least scary drive from denver to durango

So, pack your bags, fasten your seatbelts, and get ready to hit the road on this Denver to Durango loop road trip! Truckers are required to have chains and passenger vehicles must have either snow tires, mud/snow tires, chains, or an alternative device like an autosock. Alternatively, you may use, Best Western Plus Deer Park Hotel And Suites. However, you can also drive up the scenic road yourself, join a guided bus tour, or even take a train to the top! Drive to Colorado Springs on Interstate 25 and on through Pueblo to Walsenburg where you'll take Hwy 160 west. These are both safe routes. Head out of town along US-160 E for 102 miles until you reach South Fork. Centers for Disease control and prevention (CDC), Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Durango, Holiday Inn & Suites Durango Downtown, an IHG Hotel, Denver to Pikes Peak Center for the Performing Arts, Glendale Los Angeles County CA USA to Durango CO USA, Petrified Forest National Park to Durango CO USA, There is a social distancing requirement of 2 metres. I drive the 285>160 route almost weekly for the last few months. Among the marquee attractions near Salida is Browns Canyon, which was also designated a National Monument recently in 2015. . Travel along this high alpine road is strongly discouraged amid snow, freezing temperatures, and blowing snow. You have two route options, both of which take you through amazing scenery and worthwhile stops. 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. 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. (easiest one, no scary mountain driving haha), and if you can suggest good places to stop and eat? Cheyenne . To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. Long, steep ascents and descents, particularly around the San Juans. Informacin detallada del sitio web y la empresa: caudesucre.com Cau de sucre - blog de repostera creativa, recetas dulces y mucha fotografa! Head west on US-50 W for 60 miles, and then turn right onto CO-135 N which will take you to Crested Butte after 27 miles. If youre traveling on slippery or snowy roads, use caution, slow down, and please, take it easy on the brakes. 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. The total cost of driving from Denver, CO to Durango, CO (one-way) is $53.28 at current gas prices. 2:05 pm Pagosa Springs (Colorado) stay for about 1 hour. , Where to Stay on a Denver to Durango Road Trip. Takes 6hrs plus stops and is both easy and scenic. What kind of rental car do I need & are there places I should not drive a rental car? and Great Sand. 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! Well start our engines in Colorados capital city of Denver! Another route, is to take US285 sw from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Good coffee is also scarce along that route until you get to Durango. Sites such as Coller State Wildlife Area and Palisade Campground are excellent places to get out of the car and take in the views of the Rio Grande on your way up this stretch of highway. 5.5 hours of driving without stops. Wearing a face mask on public transport in Durango is recommended. Along the National Parks Loop, you'll also go through some other small towns worth exploring like Telluride, Durango, and Buena Vista. Prices and availability are subject to change. For us, one of the most fun things a first-time visitor can do is catch a show at, If concerts and shows arent your scene, no problem! 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. As such, one of the best things to do in Creede is to drive its famous Bachelor Loop. This is a beautiful and quicker drive. Thank you. Utah. When visiting Colorado Springs, 100% the number one thing to do is check out the Garden of the Gods. 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. 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. One absolute must-do activity is hiking the, After hiking the perimeter trail, take a load off and relax in, Gates of Lodore Dinosaur National Monument, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Ultimate Colorado and Utah Road Trip Itinerary. Ice and snow-caked roads, highways, and mountain passes make for dangerous and hazardous driving conditions across the state. 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. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. 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. 4WD and AWD vehicles must have snow tires or all-weather tires with 3/16 inch tread depth. Mountain Goat Lodge This boutique bed and breakfast is an excellent option if youre after a bit of luxury while driving to Durango. 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. All deals One way Roundtrip Tue, Mar 21 DEN Denver DRO Durango $195 One way just found To get to Salida from Denver will be 2.5-hour drive. This is a no-brainer as a stop for skiers and snowboarders traveling in the winter, but the Wolf Creek area between South Fork and Durango is also worth keeping in mind as a stop for travelers even in mid-summer. 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. Having a Jeep or other SUV or truck may come in handy if you plan on doing any venturing down the dusty National Forest access roads, however. What are the travel restrictions in Durango? Portions of I-70 often close due to severe weather conditions. Cortez is 50 miles away from Durango, while Telluride is 110 miles away. He lives in Colorado and also works as a fly fishing guide and instructor when not editing or writing. Youll have views for miles around and Aspen Sunflowers covering entire hillsides, making for PERFECT photo ops. Theres also an observation site for the renowned Treasure Falls thats located just south of the pass. 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. Thank you :) Silverton is an old mining town nestled between Red Mountain and Molas, two San Juan Mountain passes. What can I see on a Denver to Durango road trip. It may be a bit random and unexpected, but thats what makes Great Sand Dunes National Park so awesome! I will try to go the route thru the Great Sand Dunes. Situated in a beautiful, historic building, they have a range of gorgeous rooms on offer and a great bar and restaurant on site. 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. Not quite what youre looking for? 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. - Wikipedia. Youll have views for miles around and Aspen Sunflowers covering entire hillsides, making for PERFECT photo ops. Monument to fallen snowplow drivers. 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. I-70 has some gorgeous spots and does top out at about 11,000 ft when you pass through the tunnels near Loveland Pass. This is the route Google Maps will give you. That said, if you do hike Mount Princeston, still come prepared for a long days hike as well as a little rock scrambling. 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. If you hit the turn too fast you will go right off the edge. The bus leaves Denver at 6:45 a.m. and arrives in Durango at 7:10 p.m. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. All three cross Wolf Creek Pass on US160, which is truly scary only if your brakes fail on the way down. Hiking, mountain biking, climbing, rafting, and off-roading are all staple activities here in our hometown. Photo Credit: Matt Gross Things To Do Click here to browse other private rentals. Thank you for your advise. Of course, theres an endless list of things to do and places to see in and around Denver. 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. High season is considered to be October, November and December. The distance between Denver and Durango is 372 km. The reason why it's so long is because there is no direct bus service between the two cities. The scenic section that we refer to as the Million Dollar Highway is the 25-mile section between Ouray and Silverton, then from Silverton to Durango the scenic road technically becomes the San Juan Skyway. Takes 6hrs plus stops and is both easy and scenic. Each flight takes about an hour, so this is definitely the fastest way to get from Denver to Durango. The cheapest way to get from Denver to Durango is to drive which costs 75,000-120,000 and takes 6h 33m. Durango is in southwest Colorado. Every month, almost a million vehicles travel the 100 miles on Interstate 70 between Denver and Vail, Colorado. Problem is no-one knows what the weather will be then. I drive the 285>160 route almost weekly for the last few months. Plus, Durangos wild west and mining history give it such a distinguished and quirky character. Driving from Denver to Durango takes about six and a half hours. (easiest one, no scary mountain driving haha), and if you can suggest good places to stop and eat? Jan 31, 2006. The highway is also notorious for serious semi-accidents and spin-outs due to its steep curvy descent. ', 'How much should I expect to pay? Yes, travel within United States is currently allowed. The best way to get from Denver to Denver Airport is to train which takes 37 min and costs 4,100-14,000. Takes you to nearly every major mountain zone in the state and the deepest canyons, highest passes, steepest mountains, and coolest towns. Dunes, not to be missed with children. If you'll have the time try to visit both Colorado Springs (Pike's Peak, Garden of the Gods etc.) The drive time from Durango to Creede takes just under 2.5 hours. 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. There is also breakfast included each morning. Not much to recommend for food along the way. Assuming you choose the route through the mountains on 285, youll still be on a paved highway for practically the entire timedepending on your chosen stopsso theres no major need for a high-clearance, 4-wheel drive sort of vehicle. Answer (1 of 3): I agree with Alan about I-70 and I-80. 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. Check out our Denver to Aspen drive & Denver to Moab road trip articles! If youre passing through outside of ski season, Monarch is still worth a stop thanks to the Monarch Crest Scenic Tramway thats open from May through the fall. For photographers, taking photos of the sunset from atop one of the dunes is an unforgettable experience. Make sure to keep a safe following distance between your car and one in front of you. 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! Were Michael and Maggie, an Australian and American couple travelling the world. Well-located in central Durango, they have a range of rooms available to suit all kinds of visitors even allow pets if youre traveling with a four-legged friend! For another great SW road trip, check out our Ultimate Colorado and Utah Road Trip Itinerary. Can you please describe the San Juan Skyway/Million $ Hwy/Red Mtn. Is it compulsory to practice social distancing in Durango? Take a tour from Durango and let someone else drive! And good news for dog-lovers: pets are allowed on this trail but must be kept on a leash. As of July 23, Colorado has. Afternoons can be hot and windy though. Drop-dead gorgeous and nestled into the heart of the San Juan mountains, visiting Ouray 100% feels like youre being transported to Switzerland. The Million Dollar Highway is a scenic section of the US-550 highway which runs north to south. Were passionate about getting off the beaten path, promoting responsible tourism, supporting local economies and sharing our knowledge with other travellers! The direct drive from Denver to Durango is 382 mi (614 km), and should have a drive time of 7 hrs 21 mins in normal traffic. 5.5 hours of driving without stops. 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. Its important to note that dates and closures vary, depending on the weather and road conditions. I routinely make the trip via 285 and it is much shorter and beautiful. For a more complete guide on the hike, check out this Out There Colorado article. This is the route Google Maps will give you. Turn right on CO State Hwy 112 W for 13 miles until you reach Del Norte. If you're going on a road trip from Colorado Springs to Durango, we did the research for you and compiled some great stops along the way with Pagosa Springs and top places to visit like . Its also important to watch out for mandatory chain and traction laws on I-70, especially during the winter months. So yeah, have your camera charged and ready for this spot too. You want to avoid leaving Denver on Friday afternoon and you want to avoid returning on Sunday afternoon. (easiest one, no scary mountain driving haha), and if you can suggest good places to stop and eat? You can also go to Colorado Springs and Canon City and Salida then 285 to 160. It is home to Fort Lewis College. I took a GPS with me to attach in the rental car. Its also noted as the highest road in the country thats kept open on a year-round basis. The 160 to 285 would be the fastest. 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. Plus, your guide will provide insightful interpretations on each of the archaeological sites as well as the history of the Ancestral Pueblo people. Is this a summer trip or a winter trip? Need we say more? Filled with useful and timely travel information, the guides answer all the hard questions - such as 'How do I buy a ticket? *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. Which route is the best? 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. From there, make a right onto US-50 E (passing back through Salida) and follow that for 70 miles until you reach Penrose. Durango is the county seat and the most populous municipality of La Plata County, Colorado, United States. 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. If youve never gone mountain biking before, then this is a perfect place to try it out. Be sure to take a peek at Denvers Tourism website for other ideas of things to do. to Guadalupe Victoria Durango Intl. Click here to browse other private rentals. A direct flight will only take about an hour in the air, which will save you a lot of time. 4:17 pm arrive in Durango. It's a fairly long drive from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? If you are traveling to Durango by bus, prepare for a long ride of at least 12 hours. Talk about a flexible experience! Which route is the best? 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. Adds about 2.5 hours to the "boring" way, and is incredibly varied and constantly changing. Having seen and read descriptions of the Million Dollar Highway, I'd like to avoid the drive south between Ouray and Silverton. The drive is gorgeous and, although you reach some very high elevations, it is not scary if you stick to the main route . I would say the "scariest" would be to take US160 over Wolf Creek pass - especially in winter.. Tours and campgrounds are also available, and popular activities include sledding down the dunes (a time-honored favorite), four-wheel tours, and horseback riding. Let us know in the comments! First, head Southwest on US Hwy 285 S, which you'll stay on for about 130 miles. Click here to browse other private rentals. Yep, its that simple. The small roadside town of South Fork marks a point of transition where the Rio Grande River begins to shift from its high alpine origins in National Forest land and flow down toward flatter lands in New Mexico and beyond. A Google mapping exercise will offer you two routes, one about a half-hour longer than the other. Hi Diane, The drive from Denver to Aspen takes about 4 hours (if there isn't a lot of traffic). From Sand Dunes, head west on US160 over Wolf Creek Pass to Pagosa. Answer 1 of 21: Hi, I will be in Denver late Oct. had wanted to ride on Durango to Silverton train. Denver --> independence pass --> Aspen --> Ouray --> Red mountain pass --> Durango. At just under four hours, the stretch from Creede to Colorado Springs is the longest drive of this trip. So here I am in Pagosa Springs. Roadtrip from SoCal to Mt Rushmore thru Colorado, Best Western Plus Deer Park Hotel And Suites. 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. Whichever option you choose, you find incredible scenery unlike anything else in Colorado. 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 . 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. Lots of good food in Durango. You can also rent ATVs and off-road vehicles in town if you prefer to not take your own car. Dont forget to clear ice and snow from your windshield, windows, mirrors, and vehicle lights before driving. You have two route options, both of which take you through amazing scenery and worthwhile stops. Camping, backpacking, and hiking opportunities abound in this area once the snow melts in the summertime. 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. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Traffic jam westbound I-70 highway Photo Credit: milehightraveler (iStock). The round trip cost would be $106.55 to go from Denver, CO to Durango, CO and back to Denver, CO again. 10 Best Stops on a Denver to Moab Road Trip. Driving to Durango from Denver is a beautiful, six and a half hour drive. Your trip begins in Denver, Colorado. The quickest way to get from Denver to Durango is to fly and shuttle which costs 300,000-800,000 and takes 5h 24m. It is located between I-70 and Keystone, offering an alternative route to I-70 and the Eisenhower Tunnel. Looking for the ultimate Colorado summer road trip experience? An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. It takes approximately 6h 33m to drive from Denver to Durango. No problem finding gas and basic supplies, just not much "good" food or coffee. The drive from Denver to Durango via 285 South covers about 337 miles and usually takes just over six hours, give or take some time depending on traffic and weather conditions.

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