Good coffee is also scarce along that route until you get to Durango. (easiest one, no scary mountain driving haha), and if you can suggest good places to stop and eat? 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. Well, youve come to the right place. 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. These are both safe routes. Plus, Durangos wild west and mining history give it such a distinguished and quirky character. This is a beautiful and quicker drive. He lives in Colorado and also works as a fly fishing guide and instructor when not editing or writing. Take US Hwy 285 south from Denver for approximately 173 miles. 172. Driving from Denver to Durango takes about six and a half hours. Mesa Verde is a world-class attraction that you really should see. Driving to Durango from Denver is a beautiful, six and a half hour drive. Perhaps most amazing about this historic site is that the rock pinnacles for which Chimney Rock gets its name frame multiple astronomical alignment points. 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. Traveling with a dog or cat? Im traveling with a friend who has limited mobility. Take a tour from Durango and let someone else drive! Click here to browse more Salida hotels! The building opened in 1917, and served as a high school until 1976, after which it became the district administration building. You have two route options, both of which take you through amazing scenery and worthwhile stops. Photo Credit: Christian Murdock; The Gazette. Takes 6hrs plus stops and is both easy and scenic. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. Make sure to keep a safe following distance between your car and one in front of you. and leave at 3:05 pm. Brittany is an award-winning journalist based in Denver where she has lived and worked for more than a decade. 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. ', 'Do the trains and buses have Wifi?' The national COVID-19 helpline number in Durango is 800-232-4636. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. This incredible amphitheatre is built right into the front range mountains, making for one of the most beautiful venues in the country. Lots of good food in 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. 2023 The World Was Here First All rights reserved. The bus leaves Denver at 6:45 a.m. and arrives in Durango at 7:10 p.m. 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. We love our home state, and we have more than a few top tips for things to do during your visit. Am I allowed to travel from Denver to Durango? 4. level 2. If youre not familiar, Monarch Pass leads to the natural snowy slopes of Monarch Mountain. Tours and campgrounds are also available, and popular activities include sledding down the dunes (a time-honored favorite), four-wheel tours, and horseback riding. What are the travel restrictions in Durango? It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and the Colorado State Register of Historic Properties. And good news for dog-lovers: pets are allowed on this trail but must be kept on a leash. Designated drivers beware and drink responsibly, as youve still got a lot of highway to go on this Denver to Durango road trip. 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. 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. 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. 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. Not much to recommend for food along the way. It may be a bit random and unexpected, but thats what makes Great Sand Dunes National Park so awesome! Answer (1 of 3): I agree with Alan about I-70 and I-80. Need we say more? If you are traveling to Durango by bus, prepare for a long ride of at least 12 hours. Located 60 miles west of Denver, this incredible highway is the highest paved road in North America. 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. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-75890236', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Pagosa Springs are the only 2 I hit along the route. You could also travel on Route 24 to pass through Colorado Springs, before connecting and driving west on 160, which will add about 30 minutes to your trip. 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. Book at least 2 weeks before departure in order to get a below-average price. Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. The museum opened on February 23, 2011 in what was once a power plant. Either way there is only one high pass to cross (Wolf Creek, mentioned above), and I wouldn't call it scary. Hiking, mountain biking, climbing, rafting, and off-roading are all staple activities here in our hometown. The highway is also notorious for serious semi-accidents and spin-outs due to its steep curvy descent. Once you reach Creede, known as one of the last Silver Boom towns in Colorado during the late 19th century, you have quite a few options before heading back down to South Fork. 16 Best Things to Do in Colorado in Summer, Travel From Madrid to San Sebastian by Train, Car, and Plane, How to Travel From Rome to Naples by Train, Plane, Bus, or Car, The Top 10 Things to Do in Durango, Colorado, How to Travel From Denver to Las Vegas by Bus, Car, and Plane, How to Travel From Montreal to Quebec City by Train, Bus, Car, and Plane, How to Travel from Los Angeles to the Grand Canyon by Train, Bus, Car, and Plane, The Best Places to See Fall Colors in Colorado, How to Travel from Los Angeles to Denver by Train, Bus, Car, and Plane, Get our travel tips Delivered to your inbox. 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. Click here to browse other private rentals. 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. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. No trip to the area should skip it in my opinion. It is impossible to get from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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. My friends and I are coming from Europe to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 50 Animas View Dr. Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2rio's travel planner. 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. One absolute must-do activity is hiking the Ouray Perimeter Trail. 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. It's actually closer to Albuquerque than Denver as it's not far from the New Mexico border. Alternatively, Outdoorsy is an option if you prefer to rent an RV or campervan. The United States Census Bureau reported a population of 16,887 in the 2010 census. The Map Start: Denver to Manitou Springs/Colorado Springs While I-25. It takes approximately 6h 33m to drive from Denver to Durango. You will catch C4-70 outside (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Travel along this high alpine road is strongly discouraged amid snow, freezing temperatures, and blowing snow. Two-wheel drive cars can certainly make this gravel-road route, but its recommended to drive the loop backwards if your vehicle isnt great off-road. Additional terms apply. Rome2rio also offers online bookings for selected operators, making reservations easy and straightforward. If natural disasters happen to occur, travelers are often rerouted between Ridgway and Durango over Lizard Head Pass a much longer route. From hiking to climbing to jeep and segway tours, theres a whole heaping lot to do at this picture-perfect place. Turn right on CO State Hwy 112 W for 13 miles until you reach Del Norte. The shorter one (US285 south and US160 west), more scenic, has more mountains. It is impossible to get from Denver to Durango -- at least in any reasonable way -- without some mountain driving. Head south continuing along US-550 S (AKA The Million Dollar Highway) for 70.5 miles until you reach Durango. Denver --> independence pass --> Aspen --> Ouray --> Red mountain pass --> Durango. Takes 6hrs plus stops and is both easy and scenic. The longer one (I-25 south, US160 west) involves faster driving and more traffic. Not to mention, its known as one of the most treacherous roads in the state. From Sand Dunes, head west on US160 over Wolf Creek Pass to Pagosa. Get answers to your questions about Colorado. Which route is the best? ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-13122554', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Denver to Pagosa Springs by car. In Winter do I need a 4 Wheel Drive Vehicle in Colorado? 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Join our mailing list for discounts, special events, and more. From there, make a right onto US-50 E (passing back through Salida) and follow that for 70 miles until you reach Penrose. Services like gas stations and restaurants are in good supply at Salida, Saguache, and other areas along the way. 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. 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. 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. Although you can explore much of the park on your own, taking a guided tour is the way to go as thats the only way to gain access to the most popular sites such as Cliff Palace and Balcony House. Takes 6hrs plus stops and is both easy and scenic. Only 33 mushers will participate in the ceremonial start of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race on Saturday, the smallest field ever to take their dog teams nearly 1,000 miles (1,609 kilometers) over . Check out our Denver to Aspen drive & Denver to Moab road trip articles! Drop-dead gorgeous and nestled into the heart of the San Juan mountains, visiting Ouray 100% feels like youre being transported to Switzerland. #ouraygram. The next best thing to do on a visit to Colorado Springs is to head up to Pikes Peak. Regular fuel costs are around $3.96 per gallon for your trip. 10 Best Stops on the Denver to Aspen Drive via Vail. For us, one of the most fun things a first-time visitor can do is catch a show at Red Rocks Amphitheatre. 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. I took the highway and then 160 to get to Pagosa and it lasted 7 hours. Its important to note that dates and closures vary, depending on the weather and road conditions. 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). The quickest way to get from Denver to Durango is to fly and shuttle which costs 300,000-800,000 and takes 5h 24m. At Wolf Creek Pass, pedestrians can access the Continental Divide Trail and the Wolf Creek Trailhead. 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. The picnic area is also nice for anyone who has packed food for the road trip in a cooler and might want to have lunch before getting back on the road. What should I do if I have COVID-19 symptoms when I arrive in 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. 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. Thank you :) No problem finding gas and basic supplies, just not much "good" food or coffee. Driving Distance: 941 miles. As of July 23, Colorado has. Last updated: 1 Mar 2023 This is a beautiful and quicker drive. That's because Mapquest knows you drive fast Tet, lol!!! 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. Do I have to wear a face mask on public transport in Durango? 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. 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. Is it compulsory to practice social distancing in Durango?
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