Southwestern Colorado’s historic hub, Durango has roots as an important mining town. Today, visitors can get a taste of its prospecting past with a ride on the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, which winds through canyons and past abandoned gold and silver mines. Outdoor adventurers will also find plenty to do in Durango, from hiking in the San Juan National Forest to skiing at family-friendly Purgatory Resort. It’s also an ideal base for exploring Mesa Verde National Park, the site of ancient stone cliff dwellings built by the Pueblo people.
Though summer packs in the visitors, Durango is truly a shoulder-season standout. Spring (April–May) brings mild temps, smaller crowds, blooming mountain valleys, and events like Taste of Durango and Durango Wine Experience. Fall (September–October) is great, too, what with the equally pleasant weather, gentler river adventures, and the yellow-gold cottonwoods and red-orange scrub oaks lighting up the surrounding San Juan National Forest.
If your Durango visit includes outdoor adventures, you’ll probably want a car—that way you can head into the surrounding forests and parks at your leisure. If you do forego wheels, you can get by with some mix of on-foot travel, rideshares, tours, and the Main Ave Trolley—a fun, inexpensive way to tour the city. And don’t miss the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, which is based right out of downtown Durango.
Even if you’re not usually the water adventure type, try to make an exception for Durango. The Animas River—which flows right through town—is the beating heart of this Wild West outpost, and experiencing it is a rite of passage. There are adventures for all ages and abilities, from gentle floats that lull you to sleep to whitewater thrill rides guaranteeing a healthy splash. Of course, just dipping your toes in counts, too.
Local Currency US Dollar ($) | Time Zone MDT (UTC -7) | Country Code +1 | Language(s) English | Attractions 5 | Tours 34 | Reviews 3,443 |
Durango has been called the “Hollywood of the Rockies” since the 1920s—dozens of films have been shot here, each taking advantage of the city’s Wild West vibes and diverse landscapes. This southern Colorado town is also known for the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, a steam-operated, coal-fired train that’s been operating for around 150 years.
...MoreYes. There’s so much to do in Durango, you’d never guess the town has fewer than 20,000 residents. It’s the spot to float or paddle the Animas River, zipline through the San Juan National Forest, ride the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad—a steam-operated, coal-fired train that’s still operating some 150 years later—and more.
...MoreWith a day in Durango, hop aboard the steam-operated, coal-fired Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad for an ultra-scenic ride through the San Juan National Forest, stroll and dine downtown, and explore the Animas River or surrounding San Juan Mountains.
...MoreYes, Durango is incredibly family-friendly. Kids and adults tend to love riding the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad—a steam-operated, coal-fired train—for a scenic jaunt through the San Juan National Forest (and its onsite museum), dining downtown at Old West-style restaurants, and exploring the nearby San Juan Mountains or Animas River.
...MoreWhile Durango doesn’t have an “old town” per se, its downtown comes close. Many buildings date back to the 1880s, and they’re still standing today. One of the most beloved examples of Durango’s Wild West past is the historic Strater Hotel, which has hosted notables from US Presidents to the Grateful Dead.
...MoreSpring (April–May) and fall (September–October) are usually the best times of year to visit Durango. You’ll get sunny days and cool temperatures between 60°F (16°C) and 70°F (21°C), without all the summer crowds. But autumn tends to be locals’ favorite season: That’s when Durango’s aspens turn shimmery gold.
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