least scary drive from denver to durango

Need we say more? The 8 Most Scenic Drives In Colorado - TravelAwaits There are 115+ hotels available in Durango. No problem finding gas and basic supplies, just not much "good" food or coffee. The canyon walls are so steep that at least some of the canyon is always engulfed in shadow during the day, which is how the Black Canyon got its name. Cars are unable to make it up the pass during winter weather on a regular basis. Your trip begins in Denver, Colorado. 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. 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. If you need to rent a car for this trip, you can check out Rentalcars.com which aggregates deals across suppliers. I took the highway and then 160 to get to Pagosa and it lasted 7 hours. Error! 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 . Photo Credit: Christian Murdock; The Gazette. 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. He lives in Colorado and also works as a fly fishing guide and instructor when not editing or writing. For us, one of the most fun things a first-time visitor can do is catch a show at Red Rocks Amphitheatre. Yes, the driving distance between Denver to Durango is 538 km. 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. 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. Driving Time from Denver, CO to Durango, CO - Travelmath 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. 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. 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. - Wikipedia. It is a 7 hour plus drive, not counting any stops. Durango is in southwest Colorado. Cheap Flights from Denver Intl. 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. 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. A great trail option for beginners, especially if youre around during wildflower season, is. 4WD and AWD vehicles must have snow tires or all-weather tires with 3/16 inch tread depth. I will be making this trip next week and look forward to seeing all this. A direct flight will only take about an hour in the air, which will save you a lot of time. Semi trucks stuck on I-25. 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. (easiest one, no scary mountain driving haha), and if you can suggest good places to stop and eat? Portions of I-70 often close due to severe weather conditions. 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. This trail is close to town and extends to a decent length of 4.3 total miles long. The distance between Denver and Durango is 372 km. Which route is the best? Although its fine to just drive through this small town, if you have an extra day or two on your trip, we recommend spending it in Pagosa Springs. A Google mapping exercise will offer you two routes, one about a half-hour longer than the other. You know what? All three cross Wolf Creek Pass on US160, which is truly scary only if your brakes fail on the way down. 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 . 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. 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. From there youll make a left onto CO 291 S which will take you into Salida after eight miles. 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. It's a fairly long drive from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Camping, backpacking, and hiking opportunities abound in this area once the snow melts in the summertime. $109 Cheap Flights from Denver to Durango - Orbitz Click here to browse other private rentals. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Canada. 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. It features a challenging switchback turn -on the west side- with a 200-foot drop off on the other side of the curve. I took a GPS with me to attach in the rental car. If natural disasters happen to occur, travelers are often rerouted between Ridgway and Durango over Lizard Head Pass a much longer route. Most crashes on the pass occur at the switchback curve near the Wolf Creek scenic outlook area. Driving from Denver to Durango? - Colorado Forum - Tripadvisor It is located between I-70 and Keystone, offering an alternative route to I-70 and the Eisenhower Tunnel. 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! Cheap Flights from Denver to Durango from $195 | (DEN - Kayak 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! Where Are Colorado's Dangerous Roads? Take A Look At These Maps Its also helpful to pack warm layers, snacks, water, and a flash flight for unexpected delays and emergencies. If you are traveling to Durango by bus, prepare for a long ride of at least 12 hours. Takes you to nearly every major mountain zone in the state and the deepest canyons, highest passes, steepest mountains, and coolest towns. *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. Informacin detallada del sitio web y la empresa: jaramarzulli.com, +911647681164, +911647244548, +911646228156, +911646126349, +911645988738 Jara Marzulli | La poetica di un'artista Top Reasons To Take A Jeep Tour In SW Colorado. It is centrally locate and has both private, ensuite rooms available along with hostel dorm beds. 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. Youll also get to take on thrilling class III rapids at Durangos exciting whitewater park. While the route offers a fast connection to Winter Park from Denver, avalanches and snowslides often make winter travel on this route extremely difficult. In Del Norte, turn right onto US Hwy 160 W. Follow US Hwy 160 W for 118 miles. Apart from being the Wildflower Capital of Colorado, Crested Butte is where mountain biking got its start in Colorado. Denver to Durango drive: which route? : Durango - reddit Success! Other points of interest include feeding the fish at the Wildlife Museum's fish hatchery, going kayaking on the Animas River, or stopping in at Animas Brewing Company to try the latest batch of beer. At just under four hours, the stretch from Creede to Colorado Springs is the longest drive of this trip. Not far from the New Mexico border, Durango is actually closer to Albuquerque than Denver, with 215 miles between them. From hiking to climbing to jeep and segway tours, theres a whole heaping lot to do at this picture-perfect place. Well, thats it for this epic Colorado summer road trip. Not much to recommend for food along the way. Not to mention, its known as one of the most treacherous roads in the state. From there, turn left onto US-50 E which will take you into Montrose where you can resume the normal route along US-550 S. This detour will add approximately 80 minutes to your drive time. Just be sure to downshift on the downhill side. Creedes title of The Last Boom Town comes from its legacy as a silver-mining town, which you can learn about in this PBS short documentary. Planning other road trips from Denver? 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. There was an error processing your request. Make sure you check road conditions to double check the weather. The shortest way is to take Route 285 through to Route 160, which will take you past Buena Vista. Its a lengthy stretch, but it also takes you through some of Colorados most spectacular wilderness areas, adventurous mountain towns, and exciting cities. Loveland Pass Summit in Winter. Denver to Moab - How to Enjoy an Epic Weekend Road Trip Recommended Road Trip Length: 7 days. However, if youre looking to check out something completely different but equally awesome in Colorado, you cant go wrong with a day trip to, Drop-dead gorgeous and nestled into the heart of the San Juan mountains, visiting Ouray 100% feels like youre being transported to Switzerland. drive for about 54 minutes. 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. The United States Census Bureau reported a population of 16,887 in the 2010 census. Adding to all the chaos, Colorado drivers arent exactly known for their set of skills out on the roads and youll find more of those drivers in the Denver metro area than anywhere else. 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. That said, if you do hike Mount Princeston, still come prepared for a long days hike as well as a little rock scrambling. Along the National Parks Loop, you'll also go through some other small towns worth exploring like Telluride, Durango, and Buena Vista. I assume you understand that any route you take will be. Yep, its that simple. 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. Colorados capital city has something for everyone: great food, impressive history, beautiful views, and plenty of adventure opportunities close by! From there, make a right onto US-50 E (passing back through Salida) and follow that for 70 miles until you reach Penrose. What can I see on a Denver to Durango road trip. Do you think it is faster going the other route or should I rather take the old route because I drive thru the night? Thai place in Poncha Springs and Lost Cajun in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? We tackled this whole itinerary in 3 nights but you would be better served to spend at least double that amount of time. Commentdocument.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a6e6fde05a476155cc84d0616c8a9c0f" );document.getElementById("b934630cd5").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Hi! Then, head toward Ignacio on CO Hwy. The drive time from Durango to Creede takes just under 2.5 hours. It is impossible to get from Denver to Durango -- at least in any reasonable way -- without some mountain driving. Drop-dead gorgeous and nestled into the heart of the San Juan mountains, visiting Ouray 100% feels like youre being transported to Switzerland. However, as the expression goes, its not the destination, its the journey. 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. The most straightforward choice for the least amount of time on the road is to simply take I-70 West out of Denver, which is the only main highway you need to follow on this drive until making an exit at Highway 9 just 10 to 15 minutes before you arrive at Breckenridge. Members who are extremely knowledgeable about this destination and answer travellers questions frequently. The route has an elevation gain of 9,000 ft and ascends through five climate zones to the 14,264-ft summit of Mount Evans. Prices and availability are subject to change. Click here to browse other private rentals. 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. For photographers, taking photos of the sunset from atop one of the dunes is an unforgettable experience. So here I am in Pagosa Springs. Architectural structures left behind by the ancestral Puebloans include pit houses, great kivas, and great houses, according to the U.S. Forest Services website. Hi Diane, The drive from Denver to Aspen takes about 4 hours (if there isn't a lot of traffic). 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. 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. 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. Make yourself known to an official member of staff and/or call the national coronavirus helpline number on 800-232-4636. You have two route options, both of which take you through amazing scenery and worthwhile stops. 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. Dont let the views distract you on Berthoud Pass. avoiding scary driving - Durango Forum - Tripadvisor Among the marquee attractions near Salida is Browns Canyon, which was also designated a National Monument recently in 2015. As always, travel safe and enjoy the views! 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. Be sure to enjoy the small towns along the way and explore the rural side of Colorado too! As with any hike or tour, just remember to bring plenty of water and some snacks along. 5.5 hours of driving without stops. Good coffee is also scarce along that route until you get to Durango. I drive the 285>160 route almost weekly for the last few months. According to a recent study, the average Denver commuter spends 83 hours per year stuck in traffic. If you must go out, make sure you are prepared for winter travel and your tires meet the minimal requirements for Colorados new traction law. What airport would I fly into to go to Englewood, Colorado? Problem is no-one knows what the weather will be then. Every month, almost a million vehicles travel the 100 miles on Interstate 70 between Denver and Vail, Colorado. It ends in Durango, Colorado. Thank you :) Photo Credit: milehightraveler (iStock). 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. For a more complete guide on the hike, check out this Out There Colorado article. 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. Well, youve come to the right place. The drive between Walsenburg and Pagosa Springs is a very nice one. Montrose and The Million Dollar Highway - ROAD TRIP USA Used Dodge cars for sale in Berthoud, CO under $799,952 Grand Junction To Dinosaur 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. Its actually closer to Albuquerque than Denver as its not far from the New Mexico border. So yeah, have your camera charged and ready for this spot too. Theres not many other places where you can hike through desert-like dunes with snow-capped mountain peaks as your backdrop. Or, Highway 285 to 160 is more scenic and has mountains but is not scary. Driving from Denver to Durango? - Colorado Forum - Tripadvisor day 2 driving 3.5 hours. Tue, Jul 25. Prices and availability are subject to change. Driving To Durango | Visit Durango, CO | Official Tourism Site 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. The Strater Hotel Located in downtown Durango, this beautiful historic hotel is an excellent option for those looking for a bit of a splurge. However, you can also drive up the scenic road yourself, join a guided bus tour, or even take a train to the top! Aetna is Monarch Mountain Resort. The San Juan Skyway & Million Dollar Highway | Visit Durango, CO Situated in a beautiful, historic building, they have a range of gorgeous rooms on offer and a great bar and restaurant on site. 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. 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. Good coffee is also scarce along that route until you get to Durango. Dont let snowy roads put a damper on your adventure plans. This is a great introduction to Colorados famous fourteeners and provides extraordinary views thatll redefine what you classify as a scenic byway.. So, stop by if you can. 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. 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. There is also breakfast included each morning. I need to return tonight to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? What about Mine Tours and Mining Museums? 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. It is impossible to get from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Filled with useful and timely travel information, the guides answer all the hard questions - such as 'How do I buy a ticket? Does anyone know why? ', 'How much should I expect to pay? Which route is the best? Michael Rosebrock / Shutterstock 7. An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. 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. What is the least scary route to cross the Rocky Mountains by - Quora One absolute must-do activity is hiking the Ouray Perimeter Trail. (easiest one, no scary mountain driving haha), and if you can suggest good places to stop and eat? Travel in the winter months can be nerve-wracking along Red Mountain Pass. 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. No problem finding gas and basic supplies, just not much "good" food or coffee. more. Find all the transport options for your trip from Denver to Durango right here. It's actually closer to Albuquerque than Denver as it's not far from the New Mexico border. It is home to Fort Lewis College. 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! Start early in the day, bring plenty of water and snacks, and be sure to dress in layers. 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. No problem finding gas and basic supplies, just not much "good" food or coffee. Alternatively, you may use, Best Western Plus Deer Park Hotel And Suites. 13 Best Stops on the Denver to Las Vegas Drive - Divergent Travelers 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.