Denver to Durango via Salida and the Million Dollar Highway – Colorado Fall Drives
The southwest corner of Colorado may be harder to get to but it’s beautiful and definitely worth some time to wander around these magnificent views. This area of Colorado is generally less traveled, cities are smaller (but have everything you could need), and the atmosphere is relaxed.
The trip from Denver to Durango is a long one but there are is a closer airport at Montrose regional airport. Durango also has it’s own small airport. The closest large airport is in Albuquerque, NM.
The drive from Denver is very pretty but also very long. It took us about 8 hours. We did take the scenic route and made stops in the beautiful city of Salida as well as numerous other smaller stops along the route. Some of my favorite views were from the Trip down, but it was … long.
So why did we drive this far to hang out in a new city for only a few days? Well, we wanted some place we had not been before. Our fall break is at the end of the full color season so we thought we’d see more color by going south – and we did. Most of all – we miss judged the map.
Best time of Year to Visit Durango
I’m sure Durango if fabulous in the summer and the winter but we really enjoyed fall. Colors change in Colorado starting in the north part of the state so the southern towns change later. The colors the second week of October were beautiful for out trip. The weather was also very pleasant and perfect for hiking and many of the other outdoor activities that we love to do.
If you’re visiting in the winter, always check for road closures. Navigating winter roads can be really difficult at times in Colorado and many of the most scenic routes will close in the winter.
Photos From A Much Needed Stop in Salida
Salida is one of our favorite cities for a weekend getaway near Denver. The drive to Salida is always beautiful. This time we did not stop in town but we did find a great place to rest at Stone Bridge park. Stone Bridge Park is a quiet area along the Arkansas River. It was a great place to take a little break and stretch our legs. The fall colors around this area were beautiful.
Wolf Creek Pass – Hwy 160
The drive from Salida to Pagosa Springs is called Wolf Creek pass and has a few very nice views. Generally this is a pretty safe road but as with all Colorado mountain roads you should pay attention, make sure you have good brakes, and do slow when you need to. There have been bad accidents.
There is one particular scenic view that I just loved with its fall coloring.
Pagosa Springs
I really wish we had the energy or the time to spend some time in Pagosa Springs. It looks so beautiful – May be next time.
Great Sand Dunes
Again, did not have time to stop but we could see them off in the distance. Great Sand Dunes are high on our “things we haven’t done but really want to” list but they will still have to wait. When the road gets flat, look left – the dunes are way off in the distance.
Durango
Durango is a growing mountain town. It has a large amount of outdoor activities and some fun indoor options to. Some of the things to do in Durango include the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and Powerhouse Science Center.
Daytrips from Durango include Mesa Verde, Pagosa Springs and Telluride. For a long, fabulous fall drive consider going up the Million Dollar Highway, stopping in Telluride and circuling back down through the San Juan Skyway.
We choose to stay near our rental cabin this trip with just some small excursions in the area. On our last day we left town and headed back to Denver via the Million Dollar Highway then up toward Glenwood Springs and back East on I-70 to Denver.
Where to Stay in Durango
My favorite place to stay in a mountain town is in a cozy cabin in the woods. This particular cabin was perfect for us. It was updated, had a wood stove, and a beautiful view. Honestly my favorite part of any mountain trip is sitting by the fire and reading which made this cabin even better.
We arrived late (long drive). The cabin was down several gravel roads that were kind of named and sort of on GPS. It was at the end of one of those roads. Honestly at first glance it had more of a horror cabin in the woods vibe but once we were brove enough to get to the front door – it was wonderful.
Durango has more traditional lodging options as well, but I just love cozy cabins.
Where to Eat in Durango
We cooked most of our food at home but also absolutely loved the food trucks at 11th Street Station. We all got to order from our favorite genre and enjoy the weather while we enjoyed a fabulous meal.
Animas River Trail and Fish Hatchery
Near the down town area of Durango is a nice walking trail along the river. There is also a playground across the street and a block or two away (drive due to the busy highway). The Animas River Trail is easy, relaxing and photogenic. The fishery is near the parking area and was a lot of fun for the kids for a quick stop.
Durango Hot Springs
The Durango Hot Springs was a nice adventure for a couple of hours to try something different and let the kids get thier water fix. The complex is undergoing a major renovation and continues to expand.
Honeyville
Honeyville is a fun shop was great for souviner shopping and to learn a little about bees, honey and other local products. We made an even of all picking out different flavors, buying some fresh bread and making lunch with all of our jars of honey and jam.
Pinkerton Hot Springs
Pinkerton Hot Springs is a natural hot spring located just off the side hwy 550. The structure around the spring is man-made and over the years has turned in to unusual colors. At one time the springs was used as the basis of a popular resort. Today, it’s a fun short stop where you can get some interesting photos.
The Million Dollar Highway
The Million Dollar Highway is a mountain road that travels from Durango up to Ouray with the most complex part being between Silverton and Ouray. As far as Colorado roads go it’s not the steepest or the scariest by far but it definitely has some sketchy moments. Driving north will put you on the mountain side. Driving south is cliff side.
As with all Colorado roads: pay attention, have good breaks and give space in front of you. Go as slow as you need to. Guard rails are not common and a mistake could be really, really bad. The views are beautiful.
Always pay attention to weather warnings before you go. I would not want to drive this road in the rain or in the snow.
Ouray Colorado
Ouray was our lunch stop along the million dollar highway and back up to I-70. Ouray is a beautiful city famous for ice climbing in the winter.
On the way in to town there is a little hike, Upper Box Canyon Falls, with a few overlooks. If your kid is a runner, hold on. The edges of the cliffs are steep but otherwise the trail is interesting.
There are several other nice, easy and scenic hikes in the area as well as some great places to get lunch.
Ouray has the nick name Switzerland of America for it’s views. I’ve been to Europe and I may not totally agree but it is a beautiful town with amazing views.
Driving back to Denver
On our way back up to I-70 we passed several small towns and took many little breaks. A great discovery for a small break was a replica of Fort Uncompahgre. This replica is a nice way to sneak in some history about Colorado’s past. There was also a playgroung nearby – double score.
Overall this was a really nice fall trip. If we do the trip again we will add more time so we can explore nearby areas at a more leisurely pace and perhaps have less driving in a short amount of time.
We’re a family of 5 (Physician Assistant mom, IT project manager dad and 3 kids ages 3,6,10) taking a gap year from normal life to travel. For blog posts, locations, and more information on how we did it and how you can to click here.
