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. Travel along this high alpine road is strongly discouraged amid snow, freezing temperatures, and blowing snow. If you drive that route without stops it app.takes 6 hours. Dont let snowy roads put a damper on your adventure plans. 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 Is this a summer trip or a winter trip? This is a beautiful and quicker drive. Just across the valley from Penitente Canyon is the Great Sand Dunes National Park, one of Americas most fascinating natural phenomena. Driving to Durango from Denver is a beautiful, six and a half hour drive. 5.5 hours of driving without stops. Click here to browse other private rentals. Or, Highway 285 to 160 is more scenic and has mountains but is not scary. It is a 7 hour plus drive, not counting any stops. Finally, youll make a left onto CO-115 N for 30 miles into Colorado Springs. Outdoor seating areas are especially nice for sampling the beverages and entrees at either one. Its a lengthy stretch, but it also takes you through some of Colorados most spectacular wilderness areas, adventurous mountain towns, and exciting cities. Are you planning to drive from Denver to Durango? - to help you get the most out of your next trip. Well, thats it for this epic Colorado summer road trip. I'd judge the least "scary" of the three to be I-25/US160. See what its like to plow this dangerous road here. Click here to browse other private rentals. And good news for dog-lovers: pets are allowed on this trail but must be kept on a leash. For us, one of the most fun things a first-time visitor can do is catch a show at Red Rocks Amphitheatre. Editors Note: Never speed. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. Need we say more? Head out of Creede the way you came in along CO-149 S for 22 miles and then make a left onto US-160 E for 17 miles. The winter-weary Northeast and upper Midwest were digging out Saturday from heavy snowfall while cleanup began in battered parts of the South and Midwest after a sprawling storm system produced . You can also go to Colorado Springs and Canon City and Salida then 285 to 160. Cheyenne . briken - Denver to Durango is about 403 mi. Having seen and read descriptions of the Million Dollar Highway, I'd like to avoid the drive south between Ouray and Silverton. No trip to the area should skip it in my opinion. Semi trucks stuck on I-25. Take a tour from Durango and let someone else drive! * 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. Its actually closer to Albuquerque than Denver as its not far from the New Mexico border. Traffic jam westbound I-70 highway Photo Credit: milehightraveler (iStock). Am I allowed to travel from Denver to Durango? When you reach Del Norte, turn left onto CO-112 E for 13 miles until you reach US-285 N which youll follow for 64 miles. 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. Both Aspen Peak and Mad Jacks also offer delicious food options and events featuring live music acts, with Aspen Peaks Bluegrass and BBQ Night serving as a good example of a local favorite where guests are served food options like southern shrimp and grits and St. Louis-style ribs with mashed potatoes and sauted kale. The drive time from Ouray to Durango is approximately one hour and 45 minutes. Not much to recommend for food along the way. Start early in the day, bring plenty of water and snacks, and be sure to dress in layers. Greyhound is virtually the only bus company operating this route and ticket prices start at $63, although they can be as high as $140. 2:05 pm Pagosa Springs (Colorado) stay for about 1 hour. 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. 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. Photo Credit: Jerilee Bennett. Architectural structures left behind by the ancestral Puebloans include pit houses, great kivas, and great houses, according to the U.S. Forest Services website. Were Michael and Maggie, an Australian and American couple travelling the world. In fact, winter weather is often the blame for the majority of delays and crashes. Dont let the views distract you on Berthoud Pass. Durango is the county seat and the most populous municipality of La Plata County, Colorado, 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. The social distance requirement in Durango is 2 metres. 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. If youve never gone mountain biking before, then this is a perfect place to try it out. 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. Pricing is calculated from the Purgatory Transportation Terminal in Durango, Colorado, and is based on vehicle capacity and mileage as follows: 1-4 passengers $2.50 per mile; 5-10 passengers $3.00 per mile; 11-29 passengers $3.50 per mile. If you are headed to the mountains on the weekend, plan ahead for more traffic than usual. There is also breakfast included each morning. However, as the expression goes, its not the destination, its the journey. Check out our Durango Activities and Things to Do page for more information. Rome2rio is a door-to-door travel information and booking engine, helping you get to and from any location in the world. There is no direct connection from Denver to Durango. There was an error processing your request. It takes approximately 6h 33m to drive from Denver to Durango. All deals One way Roundtrip Tue, Mar 21 DEN Denver DRO Durango $195 One way just found 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. When visiting Colorado Springs, 100% the number one thing to do is check out the Garden of the Gods. Located 60 miles west of Denver, this incredible highway is the highest paved road in North America. This is the route Google Maps will give you. Then, make a right onto CO-149 N and follow that for 22 miles until you reach Creede. Toll Free: 800-567-6745, Colorados capital city has something for everyone: great food, impressive history, beautiful views, and plenty of adventure opportunities close by! Click here to browse other private rentals. When beginning your Denver to Durango road trip, you have two routes to choose from. Thai place in Poncha Springs and Lost Cajun in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? At just under four hours, the stretch from Creede to Colorado Springs is the longest drive of this trip. Drive from Denver to Durango 336.1 miles $60 - $90 Fly to Durango, shuttle 5h 22m Fly from Denver (DEN) to Durango (DRO) DEN - DRO Take a shuttle bus from Purgatory Plaza to Durango Transit Center $233 - $570 Fly to Telluride Regional, shuttle 6h 32m Fly from Denver (DEN) to Telluride Regional (TEX) DEN - TEX 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. If you're looking to just get there as quickly as possible, it's much better to fly. From hiking to climbing to jeep and segway tours, theres a whole heaping lot to do at this picture-perfect place. For another great SW road trip, check out our Ultimate Colorado and Utah Road Trip Itinerary. Of the collegiate peaks, Mount Princeton is designated as one of the easiest to climb. How long will the journey be and what is the fastest route? 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. Colorado, United States. Along this route youll be graced with beautiful views of the town as well as encounter a few sizable waterfalls that make for perfect Instagram backdrops. Should probably count on 7 - 7.5 hrs - not easy to make really good time in the mountains. As you reach the classic mountain town of Salida and the nearby area, the Arkansas River is the main artery for a lot of watersports recreation, from fly fishing and whitewater rafting to kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP). Click here to see their availability, Siesta Motel If youre looking for some more budget-friendly accommodation options, then this motel is a geat choice. The Map Start: Denver to Manitou Springs/Colorado Springs While I-25. If natural disasters happen to occur, travelers are often rerouted between Ridgway and Durango over Lizard Head Pass a much longer route. 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. 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. 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. 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. Click here to see their availability. 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. 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! You'll be basically traveling in an L-shape on the two long sides of a triangle, instead of driving on the diagonal. Driving Distance: 941 miles. It serves as one of the main routes to Colorado's ski country including Vail, Aspen, Winter Park, Keystone, and Breckenridge. The steep, winding switchbacks can make your stomach turn on this high mountain pass, reaching an elevation of 11,307 feet. 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. To get to Salida from Denver will be 2.5-hour drive. 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 . The round trip cost would be $106.55 to go from Denver, CO to Durango, CO and back to Denver, CO again. Do you think it is faster going the other route or should I rather take the old route because I drive thru the night? 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. 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. ', 'How much should I expect to pay? 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. Durango is in southwest Colorado. The best way to get from Denver to Denver Airport is to train which takes 37 min and costs 4,100-14,000. Utah. Private Vacation Rental There are a number of great properties to choose from in Salida such as this beautiful secluded log cabin if youre looking for a peaceful getaway. updated Jul 14, 2022 How long is the drive from Denver to Durango? How long is the drive from Denver to Durango? A $15 Gratuity is included in all pricing above. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in India. Were passionate about getting off the beaten path, promoting responsible tourism, supporting local economies and sharing our knowledge with other travellers! For instance, this beautiful treehouse home with a hot tub is a great choice. 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. It is located between I-70 and Keystone, offering an alternative route to I-70 and the Eisenhower Tunnel. The shorter one (US285 south and US160 west), more scenic, has more mountains. Lots of good food in Durango. This 235 mile loop takes you through old mining towns, spectacular scenery, and exhilarating twists & turns. 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. It's said to be one of the most dangerous roads in Colorado. This trail is close to town and extends to a decent length of 4.3 total miles long. Durango is the county seat and the most populous municipality of La Plata County, Colorado, United States. 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. Informacin detallada del sitio web y la empresa: caudesucre.com Cau de sucre - blog de repostera creativa, recetas dulces y mucha fotografa! If concerts and shows arent your scene, no problem! Make sure you check road conditions to double check the weather. 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. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. 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. No problem finding gas and basic supplies, just not much "good" food or coffee. No problem finding gas and basic supplies, just not much "good" food or coffee. Not much to recommend for food along the way. 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. Thank you :) I assume you understand that any route you take will be. Im traveling with a friend who has limited mobility. 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. Airfares from $109 One Way, $219 Round Trip from Denver to Durango. To get to Salida from Denver will be 2.5-hour drive. (easiest one, no scary mountain driving haha), and if you can suggest good places to stop and eat? Not quite what youre looking for? I drive the 285>160 route almost weekly for the last few months. Aetna is Monarch Mountain Resort. A third route (I-70 west, CO91 south, US24 south, US285 south, US160 west; this is through Leadville) is yet more scenic, partly because of its high mountain sections. Hi Diane, The drive from Denver to Aspen takes about 4 hours (if there isn't a lot of traffic). BTW also Mapquest gives the route Casa said but mentioned 5 hours. If youre planning an escape to Durango in southwestern Colorado, a road trip will lead you through some historic miningtowns, scenic overlooks worthy of a stop, and unique hot springs that youll definitely be able to smell as you make your approach. Issue is that I (the mom, who is not going to be the driver) am fairly averse to heights. 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. You might think about adding handicap information for some of the stops. 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. 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. This incredible amphitheatre is built right into the front range mountains, making for one of the most beautiful venues in the country. 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. Its a stop with good lodging options and plenty of services, and there are also two great options for wine and beer tasting, respectively, in Aspen Peak Cellars and Mad Jacks Mountain Brewery. Tue, Jul 25. If youre looking for an all-in-one Colorado destination, Durangos definitely the place to be. Powerhouse Science Center, formerly the The Durango Discovery Museum, is an interactive science center located in Durango, Colorado. In Del Norte, turn right onto US Hwy 160 W. Follow US Hwy 160 W for 118 miles. Rome2rio also offers online bookings for selected operators, making reservations easy and straightforward. The United States Census Bureau reported a population of 16,887 in the 2010 census. Plus, Durangos wild west and mining history give it such a distinguished and quirky character. If you need to rent a car for this trip, you can check out Rentalcars.com which aggregates deals across suppliers. Good coffee is also scarce along that route until you get to Durango. Yep, its that simple. The journey from Crested Butte to Ouray will take approximately 2.5 hours. 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. Talk about a flexible experience! 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. Heading back to Denver takes one last straight-shot drive of one hour and 20 minutes along I-25 N. Just 70 miles along that highway and youll be back in the city at journeys end! Either way there is only one high pass to cross (Wolf Creek, mentioned above), and I wouldn't call it scary. Error! 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. Camping, backpacking, and hiking opportunities abound in this area once the snow melts in the summertime. 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.