Quick Info
From Denver: 140 miles, 2.5-3 hours via Highway 285. From Colorado Springs: 95 miles, 2 hours via Highway 24/285. Passes: Poncha Pass (9,010 feet) or Trout Creek Pass. Bypass I-70: Avoids ski traffic entirely.
Salida sits in the Arkansas Valley, accessible via scenic mountain highways that bypass the congested I-70 corridor. The drive from Denver through South Park is beautiful, offering mountain views without the ski-traffic hassle.
From Denver
Via Highway 285 (Most Direct)
Distance: 140 miles. Time: 2.5-3 hours.
Route: Highway 285 South from Denver through South Park to Poncha Springs, then Highway 291 North to Salida.
Passes: Kenosha Pass (10,001 feet) and either Trout Creek Pass (9,346 feet) or Poncha Pass (9,010 feet). All are manageable year-round with proper winter driving precautions.
Scenery: Through South Park, a vast mountain valley. Beautiful drive with wide-open vistas.
Via I-70 and Highway 24 (Alternative)
Distance: About 150 miles. Time: 3+ hours.
Route: I-70 West to Minturn, Highway 24 South over Tennessee Pass to Leadville, then Highway 24/285 South to Salida.
When to use: If you want to visit Leadville on the way. Otherwise, Highway 285 is more direct.
From Colorado Springs
Distance: 95 miles. Time: About 2 hours.
Route: Highway 24 West through Woodland Park and Divide, then over Wilkerson Pass to Hartsel. Continue on Highway 285/24 to Buena Vista, then Highway 285 South to Salida.
Scenic route with mountain views. Manageable drive year-round.
From Other Areas
From Buena Vista
Distance: 25 miles. Time: 30 minutes via Highway 285/291.
From Alamosa
Distance: 65 miles. Time: 1.5 hours via Highway 285 over Poncha Pass.
From Gunnison/Crested Butte
Distance: 65 miles. Time: 1.5 hours via Highway 50 over Monarch Pass.
Monarch Pass
If you're coming from the west (Gunnison area), Monarch Pass (11,312 feet) is the route. Higher than eastern approaches but well-maintained.
Monarch Mountain ski area sits at the pass. Good rest stop or destination.
Nearest Airports
Denver International (DEN): 150 miles, about 2.5-3 hours. Best selection of flights.
Colorado Springs (COS): 100 miles, about 2 hours. Smaller airport, fewer flights.
Regional airports: No commercial service closer than Denver or Colorado Springs.
Tips
Skip I-70 traffic. The Highway 285 route bypasses all ski traffic. A major advantage on winter weekends when I-70 is gridlocked.
Gas up in Denver or Fairplay. Services are limited through South Park. Don't run low.
Check pass conditions. Winter weather can affect any of the passes. Check CDOT conditions before traveling.
Allow buffer time. Mountain driving takes longer than flat roads suggest. Don't rush.
Scenic stops. South Park is beautiful. Plan time to enjoy rather than just drive through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the drive difficult?
No—standard mountain driving. The passes are moderate by Colorado standards. Any vehicle handles them. Winter conditions require appropriate tires and caution.
How does traffic compare to I-70?
Much better. Highway 285 doesn't see the ski-weekend traffic that clogs I-70. Rarely significant delays.
Do I need AWD?
Not required for highway access. Helpful in winter conditions but good tires matter more than drive system.
What about winter driving?
The passes can have winter conditions October-April. Check forecasts, carry appropriate gear, and drive to conditions.
Is there public transit?
Very limited. Bustang has some regional service but isn't practical for Salida visits. A car is essentially required.