Colorado's Stunning City In The Rocky Mountains Is Full Of Scenic Outdoor Fun

At the southwest foot of the Rocky Mountains sits a charming, historic city known as much for its railroad and mining lore as for its natural beauty. Durango is a hub for outdoor activities across all seasons in Colorado, including skiing, biking, hiking, and rock climbing. Its location along the Animas River also makes it a popular destination for water sports, such as rafting and fishing.

Humans have chosen Durango and the surrounding area as a formidable site for settlement for more than 1,000 years. It was originally one of the major centers of the Ancestral Puebloan people. The area was later occupied by the Ute Indigenous people, the longest continuous inhabitants of Colorado. In the late 19th century, Durango transformed into a railroad town, founded by the Denver & Rio Grande Railway. The route hauled the massive amounts of gold, silver, and coal that were being mined in the region, but was also a successful passenger train given its breathtaking surroundings.

Today, the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad exclusively operates sightseeing tours of the area. There is so much to discover beyond the railroad, including forests, hot springs, and parks, all easily accessible from the city center. This includes Colorado's unique Mesa Verde National Park, home to preserved dwellings from ancient civilizations, and the vast wilderness of the San Juan National Forest.

As mentioned, the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is a popular attraction in Durango, and it could easily rival the most scenic train rides in the world. In addition to stunning views of the San Juan Mountains and Animas Canyon, the vintage locomotive tours also allow you to explore the surrounding towns. For example, the Round Trip Silverton Train is an all-day affair with a two-hour layover in Silverton, one of Colorado's most underrated mountain towns. For those seeking greater immersion in the area's natural beauty, the train also provides access to the San Juan National Forest and Weminuche Wilderness in the warmer months. 

Speaking of the outdoors, Durango has many beautiful hikes for every skill level. The Church Camp Trail System is packed with vistas of the Animas River Valley — the Church Camp Loop is 1.4 miles and better suited for beginners, while the Ridge Hike Trail is steeper and more strenuous. For family-friendly hikes in Durango with little elevation gain and gentle terrain, try the Falls Creek Trail and the Spud Lake Trail. Rafting down the Animas River is another activity that draws tons of visitors. The Lower Animas section offers plenty of thrills while still remaining suitable for newbies and families. Rafting season runs between May and September, and there are several tour operators in town, including Mild to Wild Rafting & Jeep Tours and Durango Rivertrippers & Adventure Tours.

If you'd rather stay dry and relax in the city, there's no shortage of things to do in downtown Durango, a Nationally Registered Historic District with Old West vibes and preserved heritage buildings. Along Main Avenue, you'll find shops selling a wide range of locally-made goods and artisanry. One of the city's most famous places is the Strater Hotel, a historic landmark that dates back to the late 1800s. The hotel's Diamond Belle Saloon has been magnificently restored with the gilded ceilings of its glory days — it even has a ragtime pianist and live music every evening. You really have the feeling of stepping back in time as you sip on a signature cocktail at the bar. Durango is also a beer lover's delight, with various breweries and pubs serving up some of the best craft beer in the country.

For most visitors to Durango, the best time to visit is between late spring and early fall, particularly from June through September. Summer brings warm daytime temperatures, cool evenings, and the most reliable access to hiking trails, rafting routes, and mountain roads. Visiting in mid-to-late September can be especially appealing for those hoping to see the aspen trees turn gold in the surrounding San Juan Mountains. Winter has its own draws, largely because of nearby skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing at Purgatory Resort. The Durango Hot Springs Resort and Spa has 32 mineral-rich hot spring pools that are especially cozy to soak in during the winter. 

Durango is relatively accessible despite its remote setting. Durango-La Plata County Airport (DRO) is located about 15 miles southeast of the city and offers regular flights between hubs such as Dallas-Fort Worth, Denver, and Phoenix. From Albuquerque, it's roughly a three-and-a-half-hour drive north, and it's about six to seven hours away from Denver, depending on road conditions. Because public transportation options are limited beyond Durango, renting a car is often the easiest way to explore the area.