Travel tips in early January

Question

I’m in the early stages of planning a New Years trip that would consist of Durango, Telluride, and then possibly Moab, UT to visit Arches and Grand Junction. I’m flexible on the order of these cities as I’ll be flying in from Tennessee.

I need some advice on where to start/fly in to, and if that itinerary is feasible given typical weather and road conditions during this time of year. Thanks in advance!

Answer

Planning a trip to Durango, Telluride, and Moab in early January can be beautiful but requires careful attention to winter weather and road conditions. Here’s a detailed guide to help you plan efficiently.

Flights and entry point:

Durango-La Plata County Airport (DRO) is the closest airport to Durango and offers small regional flights. If you fly here first, you can start your trip in the south of Colorado.
Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ) is the closest airport to Telluride with more flight options. Starting or ending here might give more flexibility, especially if weather delays are an issue.
Grand Junction Airport (GJT) is a good option if you want to loop through western Colorado and continue to Moab. It’s about 2.5 hours from Arches National Park and 2 hours from Telluride via scenic highways.

Itinerary feasibility and weather considerations:

Durango to Telluride: The direct drive takes roughly 3.5-4 hours, but roads can be icy or snow-covered, especially over mountain passes. Winter tires or AWD/4WD vehicles are strongly recommended.
Telluride to Moab: This drive is approximately 6-7 hours. In early January, the roads in Colorado can be snowy and in Utah it can be cold, but usually less snow in Moab. Check local road closures before traveling.
Durango to Moab direct is about 3.5-4 hours, mostly on US-160 and US-191, but some sections are at higher elevation and could have winter conditions.

Recommended travel sequence:

Fly into Durango → explore Durango, optional ski or snow activities → drive to Telluride → explore Telluride → continue to Moab → Arches National Park → exit via Grand Junction or return flight from Montrose/Durango.
Alternatively, fly into Montrose, visit Telluride first, then Durango, then Moab if flights and pricing work better.

Tips for winter travel:

Always rent a car with AWD or 4WD and carry chains if required. Mountain passes can be unpredictable.
Monitor local road conditions (CDOT for Colorado, UDOT for Utah) daily.
Allow extra travel time between destinations—mountain roads can slow down significantly in snow.
Check lodging availability in advance; some areas may have limited open accommodations in early January.
Dress in layers and prepare for winter activities, even in Moab it can be cold at night.

Overall, the itinerary is feasible, but flexibility is key. Consider weather delays and give yourself buffer days between long drives. Starting in Durango or Montrose is ideal depending on flight availability, and ending in Moab or Grand Junction allows a smoother exit without backtracking.

Travel tips in early January

More Durango Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions