The social distance requirement in Durango is 2 metres. 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. When beginning your Denver to Durango road trip, you have two routes to choose from. Along the way, possibly stop in Fairplay, see a reconstructed mining town called South Park City. 5.5 hours of driving without stops. And good news for dog-lovers: pets are allowed on this trail but must be kept on a leash. Independence Pass, Trail Ridge Road, Mount Evans Scenic Byway, and Kebler Pass all close annually for the winter season in Colorado. Success! Do you think it is faster going the other route or should I rather take the old route because I drive thru the night? What can I see on a Denver to Durango road trip. No problem finding gas and basic supplies, just not much "good" food or coffee. Prices and availability are subject to change. Not to mention, its known as one of the most treacherous roads in the state. You know what? Brittany is an award-winning journalist based in Denver where she has lived and worked for more than a decade. 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. From Sand Dunes, head west on US160 over Wolf Creek Pass to Pagosa. 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 steep, winding switchbacks can make your stomach turn on this high mountain pass, reaching an elevation of 11,307 feet. How long will the journey be and what is the fastest route? If youre traveling on slippery or snowy roads, use caution, slow down, and please, take it easy on the brakes. From there you'll make a left onto CO 291 S which will take you into Salida after eight miles. A great trail option for beginners, especially if youre around during wildflower season, is Brush Creek. SIGN UP: Free daily newsletter + 20% off in the OTC gear shop, The 7 most dangerous winter roads in Colorado, 93 of those occurring within a 3-hour period, Denver commuter spends 83 hours per year stuck in traffic, Public access for two Colorado 14ers to close, after bill to protect landowners from liability dies, [VIDEO] Snowboarders spend over an hour in a tree to avoid angry moose in Colorado, $50,000 reward offered in search for suspect who robbed USPS letter carrier, Nathaniel Rateliff, Elle King among artists coming to Denver area in March, Skier Shiffrin locks up overall title, still chases win 86, US to focus bison restoration on expanding tribal herds. To the best of our knowledge, it is correct as of the last update.Visit Rome2rio travel advice for general help. At Wolf Creek Pass, pedestrians can access the Continental Divide Trail and the Wolf Creek Trailhead. Lots of good food in Durango. From Durango, we flew back to Denver, instead of driving back. 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. The train route links Silverton and Durango, and you can even book a seat in a private car. Save this link to stay updated on COVID-19 restrictions, If you need help, visit the national COVID-19 website or call the COVID-19 Helpline 800-232-4636. Denver to Vail, Colorado -- the Slow Way | HuffPost Contributor - Wikipedia. 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. 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 . Wolf Creek Pass in CO: Beware of the wolf - Dangerousroads.org The drive time from Durango to Creede takes just under 2.5 hours. Maybe there's a faster drive but we have not done that. #ouraygram. Winter in Colorado is no joke. Aspen vs Vail vs Breckenridge: Which Colorado Town to Visit? Denver to Durango in a day. - RoadTrip America Red Mountain Pass. United Airlines offers flights from Denver Airport to Durango Airport. But those in the know, slow down and stop in four . Of course, theres an endless list of things to do and places to see in and around Denver. Thai place in Poncha Springs and Lost Cajun in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Tours and campgrounds are also available, and popular activities include sledding down the dunes (a time-honored favorite), four-wheel tours, and horseback riding. After hiking the perimeter trail, take a load off and relax in Ourays Hot Springs. Photo Credit: Jerilee Bennett. Its a lengthy stretch, but it also takes you through some of Colorados most spectacular wilderness areas, adventurous mountain towns, and exciting cities. Roadtrip from SoCal to Mt Rushmore thru Colorado, Best Western Plus Deer Park Hotel And Suites. (easiest one, no scary mountain driving haha), and if you can suggest good places to stop and eat? The United States Census Bureau reported a population of 16,887 in the 2010 census. Total Distance: 1,098 miles *Time and distance may vary depending on traffic, change in routes, stops along the way, etc. Jan 31, 2006. 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. While its unlikely that traffic jams will ever disappear, avoiding peak travel times allows for an easier and stress-free commute. Rome2rio uses cookies to help personalize content and show you personalised ads. We know what youre thinking: sand dunes in Colorado? News, travel inspiration, podcasts, & more. 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. In Winter do I need a 4 Wheel Drive Vehicle in Colorado? It is home to Fort Lewis College. Wearing a face mask on public transport in Durango is recommended. Which route is the best? So, pack your bags, fasten your seatbelts, and get ready to hit the road on this Denver to Durango loop road trip! 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. 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. Legitimately called the San Juan Skyway, this nasty trek in southwestern Colorado features the Coal Bank Pass, a very steep and very scary road with weather that is harsh and unpredictable. No trip to the area should skip it in my opinion. It's a fairly long drive from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? The total cost of driving from Denver, CO to Durango, CO (one-way) is $53.28 at current gas prices. Running between Ouray and Silverton, the mountain road caps off at 11,018 feet with grades as steep as 8%. Heavy snow slams Northeast; storm cleanup begins in South If youre looking for an all-in-one Colorado destination, Durangos definitely the place to be. This is a beautiful and quicker drive. 172. 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. The river flows right through town and features fun, refreshing splashes from class I and II rapids. Maybe see http://www.mapquest.com for that. ', 'Do the trains and buses have Wifi?' 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. Alternatively, Outdoorsy is an option if you prefer to rent an RV or campervan. From there youll make a left onto CO 291 S which will take you into Salida after eight miles. Utah. 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. An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. 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. It is home to Fort Lewis College. If high-alpine hikes arent your jazz, another great place to explore near Salida is Great Sand Dunes National Park. Just be sure to downshift on the downhill side. But. 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. 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. Monument to fallen snowplow drivers. 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. After passing the Antero Junction, Mount Princeton Hot Springs is a short detour west down Chalk Creek Drive from Nathrop and Browns Canyon National Monument just as your drive has started to meet with the Arkansas River. Theres also an observation site for the renowned Treasure Falls thats located just south of the pass. Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2rio's travel planner. 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. 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. 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. Semi trucks stuck on I-25. From Tiny Town, the next few stops between Conifer and Buena Vista also tend to be good ones for travelers and looking to take their time, relax, and settle into vacation mode while on the way out of the Denver bubble. Airfares from $109 One Way, $219 Round Trip from Denver to Durango. 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. 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. I drive the 285>160 route almost weekly for the last few months. It takes approximately 12h 2m to get from Denver to Durango, including transfers. We are travelling with 3 children from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Thank you for your advise. 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 you are traveling to Durango by bus, prepare for a long ride of at least 12 hours. Driving from Denver to Durango? - Colorado Forum - Tripadvisor What about Mine Tours and Mining Museums? Theres not many other places where you can hike through desert-like dunes with snow-capped mountain peaks as your backdrop.

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