It’s been a long time since I have made the drive. Can anyone chime in on the ‘real’ driving time and best route from Denver to Telluride.
Anyway but I70 for this gal. :eek
The backroad are killer pretty and just a tad longer but a much more relaxed drive. Through Black Hawk for me cause Im in Golden. Googel it and take the backroad if your not in a hurry. A few options all good ones however current road condition do delay and road work is always done around these areas. Check before you leave for Fest for thr current road detours.
Thanks. What is the rough time for I-70 vs going South?
About 6 hours give or take based off stops.
With stops it takes us just under 7 hours from SE Denver on I-70. We’ve taken 285 to 50, probably adds another hour or so with slower speeds and generally more construction.
This website is particularly helpful for road conditions and construction zone info. Happy trails!
It’s all about hitting up Mcclure Pass! :thumbsup
^ this
… saves about 15-20 minutes vs. GJ. If you do go through GJ, the Clifton bypass saves time too.
Another option is taking I-25 South to Colorado Springs, then 115 South to Highway 50.
In Montrose turn left of 550 and follow the signs from there.
It’s probably about the same as going I-70 but less traffic and better scenery.
:thumbsup
Although, there is not a happier drive than 285 > 50 West :love Be sure to stop for lunch in Gunnison - The Firebrand is a GREAT sandwich spot… Oh how I miss Gunni!!! :love I so cannot wait to make that trek with a loaded down truck packed full for Telluride!!! It’s going to be a longer drive than it used to be!!!
My favorite drive to Telluride. Usually do this coming down and I-70 on the way back.
I-70 is not any faster than going 285 unless your name is Andretti (or you drive like one). Maybe a 30 minute difference at most. We just did both routes in February and 285 is still our favorite due to less traffic, fewer trucks, better scenery (to us at least as Blue Mesa and Cimmaron are great to see), and just a more relaxed feel. Haven’t been able to see the church steeple in the reservoir at the old Sapinero spot in a while, but don’t know if it is still visible. Downside to 285 is less places to stop for gas/food/etc, but then you’re not really interested in stopping!
The Blue Iguana in Gunni is a good quick stop as well.
As someone who has made the drive regularly over the years, I agree that they’re all mostly equal as far as time goes. I typically take a look at that cdot web page for construction (or snow events in the winter) the night before. There are also a few variations you can take on the 285 route by jumping off I-70 along the way (i.e. Hoosier pass near Breck, another route just by Copper, and yet another near Vail/BC). Of course there are longer jeep linkup routes too.
My two favorite lunch stops are: the deli bars at the health food stores in either Frisco (I think it’s Alpine Natural Foods - western exit) or Glenwood Springs (close to the river on the south side of it & east of 82 by a couple blocks).
If you want to make it scenic, you need to get Peak to Peak, bentral City Expressway, and Guanella pass in on the fun too!
One other thing to consider that I didn’t mention earlier is gas usage. :drive
I’ve taken I-70 from Montrose to Denver and used a full tank of gas but by taking 50 to 285 I only used three quarters of a tank. :thumbsup
Many thanks all…
And speaking of Montrose, beware the speedtrap. They have it down to a science in that burg.
We’ve got peeps in glenwood, so the paonia route has become a regular. something about driving up the river behind sopris tells me I’m almost home :love there is an amazing little shortcut over to the butte from there too, if you have some time to kill, and the marble area towards the pass is always a fun stop. Even some wine country out on the other side… I’m headin 285 this year tho with pals from co springs, lets caravan zoe!!
Sounds like a plan - although, we are leaving the Front Range on the Thursday or Friday before!!! Do you two have Town Parks???
I’ve taken many different routes, but my favorite is 285 to 50 as long as their is minimal construction because I prefer a slower 2-lane road with less traffic than the speedway that is I-70.
Taking 285 to 50 is a nice route, but as long as the roads get me to Telluride they’re all great in my book!
Only 50 more days…