Surrounded by mountains, forests, and rugged landscapes, this small town is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and history lovers alike. Its mix of scenic beauty and cultural attractions makes it an appealing destination year-round.
Durango lies in the southwest corner of Colorado and offers a blend of historic sites and outdoor adventure. With majestic mountains, valleys, and forests nearby, as well as canyons and desert landscapes, there are countless opportunities for activities such as hiking, mountain biking, and skiing.
While the surrounding nature is a major draw, the former mining town also features a charming historic center. One of its standout attractions is the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, widely regarded as one of the most scenic train journeys in the United States.
In addition, important archaeological sites such as Mesa Verde National Park lie within easy reach, making Durango a rewarding place to visit for both culture and adventure.
Historic Downtown
Making up much of the center of Durango is its lovely Historic Downtown district centered around Main Avenue. As well as being full of handsome historic buildings, its streets are lined by cafes and restaurants with some excellent art galleries and unique boutiques also on offer.
Although most people head to Durango to explore its great outdoors, this historic part of town is definitely worth wandering around for its attractive architecture and handful of arresting landmarks.
These include the Strater Hotel and General Palmer Hotel, both of which were erected in the 1890s shortly after the town was founded. In addition, one of its top tourist attractions, the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad depot, can be found nearby.
Colorado Trail
One of the most picturesque places to enjoy hiking and mountain biking is along the Colorado Trail which remarkably runs all the way from Durango to Denver. Stretching for 485 miles in total, it takes you past majestic mountains and spectacular scenery, with the trail starting just on the northern outskirts of town.
Although only a handful of hikers usually complete the trail in its entirety, locals and tourists alike enjoy hiking, biking, and even horseback riding along the parts that lie closest to Durango.
Starting off at Junction Creek, the trail follows a shimmering stream before taking you up to Gudy’s Rest. Here you can bask in beautiful views before either continuing into the mountains or heading back into town.
Animas River Trail
Yet another of Durango’s trails, this popular path meanders its way along the banks of the Animas River. Starting in Animas City Park, it stretches just under seven miles and passes through and by various parks, public artwork,s and picnic spots along the way.
Very accessible to all, the Animas River Trail is a firm favorite with locals and tourists who enjoy strolling, jogging, and cycling along it.
Besides enjoying the scenery and gazing out over the river, you can also watch the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad in action as the tracks run alongside the trail in places. The trail also connects you to various spots where you can go kayaking, fishing, and tubing.
San Juan Skyway
Aptly known as ‘the road to the sky’, the San Juan Skyway is an incredible All-American Road that takes you through the spellbinding scenery of the soaring San Juan Mountains. Along the way you’ll enjoy dramatic views of the mounts and their lofty passes, and vast valleys and forests.
Founded in 1988, the remarkable route forms a long loop through the southwest part of the state and stretches 230 miles in length. While it is possible to complete in just five hours, in reality it can take days as there is so much to see along the way.
Besides its awe-inspiring views and nature, there are ancient Indian pueblo ruins, abandoned old mines, and relaxing hot springs to stop off at before you get back to Durango.
San Juan National Forest
Covering a huge swathe of the southwest of Colorado is the scenic San Juan National Forest that lies just a short drive to the north of town. Sure to delight nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, its wild reaches offer untold recreational opportunities, such as hiking, mountain biking, river rafting, skiing, and snowmobiling.
Established in 1905 by President Theodore Roosevelt, it protects the vast tracts of ponderosa pines that coat the southern section of the San Juan Mountains. In addition, alpine wilderness areas can be found hidden away among the verdant forest with rushing rivers and gorges also dotted about.
Other than hiking and cycling along its numerous trails, visitors can also enjoy the sublime scenery while driving along the San Juan Skyway.
Mesa Verde National Park
Boasting some of the best-preserved Ancestral Puebloan archaeological sites in the States, Mesa Verde National Park is a must-see. Nestled in the southwest corner of the state, its amazing cliff dwellings and rock art sites lie just forty minutes drive from Durango.
Scattered about the park’s massive mesas, canyons and valleys are a staggering array of sites. More than 5,000 ancient stone structures and petroglyphs are protected within its confines. Believed to have been inhabited between 600 to 1300 AD, each makes for a stunning sight with the colossal Cliff Palace being the undoubted highlight.
In its excellent archaeological museum you can learn all about the Ancestral Pueblo People and the astounding artworks and architecture they left behind.
Purgatory Resort
While Durango’s scenic surroundings lend themselves perfectly to hiking and mountain biking in the sunny summer months, in winter everyone heads to the nearby Purgatory Resort to enjoy skiing and snowboarding. Located a half an hour’s drive to the north of town, it has 105 trails to shoot down with epic views and stupendous snow-coated scenery.
Since opening in 1965, the resort has expanded considerably and now encompasses a huge skiable area that is serviced by eleven ski lifts. Its slopes have a total vertical drop of over 2,000 feet with some suitable for beginners and others for intermediates and experts. In addition it has cozy condos, bars and restaurants with great hiking and mountain biking also on offer in the summer.
Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
One of the most visually arresting train journeys in the States, taking a ride on the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is the highlight of many people’s trip to the town. Originally built in 1882 to transport gold and silver between the two towns, it now instead acts as a tourist and heritage line with the route stretching 45 miles in length.
Now a National Historic Landmark, its tracks wind their way through the San Juan Mountains with the trip usually taking three and a half hours one way. As it slowly makes its way to Silverton, the classic steam locomotive and its charming old carriages pass dramatic scenery and steep drops which offer fabulous photos and views.