Route map
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Denver to Durango: the drive
The drive from Denver to Durango covers 334 miles (538 km) and takes about 6 hr 15 min without stops, mostly on US-285, US-160 and US-50.
It's doable in one day, but with fuel, food and a couple of stops plan on roughly 8 hrs door to door.
We found 6 worthwhile stops within about 25 miles of the route, including Boulder, Georgetown, Breckenridge and Pagosa Springs.
| Main roads | Approx. miles |
|---|---|
| US-285 | 155 |
| US-160 | 118 |
| US-50 | 40 |
Best time to go: June to October.
Best stops between Denver and Durango
Before you leave Denver
- 2
Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre
A natural concert venue between 300-foot sandstone monoliths, open to walk through on non-show days. 30 minutes from downtown Denver.
- 1
Boulder
Pearl Street Mall and the Flatirons from Chautauqua Park make an easy detour on the way to Rocky Mountain National Park.
Photo: Taken by Jesse Varner. Modified by AzaToth. · CC BY-SA 2.5 - 3
Georgetown
A Victorian silver mining town right off I-70, with the Georgetown Loop Railroad and bighorn sheep viewing.
Photo: Nyttend · Public domain - 4
Breckenridge
A historic gold-mining main street at 9,600 feet, with ski runs in winter and alpine hikes in summer.
Photo: Av9 · CC BY-SA 3.0 - 5
Pagosa Springs
Home of the world's deepest measured geothermal hot spring, with riverside soaking pools on US-160.
Photo: formulanone · CC BY-SA 2.0
Near Durango
- 6
Mancos
A small ranching town beside Mesa Verde's entrance road, with a brewery and a good coffee stop.
Where to stay in Durango
An old mining town with a steam railroad to Silverton and the San Juan Skyway on its doorstep.
Map not loading? See places to stay near Durango →
Renting a car for this trip
Most travelers fly into Denver International Airport (DEN) and pick up a car there. If you're not driving back, compare one-way rentals that drop off at DUR. One-way fees vary a lot between companies. A mid-size car is fine for all paved roads on this route. You only need an SUV for the optional dirt-road detours.
Need a car?
Rental cars at DEN
Compare prices from major and local agencies at Denver International Airport in one search. Dropping off near Durango? Search a one-way rental; drop fees vary a lot between companies, so compare first.
Compare rental cars →Free cancellation on most bookings.
Trip cost calculator
Estimate gas or charging, hotels and car rental for a round trip from Denver to Durango:
Denver to Durango road trip FAQ
How long is the drive from Denver to Durango?
About 6 hr 15 min without stops for 334 miles via US-285, US-160 and US-50. With breaks for fuel and food, allow around 8 hrs.
What is the halfway point between Denver and Durango?
Saguache, CO is about halfway, roughly 167 miles from each end. It's a good place for fuel and a meal.
Can you drive from Denver to Durango in one day?
Yes. At 6 hr 15 min of driving it's a comfortable one-day trip. Leave early so you arrive with daylight to spare.
What are the best stops between Denver and Durango?
Top stops include Boulder, Georgetown, Breckenridge and Pagosa Springs. See the full list with detour times above.
How much does gas cost from Denver to Durango?
About $43 one way in a car that gets 28 mpg with gas at $3.60 a gallon. Use the calculator on this page to plug in your own car and prices.
When is the best time to visit Durango?
June to October.
Route calculated from OpenStreetMap data and checked 2026-11-09. Drive times assume normal traffic and no stops.
