Denver to Durango
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Road Master
Joined: Apr 2009
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From: OC SoCal
Denver to Durango
From Sturgis heading back to SoCal, I'm considering takeing our group south thru Denver, Montrose, Durango, Laughlin, and home. But not sure on time. We're planning 4 day ride.
From Denver to Durango via 285, 50, 550. Is this more than a 1 day ride? Milage shows as 373 miles. But I also don't want to be beat heading down the 550.
Is there somewhere south of Denver along that route we should make it to on the first day out of Sturgis?
I think we're all pretty comfortable with 400 ~ 500 miles a day without long stops.
Thanks
HF
From Denver to Durango via 285, 50, 550. Is this more than a 1 day ride? Milage shows as 373 miles. But I also don't want to be beat heading down the 550.
Is there somewhere south of Denver along that route we should make it to on the first day out of Sturgis?
I think we're all pretty comfortable with 400 ~ 500 miles a day without long stops.
Thanks
HF
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2012
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From: Centennial, CO
I would suggest stopping in Denver as the ride from Sturgis will be 7 hrs on a bike. Made that trip last summer. Then to Durango will be another 7-8 the next day. Plenty of places along 285 south, Bailey, Fairplay, and Salida. I've made it from Hill City to Denver in 5 1/2, but in a car. Be careful around Lusk and Lingle/Torrington for Police, they are on the prowl in those areas. Good luck!
Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2009
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From: Colorado Springs CO
Denver to Durango is not advisable (IMO) in one day. Riding the passes is going to be slower than usual. Maybe Steve (Sfarson) will chime in for a place to stay south of Denver as I believe he is up that way. But from there to Durango while it is possible, you are going over Monarch pass, through the Blue Mesa reservoir, and heading into Montrose is going to some nice riding so if it were me I would stop for the night in Montrose and ride 550 south the next day. Thats just me. So much to see along that route, enjoy!
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
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From: Al Bu Ker Key, New Mexico
I would advise against doing it all in one day. As Machinistmate suggested, I would stop in Denver area for the night and then do the Denver to Durango the next day. Lots of mountain riding ahead and the traffic will slow you if the twistys dont. Plus factor the weather. The Million Dollar Highway is not near as fun in the rain!
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Road Master
Joined: Apr 2009
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From: OC SoCal
Thanks for the inputs guys. Though it looks like I may not have been clear.
The first day ride from Sturgis I do NOT plan to make it all the way to Durango. I plan to stop around Denver or further south (Baily looks doable - thanks machistmate)
Then the second day I want to be able to make it to Durango or around 4corners area.
This is the stretch I want to know if that is a doable day ride.
Unfortunately we will not have time for much stopping other than gas and stretch.
But we will want to keep on the move at a casual pace.
Thanks!
The first day ride from Sturgis I do NOT plan to make it all the way to Durango. I plan to stop around Denver or further south (Baily looks doable - thanks machistmate)
Then the second day I want to be able to make it to Durango or around 4corners area.
This is the stretch I want to know if that is a doable day ride.
Unfortunately we will not have time for much stopping other than gas and stretch.
But we will want to keep on the move at a casual pace.
Thanks!
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 56
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From: Colorado
HS
I would check availability in Bailey. It's a pretty small town with just a couple of resort type places to stay. If you can make it a little further there are a couple of hotels in Fairplay and a whole bunch of places in Buena Vista. We just had our Colorado HOG rally in Buena Vista and had a great time. If you're a camper then sky's the limit
I would check availability in Bailey. It's a pretty small town with just a couple of resort type places to stay. If you can make it a little further there are a couple of hotels in Fairplay and a whole bunch of places in Buena Vista. We just had our Colorado HOG rally in Buena Vista and had a great time. If you're a camper then sky's the limit
Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2009
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From: Colorado Springs CO
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
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From: Al Bu Ker Key, New Mexico
I can guarantee you that will be a LONG day. Its doable but the mileage number is misleading. Thats a lot of miles through mountains and it will take you longer than what you are used to. We rode up to Ouray Colorado this weekend from Al Bu Ker Key, NM. Thats 300 miles on mostly four-laned US550 (great road) and it took us about 6 hours with one gas stop and one pee stop. To bad you dont have time to stop to smell the roses ( or pines, or aspen, or...)
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2012
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From: Oroville,Washington.
Some of the times being quoted here........well,good luck. Denver to Durango is an easy run,about 6 1/2 hours.The quickest route, and a very scenic one,is 285 south,all the way to Monte Vista,then hit 160 on in to Durango.You'll get all the mountain riding you want through the San Juan's,but you can make good time.Maybe blow south to I-40 and on to I-15 after that. I lived just north of Denver for 18 years,so very familiar with the driving/riding times in that neck of the woods.
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2005
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From: Rockies
Hockey... I'm kind leaning towards making it in one day from Denver to Durango. U.S. 285 and 50 are easy, not tiring roads, with miles passing by quickly, and yet, they entertain along the way. You will arrive at the Million Dollar with the sun still high, and in Durango in time to relax and have dinner. Leave Denver between 8:00 - 9:00a. Grab lunch in Gunnison. Have a blast on the Million Dollar as the icing on an easy and scenic day of riding.