Durango to Del Mar Road Trip: Epic Southwest Drive

At 6,512 feet above sea level, Durango's narrow-gauge railroad once hauled silver and gold. That same railroad now carries tourists through the San Juan Mountains, but your wheels will follow US-160 West into the desert. The drive to Del Mar, CA spans roughly 900 miles and takes around 13-14 hours without stops. This route crosses the Continental Divide twice, drops into the Colorado Plateau, slices through the Mojave Desert, and ends at the Pacific Ocean. The journey is a masterclass in American geography, from alpine forests to cactus-studded plains.

Cell service drops between Durango and Moab for about 50 miles. Download offline maps. In winter, carry chains—Wolf Creek Pass on US-160 can get icy. For pet-friendly breaks: Arches National Park allows leashed dogs on trails (except unpaved). For kids: the Moab Giants dinosaur track replica park is a hit. Fatigue management: rest zones at Green River (UT) and Baker (CA). The Baker rest stop has the world's tallest thermometer (134 ft). For culinary stops: the Laundromat Cafe in Chama, NM (slightly off-route) serves legendary green chile cheese fries. In Barstow, the Del Taco is decent. For safety: keep water and blankets in the trunk—Mojave temperatures can exceed 120°F in summer. To find more hidden gems, check our guide on how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

• Best rest stop: Baker, CA (clean bathrooms, snacks).
• Family stop: Moab Giants (dinosaur footprints).
• Pet-friendly: Valley of Fire (leashed dogs allowed).
• Safety tip: carry extra water and a paper map.
• Fatigue warning: do not drive through Mojave at night alone.

The backbone of this trip is US-160 West from Durango to Cortez, then US-191 North through Moab. From Moab, I-70 West to I-15 South bypasses the Grand Canyon and drops you into Nevada and California. The final leg uses I-15 to CA-78 West into Del Mar. Gas stations are sparse between Moab and St. George for about 200 miles, so fill up at Moab or Green River. Fuel costs: estimated $120-$160 depending on vehicle. Tolls: none on this route. Road quality: excellent on interstates, but US-160 is a two-lane highway with sharp curves near Durango. Check weather in winter—snow can close mountain passes.

• Key highways: US-160, US-191, I-70, I-15, CA-78.
• Best fuel stops: Cortez, CO; Moab, UT; St. George, UT; Barstow, CA.
• Worst traffic: I-15 through Las Vegas to San Diego.
• Roadside assistance: AAA coverage recommended for remote areas.

Leave Durango on US-160 through the San Juan National Forest. The Million Dollar Highway (US-550) is a detour, but US-160 offers sweeping views of Mesa Verde. Mesa Verde National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site—the cliff dwellings of the Ancestral Puebloans are must-see. After Cortez, US-191 runs through Utah's red rock country: Arches National Park near Moab is another UNESCO site. Further west, I-70 crosses the San Rafael Swell and enters the Mojave Desert. Near Barstow, the Calico Ghost Town is a fun stop. For hidden off-route spots, consider Valley of Fire State Park in Nevada (pet-friendly) or the ghost town of Calico. Local commerce: in Durango, try the Strater Hotel's Diamond Belle Saloon. In Moab, the Moab Brewery. In Del Mar, the Del Mar Village has shops and galleries.

• UNESCO site: Mesa Verde (cliff dwellings).
• UNESCO site: Arches National Park (over 2,000 arches).
• Hidden gem: Valley of Fire (45 min off I-15).
• Best local market: Durango Farmers Market (Saturdays).