Craving an adventure-filled getaway this weekend? Durango, Colorado is calling. Known for its mountain views, outdoor thrills, and year-round fun, this southwestern city is perfect for families and groups of friends. Discover the best things to do in Durango right now.
Whether you visit in summer or winter, Friday or Saturday, this city has countless attractions for you. From spa lovers to outdoor enthusiasts, there’s something for everyone. Planning to stay longer? Our 5 step guide to becoming a Filipino digital nomad includes tips for navigating Durango and finding affordable internet solutions to stay connected.
From skiing to hiking, and snowboarding to kayaking, you can never go wrong here. Want to just relax and enjoy the scenery? That’s also possible. If Durango isn’t on your bucket list yet, you might be missing out.
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1. Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and Museum
A historic train ride to remember! If you don’t mind sitting for three and a half hours inside a train, enjoying comfort and looking at stunning views, then this one is for you!
You’ll travel through Cascade Canyon and learn about the area’s history. Passengers often say it’s the highlight of their trip.
No Durango trip would be complete without this activity. It’s one of the top destinations in town. You might even spot archeological sites along the way. Durango & Silverton is both a ride and a time machine.
Suggested Experience: Book the historic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad scenic train ride to experience the Cascade Canyon views and learn about the region’s mining history.
2. Historic Downtown Durango
This downtown has it all! You’ll find at least 200 shops, cafes, stores, and restaurants. Historic buildings give the area a picturesque vibe.
Take your time exploring the area. If you get tired or hungry, there are plenty of food options. From casual coffee shops to fine dining, Historic Downtown is full of charm. Cookies, souvenirs, and photos? Yes, please!
Suggested Experience: Join a guided walking tour of Historic Downtown Durango to learn about the city’s Wild West history and hidden landmarks.
3. Purgatory Resort
Perfect for the outdoor enthusiast! Purgatory Resort is open year-round with activities for all seasons. In winter, enjoy skiing, snowshoeing, and snowboarding down the slopes. In summer and fall, go mountain biking, hiking, or ziplining.
Don’t miss alpine slide rides, bungee trampolines, and climbing walls. It’s ideal for all ages. Const root and const colsdiv? Just be ready to get moving!
Suggested Experience: Reserve a Purgatory Resort ski or mountain adventure pass to enjoy seasonal activities like skiing, biking, and alpine slides.
4. San Juan National Forest
This forest is full of natural beauty. It offers hiking trails and breathtaking scenery. It’s the perfect place for a calm day outdoors.
Whether you want to hike or just take in the views, you’ll leave refreshed. This area is also near Mesa Verde National Park, known for its cliff dwellings built by the ancestral Puebloans.
Suggested Experience: Explore the area on a San Juan National Forest jeep or guided hiking tour to reach scenic viewpoints and hidden trails.
5. Animas River
Enjoy a peaceful walk or thrilling whitewater rafting. The Animas River Trail has walk-in and biking paths, picnic tables, and scenic stops.
For a more adrenaline-filled option, try a rafting tour. It’s great for visitors looking for adventure.
Suggested Experience: Book a 4-Hour Rafting Trip on Animas River, one of the most popular outdoor activities in Durango.
6. Pinkerton Hot Springs
A quick roadside stop that’s totally worth it. Snap a photo of the colorful rocks. The water is warm but not too hot.
This spot near the highway is one of the most accessible natural attractions. You don’t need to spend much time here to enjoy it.
Suggested Experience: Visit the springs on a Durango scenic driving tour that includes Pinkerton Hot Springs and surrounding mountain viewpoints.
7. Durango Community Recreation Center
This is a great spot for families. Swim in the Lap or Leisure Pool, enjoy the Water Slide, or relax in the Hot Tub or Outdoor Splash Pad. This is a good place to be!
There’s more than just water. Take a look at the indoor track, gymnasium, racquetball courts, or climbing wall. There’s even babysitting available!
Don’t forget to visit if you’re in Durango, Colorado.
Suggested Experience: Consider a family recreation pass or local activity day pass in Durango for indoor pools, climbing, and fitness facilities.
8. Durango Welcome Center
Start your journey here. This place is full of information and maps to help guide your visit.
The staff are friendly and helpful. They’ll give you tips about events, ads, or even hidden gems around town.
Suggested Experience: Many travelers begin their stay with a Durango city highlights tour that introduces the main attractions and local history.
9. James Ranch Market
A calm and cozy place with delicious local food. Dine with views of the mountains and meet farm animals like goats and chickens.
James Ranch is a destination for those who want to enjoy fresh air, good food, and a slice of rural Durango life.
Suggested Experience: Join a Durango farm-to-table food tour to sample local produce, artisan foods, and regional specialties.
10. Durango Fish Hatchery and Wildlife Museum
Learn about wildlife in this unique spot. The hatchery offers insight into local fish species. The museum shares facts about the area’s animals and nature.
It’s a great educational stop for all ages. A good mix of fun and learning.
Suggested Experience: Consider a Durango wildlife and nature discovery tour to learn about local ecosystems and animals.
11. St. Columba Catholic Church
This church is beautiful and peaceful. The stained glass is a standout feature. If you’re attending mass or just exploring, this historic site is worth a visit.
Suggested Experience: Visit as part of a Durango historic landmarks walking tour that includes churches, historic buildings, and cultural sites.
12. Durango Craft Spirits
Sample vodka and whiskey made right in Durango. Tours show how spirits are crafted onsite. This distillery blends history with flavor. A must for visitors who enjoy craft beverages.
Suggested Experience: Join a Durango craft distillery tasting tour to experience locally made spirits and learn about the distillation process.
13. Haviland Lake
If you want to try something new, like camping, then this place is highly recommended. The lake offers a great view and is ideal for beginner paddleboarders or kayakers. There are also hiking trails around the area.
So if you hope to have a relaxing yet productive day, just go here, or maybe enjoy a camping trip with your friends or family.
Suggested Experience: Book a guided paddleboarding or kayaking experience near Haviland Lake to enjoy the calm waters and mountain scenery.
14. Potato Lake Trail
An ideal place for a short hike. Not difficult at all, and it seems like an easy trek. If you are a family and you have kids with you, they can also enjoy this activity.
After a short hike, a stunning lake at the top would welcome you! Potato Lake Trail is a hike for people of all ages.
Suggested Experience: Explore the trail on a guided Durango hiking adventure that includes Potato Lake and nearby scenic routes.
15. Four Leaves Winery
The building of this winery is historic and very welcoming. This winery imports grapes from all over the world. They will do the process of fermenting and blending the wines right in front of you!
By going here, you can enjoy a tasting experience of their wines, customize your wine, design personalized labels, and a lot more. A must-visit winery in Durango, Colorado.
Suggested Experience: Reserve a Durango winery tasting experience to sample locally produced wines and learn about the winemaking process.
All of these adventures may sound simple, but they are definitely travel-journal-worthy!
But if you don’t have all the time to get all 20 things done, I made a shorter version of it:
Itinerary for only 3 days in Durango, Colorado
Day 1 in Durango, Colorado
Durango Welcome Center – Before you start your trip, you should head to Durango Welcome Center first. It will give you a lot of information and ideas on what to do in the city. By going here, you can fix your itinerary and make it well-organized.
Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and Museum – Never ever miss the chance to go here when you’re in Durango. This 3 and a half hour journey from Durango to Silverton would leave you breathless. The stunning views are worth seeing!
Day 2 in Durango, Colorado
Purgatory Resort – A resort for all seasons! You can never go wrong in Purgatory Resort! Whatever season it is, it has a lot of fun and exciting activities for people. You can spend your whole day here and just enjoy the outdoor activities that are perfect for kids or adults.
Day 3 in Durango, Colorado
Historic Downtown Durango – On your last day, it is recommended to go to Historic Downtown Durango. It has a lot of shops that are perfect for buying souvenirs or presents. When you get tired and hungry from walking around the place, there are a lot of restaurants to choose from. Of course, not only that, but there are also historic buildings with picturesque architecture that would capture your eyes.
By carefully planning your trip, you can use functions like function init and loops like foreach in your itinerary, just like organizing data-guid elements in your calendar! For example, consider grouping activities by proximity to avoid unnecessary travel. If you’re looking for unique attractions or fine dining, these places are sure to click with your interests.
Where to Stay in Durango, Colorado
Durango has great options for families, couples, and adventure travelers. Use the interactive map below to compare hotels, cabins, and vacation rentals near downtown, the Animas River, or Purgatory Resort.
Making the Most of Your Durango Trip
Durango is a vibrant city with something for everyone. Whether you’re drawn to its natural beauty, cultural landmarks, or unique activities, you’ll find joy in every stop. From ancestral Puebloan ruins to cozy spas and slopes, there’s no shortage of discovery.
So, if you’re planning a weekend trip, make it unforgettable. Seek out unique things to do in Durango, Colorado, enjoy its welcoming vibe, and embrace the adventure. Orientationchange your mindset and let this place reset your soul. Hide from stress, soak in the Durango hot springs, or book a night at the Strater Hotel. This town truly has it all.
EV travelers will also find modern charging stations. Cols of fun await in this high-altitude gem. Whether it’s video guides or good old-fashioned travel notes, don’t forget to run your optimization tools and bring your essentials!
FAQ
If we will compare the crime rate in Durango to other cities in the United States, it is a bit higher. However, it is unfair to say that this place is dangerous because it is not, at all. Tourists can go here and feel safe all the time.
The best time to visit Durango depends on the type of activity and scenery you want to experience and witness. If you like winter sports, then you can go during winter, if you prefer summer sports or seeing gorgeous views, then summer or fall is the best time. As I said, you can never go wrong in Durango!
Durango-La Plata Airport offers a daily direct flight from the following airports:
– Denver International Airport (DEN)
– Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
– Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)
Weekly and seasonal direct flight:
– Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
And the rest of the cities are connecting flights. American Airlines and United Airlines are the airlines that offer a flight going to Durango. Check Skyscanner for cheaper and available flights if you’re planning to visit this awesome city!
About the Writer
Hi there! I’m Fatima. My first major travel was in 2016 in the beautiful city of Cebu. After that, I got interested in traveling. Now I enjoy learning languages and other country’s cultures. My goal is to visit at least one country each year and to share my experiences with other people through writing or blogging. Witness my journey by following me on Instagram.