least scary drive from denver to durango least scary drive from denver to durango

Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2rio's travel planner. The total driving time is 6 hours, 8 minutes. We love our home state, and we have more than a few top tips for things to do during your visit. Family RV adventure advice for Colorado, Utah & Wyoming. 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. Independence Pass, Trail Ridge Road, Mount Evans Scenic Byway, and Kebler Pass all close annually for the winter season in Colorado. Problem is no-one knows what the weather will be then. The shorter one (US285 south and US160 west), more scenic, has more mountains. I'd judge the least "scary" of the three to be I-25/US160. As such, one of the best things to do in Creede is to drive its famous Bachelor Loop. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Canada. There will be some mountain driving whichever route you take, but there's no need to be scared. Be sure to take a peek at Denvers Tourism website for other ideas of things to do. Rome2rio uses cookies to help personalize content and show you personalised ads. Truckers are required to have chains and passenger vehicles must have either snow tires, mud/snow tires, chains, or an alternative device like an autosock. Instead, I'm proposing driving from Montrose to Cortez, with a stop in Telluride on the way. I took a GPS with me to attach in the rental car. If he could teleport to anywhere on the planet, it would be the mountains of Patagonia in Chile. 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. If youve never gone mountain biking before, then this is a perfect place to try it out. 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. Traveling with a dog or cat? Filled with useful and timely travel information, the guides answer all the hard questions - such as 'How do I buy a ticket? Turn right on CO State Hwy 112 W for 13 miles until you reach Del Norte. 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. Is this a summer trip or a winter trip? 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 . 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. Snowcaped mountains in Berthoud Pass, Colorado. All three cross Wolf Creek Pass on US160, which is truly scary only if your brakes fail on the way down. At Red Rocks you can catch concerts, stand-up comedy shows, film screenings, and, in the mornings, you can even join a yoga class. The 160 to 285 would be the fastest. Takes 6hrs plus stops and is both easy and scenic. It is centrally locate and has both private, ensuite rooms available along with hostel dorm beds. Our next recommendation is to take a guided tour at Mesa Verde National Park. Members who are extremely knowledgeable about this destination and answer travellers questions frequently. The drive is gorgeous and, although you reach some very high elevations, it is not scary if you stick to the main route . Browse Dodge vehicles in Berthoud, CO for sale on Cars.com, with prices under $799,952. Are you planning to drive from Denver to Durango? A Google mapping exercise will offer you two routes, one about a half-hour longer than the other. Photo Credit: Matt Gross Things To Do The cheapest month to fly is July. This loop of state-maintained highways through the San Juan Mountains can be done in your own car and at your own leisure, but be aware that various parts of this beautiful, scenic drive do feature steep drop-offs without guardrails. The drive from Denver to Durango via 285 South covers about 337 miles and usually takes just over six hours, give or take some time depending on traffic and weather conditions. Thank you :) 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. (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? But it didn/t work. At Wolf Creek Pass, pedestrians can access the Continental Divide Trail and the Wolf Creek Trailhead. ! I will be making this trip next week and look forward to seeing all this. If you intend to make all (or even a few) of these stops, youre likely going to want to find a place to stay to break up the drive. 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. 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. A $15 Gratuity is included in all pricing above. This 17-mile historic loop takes you to several abandoned mines in-between beautiful scenic vistas. If you're looking to just get there as quickly as possible, it's much better to fly. Commentdocument.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a6e6fde05a476155cc84d0616c8a9c0f" );document.getElementById("b934630cd5").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Hi! The building opened in 1917, and served as a high school until 1976, after which it became the district administration building. Centers for Disease control and prevention (CDC), Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Durango, Holiday Inn & Suites Durango Downtown, an IHG Hotel, Denver to Pikes Peak Center for the Performing Arts, Glendale Los Angeles County CA USA to Durango CO USA, Petrified Forest National Park to Durango CO USA, There is a social distancing requirement of 2 metres. 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. No problem finding gas and basic supplies, just not much "good" food or coffee. As always, travel safe and enjoy the views! (easiest one, no scary mountain driving haha), and if you can suggest good places to stop and eat? Click here to browse more Durango hotels! It is impossible to get from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Thank you :) I drive the 285>160 route almost weekly for the last few months. Denver Area Road Trip American Airlines also offers flights to Durango, but they require you to first stop in Phoenix, which means it will take at least 4 hours to arrive. 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. Tours and campgrounds are also available, and popular activities include sledding down the dunes (a time-honored favorite), four-wheel tours, and horseback riding. Its a lengthy stretch, but it also takes you through some of Colorados most spectacular wilderness areas, adventurous mountain towns, and exciting cities. Either way there is only one high pass to cross (Wolf Creek, mentioned above), and I wouldn't call it scary. 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. Thank you :) Maybe there's a faster drive but we have not done that. 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. I'd judge the least "scary" of the three to be I-25/US160. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. 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. SIGN UP: Free daily newsletter + 20% off in the OTC gear shop, The 7 most dangerous winter roads in Colorado, 93 of those occurring within a 3-hour period, Denver commuter spends 83 hours per year stuck in traffic, Public access for two Colorado 14ers to close, after bill to protect landowners from liability dies, [VIDEO] Snowboarders spend over an hour in a tree to avoid angry moose in Colorado, $50,000 reward offered in search for suspect who robbed USPS letter carrier, Nathaniel Rateliff, Elle King among artists coming to Denver area in March, Skier Shiffrin locks up overall title, still chases win 86, US to focus bison restoration on expanding tribal herds. Have fun, please forgive us our little OT chat. Just across the valley from Penitente Canyon is the Great Sand Dunes National Park, one of Americas most fascinating natural phenomena. Drive to Colorado Springs on Interstate 25 and on through Pueblo to Walsenburg where you'll take Hwy 160 west. 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. For another great SW road trip, check out our Ultimate Colorado and Utah Road Trip Itinerary. One absolute must-do activity is hiking the, After hiking the perimeter trail, take a load off and relax in, Gates of Lodore Dinosaur National Monument, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Ultimate Colorado and Utah Road Trip Itinerary. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-13129427', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Denver toward Buena Vista and then south to Great Sand Dunes. 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. Here are some of the most worthwhile pit stops on the way from Denver to Durango: In Durango, you can marvel at the Anasazi ruins in Mesa Verde National Park, schuss down the slopes at Purgatory Resort, or go hiking through the San Juan National Forest. Its also noted as the highest road in the country thats kept open on a year-round basis. Having a wonderful time here. This incredible amphitheatre is built right into the front range mountains, making for one of the most beautiful venues in the country. Alternatively, you may use. - to help you get the most out of your next trip. Roundtrip One-way Multi-city 1 traveler Economy Leaving from Going to Departing Returning Add a place to stay Add a car Direct flights only Cheap Flights from Denver Intl. Greyhound is virtually the only bus company operating this route and ticket prices start at $63, although they can be as high as $140. But those in the know, slow down and stop in four . 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. I need to return tonight to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Not quite what youre looking for? Of course, theres an endless list of things to do and places to see in and around Denver. Which route is the best? Take a tour from Durango and let someone else drive! The small town of Bailey is about 25 minutes from Tiny Town at the bottom of a steep incline just as 285 bends and begins to trace a path along the North Fork of the South Platte River. PUBLISHED: June 26, 2012 at 3:07 p.m. | UPDATED: June 9, 2016 at 11:15 a.m. A three-day-old wildfire erupted with catastrophic fury . Its also important to watch out for mandatory chain and traction laws on I-70, especially during the winter months. When it comes to traveling through heavy snow, strong gusty winds, and blistering cold temperatures, heres our list of some of Colorados most dangerous roads to watch out for this winter. These are both safe routes. While the route offers a fast connection to Winter Park from Denver, avalanches and snowslides often make winter travel on this route extremely difficult. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. For a more complete guide on the hike, check out this Out There Colorado article. 2023 The World Was Here First All rights reserved. Be sure to enjoy the small towns along the way and explore the rural side of Colorado too! If you're planning a road trip to Denver, you can research locations to stop along the way. Durango is the county seat and the most populous municipality of La Plata County, Colorado, United States. Start early in the day, bring plenty of water and snacks, and be sure to dress in layers. Regular fuel costs are around $3.96 per gallon for your trip. I-70 mountain travel has its hiccups due to a combination of factors including traffic congestion, steep grades, accidents, and wild weather causing slick roads and other hazards like that one time an avalanche covered the highway (video link). 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. The United States Census Bureau reported a population of 16,887 in the 2010 census. updated Jul 14, 2022 How long is the drive from Denver to Durango? Does anyone know why? Editors Note: Never speed. The drive from Salida to Crested Butte takes approximately one hour and 45 minutes. One snowstorm resulted in more than 300 crashes in the Denver metro area, with 93 of those occurring within a 3-hour period. Another possible stop near Salida located in the shadow of Mt. A great trail option for beginners, especially if youre around during wildflower season, is Brush Creek. Talk about a flexible experience! 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. 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. Hiking, mountain biking, climbing, rafting, and off-roading are all staple activities here in our hometown. The drive time from Durango to Creede takes just under 2.5 hours. Save this link to stay updated on COVID-19 restrictions, If you need help, visit the national COVID-19 website or call the COVID-19 Helpline 800-232-4636.