Moving to Denver: questions on route (Grand Junction, Durango: storage, drive, traffic)

[stricklandia]

As announced here previously, we're moving to Denver for the month of June to "try it out" (stuff in storage, will move it out if we decide to stay). We're coming through Four Corners for sightseeing reasons, and overnighting in Durango.

Question is on the route from Durango to Denver: west on 160 to 285? Or straight west on 160 to 25 and on north? The former seems more scenic than the latter, and possibly more direct; but it seems to go through mountains most of the way, so I'm wondering if that would make it longer time-wise?

Any comments on the two routes (or alternates) are welcome.

[Pacifico]

I'd say continue east on 160 until you get to I-25 north into Denver. Passing thru CO Springs. You will get plenty of sightseeing on that route, sure you would probably see even more perhaps by taking 285 north but likely would take too long to get to DEN. Just as you presumed.

[bluescreen73]

If you're coming into Denver during an off-peak/non-rush-hour time I would just take 285. It's about 50 miles shorter than going 160 to I-25 and roughly 30 minutes faster depending on traffic.

[SkyDog77]

Originally Posted by Pacifico

I'd say continue east on 160 until you get to I-25 north into Denver. Passing thru CO Springs. You will get plenty of sightseeing on that route, sure you would probably see even more perhaps by taking 285 north but likely would take too long to get to DEN. Just as you presumed.

Disagree. I drive this all the time 285 is almost always the better route.

The real scenic route is to take 550 north, drive the Million Dollar Highway, go up to Grand Junction, then across I-70 through Glenwood Canyon.