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. I'd judge the least "scary" of the three to be I-25/US160. To the best of our knowledge, it is correct as of the last update.Visit Rome2rio travel advice for general help. From Sand Dunes, head west on US160 over Wolf Creek Pass to Pagosa. My friends and I are coming from Europe to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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. 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 . We tackled this whole itinerary in 3 nights but you would be better served to spend at least double that amount of time. This calculation assumes that your vehicle gets an average gas mileage of 25 mpg . You will catch C4-70 outside (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Head west on US-50 W for 60 miles, and then turn right onto CO-135 N which will take you to Crested Butte after 27 miles. While the route offers a fast connection to Winter Park from Denver, avalanches and snowslides often make winter travel on this route extremely difficult. I took a GPS with me to attach in the rental car.
The 12 Most Scenic Drives in Colorado (Road Trip Inspiration!) 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. As of July 23, Colorado has. Find all the transport options for your trip from Denver to Durango right here. Most crashes on the pass occur at the switchback curve near the Wolf Creek scenic outlook area. The bus leaves Denver at 6:45 a.m. and arrives in Durango at 7:10 p.m. 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 . This is a lodging and day-use facility built around an odorless hot spring that bubbles up out of the ground at around 140 degrees Fahrenheit (60 degrees Celsius). Instead, you will have to first take the bus from Denver to Grand Junction, Colorado and then hop on a second bus heading to Durango. According to a recent study, the average Denver commuter spends 83 hours per year stuck in traffic. 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.
Anyone driven from Denver to Aspen? | Timeshare Users Group Discussion 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. Take a tour from Durango and let someone else drive! So, pack your bags, fasten your seatbelts, and get ready to hit the road on this Denver to Durango loop road trip! Breckenridge, Vail, Steamboat, or Estes Park for summer? Thank you :) A Google mapping exercise will offer you two routes, one about a half-hour longer than the other. 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. As mentioned before, we at Mild to Wild know Durango like the back of our hands, and we have so many other recommendations for your visit. 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. This is a beautiful and quicker drive. That said, if you do hike Mount Princeston, still come prepared for a long days hike as well as a little rock scrambling. This nationally-protected area consists of more than 30 square miles of massive dunes and is a must-stop for travelers nearing the latter portion of their Denver to Durango road trip. Click here to see their availability. Error! That made for about a 70-mile loop of incredible mountain views! 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. Among these are the collegiate peaks which are, unsurprisingly, named after some of the United States most famous colleges and Oxford randomly. briken - Denver to Durango is about 403 mi. The Million Dollar Highway is a scenic section of the US-550 highway which runs north to south. The national COVID-19 helpline number in Durango is 800-232-4636.
How to Get from Denver to Durango - TripSavvy That's because Mapquest knows you drive fast Tet, lol!!! You can also rent ATVs and off-road vehicles in town if you prefer to not take your own car. A direct flight will only take about an hour in the air, which will save you a lot of time. If not, the area works just fine as a pretty place to drive through. BTW also Mapquest gives the route Casa said but mentioned 5 hours. Plus, your guide will provide insightful interpretations on each of the archaeological sites as well as the history of the Ancestral Pueblo people. Dont let the views distract you on Berthoud Pass. I will be making this trip next week and look forward to seeing all this. 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. Avalanches often trigger temporary closures, leaving portions of the road buried under several feet of snow. 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. Lots of good food in Durango. If youre traveling on slippery or snowy roads, use caution, slow down, and please, take it easy on the brakes. Yes, travel within United States is currently allowed. It's said to be one of the most dangerous roads in Colorado. 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. In fact, winter weather is often the blame for the majority of delays and crashes. From there youll make a left onto CO 291 S which will take you into Salida after eight miles. 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. 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. 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. Back in Durango, drive east on U.S. 160; get your camera ready for breathtaking views of the snow-flecked La Plata Mountain Range.
Denver to Pagosa Springs - Durango Forum - Tripadvisor What are the travel restrictions in Durango? Among these are the collegiate peaks which are, unsurprisingly, named after some of the United States most famous colleges and Oxford randomly.
Montrose and The Million Dollar Highway - ROAD TRIP USA Thai place in Poncha Springs and Lost Cajun in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? - to help you get the most out of your next trip.
Driving from Denver to Durango? - Colorado Forum - Tripadvisor Semi trucks stuck on I-25. This is a great introduction to Colorados famous fourteeners and provides extraordinary views thatll redefine what you classify as a scenic byway.. Hikers and skiers often use the route for accessing backcountry terrain, as well as Arapahoe Basin Resort. Need we say more? Check out our Durango Activities and Things to Do page for more information. Which route is the best? Winter in Colorado is no joke. Camping, backpacking, and hiking opportunities abound in this area once the snow melts in the summertime.
Colorado Scenic Byway: Tracks Across Borders | Colorado.com You have two route options, both of which take you through amazing scenery and worthwhile stops. Traveling with a dog or cat? It is well located, there are a number of plush rooms available, and the breakfast included uses dairy products sourced from the propertys own goats! Apart from being the Wildflower Capital of Colorado, Crested Butte is where mountain biking got its start in Colorado.
You know what? We will stop there for a break and continue driving. Were Michael and Maggie, an Australian and American couple travelling the world. Browse Dodge vehicles in Berthoud, CO for sale on Cars.com, with prices under $799,952. 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. Of the collegiate peaks, Mount Princeton is designated as one of the easiest to climb. There will be some mountain driving whichever route you take, but there's no need to be scared. First, head Southwest on US Hwy 285 S, which youll stay on for about 130 miles. If you are headed to the mountains on the weekend, plan ahead for more traffic than usual. Takes 6hrs plus stops and is both easy and scenic. 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. 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. 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. Legitimately called the San Juan Skyway, this nasty trek in southwestern Colorado features the Coal Bank Pass, a very steep and very scary road with weather that is harsh and unpredictable. Takes 6hrs plus stops and is both easy and scenic. Along this route youll be graced with beautiful views of the town as well as encounter a few sizable waterfalls that make for perfect Instagram backdrops. This trail is close to town and extends to a decent length of 4.3 total miles long. This is the route Google Maps will give you. Monarch Pass winds beautifully into the mountains at 11,312 feet along the Continental Divide between Gunnison and Poncha Springs, located just 20 minutes from Salida. 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. 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.
See what its like to plow this dangerous road here. Drop-dead gorgeous and nestled into the heart of the San Juan mountains, visiting Ouray 100% feels like youre being transported to Switzerland. 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. 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. Maybe there's a faster drive but we have not done that. From there, make a right onto US-550 S, which will take you into Ouray after just over 36 miles. Theres so much we could say about things to do in Durango. 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.