least scary drive from denver to durango

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. For us, one of the most fun things a first-time visitor can do is catch a show at, If concerts and shows arent your scene, no problem! The train route links Silverton and Durango, and you can even book a seat in a private car. However, you can also drive up the scenic road yourself, join a guided bus tour, or even take a train to the top! Utah. The social distance requirement in Durango is 2 metres. As the name would suggest, this steep 3-mile hike takes you up to a gorgeous viewpoint overlooking the town and valley beyond. Traffic on I-70. A Google mapping exercise will offer you two routes, one about a half-hour longer than the other. Thai place in Poncha Springs and Lost Cajun in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? If he could teleport to anywhere on the planet, it would be the mountains of Patagonia in Chile. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. See what its like to plow this dangerous road here. 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. Durango to Denver drive driving / 2 days / no pets / no RV Durango to Denver road trip planner Here's a sample itinerary for a drive from Durango to Denver. It is a 7 hour plus drive, not counting any stops. 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. Which route is the best? Be sure to enjoy the small towns along the way and explore the rural side of Colorado too! The shorter one (US285 south and US160 west), more scenic, has more mountains. Well, thats it for this epic Colorado summer road trip. To get to Salida from Denver will be 2.5-hour drive. 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. For us, one of the most fun things a first-time visitor can do is catch a show at Red Rocks Amphitheatre. Independence Pass, Trail Ridge Road, Mount Evans Scenic Byway, and Kebler Pass all close annually for the winter season in Colorado. Durango High School, also known as the Durango 9-R Administration Building, is a former school in Durango, Colorado. 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 . 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. Maybe see http://www.mapquest.com for that. Thank you so much for all the wonderful information. In Del Norte, turn right onto US Hwy 160 W. Follow US Hwy 160 W for 118 miles. Is it compulsory to practice social distancing in Durango? These springs are perfect for an evening soak when the day starts to cool and you want to settle down to reflect on the days adventure accomplishments. As always, travel safe and enjoy the views! Takes you to nearly every major mountain zone in the state and the deepest canyons, highest passes, steepest mountains, and coolest towns. Once you arrive at your destination, Durango is an activity-rich railroad town with a history dating back to the post-Gold Rush era of the late 1800s. The 160 to 285 would be the fastest. Are you planning to drive from Denver to Durango? If you're planning a road trip to Denver, you can research locations to stop along the way. Takes 6hrs plus stops and is both easy and scenic. The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad (D&SNG) is a narrow-gauge heritage railroad that operates 45.2mi of track between Durango and Silverton, in the U.S. state of Colorado. He lives in Colorado and also works as a fly fishing guide and instructor when not editing or writing. Lots of good food in Durango. (easiest one, no scary mountain driving haha), and if you can suggest good places to stop and eat? This is the route Google Maps will give you. To get to Salida from Denver will be 2.5-hour drive. Well, youve come to the right place. High season is considered to be October, November and December. If playing it safe during times of the year with bad weather is your goal, it might make sense to take the longer route down I-25 and on to US 160 at Walsenburg. Instead, I'm proposing driving from Montrose to Cortez, with a stop in Telluride on the way. This is a beautiful and quicker drive. From Sand Dunes, head west on US160 over Wolf Creek Pass to Pagosa. Of course, theres an endless list of things to do and places to see in and around Denver. Alpine travel often gets a little sketchy along Loveland Pass, an 8.7-mile road that soars high into the mountains at nearly 12,000 feet. Top Reasons To Take A Jeep Tour In SW Colorado. Driving to Durango from Denver is a beautiful, six and a half hour drive. You can also fly from Denver to Durango, if all this seems to be too much. There will be some mountain driving whichever route you take, but there's no need to be scared. For more information, see our privacy policy. The drive time from Durango to Creede takes just under 2.5 hours. Travel in the winter months can be nerve-wracking along Red Mountain Pass. Prices and availability are subject to change. We love our home state, and we have more than a few top tips for things to do during your visit. The drive from Salida to Crested Butte takes approximately one hour and 45 minutes. Error! 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. What about the altitude/Altitude sickness? Have fun, please forgive us our little OT chat. This is one town that has definitely earned its nickname as its surrounded by more than a dozen fourteeners. Not quite what youre looking for? ', 'Should I book online before I travel? So, stop by if you can. According to a recent study, the average Denver commuter spends 83 hours per year stuck in traffic. What about Mine Tours and Mining Museums? 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 . Find all the transport options for your trip from Denver to Durango right here. Thank you :) Durango is in southwest Colorado. Click here to see their availability. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission at no extra cost to you. (easiest one, no scary mountain driving haha), and if you can suggest good places to stop and eat? Ancient home of the Ancestral Puebloans, Mesa Verde hosts some of the most impressive and best-preserved Native American ruins in the United States. A great trail option for beginners, especially if youre around during wildflower season, is. Its also important to watch out for mandatory chain and traction laws on I-70, especially during the winter months. One absolute must-do activity is hiking the Ouray Perimeter Trail. A great trail option for beginners, especially if youre around during wildflower season, is Brush Creek. As of July 23, Colorado has. 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. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. From there you'll make a left onto CO 291 S which will take you into Salida after eight miles. 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. Theres also an observation site for the renowned Treasure Falls thats located just south of the pass. Looking for the ultimate Colorado summer road trip experience? 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! 5.5 hours of driving without stops. 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 . 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. Informacin detallada del sitio web y la empresa: caudesucre.com Cau de sucre - blog de repostera creativa, recetas dulces y mucha fotografa! Regular fuel costs are around $3.96 per gallon for your trip. While the route offers a fast connection to Winter Park from Denver, avalanches and snowslides often make winter travel on this route extremely difficult. Success! 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. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and the Colorado State Register of Historic Properties. Photo Credit: milehightraveler (iStock). This 235 mile loop takes you through old mining towns, spectacular scenery, and exhilarating twists & turns. The shorter one (US285 south and US160 west), more scenic, has more mountains. Duncan is a writer for The World Was Here First. The reason why it's so long is because there is no direct bus service between the two cities. 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. 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. And as this road trip tends to take only about six to six and a half hours, its easy to pull off in a single day with plenty of time for some stops near the highway. 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. Among the marquee attractions near Salida is Browns Canyon, which was also designated a National Monument recently in 2015. Click here to browse other private rentals. Click here to browse more Durango hotels! Although its a small mountain town, its bursting at the seams with history, scenery, and adventure opportunities. A $15 Gratuity is included in all pricing above. Each flight takes about an hour, so this is definitely the fastest way to get from Denver to Durango. For first-time visitors we recommend either taking a guided nature walk to learn about the areas history and geology, or just taking to the trails on your own to explore at your own pace. 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. Services like gas stations and restaurants are in good supply at Salida, Saguache, and other areas along the way. You can also fly from Denver to Durango, if all this seems to be too much. You might think about adding handicap information for some of the stops. And good news for dog-lovers: pets are allowed on this trail but must be kept on a leash. Exceptions may apply, for full details: Centers for Disease control and prevention (CDC). I-70 has some gorgeous spots and does top out at about 11,000 ft when you pass through the tunnels near Loveland Pass. Well start our engines in Colorados capital city of Denver! Ice and snow-caked roads, highways, and mountain passes make for dangerous and hazardous driving conditions across the state. 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. Tours and campgrounds are also available, and popular activities include sledding down the dunes (a time-honored favorite), four-wheel tours, and horseback riding. The cheapest way to get from Denver to Durango is to drive which costs 75,000-120,000 and takes 6h 33m. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Canada. 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. No problem finding gas and basic supplies, just not much "good" food or coffee. While skiers and riders will often go to great lengths to get to the mountains on a powder day, its important to drive carefully along this steep and winding alpine road. Just assume that youll need your camera for just about every spot from here on out. The quickest way to get from Denver to Durango is to fly and shuttle which costs 300,000-800,000 and takes 5h 24m. document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 50 Animas View Dr. High average elevation of 10,000 feet and a few passes over 12,000 feet. Planning other road trips from Denver? If youre traveling on slippery or snowy roads, use caution, slow down, and please, take it easy on the brakes. How long will the journey be and what is the fastest route? No matter the route you choose, you wont be disappointed with this breathtaking destination. - Wikipedia. I took the highway and then 160 to get to Pagosa and it lasted 7 hours. I took a GPS with me to attach in the rental car. Plus, Durangos wild west and mining history give it such a distinguished and quirky character. 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. Yes, the driving distance between Denver to Durango is 538 km. The museum opened on February 23, 2011 in what was once a power plant. If not, the area works just fine as a pretty place to drive through. I'd judge the least "scary" of the three to be I-25/US160. Take a tour from Durango and let someone else drive! Alternatively, Outdoorsy is an option if you prefer to rent an RV or campervan. Youll have views for miles around and Aspen Sunflowers covering entire hillsides, making for PERFECT photo ops. If high-alpine hikes arent your jazz, another great place to explore near Salida is Great Sand Dunes National Park. Dont let the views distract you on Berthoud Pass. Well-located in central Durango, they have a range of rooms available to suit all kinds of visitors even allow pets if youre traveling with a four-legged friend! It is located between I-70 and Keystone, offering an alternative route to I-70 and the Eisenhower Tunnel. 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. I will try to go the route thru the Great Sand Dunes. Lodging for 2 nights in Estes park in mid May, Where to stay near Union Station if using Red Rocks shuttle. This is a great introduction to Colorados famous fourteeners and provides extraordinary views thatll redefine what you classify as a scenic byway.. 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. Brittany is an award-winning journalist based in Denver where she has lived and worked for more than a decade. 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. You'll be basically traveling in an L-shape on the two long sides of a triangle, instead of driving on the diagonal. Am I allowed to travel from Denver to Durango? 5.5 hours of driving without stops. Not much to recommend for food along the way. 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. 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. It's said to be one of the most dangerous roads in Colorado. The direct drive from Denver to Durango is 382 mi (614 km), and should have a drive time of 7 hrs 21 mins in normal traffic. Denver airport - 407 miles - about 7 hours drive depending on weather conditions Albuquerque airport - 244 miles - about 4:10 hours depending on weather conditions There are Greyhound buses that travel between the city of Albuquerque and Durango, but once again self-drive will be the easiest way to get there. Back in Durango, drive east on U.S. 160; get your camera ready for breathtaking views of the snow-flecked La Plata Mountain Range. Photo Credit: Jerilee Bennett. Cars are unable to make it up the pass during winter weather on a regular basis. and Great Sand. 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. The shorter one (US285 south and US160 west), more scenic, has more mountains. (easiest one, no scary mountain driving haha), and if you can suggest good places to stop and eat? What are the roads like, and what do I need to know about driving in Colorado? The road distance is 537.8 km. 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. Perhaps most amazing about this historic site is that the rock pinnacles for which Chimney Rock gets its name frame multiple astronomical alignment points. Grand Junction To Dinosaur There is no direct connection from Denver to Durango. Then, head toward Ignacio on CO Hwy. The shortest way is to take Route 285 through to Route 160, which will take you past Buena Vista. Instead of following US-50 W all the way to Montrose, take a right onto CO-92 W for approximately 70 miles until you reach Delta. Which route is the best? I drive the 285>160 route almost weekly for the last few months. 4. level 2. 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. Were Michael and Maggie, an Australian and American couple travelling the world. 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. 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). The longer one (I-25 south, US160 west) involves faster driving and more traffic. Apart from being the Wildflower Capital of Colorado, Crested Butte is where mountain biking got its start in Colorado. A direct flight will only take about an hour in the air, which will save you a lot of time. Make sure to keep a safe following distance between your car and one in front of you. We know what youre thinking: sand dunes in Colorado? It takes approximately 12h 2m to get from Denver to Durango, including transfers. 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. This is a beautiful and quicker drive. Travel along this high alpine road is strongly discouraged amid snow, freezing temperatures, and blowing snow. Turn right on CO State Hwy 112 W for 13 miles until you reach Del Norte. But I need to leave here at midnight. Its important to note that dates and closures vary, depending on the weather and road conditions. Another possible stop near Salida located in the shadow of Mt. Jan 31, 2006. Red Mountain Pass. No problem finding gas and basic supplies, just not much "good" food or coffee. 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. There is also breakfast included each morning. Check out our Denver to Aspen drive & Denver to Moab road trip articles! 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.

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