Driving from Denver to Durango
 

We are arriving in Denver next week from the UK. My wife and myself are spending a couple of days in Denver and will then be driving to Durango. We will then have a trip on the Steam train over the Rockies before flying to Phoenix to visit a friend.

What is the best and easiest route from Denver to Durango. My wife is the driver and is a little worried about driving on any narrow mountian roads.

Probably the 2 easiest routes are 1) take I 70 from Denver to Grand Junction, then 50 to Montrose, and 550 from there to Durango, or 2) I25 south to Pueblo, then 50 west to Montrose, and 550 to Durango. [I 70 is more scenic than I 25].

OR, the most scenic route IMO is I 70 west from Denver to just past Vail, then 24/285 south to near Salida, then 50 to Montrose and 550 to Durango.

All 3 routes are good, primary roads and aren't "narrow mountain roads".

Another one would be I25 south and US160 west to Durango. A little longer but the path of least resistance. If at all possible take one of the other routes and drive US550. It is a narrow mountain road in places but if you take your time you will have no problem. It is also one of the most scenic roads in America.

Thanks for the info guys. When we arrive in Denver I will buy a local map and let my wife choose which route to take. I can't see her wanting to take the mountain route, she has done them before in Cyprus and is really scared of heights.

One more question, approx how long in the journey?

briken - Denver to Durango is about 403 mi. Should probably count on 7 - 7.5 hrs - not easy to make really good time in the mountains. I assume you understand that any route you take will be through the mountains since you'll be in the Rockies once you hit the Front Range. FWIW, I'm not fond of heights either, but these routes have not bothered me - and the scenery is too beautiful not to enjoy it!

Good luck.

briken - when you say you're taking the steam train over the Rockies, are you referring to the Durango-Silverton Narrow Gauge railroad? If so, it's a spectacular trip, but more through the Rockies than over them. But tell your wife to sit on the left side going up (and right side coming back if you're making the round trip) - there are some places where the train is quite a distance above the river at the bottom of the canyon and she might be a little uncomfortable.

Stop my a Wal*Mart once you get in Denver. You can pick up a Rand McNally Road Atlas for $5.97.

Hi! Just a bit of advice - We were just there last year for our honeymoon, and enjoyed the train ride - BUT, I would recommend only doing the ride on the train one way, and taking the bus the other way. You are jostled around a bit, and a half a day was plenty for me.

As far as which way to drive from Denver to Durango, we stayed overnight in Ouray, and then went to Telluride the next day, then on to Durango. I don't know if you have time to stay over on the way to Durango, but these 2 little towns are very nice.

A must do in Durango - have dinner at
http://www.palacedurango.com/

It was absolutely the best!!

Have a great time!

Thanks again guys for all the info.

We are taking the Silverton Railroad, one way and the coach back. I will make sure my wife sits on the left. We are looking forward to the spectacular scenery.

Unfortunately we don't have time for any overnight stops, we have only allowed 4 nights in Colorado on the way to Phoenix. I am sure that we will return another year and stay longer.

We both enjoy our visits to USA but it is such a large Country we try to see as much as we can in one visit.

Thanks again for all you help and advice.

You should, however, sit on the right side going to Silverton to see the best scenery.

Debi

Wouldn't the quikest way be Denver-Colorado springs-Gunnison-Silverton-Durango.?Paul

Just to clarify. I totally agree with DebitNM that the right side of the train is the best for scenery going to Silverton. But if your wife is afraid of heights as you mentioned, the right side might get a little hairy for her. Just a thought.

dfr - I was suggesting that the husband sit on right and wife on left. This takes your suggestion and melds with mine. Great minds think alike!!

Paul's route is what my sister does when she visits here from Denver. I can get specifics. It takes 6 hours or so.

Debi

debi - I should've known! I just missed it.