The distance between Durango, Colorado to Moab, Utah is approximately 270 miles by road. The drive takes about 6 hours to complete, depending on the route taken and road conditions. It is a beautiful drive through the southwestern United States, passing through the San Juan Mountains, the desert landscape of the Four Corners region, and the red rock country of southeastern Utah. Along the way, there are many opportunities to stop and explore the natural beauty and cultural attractions of the area, including national parks, state parks, and small towns.
Durango to Moab: different options
⚠️ Check the road conditions and UDOT – Utah’s traffic authority – before your trip.
There are a few different options for driving between Durango and Moab. One route is to take US Highway 550 south from Durango to Cortez, Colorado, and then continue on to Monticello, Utah via US Highway 491. From Monticello, you can take State Route 191 south to Moab. This route is the most direct way to get from Durango to Moab and takes about 6 hours to complete.
Another option is to take State Route 184 from Durango to Mesa Verde National Park, and then continue on to Moab via US Highway 160. This route takes you through some of the most beautiful and historic parts of southwestern Colorado and southeastern Utah, and it allows you to visit Mesa Verde National Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to ancient Puebloan cliff dwellings. This route is slightly longer than the first option and takes about 7 hours to complete.
Both of these routes are scenic drives through the southwestern United States and offer a variety of attractions along the way. It is worth taking the time to stop and explore some of the smaller towns, national parks, and other points of interest along the way.
What is Durango know for?
Durango is a city in southwestern Colorado known for its rich history, outdoor recreational opportunities, and cultural attractions. Some of the things that Durango is known for include:
- The Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad: This historic steam-powered railroad takes passengers on a scenic journey through the San Juan Mountains between Durango and the nearby town of Silverton.
- The Durango Mountain Resort: This ski resort, located just outside of Durango, offers a variety of terrain for skiers and snowboarders of all abilities.
- Mesa Verde National Park: Located a short drive from Durango, Mesa Verde National Park is home to ancient Puebloan cliff dwellings and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- The Durango and Animas River Valleys: These beautiful valleys offer numerous outdoor recreational opportunities, including hiking, mountain biking, and whitewater rafting.
- The Durango Arts Center: This center is a hub for the arts in Durango, offering classes, workshops, and exhibitions in a variety of media.
Durango is a popular destination for tourists and outdoor enthusiasts, and it has a vibrant cultural scene with a variety of restaurants, galleries, and performance spaces.
