Safest way from Denver to Telluride

[Yard Gnome]

Hey there.

I'm from Indiana.  I'm not used to driving on Mountain roads.  Google maps is telling me to either take 285 to 50 or just take I 70 and then a bunch of smaller roads.  I also have to travel quickly because I am picking someone up at the airport in Denver in the morning somewhere between 7 and 9 and I have tickets to the Wednesday night Yonder show. 

[TellurideTom]

Either way will probably take you about 7 hours.
Each one has it's advantages.
Taking 285 to 50 will use less gas and has less traffic, although it is mostly two lanes.
Taking I-70 uses more gas has a lot more traffic, but is mostly multi-lane highway.
They both go through the mountains so there's no escape there.

Personally I would take the 285 route.

[Yard Gnome]

Either way will probably take you about 7 hours.
Each one has it's advantages.
Taking 285 to 50 will use less gas and has less traffic, although it is mostly two lanes.
Taking I-70 uses more gas has a lot more traffic, but is mostly multi-lane highway.
They both go through the mountains so there's no escape there.

Personally I would take the 285 route.

Okay but do they go through the mountains like taking scary corners at 80 Miles an hour with no guard rails and an 8,000 foot drop or is go through the mountains like there are mountains on your side. 

[TellurideTom]

Okay but do they go through the mountains like taking scary corners at 80 Miles an hour with no guard rails and an 8,000 foot drop or is go through the mountains like there are mountains on your side. 

I sure wouldn't go 80 miles an hour on either route.
The roads are mountainous but don't have too many real scary drop offs to speak of.
If you follow the speed limit signs for the curves you should be just fine.

[skyrunner]

  I personally take both routs. I love to go over Monarch pass on 285 to hwy 50 on the way there. Just for the scenery and lack of traffic on the way. 285 to 50 is certainly more of a relaxing drive. There is a turn off about 2/3 the way down the other side of Monarch pass that has the best water coming right out of the mountain side. Great little place to stop and fill every water jug you have.
   But I live about tree hours to the east of Denver. I know there is almost no time difference either way you go. But I-70 seems to be faster. I know it's just because you are traveling at a faster overall speed, and it only seems faster. But it feels like I made it home faster. It is all a mater of personal opinion. The roads are pretty good no mater what way you decide to go.   

[meanderingjeeper]

Okay but do they go through the mountains like taking scary corners at 80 Miles an hour with no guard rails and an 8,000 foot drop or is go through the mountains like there are mountains on your side. 

going I-70 in the mountains is at 80-85mph regardless of guard rails.  even doing 85 you'll still get passed.
drop off on Monarch is impressive in places, but at 40-45mph isnt so unnerving.  taking 24 to 50 through Co Springs will let you stop at some good sights/eats that way too if you have time, but lots of places wont let you jake your brakes.

 Listening to: Ricky Vaughn

[Iriecycle]

24 yrs here and only heard of accidents on the I-70 route.  Of course, they happen on the 285 as well.  I-70 a little faster overall, one 50 mph section through Glenwood Canyon otherwise 75-85, we opt for I-70 in the Winter.  285 "more relaxing," is correct.  I think I-70 is more hair raising, not in the tingly good way, but some times wakes you up at the right time.

 Listening to: Jerry "Midnight Moonlight," Kean College (what an album.)

[Valerie]

I'm from IN too! 

My favorite route from Denver is 285/50.  It's just beautiful and there seems to be less traffic, although it is mostly a 2 lane road.  Over the years, I've found my favorite pit stops in Buena Vista and Gunnison.  The passes aren't bad - I think Monarch is probably the biggest - I can't remember (I'm having a senior moment!)  But the road is wide so it doesn't feel like your almost going to fall off! 

My hubby came with me a few years ago and he's terrified of heights.  The only time he was really bothered was on 145, that last road into T-ride, but it's short and by that time you're almost HOME! 

Safe travels!   

 Listening to: You Can't Always Get What You Want

[pickingood]

Disapparating is my preferred method of transport to the fest. If you dob't mind a bit of dizziness...

[Yard Gnome]

Disapparating is my preferred method of transport to the fest. If you dob't mind a bit of dizziness...

Damn now I have to watch a Harry Potter movie while I drive. 

 

[meanderingjeeper]

It was a great drive down 285 the other day.  Little bit of construction around Cimarron but not much anywhere else 'cept down 145.  Blue Mesa was a stellar colour blue with nary a cloud in the sky.  I always forget you can pull right down by the water at some of the turn outs to have a nice lunch/rest, so I did and it was a nice short break.

Thing to watch out for if you are coming into Telluride from Ridgway....they added a "round-a-about" (I put in the " as only one side of it is anything resembling a round-a-bout) at Society Drive/Lawson and if you are coming in at night it'll be on you before you know it.  though, not if you're taking Dallas/Last Dollar I guess

[SoCal Bluegrass]

Where we're going, we don't need roads..... 

 Listening to: YMSB- Snow on the Pines

[Mel]

Coming from Denver -

285 is the scenic way - it takes about 25 minutes longer. I broke down on Monarch pass last year and it sucked.

If you take I-70, you see the continental divide and I think the mountains between Grand Junction and Montrose is something to be seen too.  If you go this way, there is a better chance for assistance and a phone signal.

[MissAdventure]

Yardie, here's a reply from a Captain on the 777 who commutes to Chicago from Denver
"One huge caution: Do NOT, repeat NOT, drive I-70! There is major construction near Idaho Springs and the Eisenhower tunnels area, causing major delays! Instead, look at a map and go I-70 west to C-470 south, which is on the west side of town just before entering the hills. Take C-470 south about 3-4 miles to Highway 285, then south/west on that, a nice drive in and of itself. At Salida, west on Highway 50 to Montrose, south on 550 to Ridgeway, then over the Dallas Divide following the signs to "To-hell-you-ride". Probably 7 + hours from the airport."

I decided to fly into Grand Junction and drive the 2 1/2 hours - better than the 7+ from Denver

[Alect47]

I-70 or 285 will both work.  Mountain roads really aren't much different than roads in the midwest, as long as they aren't snowy (which they wont be), just slow down if the road is wet.  Both routes take about the same amount of time.  I-70 will give you a little bit better profile of the state, you travel up and over the divide and get to see a bit of the desert/canyon country near Grand Junction.  285 will be much more remote and mostly 2 lane roads, its also very pretty and you can't really go wrong.  If you are planning on bringing some food/groceries to the festival stop in Montrose to pick them up(both routs will take you through Montrose which is about an 1hour 20min away) they will be far cheaper and probably better quality. 

If you have more time on your way back, and want to scare yourself a little bit and see the prettiest part of Colorado go from Telluride to Ridgway to Silverton to Durango and Pagosa Springs, up and over Wolf Creek pass, maybe stop at the sand dunes and Sangre de Cristos and back through Pueble/Cosprings.  It is a gorgeous, amazing drive.