You can make Denver to Telluride in about 6.5 hours, but the people who love this drive never do it in one straight shot. At around 330 miles on US-285, US-50 and CO-62, it is short enough to start after breakfast and long enough to earn a night somewhere memorable close to the park gates.
Open this route in XCRSNLeaving Denver
Aim to clear Denver before the morning rush, or after it, never in it. Fill the tank on the edge of town where prices usually drop, set the playlist, and settle in for the first 137 miles to Salida.
The headline stop on this route is Monarch Pass. Leave real time for it; it sets the tone for the whole trip.
Salida
Salida sits about 137 miles in. It is the natural place to stop for the night: hotels are plentiful, rates beat the big-city ends of the route, and you wake up with the hardest miles already behind you.
Nearby, Black Canyon of the Gunnison is worth the short detour if the day is going well.
Montrose
Montrose sits about 277 miles in. It is the natural place to stop for the night: hotels are plentiful, rates beat the big-city ends of the route, and you wake up with the hardest miles already behind you.
Ridgway, the last stretch
Ridgway sits about 309 miles in. It makes a good spot to stretch, eat something that is not from a gas station, and swap drivers.
Rolling into Telluride
The final 21 miles always go faster than you expect. Save a little energy for Ridgway's Sneffels Range views; it is a fitting finish.
By the end you will have seen Monarch Pass, Black Canyon of the Gunnison and Ridgway's Sneffels Range views, and you will understand why this corridor is a classic.
When to go and how to pace it
One night is the sweet spot. Salida or Montrose, CO is where most people stay, so book ahead on summer weekends.
Check live gas prices along US-285, US-50 and CO-62 before you go; they can swing a lot from one state or county to the next. XCRSN prices every leg for your exact car.
