Hi Diane, The drive from Denver to Aspen takes about 4 hours (if there isn't a lot of traffic). But. 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. Portions of I-70 often close due to severe weather conditions. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. 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 . For photographers, taking photos of the sunset from atop one of the dunes is an unforgettable experience. You'll be basically traveling in an L-shape on the two long sides of a triangle, instead of driving on the diagonal. Click here to browse more Durango hotels! 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. 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. Wearing a face mask on public transport in Durango is recommended. Adds about 2.5 hours to the "boring" way, and is incredibly varied and constantly changing. 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. The total cost of driving from Denver, CO to Durango, CO (one-way) is $53.28 at current gas prices. Durango is the county seat and the most populous municipality of La Plata County, Colorado, United States. 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). Let us know in the comments! Colorado Scenic Byway: Tracks Across Borders | Colorado.com Durango, Colorado 81301 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. Greyhound is virtually the only bus company operating this route and ticket prices start at $63, although they can be as high as $140. Another great activity to do near Denver is driving the Mount Evans Scenic Byway. Colorado's Scenic Million Dollar Highway: Silverton to Ouray Plus, your guide will provide insightful interpretations on each of the archaeological sites as well as the history of the Ancestral Pueblo people. If you are headed to the mountains on the weekend, plan ahead for more traffic than usual. These are both safe routes. The drive time from Ouray to Durango is approximately one hour and 45 minutes. 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. If you are traveling to Durango by bus, prepare for a long ride of at least 12 hours. If natural disasters happen to occur, travelers are often rerouted between Ridgway and Durango over Lizard Head Pass a much longer route. It is located between I-70 and Keystone, offering an alternative route to I-70 and the Eisenhower Tunnel. Which route is the best? Denver to Durango - Colorado Forum - Tripadvisor This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. Long, steep ascents and descents, particularly around the San Juans. Thank you. Airfares from $109 One Way, $219 Round Trip from Denver to Durango. Is it compulsory to practice social distancing in 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. 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. I-25 is a major interstate highway that travels north and south, serving as the main connection from Denver to Colorado Springs. 'A little scary': Iditarod begins with smallest field ever If he could teleport to anywhere on the planet, it would be the mountains of Patagonia in Chile. Its also helpful to pack warm layers, snacks, water, and a flash flight for unexpected delays and emergencies. avoiding scary driving - Durango Forum - Tripadvisor Colorado Road Trip - Denver, Mesa Verde, Durango and more Rome2rios travel guides to the US tell you the best ways to explore the country, from Amtrak to Greyhound to the New York Subway. 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. Ice and snow-caked roads, highways, and mountain passes make for dangerous and hazardous driving conditions across the state. Additional terms apply. You might think about adding handicap information for some of the stops. 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. Which route is the best? So yeah, have your camera charged and ready for this spot too. You have two route options, both of which take you through amazing scenery and worthwhile stops. 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. Hikers and skiers often use the route for accessing backcountry terrain, as well as Arapahoe Basin Resort. It is home to Fort Lewis College. The shorter one (US285 south and US160 west), more scenic, has more mountains. Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2rio's travel planner. Browse Dodge vehicles in Berthoud, CO for sale on Cars.com, with prices under $799,952. Do I have to wear a face mask on public transport in Durango? This trail is close to town and extends to a decent length of 4.3 total miles long. 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. Theres so much we could say about things to do in Durango. Outdoor seating areas are especially nice for sampling the beverages and entrees at either one. ', 'Do the trains and buses have Wifi?' Colorado wildfires: Several fires explode across Front Range Alternatively, you may use. Just assume that youll need your camera for just about every spot from here on out. 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. Not much to recommend for food along the way. Driving from Denver to Durango? - Colorado Forum - Tripadvisor Along the way, possibly stop in Fairplay, see a reconstructed mining town called South Park City. 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. He lives in Colorado and also works as a fly fishing guide and instructor when not editing or writing. 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. A great trail option for beginners, especially if youre around during wildflower season, is. Hiking, mountain biking, climbing, rafting, and off-roading are all staple activities here in our hometown. 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. Maybe there's a faster drive but we have not done that. Its actually closer to Albuquerque than Denver as its not far from the New Mexico border. Thank you :) I will be making this trip next week and look forward to seeing all this. A Google mapping exercise will offer you two routes, one about a half-hour longer than the other. Plus, Durangos wild west and mining history give it such a distinguished and quirky character. For more information, see our privacy policy. We're working around the clock to bring you the latest COVID-19 travel updates.This information is compiled from official sources. Back in Durango, drive east on U.S. 160; get your camera ready for breathtaking views of the snow-flecked La Plata Mountain Range. The Colorado Trail is a 485-mile point-to-point backpacking route in Colorado. This is a great introduction to Colorados famous fourteeners and provides extraordinary views thatll redefine what you classify as a scenic byway.. For a more complete guide on the hike, check out this Out There Colorado article. From Sand Dunes, head west on US160 over Wolf Creek Pass to Pagosa. There will be some mountain driving whichever route you take, but there's no need to be scared. 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. Denver to Durango - 7 ways to travel via train, bus, car - Rome2rio 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. The museum opened on February 23, 2011 in what was once a power plant. * Head out of Crested Butte the way you came in down CO-135 N and then make a right onto US-50 W for 65 miles until you reach the town of Montrose. From Durango, we flew back to Denver, instead of driving back. A $15 Gratuity is included in all pricing above. Find all the transport options for your trip from Denver to Durango right here. Just across the valley from Penitente Canyon is the Great Sand Dunes National Park, one of Americas most fascinating natural phenomena. Additional terms apply. 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 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. Although its a small mountain town, its bursting at the seams with history, scenery, and adventure opportunities. Good coffee is also scarce along that route until you get to Durango. 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. 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. 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. #ouraygram. But those in the know, slow down and stop in four . Click here to see their availability. Not much to recommend for food along the way. That said, if you do hike Mount Princeston, still come prepared for a long days hike as well as a little rock scrambling. Having seen and read descriptions of the Million Dollar Highway, I'd like to avoid the drive south between Ouray and Silverton. The route has an elevation gain of 9,000 ft and ascends through five climate zones to the 14,264-ft summit of Mount Evans. Just be sure to downshift on the downhill side. Should probably count on 7 - 7.5 hrs - not easy to make really good time in the mountains. Before heading out, visit cotrip.org for the latest road conditions and closures. Montrose and The Million Dollar Highway - ROAD TRIP USA Cost of Driving from Denver, CO to Durango, CO - Travelmath Cars are unable to make it up the pass during winter weather on a regular basis. There was an error processing your request. Driving Time from Denver, CO to Durango, CO - Travelmath The drive time from Durango to Creede takes just under 2.5 hours. 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. 4WD and AWD vehicles must have snow tires or all-weather tires with 3/16 inch tread depth. 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.
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