Durango, Colorado: 9 Great Things To Do
In 2020, while everyone was hunkered down, my family and I took a 6,000-mile road trip. Our last stop was in Durango, Colorado. Our main reason was that my husband wanted to check out the railroad. At the time, I was just along for the ride. Now? I can’t wait to go back!
Nestled in the rugged San Juan Mountains, Durango is a destination for outdoor adventurers, history buffs, and those seeking a mix of both. From outdoor activities to rich cultural experiences and a vibrant local food scene, this charming mountain town is the perfect base for an unforgettable getaway.
Here’s a few recommendations for your next adventure!
Things to Know About Durango Before You Go
Durango was established to support the booming mining industry in nearby areas, especially Silverton. The Denver and Rio Grande Railroad’s goal was to transport precious metals and supplies, which was vital to the town’s early development.
By the late 19th century, the town thrived with saloons, hotels, and a bustling commercial district supporting miners and settlers. As people settled, the area became a mining, ranching, and agriculture hub.
In the 20th century, particularly after World War II, the focus shifted toward tourism, especially as the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad became a scenic attraction for travelers wanting to experience the majestic San Juan Mountains. It also benefited from nearby Mesa Verde National Park, which drew visitors interested in the ancient cliff dwellings of the Ancestral Puebloans.
Durango’s Old West charm remains intact, especially in its well-preserved downtown, now a National Historic District.
Best Time to Go
Spring: In addition to skiing and hiking, spring is also an excellent time for birdwatching and wildlife spotting as animals become more active after winter.
Early spring can still be chilly in the mornings and evenings, but by late spring, wildflowers start blooming, making trails even more scenic. While jeep tours may begin later in the season, you can still explore lower-elevation trails.
Summer: Summer is perfect for mountain biking, especially with hundreds of miles of trails and the ability to explore the surrounding San Juan Mountains.
Summer events like the Blues Train combine the region’s history with live music, adding to the cultural offerings. It’s also an excellent time to take the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad for a scenic ride.
Fall: The fall colors are spectacular, and the city is known for its various autumn festivals. The Durango Cowboy Poetry Gathering and Oktoberfest are notable highlights of the season. It’s also a time for harvest events and enjoying the local farms and orchards.
Winter In addition to skiing, winter activities in Durango include snowshoeing, ice climbing, and even dog sledding. Purgatory Resort, just north of town, is a popular destination for skiing, snowboarding, and tubing, with scenic views of the mountains.
Downtown also becomes festive with holiday lights and events like the Polar Express Train Ride.
How to get there
For travelers flying into Albuquerque International Sunport, the journey to Durango takes about 3.5 hours. After leaving Albuquerque, you’ll head north on I-25 before merging onto US-550, a highway that takes you through the scenic desert landscapes of New Mexico.
The terrain transitions into southern Colorado’s rolling hills and mountains as you travel. After passing through Farmington and Aztec, you’ll cross the state line and continue on US-550 straight into town.
If you’re driving from the south, mainly from Farmington, New Mexico, it’s a simple hour-long drive. You’ll take US-550 North and pass through the town of Aztec before entering Colorado. From there, it’s a direct route into Durango.
Coming from the north, such as from Montrose, Colorado, expect a stunning but more challenging 2.5-hour drive along US-550, also known as the Million Dollar Highway.
This route takes you through mountain passes and towns like Ouray and Silverton, offering breathtaking views of the San Juan Mountains. The road is steep and curvy in sections, so take your time to enjoy the scenery and drive safely.
What to Bring
Outdoor toys: Durango is a great place for outdoor activities like mountain biking, whitewater rafting, fly fishing, and hiking. You can bring your favorite gear, such as fly fishing gear, trekking poles, and climbing gear.
Layered clothing: The weather can change quickly, especially in the mountains. Bring moisture-wicking base layers, a warm fleece or jacket, and a waterproof shell to stay comfortable during outdoor activities.
Sun protection: At high elevations, the sun can be intense even on cooler days. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat to protect yourself from UV rays.
Reusable water bottle: Staying hydrated is vital, especially with Durango’s dry air and high altitude. A good reusable water bottle or hydration reservoir is essential for outdoor adventures.
Snacks or energy bars: Pack high-energy snacks like trail mix, energy bars, or dried fruit for day hikes or other activities.
Map or GPS: Whether you’re hitting the trails or heading out on a scenic drive, it’s smart to have a map or GPS handy, as cell service can be spotty in the more remote areas.
Altitude sickness remedies: For those not used to higher elevations, it’s a good idea to bring remedies like electrolyte tablets or ginger candies to help with mild altitude sickness symptoms.
Where to Stay in Durango
Strater Hotel
The Strater is not just a place to stay; it’s a step back in time. Guests can explore the hotel’s history through its artifacts and period decor.
If you’d like a fine dining experience, be sure to check out the Mahogany Grille restaurant. It has an Old West charm, and the historic atmosphere extends to the saloon, making it a favorite for tourists and locals.
Famous guests include Western author Louis L’Amour, who wrote many novels while staying here.
Double Tree by Hilton
In addition to its prime location, this hotel offers easy access to the Animas River Trail, perfect for a morning walk or bike ride.
The on-site restaurant, Animas River Grille, provides views of the river while serving up local cuisine. For business travelers, the hotel also has meeting spaces and a 24-hour fitness center.
Condo Near Downtown with Hot Tub
This charming VRBO in Durango offers a cozy mountain retreat with stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Located just a few miles from downtown Durango, the home features three bedrooms, two baths, and a spacious deck for outdoor dining or enjoying the sunset. It’s fully equipped with modern amenities, including a kitchen, Wi-Fi, and a fireplace for those cooler mountain evenings.
Sleeping six, it is perfect for families or groups; this vacation rental offers easy access to hiking trails and other outdoor activities while providing a peaceful and private getaway for guests.
Durango SRMA- BLM Land
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) oversees the Durango Special Recreation Management Area (SRMA), offering various outdoor activities in a natural, undeveloped setting.
This public land spans rugged terrain, ideal for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Trails weave through juniper forests and open meadows. The SRMA also provides ample opportunities for dispersed camping, allowing visitors to truly immerse themselves in the beauty of the high desert landscape.
Its proximity to Durango makes it a convenient escape for outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore the area’s natural wonders without the crowds. The Durango SRMA is also a popular destination for off-highway vehicle (OHV) use, with several designated routes for adventurers seeking a more adrenaline-filled experience.
Best Places to Eat in Durango
Coffee Shops
Durango Coffee Co.
Durango Coffee Company is a must-visit spot for coffee lovers, located just a short walk from the DoubleTree by Hilton. When I visited early in the day, the employees were friendly, and the coffee was outstanding—complete with latte art, a sign of their commitment to quality.
The spacious building offers plenty of seating, making it a perfect place to relax or work. Durango Coffee Company, which has been in business for over forty years, prides itself on sourcing top-quality beans through long-standing relationships with farmers and importers.
Plus, they’re dog-friendly, offering pup cups for your four-legged companions!
Main Meals
Steamworks Brewing Company
Since opening in September 1996, Steamworks Brewing Co. has become a favorite spot for Durango locals and visitors. More than just a brewpub, Steamworks offers a lively, fun atmosphere and an impressive culinary program.
Their “gastropub” menu features regionally sourced meats, sustainable seafood, healthy salads, pizzas, and Southwestern-inspired dishes, with plenty of vegetarian and gluten-free options. No matter your reasoning for visiting the brewing company, you’ll find something to love on tap.
While we didn’t get anything to drink that night, I highly recommend trying their battered french fries, served with a delicious beer-infused ketchup that adds a savory umami kick.
Things To Do in Durango
Mesa Verde National Park
Established in 1906 by Congress and President Theodore Roosevelt, Mesa Verde National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest archaeological preserve in the United States.
Spanning over 52,000 acres in the Four Corners region, the park is home to more than 5,000 sites, including 600 ancient cliff dwellings built by the Ancestral Pueblo people. Visitors can explore incredible structures like Cliff Palace, North America’s largest known cliff dwelling, on ranger-led tours that must be reserved in advance.
The park also offers nearly 30 miles of scenic trails, showcasing breathtaking views of the rugged canyons and mesas.
In addition, the park is designated as an International Dark Sky Park and provides exceptional stargazing opportunities.
Pets are welcome in certain park areas, including paved roads and select trails, though restrictions apply to protect the natural and cultural resources.
Durango- Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
The Durango-Silverton Narrow Gauge Railway offers a scenic journey back in time through the breathtaking landscapes of the San Juan Mountains. Initially constructed in 1882 to transport silver and gold from the mountains, the railway now serves as one of Durango’s top tourist attractions.
Brandon, the girls, and I had the opportunity to ride the train in 2020, and it was an awe-inspiring experience.
Though we couldn’t ride the entire length due to construction, we had most of the cart to ourselves so it was a fair trade. Sticking our heads out, feeling the fresh mountain air on our faces, and looking down at the rushing waters of the Animas River was unforgettable.
Bonus Tip: I highly recommend taking motion sickness medication or bringing ginger chews, as the train’s winding route can sometimes be bumpy.
Durango- Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum
I recommend checking out the Durango-Silverton Narrow Gauge Railway Museum if you have the time.
Located at the Durango train depot, this free museum offers a fascinating look at the railroad’s history and its role in the region’s development. Visitors can explore various exhibits, including original locomotives, railroad cars, and an impressive collection of artifacts from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
The museum also features a working model train, antique vehicles, and displays that highlight the mining industry’s importance to the area’s growth. It’s a great stop for families, offering indoor and outdoor exhibits, and gives visitors a deeper appreciation for the Durango-Silverton Narrow Gauge Railway’s legacy.
As we are a bit of history buffs at my house, we also opted to pay for the yard tour.
The Durango-Silverton Narrow Gauge Railway Museum offers Yard Tours during the summer (May–October). These daily tours, held at noon, give visitors a behind-the-scenes look at the fascinating inner workings of the railway.
On this guided tour, you’ll explore the yard, machine shop, roundhouse, car shop, rolling stock, and more while learning about the train’s impressive 142-year history. It’s a unique opportunity to see the railroad operations up close, making it a must-do for anyone curious about the history and maintenance of this iconic railway.
Visit the Durango Hot Springs
For those seeking a more natural hot springs experience, Piedra River Hot Springs offers a relaxing, primitive soak in the heart of nature.
Situated along the scenic Piedra River, these remote hot springs can be reached with a moderate 1.5-mile hike from USFS Road 622. The unpaved road to the trailhead is generally passable without a 4×4 as long as conditions are dry, but it’s important to note that the road is closed from November through April.
The pools, built from river stones, are nestled right by the river, with temperatures around 100°F, though the river’s water levels can affect the warmth. Early summer visitors may find the pools cooler due to snow runoff, but the springs are more consistently warm by late summer and fall.
This period also sees more visitors, so arriving early is recommended for a peaceful soak.
With no facilities and limited cell service in the area, it’s important to come prepared, bring maps, and follow the “leave no trace” principles to help preserve this pristine natural site.
Things To Do During Your Stop in Silverton
While we could not enjoy Silverton on the Narrow Guage Railroad Tour, we drove the forty-five minutes north to have the experience for ourselves. We mainly just walked the main downtown area and stopped in for a bite before heading home.
That being said, this bite to eat is worth noting. We had wood-fired pizza from Golden Block Brewery. As I type this, I’m closing my eyes and wishing I wasn’t sitting at my desk. I’ve always said Colorado has the best food I’ve ever eaten. Their pizza is a part of that story.
Don’t believe me? Try it for yourself.
Wrapping It Up: Final Thoughts on Durango
Durango’s blend of outdoor adventure, history, and small-town charm makes it a top destination for all travelers. Whether hiking scenic trails, relaxing in a natural hot spring, or learning about the area’s fascinating past, there’s no shortage of unique experiences.
As you explore everything this mountain town offers, you’ll quickly understand why Durango continues to captivate visitors year after year. So pack your bags, grab your gear, and get ready for an adventure you won’t soon forget.
Still hanging out in the area? Be sure to check out our guide on Colorado Springs as well.
