Snowy Mountain Roads

A Guide for Travel Routes and Safe, Winter Driving to The Springs Resort

A white passenger airplane ascends with landing gear extended, set against a dramatic sky of dark and light clouds.

Traveling to Pagosa Springs by Air

Although Pagosa Springs is hidden in the San Juan Mountains, there are a few ways to make for a shorter trip from different airports near Pagosa Springs. Reduce your travel time by two to three hours by flying into Colorado, and book a rental car to enjoy the awe-inspiring scenery of Southwestern Colorado. Below is a list of the closest commercial airports.

Denver International Airport (DEN)

International airport
Approximate driving distance from Pagosa Springs: 5 hours 20 minutes

Airlines Serving DEN:
Aeromexico, Air Canada, Air France, Alaska Airlines, Allegiant Air, American Airlines, British Airways,  Cayman Airways, Copa Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Denver Air Connection, Edelweiss, Frontier Airlines, Icelandair, JetBlue Airways, Lufthansa, Southern Airways Express, Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines, Sun Country Airlines, United Airlines, Volaris, West Jet

DEN Airport Website
Downtown city skyline glows with countless illuminated windows under a deep blue twilight sky, above winding roads and streetlights. Text: U.S. Bank
A wide shot of snowy winding roads surrounded by trees and a view of the Colorado mountains

Traveling to Pagosa Springs by Road

There are many reasons to choose Pagosa Springs as your travel destination, and one of them is the scenic drive you can take to get there. Depending on which airport you fly into, you’ll be able to see some of the most beautiful views in southwest Colorado. If you’re coming from the East, you’ll travel over Wolf Creek Pass, known for its sharp curves and stunning overlooks of the San Juans. And if you’re arriving from the West, you’ll pass by Chimney Rock National Park with archaeological ruins and breathtaking views of the surrounding mountain ranges.

Lookout for Wildlife.

No matter which direction you’re coming from, expect to see plenty of wildlife along your journey. Deer, elk, and black bears are common sights in the area, so please be sure to drive cautiously and keep an eye out for animals alongside the highway.

Driving in the dark? Deer are most active during the twilight hours of dusk and dawn.

A bull elk with large antlers stands, facing left, with snow on its muzzle, in a vast, snow-covered winter landscape with a road and distant trees.

Know the Law.

If you plan to visit Pagosa Springs between November and April, it’s important to be prepared for winter driving. When roads are icy, wet, or snowy, make sure your car is equipped with the proper tires and traction devices as needed. Depending on your route, you may also need snow chains for extra grip in deep snow and extreme conditions.

The state of Colorado has several chain and traction codes in place to ensure the safety of drivers on icy or snow-packed roads. Make sure you know what is required for the type of vehicle you’re driving and be aware of the road conditions along your route.

An officer's hands write on a form with a pen, holding a rolled document and card, inside a vehicle with an

Be Over-prepared.

When it comes to winter travel in Colorado, don’t pack lightly- it’s better safe than sorry. Make sure you have an emergency kit in your car that includes items like:

☐ First aid kit
☐ Blankets
☐ Food and water
☐ Flashlight
☐ Shovel
☐ Chains or traction device appropriate for your vehicle

A white Subaru crossover SUV with a roof light bar and headlights on is parked, covered in fresh snow, during a dark, heavy snowfall in a forest.
Aerial view of the hot spring pools at The Springs Resort

Safe Travels!

We know winter driving can be intimidating and we want to ensure that you are comfortable, safe, and prepared before venturing out on your trip.  We hope this guide has been helpful in preparing your trip to The Springs Resort in Pagosa Springs. We look forward to welcoming you and ensuring you have an unforgettable experience!

A person soaks in a steaming outdoor hot spring pool beside a river, with mineral-rich rock formations. Buildings and umbrellas are visible under a bright, hazy sky.
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