least scary drive from denver to durango least scary drive from denver to durango

Roads surrounding the Denver metro area are often a mess, especially when you add snow and ice to the mix. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-13326355', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Denver to catch a 10 flight. BTW also Mapquest gives the route Casa said but mentioned 5 hours. 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. We are travelling with 3 children from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? And as this road trip tends to take only about six to six and a half hours, its easy to pull off in a single day with plenty of time for some stops near the highway. This is a beautiful and quicker drive. Wearing a face mask on public transport in Durango is recommended. Thank you so much for all the wonderful information. to La Plata County Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $195 for one-way flights and $295 for round trip, for the period specified. Its also noted as the highest road in the country thats kept open on a year-round basis. It is a 7 hour plus drive, not counting any stops. Afternoons can be hot and windy though. Then, make a right onto CO-149 N and follow that for 22 miles until you reach Creede. The distance between Denver and Durango is 372 km. You have two route options, both of which take you through amazing scenery and worthwhile stops. 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. 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. (easiest one, no scary mountain driving haha), and if you can suggest good places to stop and eat? This 17-mile historic loop takes you to several abandoned mines in-between beautiful scenic vistas. You can also fly from Denver to Durango, if all this seems to be too much. It serves as one of the main routes to Colorado's ski country including Vail, Aspen, Winter Park, Keystone, and Breckenridge. The next best thing to do on a visit to Colorado Springs is to head up to Pikes Peak. For photographers, taking photos of the sunset from atop one of the dunes is an unforgettable experience. Research, browse, save, and share from 162 Dodge models in Berthoud, CO. Well, youve come to the right place. Mostly flat in some areas, Colorado gives drivers the most treacherous section of I-70 through the Rocky Mountains. Take US Hwy 285 south from Denver for approximately 173 miles. If high-alpine hikes arent your jazz, another great place to explore near Salida is Great Sand Dunes National Park. As of July 23, Colorado has. Rome2rio also offers online bookings for selected operators, making reservations easy and straightforward. 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. Camping, backpacking, and hiking opportunities abound in this area once the snow melts in the summertime. All three cross Wolf Creek Pass on US160, which is truly scary only if your brakes fail on the way down. 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. 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. Im traveling with a friend who has limited mobility. 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. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-13327901', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Denver, then N to I-70E direct to airport. Rome2rio is a door-to-door travel information and booking engine, helping you get to and from any location in the world. There is also breakfast included each morning. If youre traveling on slippery or snowy roads, use caution, slow down, and please, take it easy on the brakes. From there youll make a left onto CO 291 S which will take you into Salida after eight miles. Additional terms apply. Traffic congestion due to rush hour and ongoing construction is normally expected for this particular stretch of the highway. Winter in Colorado is no joke. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-13124761', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Denver-Pagosa Springs via Colorado Springs and Walsenburg on I25 and us160 via Great Sand Dunes NP and Wolf Creek pass to Pagosa Springs. Should probably count on 7 - 7.5 hrs - not easy to make really good time in the mountains. The drive between Walsenburg and Pagosa Springs is a very nice one. #ouraygram. 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. The Strater Hotel Located in downtown Durango, this beautiful historic hotel is an excellent option for those looking for a bit of a splurge. Alternatively, you may use, Best Western Plus Deer Park Hotel And Suites. Most crashes on the pass occur at the switchback curve near the Wolf Creek scenic outlook area. High average elevation of 10,000 feet and a few passes over 12,000 feet. But those in the know, slow down and stop in four . 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. You want to avoid leaving Denver on Friday afternoon and you want to avoid returning on Sunday afternoon. At Red Rocks you can catch concerts, stand-up comedy shows, film screenings, and, in the mornings, you can even join a yoga class. There was an error processing your request. As mentioned before, we at Mild to Wild know Durango like the back of our hands, and we have so many other recommendations for your visit. Can you please describe the San Juan Skyway/Million $ Hwy/Red Mtn. 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. Which route is the best? It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and the Colorado State Register of Historic Properties. Alternatively, you may use. I drive the 285>160 route almost weekly for the last few months. Here are some of the most worthwhile pit stops on the way from Denver to Durango: In Durango, you can marvel at the Anasazi ruins in Mesa Verde National Park, schuss down the slopes at Purgatory Resort, or go hiking through the San Juan National Forest. Is it compulsory to practice social distancing in Durango? 2023 The World Was Here First All rights reserved. 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. The shorter one (US285 south and US160 west), more scenic, has more mountains. 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. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-75870242', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Denver to Durango -- at least in any reasonable way -- without some mountain driving. Colorado is a beautiful state to drive through and the road from Denver to Durango has many places worth stopping to see, even if you're taking the shortest route. So, stop by if you can. Grand Junction To Dinosaur 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. Every month, almost a million vehicles travel the 100 miles on Interstate 70 between Denver and Vail, Colorado. News, travel inspiration, podcasts, & more. Portions of I-70 often close due to severe weather conditions. 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. So yeah, have your camera charged and ready for this spot too. Lots of good food in Durango. Family RV adventure advice for Colorado, Utah & Wyoming. In Winter do I need a 4 Wheel Drive Vehicle in Colorado? For us, one of the most fun things a first-time visitor can do is catch a show at Red Rocks Amphitheatre. Theres not many other places where you can hike through desert-like dunes with snow-capped mountain peaks as your backdrop. 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. Creedes title of The Last Boom Town comes from its legacy as a silver-mining town, which you can learn about in this PBS short documentary. 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 . Last updated: 1 Mar 2023 Takes 6hrs plus stops and is both easy and scenic. The longer one (I-25 south, US160 west) involves faster driving and more traffic. 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. 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. The cheapest flight from Denver to Durango was found 29 days before departure, on average. Click here to browse more Durango hotels! 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! Good coffee is also scarce along that route until you get to Durango. 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. and Great Sand. Your best and most scenic route from Denver to Durango tends to be 285 South, though you could also choose to go straight south from Denver on Interstate 25. Book at least 2 weeks before departure in order to get a below-average price. Apart from being the Wildflower Capital of Colorado, Crested Butte is where mountain biking got its start in Colorado. Instead of following US-50 W all the way to Montrose, take a right onto CO-92 W for approximately 70 miles until you reach Delta. 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. Find all the transport options for your trip from Denver to Durango right here. That made for about a 70-mile loop of incredible mountain views! For first-time visitors we recommend either taking a guided nature walk to learn about the areas history and geology, or just taking to the trails on your own to explore at your own pace. Lodging for 2 nights in Estes park in mid May, Where to stay near Union Station if using Red Rocks shuttle. 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. 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. Brittany is an award-winning journalist based in Denver where she has lived and worked for more than a decade. The museum opened on February 23, 2011 in what was once a power plant. What kind of rental car do I need & are there places I should not drive a rental car? He has spent time in Costa Rica and has made numerous trips exploring the Western states of the Rocky Mountains. 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. Hiking, mountain biking, climbing, rafting, and off-roading are all staple activities here in our hometown. Lots of good food in Durango. 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. 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 drive time from Durango to Creede takes just under 2.5 hours. Total Distance: 1,098 miles *Time and distance may vary depending on traffic, change in routes, stops along the way, etc. Turn right on CO State Hwy 112 W for 13 miles until you reach Del Norte. Regular fuel costs are around $3.96 per gallon for your trip. This calculation assumes that your vehicle gets an average gas mileage of 25 mpg . Just across the valley from Penitente Canyon is the Great Sand Dunes National Park, one of Americas most fascinating natural phenomena. (easiest one, no scary mountain driving haha), and if you can suggest good places to stop and eat? Lots of good food in Durango. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Join our mailing list for discounts, special events, and more. Only United Airlines operates multiple direct flights a day from Denver International Airport (DEN) and Durango La-Plata County Airport (DOR), which is just 15 miles from downtown Durango. 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. It is home to Fort Lewis College. Check out our Durango Activities and Things to Do page for more information. Well start our engines in Colorados capital city of Denver! Not quite what youre looking for? Commentdocument.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a6e6fde05a476155cc84d0616c8a9c0f" );document.getElementById("b934630cd5").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Hi! Or, Highway 285 to 160 is more scenic and has mountains but is not scary. See what its like to plow this dangerous road here. Not much to recommend for food along the way. 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. Having seen and read descriptions of the Million Dollar Highway, I'd like to avoid the drive south between Ouray and Silverton. I drive the 285>160 route almost weekly for the last few months. Of course, theres an endless list of things to do and places to see in and around Denver. 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. 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. Browse Dodge vehicles in Berthoud, CO for sale on Cars.com, with prices under $799,952. - Wikipedia. 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. If you don't have time to board the train, it's worth it to at least pay a visit to the railroad museum in Durango. 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. Of the collegiate peaks, Mount Princeton is designated as one of the easiest to climb. If you are traveling to Durango by bus, prepare for a long ride of at least 12 hours. drive for about 1 hour. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Can you tell me about guest ranch vacations in Colorado? You have two route options, both of which take you through amazing scenery and worthwhile stops. In Del Norte, turn right onto US Hwy 160 W. Follow US Hwy 160 W for 118 miles. Jillian Dara is a freelance journalist and fact-checker. There will be some mountain driving whichever route you take, but there's no need to be scared. Not much to recommend for food along the way. 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 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. ! When visiting Colorado Springs, 100% the number one thing to do is check out the Garden of the Gods. Signup today for free and be the first to get notified on new updates. There are lots of unique little shops and restaurants in town, and attractions like the Last Chance Mine offer a glimpse of history for those who are interested. , Where to Stay on a Denver to Durango Road Trip. Thank you. I-25 is a major interstate highway that travels north and south, serving as the main connection from Denver to Colorado Springs. 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. At just under four hours, the stretch from Creede to Colorado Springs is the longest drive of this trip. Her work has appeared in Travel + Leisure, USA Today, Michelin Guides, Hemispheres, DuJour, and Forbes. Maybe see http://www.mapquest.com for that. Make yourself known to an official member of staff and/or call the national coronavirus helpline number on 800-232-4636. Pack your hiking boots and a rain jacket as well if you plan on stopping at hiking trails or national parks and monuments like the Great Sand Dunes and Chimney Rock National Monument in the San Juan Forest. 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. Let us know in the comments! The highway is also notorious for serious semi-accidents and spin-outs due to its steep curvy descent. However, as the expression goes, its not the destination, its the journey. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. And if budget is a factor in your trip planning and you're looking for the cheapest way to travel, you could take a Greyhound bus to Durango. No problem finding gas and basic supplies, just not much "good" food or coffee. To get to Salida from Denver will be 2.5-hour drive. Tue, Jul 25. 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. The most straightforward choice for the least amount of time on the road is to simply take I-70 West out of Denver, which is the only main highway you need to follow on this drive until making an exit at Highway 9 just 10 to 15 minutes before you arrive at Breckenridge. I assume you understand that any route you take will be. As such, one of the best things to do in Creede is to drive its famous Bachelor Loop. First, head Southwest on US Hwy 285 S, which youll stay on for about 130 miles. Before heading out, visit cotrip.org for the latest road conditions and closures. Breckenridge, Vail, Steamboat, or Estes Park for summer? The Perfect 1, 2 or 3 Days in Montpellier Itinerary, The Perfect 1, 2 to 3 Days in Toulouse Itinerary, The Perfect 2 to 3 Days in Nice Itinerary, The Perfect 5 to 7 Days in Finland Itinerary (Winter or Summer). This one is best for families with kids, as there is an entire miniature town complete with painted and detailed buildings, a playground and park, a gift shop, and even an old steam train ride. 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. Those with a lot of time on their hands can hike or bike to the summit, which makes for a rewarding journey. 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. 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. Silverton is an old mining town nestled between Red Mountain and Molas, two San Juan Mountain passes. Success! 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. 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. Along the way, possibly stop in Fairplay, see a reconstructed mining town called South Park City. I-70 has some gorgeous spots and does top out at about 11,000 ft when you pass through the tunnels near Loveland Pass. And speaking of snow, one of the most popular activities for locals at the dunes is to bring their snowboards, skis and sleds for some nice carving through the sand. 2:05 pm Pagosa Springs (Colorado) stay for about 1 hour. Powerhouse Science Center, formerly the The Durango Discovery Museum, is an interactive science center located in Durango, Colorado. Just be sure to downshift on the downhill side. What are the roads like, and what do I need to know about driving in Colorado? As far as rafting day trips go, it doesnt get much easier or more fun than this! The United States Census Bureau reported a population of 16,887 in the 2010 census. Although its a small mountain town, its bursting at the seams with history, scenery, and adventure opportunities. 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. Domestic travel is not restricted, but some conditions may apply. Durango is in southwest Colorado. No problem finding gas and basic supplies, just not much "good" food or coffee. The drive from Salida to Crested Butte takes approximately one hour and 45 minutes. ', 'How much should I expect to pay? 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). If you want to shop around for the cheapest fares, you can compare flights flying to other airports in Southwest Colorado like the Telluride Regional Airport (TEX) or the Cortez Municipal Airport (CEZ), but that will require you to drive the rest of the way. What is the national COVID-19 helpline number in Durango? Denver --> independence pass --> Aspen --> Ouray --> Red mountain pass --> Durango. It is impossible to get from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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. Among these are the collegiate peaks which are, unsurprisingly, named after some of the United States most famous colleges and Oxford randomly.