Reduced speed limits and temporary closures are often put into place for safety concerns. Check out our Durango Activities and Things to Do page for more information. Watch carefully for deer early mornings and twilight! Her work has appeared in Travel + Leisure, USA Today, Michelin Guides, Hemispheres, DuJour, and Forbes. #3. Grand Junction To Dinosaur This one is best for families with kids, as there is an entire miniature town complete with painted and detailed buildings, a playground and park, a gift shop, and even an old steam train ride. You'll ride on a historic, coal-fired train that travels the same tracks as the miners, cowboys, and settlers who came to the Wild West did more than 100 years ago. 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. Were passionate about getting off the beaten path, promoting responsible tourism, supporting local economies and sharing our knowledge with other travellers! Cheap Flights from Denver Intl. Does anyone know why? This is one town that has definitely earned its nickname as its surrounded by more than a dozen fourteeners. ), we woke up early and hit the road for what was a 2-hour drive to Grand Junction. Driving from Denver to Durango takes about six and a half hours. 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. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. ! 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. If you are concerned about scary mountain driving, Red Mountain pass isn't scary, but the first part of the Million Dollar highway from Ouray south 10 or 20 miles is. The quickest flight from Denver Airport to Durango Airport is the direct flight which takes 1h 19m. Driving from Denver to Durango takes about six and a half hours. Those with a lot of time on their hands can hike or bike to the summit, which makes for a rewarding journey. Crested Butte is hands-down one of the coolest places to check out in Colorado. Back in Durango, drive east on U.S. 160; get your camera ready for breathtaking views of the snow-flecked La Plata Mountain Range. 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. Im traveling with a friend who has limited mobility. 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. 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. Filled with useful and timely travel information, the guides answer all the hard questions - such as 'How do I buy a ticket? 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-13122554', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Denver to Pagosa Springs by car. I-25 is a major interstate highway that travels north and south, serving as the main connection from Denver to Colorado Springs. 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. A great trail option for beginners, especially if youre around during wildflower season, is. Be sure to enjoy the small towns along the way and explore the rural side of Colorado too! Another great activity to do near Denver is driving the Mount Evans Scenic Byway. 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. Apart from being the Wildflower Capital of Colorado, Crested Butte is where mountain biking got its start in Colorado. Commentdocument.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a6e6fde05a476155cc84d0616c8a9c0f" );document.getElementById("b934630cd5").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Hi! Theres so much we could say about things to do in Durango. The building opened in 1917, and served as a high school until 1976, after which it became the district administration building. 10 Best Stops on the Denver to Aspen Drive via Vail. And good news for dog-lovers: pets are allowed on this trail but must be kept on a leash. The Colorado Trail is a 485-mile point-to-point backpacking route in Colorado. The next best thing to do on a visit to Colorado Springs is to head up to Pikes Peak. The road distance is 537.8 km. These are both safe routes. to La Plata County Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $195 for one-way flights and $295 for round trip, for the period specified. Takes you to nearly every major mountain zone in the state and the deepest canyons, highest passes, steepest mountains, and coolest towns. 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 Lots of good food in Durango. 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. Adds about 2.5 hours to the "boring" way, and is incredibly varied and constantly changing. 4:17 pm arrive in Durango. Another possible stop near Salida located in the shadow of Mt. For casual hikers, the 1.6-mile Penitente Canyon Loop is a great option that wont leave you exhausted or needing an extensive amount of gear. But. Cars are unable to make it up the pass during winter weather on a regular basis. If you are headed to the mountains on the weekend, plan ahead for more traffic than usual. 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. Not much to recommend for food along the way. 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. Its actually closer to Albuquerque than Denver as its not far from the New Mexico border. Thats not too surprising we suppose as Coloradans tend to ski just about anything. 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. We are travelling with 3 children from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Outdoor seating areas are especially nice for sampling the beverages and entrees at either one. Then, make a right onto CO-149 N and follow that for 22 miles until you reach Creede. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Canada. ', 'Should I book online before I travel? Instead, I'm proposing driving from Montrose to Cortez, with a stop in Telluride on the way. 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. 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. Can you tell me about guest ranch vacations in Colorado? I need to return tonight to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Additional terms apply. Which route is the best? drive for about 1 hour. Durango is the county seat and the most populous municipality of La Plata County, Colorado, United States. 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. One reason you might choose to take the I-25 route from Denver to Durango would be if youd rather minimize the mountain driving on winding, less-maintained roads. Thank you :) How long is the drive from Colorado Springs to Durango?. It serves as one of the main routes to Colorado's ski country including Vail, Aspen, Winter Park, Keystone, and Breckenridge. As the name would suggest, this steep 3-mile hike takes you up to a gorgeous viewpoint overlooking the town and valley beyond. The cheapest month to fly is July. 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. You can also fly from Denver to Durango, if all this seems to be too much. Error! 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. Dunes, not to be missed with children. 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. 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. The Strater Hotel Located in downtown Durango, this beautiful historic hotel is an excellent option for those looking for a bit of a splurge. You have two route options, both of which take you through amazing scenery and worthwhile stops. *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. Durango High School, also known as the Durango 9-R Administration Building, is a former school in Durango, Colorado. Independence Pass, Trail Ridge Road, Mount Evans Scenic Byway, and Kebler Pass all close annually for the winter season in Colorado. Yep, its that simple. In fact, winter weather is often the blame for the majority of delays and crashes. Aetna is Monarch Mountain Resort. It ends in Durango, Colorado. It is impossible to get from Denver to Durango -- at least in any reasonable way -- without some mountain driving. (easiest one, no scary mountain driving haha), and if you can suggest good places to stop and eat? Sand Dunes are great fun. Not much to recommend for food along the way. Afternoons can be hot and windy though. 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. 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. For photographers, taking photos of the sunset from atop one of the dunes is an unforgettable experience. 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! Use this list as a springboard to get ideas for stops ranging from national parks and monuments to natural hot springs and quirky tourist attractions that youll find along the way. and Great Sand. Assuming you choose the route through the mountains on 285, youll still be on a paved highway for practically the entire timedepending on your chosen stopsso theres no major need for a high-clearance, 4-wheel drive sort of vehicle. You can also go to Colorado Springs and Canon City and Salida then 285 to 160. 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. Dont let the views distract you on Berthoud Pass. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. If natural disasters happen to occur, travelers are often rerouted between Ridgway and Durango over Lizard Head Pass a much longer route. Along the National Parks Loop, you'll also go through some other small towns worth exploring like Telluride, Durango, and Buena Vista. Maybe see http://www.mapquest.com for that. 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 . A direct flight will only take about an hour in the air, which will save you a lot of time. The shorter one (US285 south and US160 west), more scenic, has more mountains. I drive the 285>160 route almost weekly for the last few months. 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. The highway is also notorious for serious semi-accidents and spin-outs due to its steep curvy descent. Silverton is an old mining town nestled between Red Mountain and Molas, two San Juan Mountain passes. ', 'Do the trains and buses have Wifi?' We have done the drive (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? This somewhat low-key park is simply jaw-dropping. If concerts and shows arent your scene, no problem! Although its a small mountain town, its bursting at the seams with history, scenery, and adventure opportunities. Click here to browse other private rentals. But I need to leave here at midnight. If youre looking for an all-in-one Colorado destination, Durangos definitely the place to be. Were Michael and Maggie, an Australian and American couple travelling the world. Yes, travel within United States is currently allowed. 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. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-13124761', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Denver-Pagosa Springs via Colorado Springs and Walsenburg on I25 and us160 via Great Sand Dunes NP and Wolf Creek pass to Pagosa Springs. Durango is in southwest Colorado. The cheapest flight from Denver to Durango was found 29 days before departure, on average. It serves as one of the main routes to Colorados 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. It's actually closer to Albuquerque than Denver as it's not far from the New Mexico border. Traffic on I-70. Driving to Durango from Denver is a beautiful, six and a half hour drive. Have fun, please forgive us our little OT chat. Youll have views for miles around and Aspen Sunflowers covering entire hillsides, making for PERFECT photo ops. $206 Cheap Flights from Denver (DEN) to Durango (DGO) Bundle Your Flight + Hotel & Save! Lots of good food in Durango. A Google mapping exercise will offer you two routes, one about a half-hour longer than the other. Lodging for 2 nights in Estes park in mid May, Where to stay near Union Station if using Red Rocks shuttle. Photo Credit: Christian Murdock; The Gazette. Photo Credit: milehightraveler (iStock). It takes approximately 6h 33m to drive from Denver to Durango. Or, Highway 285 to 160 is more scenic and has mountains but is not scary. If you drove there from Albuquerque it would take you about half as long. 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. The social distance requirement in Durango is 2 metres. It may be a bit random and unexpected, but thats what makes Great Sand Dunes National Park so awesome! Find all the transport options for your trip from Denver to Durango right here. Our next recommendation is to take a guided tour at Mesa Verde National Park. Drop-dead gorgeous and nestled into the heart of the San Juan mountains, visiting Ouray 100% feels like youre being transported to Switzerland. 172. 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. That said, if you do hike Mount Princeston, still come prepared for a long days hike as well as a little rock scrambling. All three cross Wolf Creek Pass on US160, which is truly scary only if your brakes fail on the way down. High average elevation of 10,000 feet and a few passes over 12,000 feet. So, pack your bags, fasten your seatbelts, and get ready to hit the road on this Denver to Durango loop road trip! 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. You can't get to Durango by train, but if you're looking for an old west experience, hop aboard the Silverton Silverlight Express. 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 .