credit: Jerilee Bennett. 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. Although its a small mountain town, its bursting at the seams with history, scenery, and adventure opportunities. Drop-dead gorgeous and nestled into the heart of the San Juan mountains, visiting Ouray 100% feels like youre being transported to Switzerland. What kind of rental car do I need & are there places I should not drive a rental car? So, stop by if you can. This loop of state-maintained highways through the San Juan Mountains can be done in your own car and at your own leisure, but be aware that various parts of this beautiful, scenic drive do feature steep drop-offs without guardrails. Click here to browse other private rentals. For more information, see our privacy policy. All three cross Wolf Creek Pass on US160, which is truly scary only if your brakes fail on the way down. 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. This canyon has high walls and granite cliffs that have been carved out by the slow grind of time and the erosion forces of the Arkansas River. 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. Were Michael and Maggie, an Australian and American couple travelling the world. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and the Colorado State Register of Historic Properties. What about the altitude/Altitude sickness? 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. Get answers to your questions about Colorado. It may be a bit random and unexpected, but thats what makes Great Sand Dunes National Park so awesome! Lodging for 2 nights in Estes park in mid May, Where to stay near Union Station if using Red Rocks shuttle. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission at no extra cost to you. As of July 23, Colorado has. and leave at 3:05 pm. United Airlines offers flights from Denver Airport to Durango Airport. You can also fly from Denver to Durango, if all this seems to be too much. Answer (1 of 3): I agree with Alan about I-70 and I-80. For a more complete guide on the hike, check out this Out There Colorado article. A $15 Gratuity is included in all pricing above. Wearing a face mask on public transport in Durango is recommended. 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. Use this list as a springboard to get ideas for stops ranging from national parks and monuments to natural hot springs and quirky tourist attractions that youll find along the way. 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 . 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 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. As with any hike or tour, just remember to bring plenty of water and some snacks along. You can also rent ATVs and off-road vehicles in town if you prefer to not take your own car. You want to avoid leaving Denver on Friday afternoon and you want to avoid returning on Sunday afternoon. Start early in the day, bring plenty of water and snacks, and be sure to dress in layers. Maybe there's a faster drive but we have not done that. You might think about adding handicap information for some of the stops. Apart from being the Wildflower Capital of Colorado, Crested Butte is where mountain biking got its start in Colorado. Not to mention, its known as one of the most treacherous roads in the state. Hi Diane, The drive from Denver to Aspen takes about 4 hours (if there isn't a lot of traffic). According to a recent study, the average Denver commuter spends 83 hours per year stuck in traffic. I took the highway and then 160 to get to Pagosa and it lasted 7 hours. Have any questions about any of these stops? Driving from Denver to Durango takes about six and a half hours. If youre traveling on slippery or snowy roads, use caution, slow down, and please, take it easy on the brakes. What about Mine Tours and Mining Museums? Reduced speed limits and temporary closures are often put into place for safety concerns. 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. From: 1 traveler 2 travelers 3 travelers 4 travelers 5 travelers 6 travelers. Still, the bus is significantly cheaper than flying and depending on gas prices and whether or not you need to rent a car or book a hotel overnight, it's probably cheaper than driving too. Do I have to wear a face mask on public transport in Durango? Brittany is an award-winning journalist based in Denver where she has lived and worked for more than a decade. This is a beautiful and quicker drive. Find all the transport options for your trip from Denver to Durango right here. Jan 31, 2006. 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. The best way to get from Denver to Denver Airport is to train which takes 37 min and costs 4,100-14,000. While its unlikely that traffic jams will ever disappear, avoiding peak travel times allows for an easier and stress-free commute. The total cost of driving from Denver, CO to Durango, CO (one-way) is $53.28 at current gas prices. First, head Southwest on US Hwy 285 S, which you'll stay on for about 130 miles. Durango to Denver drive driving / 2 days / no pets / no RV Durango to Denver road trip planner Here's a sample itinerary for a drive from Durango to Denver. Alternatively, you may use, Best Western Plus Deer Park Hotel And Suites. 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. Lots of good food in Durango. Hiking, mountain biking, climbing, rafting, and off-roading are all staple activities here in our hometown. Of the collegiate peaks, Mount Princeton is designated as one of the easiest to climb. 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. Another great activity to do near Denver is driving the Mount Evans Scenic Byway. Well start our engines in Colorados capital city of Denver! Driving to Durango from Denver is a beautiful, six and a half hour drive. A Google mapping exercise will offer you two routes, one about a half-hour longer than the other. 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. Of the collegiate peaks, Mount Princeton is designated as one of the easiest to climb. Commentdocument.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a6e6fde05a476155cc84d0616c8a9c0f" );document.getElementById("b934630cd5").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Hi! 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. High season is considered to be October, November and December. 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. However, as the expression goes, its not the destination, its the journey. to Guadalupe Victoria Durango Intl. Tue, Jul 25. Can I get to Rocky Mountain National Park without a car? If youve never gone mountain biking before, then this is a perfect place to try it out. Head out of town along US-160 E for 102 miles until you reach South Fork. See what its like to plow this dangerous road here. 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. 2023 The World Was Here First All rights reserved. Issue is that I (the mom, who is not going to be the driver) am fairly averse to heights. Theres also an observation site for the renowned Treasure Falls thats located just south of the pass. From Sand Dunes, head west on US160 over Wolf Creek Pass to Pagosa. 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. Filled with useful and timely travel information, the guides answer all the hard questions - such as 'How do I buy a ticket? It is impossible to get from Denver to Durango -- at least in any reasonable way -- without some mountain driving. If you hit the turn too fast you will go right off the edge. (easiest one, no scary mountain driving haha), and if you can suggest good places to stop and eat? The Map Start: Denver to Manitou Springs/Colorado Springs While I-25. Which route is the best? Camping, backpacking, and hiking opportunities abound in this area once the snow melts in the summertime. You can't get to Durango by train, but if you're looking for an old west experience, hop aboard the Silverton Silverlight Express. I drive the 285>160 route almost weekly for the last few months. It ends in Durango, Colorado. If concerts and shows arent your scene, no problem! There are 115+ hotels available in Durango. Prices and availability are subject to change. If you're planning a road trip to Denver, you can research locations to stop along the way. Takes 6hrs plus stops and is both easy and scenic. It is impossible to get from Denver to Durango -- at least in any reasonable way -- without some mountain driving. 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 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. Silverton is an old mining town nestled between Red Mountain and Molas, two San Juan Mountain passes. Along the National Parks Loop, you'll also go through some other small towns worth exploring like Telluride, Durango, and Buena Vista. I-70 has some gorgeous spots and does top out at about 11,000 ft when you pass through the tunnels near Loveland Pass. Research, browse, save, and share from 162 Dodge models in Berthoud, CO. Hikers and skiers often use the route for accessing backcountry terrain, as well as Arapahoe Basin Resort. Where is Durango? The round trip cost would be $106.55 to go from Denver, CO to Durango, CO and back to Denver, CO again. Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2rio's travel planner. Our next recommendation is to take a guided tour at Mesa Verde National Park. Cheap Flights from Denver Intl. Ice and snow-caked roads, highways, and mountain passes make for dangerous and hazardous driving conditions across the state. Its actually closer to Albuquerque than Denver as its not far from the New Mexico border. 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. Prices and availability are subject to change. #ouraygram. I drive the 285>160 route almost weekly for the last few months. 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. An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. It is a 7 hour plus drive, not counting any stops. 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. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. Total Distance: 1,098 miles *Time and distance may vary depending on traffic, change in routes, stops along the way, etc. My friends and I are coming from Europe to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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). . Takes you to nearly every major mountain zone in the state and the deepest canyons, highest passes, steepest mountains, and coolest towns.