least scary drive from denver to durango

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. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in India. It features a challenging switchback turn -on the west side- with a 200-foot drop off on the other side of the curve. Takes 6hrs plus stops and is both easy and scenic. 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. 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. So, stop by if you can. For another great SW road trip, check out our Ultimate Colorado and Utah Road Trip Itinerary. Denver to Moab - How to Enjoy an Epic Weekend Road Trip Driving Distance: 941 miles. 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. 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. The museum opened on February 23, 2011 in what was once a power plant. Among these are the collegiate peaks which are, unsurprisingly, named after some of the United States most famous colleges and Oxford randomly. Plus, your guide will provide insightful interpretations on each of the archaeological sites as well as the history of the Ancestral Pueblo people. Another route, is to take US285 sw from Denver toward Buena Vista and then south to Great Sand Dunes. You can also fly from Denver to Durango, if all this seems to be too much. Durango to Denver - 7 ways to travel via train, shuttle, car - Rome2rio Well, thats it for this epic Colorado summer road trip. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. 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. For a more complete guide on the hike, check out this, If high-alpine hikes arent your jazz, another great place to explore near Salida is, Crested Butte is hands-down one of the coolest places to check out in Colorado. Denver to Durango - 7 ways to travel via train, bus, car - Rome2rio Michael Rosebrock / Shutterstock 7. 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. No problem finding gas and basic supplies, just not much "good" food or coffee. There was an error processing your request. Have fun, please forgive us our little OT chat. Ice and snow-caked roads, highways, and mountain passes make for dangerous and hazardous driving conditions across the state. Click here to browse other private rentals. It is home to Fort Lewis College. He has spent time in Costa Rica and has made numerous trips exploring the Western states of the Rocky Mountains. Where to go at the end of November, Early December?!?! It stretches from Denver to Durango across the Southern Rockies and can be hiked in 25-35 days. Denver to Durango in a day. - RoadTrip America Rome2rio also offers online bookings for selected operators, making reservations easy and straightforward. My friends and I are coming from Europe to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? For a more complete guide on the hike, check out this Out There Colorado article. Durango is the county seat and the most populous municipality of La Plata County, Colorado, United States. But those in the know, slow down and stop in four . Hiking, mountain biking, climbing, rafting, and off-roading are all staple activities here in our hometown. It's said to be one of the most dangerous roads in Colorado. Lots of good food in Durango. All three cross Wolf Creek Pass on US160, which is truly scary only if your brakes fail on the way down. 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. 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. Plus, Durangos wild west and mining history give it such a distinguished and quirky character. It is a 7 hour plus drive, not counting any stops. Whichever option you choose, you find incredible scenery unlike anything else in Colorado. Click here to see their availability, Private Rental If its a private vacation rental that youre after in Durango, youll find that there are countless options to choose from. document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 50 Animas View Dr. 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. I-25 is a major interstate highway that travels north and south, serving as the main connection from Denver to Colorado Springs. You can also go to Colorado Springs and Canon City and Salida then 285 to 160. 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. Where Are Colorado's Dangerous Roads? Take A Look At These Maps Click here to see their availability. Head out of Creede the way you came in along CO-149 S for 22 miles and then make a left onto US-160 E for 17 miles. 5.5 hours of driving without stops. 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. Colorados capital city has something for everyone: great food, impressive history, beautiful views, and plenty of adventure opportunities close by! 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! Having seen and read descriptions of the Million Dollar Highway, I'd like to avoid the drive south between Ouray and Silverton. 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. A ride on this tram takes you up to some of the best possible views of the Continental Divide, and it does it in a speedy fashion that makes this viable even as a short stop. These are both safe routes. You have permission to edit this article. Which route is the best? After hiking the perimeter trail, take a load off and relax in Ourays Hot Springs. Another great activity to do near Denver is driving the Mount Evans Scenic Byway. Start early in the day, bring plenty of water and snacks, and be sure to dress in layers. For photographers, taking photos of the sunset from atop one of the dunes is an unforgettable experience. It is the route CasaAzul mentioned. The distance between Denver and Durango is 372 km. (easiest one, no scary mountain driving haha), and if you can suggest good places to stop and eat? The shortest way is to take Route 285 through to Route 160, which will take you past Buena Vista. Getting there is through beautiful, mountainous country, but mountainous roads and I believe some white. What kind of rental car do I need & are there places I should not drive a rental car? Thai place in Poncha Springs and Lost Cajun in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Dont forget to clear ice and snow from your windshield, windows, mirrors, and vehicle lights before driving. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and the Colorado State Register of Historic Properties. 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. (easiest one, no scary mountain driving haha), and if you can suggest good places to stop and eat? 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. Not much to recommend for food along the way. #ouraygram. drive for about 1 hour. If youre not familiar, Monarch Pass leads to the natural snowy slopes of Monarch Mountain. , Where to Stay on a Denver to Durango Road Trip. I will try to go the route thru the Great Sand Dunes. In Winter do I need a 4 Wheel Drive Vehicle in Colorado? Among these are the collegiate peaks which are, unsurprisingly, named after some of the United States most famous colleges and Oxford randomly. Traffic on I-70. I will be making this trip next week and look forward to seeing all this. Answer (1 of 3): I agree with Alan about I-70 and I-80. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Join our mailing list for discounts, special events, and more. Prices and availability are subject to change. The San Juan Skyway & Million Dollar Highway | Visit Durango, CO Before heading out, visit cotrip.org for the latest road conditions and closures. ), we woke up early and hit the road for what was a 2-hour drive to Grand Junction. We know what youre thinking: sand dunes in Colorado? Just assume that youll need your camera for just about every spot from here on out. Wolf Creek Pass in CO: Beware of the wolf - Dangerousroads.org Greyhound is virtually the only bus company operating this route and ticket prices start at $63, although they can be as high as $140. 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. Check out our Denver to Aspen drive & Denver to Moab road trip articles! Independence Pass, Trail Ridge Road, Mount Evans Scenic Byway, and Kebler Pass all close annually for the winter season in Colorado. Architectural structures left behind by the ancestral Puebloans include pit houses, great kivas, and great houses, according to the U.S. Forest Services website. Denver Area Road Trip 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 Which route is the best? If youre hiking with children or just dont enjoy exposure to steep drop-offs, then its recommended to do the out-at-back version. I routinely make the trip via 285 and it is much shorter and beautiful. 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. I'd judge the least "scary" of the three to be I-25/US160. High average elevation of 10,000 feet and a few passes over 12,000 feet. Are you planning to drive from Denver to Durango? ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-75869024', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Denver Airport and we are supposed to go to Durango by car. 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. No problem finding gas and basic supplies, just not much "good" food or coffee. Denver to Durango - Colorado Forum - Tripadvisor Yes, travel within United States is currently allowed. Just across the valley from Penitente Canyon is the Great Sand Dunes National Park, one of Americas most fascinating natural phenomena. Book at least 2 weeks before departure in order to get a below-average price. 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. 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. At just under four hours, the stretch from Creede to Colorado Springs is the longest drive of this trip. Be sure to take a peek at Denvers Tourism website for other ideas of things to do. If youre traveling on slippery or snowy roads, use caution, slow down, and please, take it easy on the brakes. Takes 6hrs plus stops and is both easy and scenic. Mesa Verde is a world-class attraction that you really should see. First, head Southwest on US Hwy 285 S, which you'll stay on for about 130 miles. 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. If he could teleport to anywhere on the planet, it would be the mountains of Patagonia in Chile. 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. Driving from Denver to Durango? - Colorado Forum - Tripadvisor In fact, winter weather is often the blame for the majority of delays and crashes. You want to avoid leaving Denver on Friday afternoon and you want to avoid returning on Sunday afternoon. 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. Make sure you check road conditions to double check the weather. A great trail option for beginners, especially if youre around during wildflower season, is. If youre planning an escape to Durango in southwestern Colorado, a road trip will lead you through some historic miningtowns, scenic overlooks worthy of a stop, and unique hot springs that youll definitely be able to smell as you make your approach. 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. 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. So, pack your bags, fasten your seatbelts, and get ready to hit the road on this Denver to Durango loop road trip! Click here to browse other private rentals. The river flows right through town and features fun, refreshing splashes from class I and II rapids. You'll be basically traveling in an L-shape on the two long sides of a triangle, instead of driving on the diagonal. No problem finding gas and basic supplies, just not much "good" food or coffee. Can you tell me about guest ranch vacations in Colorado? This incredible amphitheatre is built right into the front range mountains, making for one of the most beautiful venues in the country. It is impossible to get from Denver to Durango -- at least in any reasonable way -- without some mountain driving. Duncan is a writer for The World Was Here First. Travel along this high alpine road is strongly discouraged amid snow, freezing temperatures, and blowing snow. The drive time from Ouray to Durango is approximately one hour and 45 minutes. The longer one (I-25 south, US160 west) involves faster driving and more traffic. Thai place in Poncha Springs and Lost Cajun in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? What can I see on a Denver to Durango road trip. 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. In Del Norte, turn right onto US Hwy 160 W. Follow US Hwy 160 W for 118 miles.



Elena Mukhina Injury Video, Articles L

least scary drive from denver to durango

Because you are using an outdated version of MS Internet Explorer. For a better experience using websites, please upgrade to a modern web browser.

Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Internet Explorer Apple Safari Google Chrome