Photo Credit: Matt Gross Things To Do 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. We know what youre thinking: sand dunes in Colorado? The steep, winding switchbacks can make your stomach turn on this high mountain pass, reaching an elevation of 11,307 feet. 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. See what its like to plow this dangerous road here. Click here to browse other private rentals. Theres not many other places where you can hike through desert-like dunes with snow-capped mountain peaks as your backdrop. 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. I'd judge the least "scary" of the three to be I-25/US160. 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. 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. Let us know in the comments! Sand Dunes are great fun. If you are headed to the mountains on the weekend, plan ahead for more traffic than usual. Theres so much we could say about things to do in Durango. If you're planning a road trip to Denver, you can research locations to stop along the way. Informacin detallada del sitio web y la empresa: jaramarzulli.com, +911647681164, +911647244548, +911646228156, +911646126349, +911645988738 Jara Marzulli | La poetica di un'artista I will try to go the route thru the Great Sand Dunes. 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. Breckenridge, Vail, Steamboat, or Estes Park for summer? Denver to Pagosa Springs - Durango Forum - Tripadvisor For us, one of the most fun things a first-time visitor can do is catch a show at Red Rocks Amphitheatre. 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. Durango is the county seat and the most populous municipality of La Plata County, Colorado, United States. Not much to recommend for food along the way. The train route links Silverton and Durango, and you can even book a seat in a private car. The cheapest way to get from Denver to Durango is to drive which costs 75,000-120,000 and takes 6h 33m. In Del Norte, turn right onto US Hwy 160 W. Follow US Hwy 160 W for 118 miles. Roads surrounding the Denver metro area are often a mess, especially when you add snow and ice to the mix. Click here to browse more Durango hotels! 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. How to Get from Denver to Durango - TripSavvy 4WD and AWD vehicles must have snow tires or all-weather tires with 3/16 inch tread depth. Stops and things to do on Denver to Durango drive or road trip - Wanderlog That said, if you do hike Mount Princeston, still come prepared for a long days hike as well as a little rock scrambling. Thank you :) Make sure you check road conditions to double check the weather. 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. We extended it to a full loop: Boulder Canyon Drive up to Nederland, Highway 72 from Nederland to Highway 7 just south of Rocky Mountain National Park, Highway 7 back over to Highway 36, and then back down to Boulder. Ice and snow-caked roads, highways, and mountain passes make for dangerous and hazardous driving conditions across the state. Located 60 miles west of Denver, this incredible highway is the highest paved road in North America. Some of the road trip highlights include stops in Frisco, Ouray, Buena Vista, or Pagosa Hot Springs, each of which offers plenty of outdoor adventure. 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. A great trail option for beginners, especially if youre around during wildflower season, is. Instead, you will have to first take the bus from Denver to Grand Junction, Colorado and then hop on a second bus heading to Durango. How long is the drive from Colorado Springs to Durango?. What is the national COVID-19 helpline number in Durango? It serves as one of the main routes to Colorado's ski country including Vail, Aspen, Winter Park, Keystone, and Breckenridge. You can also fly from Denver to Durango, if all this seems to be too much. Colorado wildfires: Several fires explode across Front Range Aetna is Monarch Mountain Resort. If youve never gone mountain biking before, then this is a perfect place to try it out. (easiest one, no scary mountain driving haha), and if you can suggest good places to stop and eat? Check out our Denver to Aspen drive & Denver to Moab road trip articles! Were passionate about getting off the beaten path, promoting responsible tourism, supporting local economies and sharing our knowledge with other travellers! (easiest one, no scary mountain driving haha), and if you can suggest good places to stop and eat? $242 Cheap Flights from Denver (DEN) to Durango (DGO) - Expedia Hiking, mountain biking, climbing, rafting, and off-roading are all staple activities here in our hometown. I-25 is a major interstate highway that travels north and south, serving as the main connection from Denver to Colorado Springs. Hi Diane, The drive from Denver to Aspen takes about 4 hours (if there isn't a lot of traffic). It features a challenging switchback turn -on the west side- with a 200-foot drop off on the other side of the curve. 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 . Driving from Denver to Durango? - Colorado Forum - Tripadvisor The cheapest flight from Denver to Durango was found 29 days before departure, on average. After hiking the perimeter trail, take a load off and relax in Ourays Hot Springs. Is this a summer trip or a winter trip? Prices start at 117,500 per night. Just be sure to downshift on the downhill side. This calculation assumes that your vehicle gets an average gas mileage of 25 mpg . Casa's route is good. Issue is that I (the mom, who is not going to be the driver) am fairly averse to heights. 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. Back in Durango, drive east on U.S. 160; get your camera ready for breathtaking views of the snow-flecked La Plata Mountain Range. News, travel inspiration, podcasts, & more. Its also noted as the highest road in the country thats kept open on a year-round basis. 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. You have permission to edit this article. Click here to browse more Salida hotels! Again. 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. 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. Colorado, United States. Grand Junction To Dinosaur Rome2rio also offers online bookings for selected operators, making reservations easy and straightforward. Lots of good food in Durango. (easiest one, no scary mountain driving haha), and if you can suggest good places to stop and eat? Stops and things to do on Colorado Springs to Durango drive - Wanderlog 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 (easiest one, no scary mountain driving haha), and if you can suggest good places to stop and eat? You can also rent ATVs and off-road vehicles in town if you prefer to not take your own car. The drive from Denver, Colorado, to Las Vegas, Nevada, is a drive of epic proportions. It may be a bit random and unexpected, but thats what makes Great Sand Dunes National Park so awesome! 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 . Just assume that youll need your camera for just about every spot from here on out. 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. 2:05 pm Pagosa Springs (Colorado) stay for about 1 hour. Traveling with a dog or cat? 4:17 pm arrive in Durango. Tue, Jul 25. Afternoons can be hot and windy though. 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. Good coffee is also scarce along that route until you get to Durango. 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. Lodging for 2 nights in Estes park in mid May, Where to stay near Union Station if using Red Rocks shuttle. You have two route options, both of which take you through amazing scenery and worthwhile stops. One absolute must-do activity is hiking the Ouray Perimeter Trail. Getting to Purgatory Resort Colorado | Shuttles - Powderhounds If youre traveling on slippery or snowy roads, use caution, slow down, and please, take it easy on the brakes. ), we woke up early and hit the road for what was a 2-hour drive to Grand Junction. Colorado Road Trip - Denver, Mesa Verde, Durango and more A direct flight will only take about an hour in the air, which will save you a lot of time. We have done the drive (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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! Editors Note: Never speed. All Of Colorado's Most Dangerous Roads And Highways Lots of good food in Durango. Plus, your guide will provide insightful interpretations on each of the archaeological sites as well as the history of the Ancestral Pueblo people. Unless youre making this drive in the mid-summer months of June to August, its a good idea to travel with plenty of warm layers. Do I have to wear a face mask on public transport in Durango? Which route is the best? Thank you for your advise. 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). Having a wonderful time here. First, head Southwest on US Hwy 285 S, which youll stay on for about 130 miles. It is a 7 hour plus drive, not counting any stops. Services like gas stations and restaurants are in good supply at Salida, Saguache, and other areas along the way. Denver Area Road Trip There is also breakfast included each morning. But it didn/t work. I would say the "scariest" would be to take US160 over Wolf Creek pass - especially in winter.. 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. 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. 10 Best Stops on the Denver to Aspen Drive via Vail. The shorter one (US285 south and US160 west), more scenic, has more mountains. I will be making this trip next week and look forward to seeing all this. When beginning your Denver to Durango road trip, you have two routes to choose from. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and the Colorado State Register of Historic Properties. It is home to Fort Lewis College. 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. 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. 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. Heavy snow slams Northeast; storm cleanup begins in South The San Juan Skyway & Million Dollar Highway | Visit Durango, CO Denver to Vail, Colorado -- the Slow Way | HuffPost Contributor 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. There will be some mountain driving whichever route you take, but there's no need to be scared. Its actually closer to Albuquerque than Denver as its not far from the New Mexico border. The highway is also notorious for serious semi-accidents and spin-outs due to its steep curvy descent. That said, if you do hike Mount Princeston, still come prepared for a long days hike as well as a little rock scrambling. If youre hiking with children or just dont enjoy exposure to steep drop-offs, then its recommended to do the out-at-back version. 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.

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