least scary drive from denver to durango

Have fun, please forgive us our little OT chat. What is the national COVID-19 helpline number in Durango? There was an error processing your request. Issue is that I (the mom, who is not going to be the driver) am fairly averse to heights. 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. Red Mountain Pass. Additional terms apply. 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. 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. 'A little scary': Iditarod begins with smallest field ever . The United States Census Bureau reported a population of 16,887 in the 2010 census. The Million Dollar Highway is just a small portion of the 236-mile San Juan Skyway, itself a section of U.S. Highway 550, which runs 305 miles from Bernalillo, New Mexico, to Montrose, Colorado . Driving from Denver to Durango? - Colorado Forum - Tripadvisor The train route links Silverton and Durango, and you can even book a seat in a private car. Error! Good coffee is also scarce along that route until you get to Durango. 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! Having seen and read descriptions of the Million Dollar Highway, I'd like to avoid the drive south between Ouray and Silverton. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Canada. The railway is a federally designated National Historic Landmark and is also designated by the American Society of Civil Engineers as a Historic Civil Engineering Landmark. I'd judge the least "scary" of the three to be I-25/US160. 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. 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. Your trip begins in Denver, Colorado. Can you tell me about guest ranch vacations in Colorado? Before heading out, visit cotrip.org for the latest road conditions and closures. Those with a lot of time on their hands can hike or bike to the summit, which makes for a rewarding journey. Maybe see http://www.mapquest.com for that. Denver to Pagosa Springs - Durango Forum - Tripadvisor Just assume that youll need your camera for just about every spot from here on out. ', 'How much should I expect to pay? 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. 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. Research, browse, save, and share from 162 Dodge models in Berthoud, CO. 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. Brittany is an award-winning journalist based in Denver where she has lived and worked for more than a decade. Not quite what youre looking for? These are both safe routes. Avalanches often trigger temporary closures, leaving portions of the road buried under several feet of snow. Total Distance: 1,098 miles *Time and distance may vary depending on traffic, change in routes, stops along the way, etc. This 235 mile loop takes you through old mining towns, spectacular scenery, and exhilarating twists & turns. Now I am thinking of taking another route. 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 If youve never gone mountain biking before, then this is a perfect place to try it out. For a more complete guide on the hike, check out this Out There Colorado article. 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. 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. There will be some mountain driving whichever route you take, but there's no need to be scared. 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. Silverton is an old mining town nestled between Red Mountain and Molas, two San Juan Mountain passes. You can also fly from Denver to Durango, if all this seems to be too much. Taking I-25 adds something like 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic, and will take you past the flatter, more populated areas of Colorado Springs and Pueblo. Casa's route is good. 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. Airfares from $109 One Way, $219 Round Trip from Denver to Durango. 4WD and AWD vehicles must have snow tires or all-weather tires with 3/16 inch tread depth. 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. Her work has appeared in Travel + Leisure, USA Today, Michelin Guides, Hemispheres, DuJour, and Forbes. The road distance is 537.8 km. Another great activity to do near Denver is driving the Mount Evans Scenic Byway. How long is the drive from Colorado Springs to Durango?. Stops and things to do on Colorado Springs to Durango drive - Wanderlog 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. The total cost of driving from Denver, CO to Durango, CO (one-way) is $53.28 at current gas prices. Denver to Vail, Colorado -- the Slow Way | HuffPost Contributor That's because Mapquest knows you drive fast Tet, lol!!! 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. For a more complete guide on the hike, check out this, If high-alpine hikes arent your jazz, another great place to explore near Salida is, Crested Butte is hands-down one of the coolest places to check out in Colorado. 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. Semi trucks stuck on I-25. Make sure to keep a safe following distance between your car and one in front of you. No matter the route you choose, you wont be disappointed with this breathtaking destination. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. The best way to get from Denver to Denver Airport is to train which takes 37 min and costs 4,100-14,000. Is it compulsory to practice social distancing in Durango? 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. 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. 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. Its also important to watch out for mandatory chain and traction laws on I-70, especially during the winter months. From: 1 traveler 2 travelers 3 travelers 4 travelers 5 travelers 6 travelers. An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. You can also go to Colorado Springs and Canon City and Salida then 285 to 160. It's said to be one of the most dangerous roads in Colorado. Finally, youll make a left onto CO-115 N for 30 miles into Colorado Springs. 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 . 10 Best Stops on a Denver to Moab Road Trip. This is the route Google Maps will give you. Commentdocument.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a6e6fde05a476155cc84d0616c8a9c0f" );document.getElementById("b934630cd5").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Hi! As far as rafting day trips go, it doesnt get much easier or more fun than this! Signup today for free and be the first to get notified on new updates. 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. Having a wonderful time here. Thai place in Poncha Springs and Lost Cajun in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? How long is the drive from Denver to Durango? So yeah, have your camera charged and ready for this spot too. 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. 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. Driving from Denver to Durango? - Colorado Forum - Tripadvisor Traveling with a dog or cat? The bus leaves Denver at 6:45 a.m. and arrives in Durango at 7:10 p.m. What can I see on a Denver to Durango road trip. Thank you for your advise. Of the collegiate peaks, Mount Princeton is designated as one of the easiest to climb. This is one town that has definitely earned its nickname as its surrounded by more than a dozen fourteeners. 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. *Note: At time of writing (May 17th, 2021) there is a road closure along US-50 W between Sapinero and Montrose that is expected to last until Spring of 2022. The longer one (I-25 south, US160 west) involves faster driving and more traffic. Michael Rosebrock / Shutterstock 7. 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. Thats not too surprising we suppose as Coloradans tend to ski just about anything. 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. Thank you :) Where is Durango? A great trail option for beginners, especially if youre around during wildflower season, is. 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. Durango is in southwest Colorado. Getting there is through beautiful, mountainous country, but mountainous roads and I believe some white. 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. 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. It's a fairly long drive from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? By Jeremy P. Meyer | jpmeyer@denverpost.com | The Denver Post. In addition to Pagosas famous hot springs, theres also whitewater rafting along the Piedra River, great hiking and biking trails, and more fascinating ruins to check out at Chimney Rock National Monument. My friends and I are coming from Europe to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Not much to recommend for food along the way. 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 drive for about 1 hour. The highway is also notorious for serious semi-accidents and spin-outs due to its steep curvy descent. For another great SW road trip, check out our Ultimate Colorado and Utah Road Trip Itinerary. Cost of Driving from Denver, CO to Durango, CO - Travelmath The cheapest way to get from Denver to Durango is to drive which costs 75,000-120,000 and takes 6h 33m. 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. Durango High School, also known as the Durango 9-R Administration Building, is a former school in Durango, Colorado. Another route, is to take US285 sw from Denver toward Buena Vista and then south to Great Sand Dunes. 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. Monument to fallen snowplow drivers. Theres so much we could say about things to do in Durango. All three cross Wolf Creek Pass on US160, which is truly scary only if your brakes fail on the way down. 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. Drop-dead gorgeous and nestled into the heart of the San Juan mountains, visiting Ouray 100% feels like youre being transported to Switzerland. Services like gas stations and restaurants are in good supply at Salida, Saguache, and other areas along the way. Denver to Durango in a day. - RoadTrip America Driving Time from Denver, CO to Durango, CO - Travelmath Just be sure to downshift on the downhill side. Pass in SW CO? A Mapped Guide to the Ultimate Colorado Road Trip: Part II Yes, the driving distance between Denver to Durango is 538 km.
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