There is so much to do in Durango, Colorado
Check out some of our Favorite Spots!
The Denver & Rio Grande Railroad Company founded the town of Durango in 1880. Durango is located in the Animas River Valley at the intersection of US Highways 160 and 550. It is surrounded by the gorgeous San Juan Mountains in La Plata County, Colorado.
Wonderful Mountain Town
Durango is a small, charming town that has maintained its western heritage through the years. Nestled in a valley of rocky spires and pine forests, the Old West meets the best dining, local shopping, and outdoor activities of our modern world. These activities include hiking, biking, skiing, rafting, jeep/ATV tours, zip-line, natural mineral hot springs, and much more! There are plenty of activities in the area for everyone, no matter what age or physical condition.
Historic Places
One of the oldest and most popular historic dwellings in town is the Henry Strater Hotel, built in 1887, where customers can enjoy the old Victorian charm maintained by a huge collection of antiques throughout the hotel. Everyone knows the artifacts aren’t the only think keeping the great place alive; there are friendly ghosts all around the residence to keep the energy flowing.
The also-prestigious Victorian-style General Palmer Hotel was built in 1898 and has many beautiful antiques and paintings that enrich its authentic heritage. There is rooftop terrace available to guests in nice weather.
Both of these grandfather hotels are located in the heart of downtown Durango, and within walking distance of the best food, art, and local shops you could ask for!
We mustn’t forget the astounding Mesa Verde, located just a couple hours west of town. Featuring some of the best preserved Ancient Puebloan archaeology in the United States, people come from all around the world to experience this World Heritage Site.
Ride the Narrow Gauge Railroad
The Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad has been up and running since 1882, when it was first constructed for transporting silver and gold from Silverton, CO. Today, it offers tours to and from Silverton and throughout some of the area’s most beautiful landscapes. D&SNGR is a year-round party, and annually hosts the Polar Express, the Blues&Brews Festival, Thomas the Train, the Dinosaur Train, music festivals, and much more!
The Mountains
Durango is settled comfortably in the foothills of the beautiful San Juan Mountains, and access to the deepest crevices and hideouts are everywhere. Biking/hiking trails right from town will take you up Hogsback, Perins Peak, Animas City Moutain, Raider Ridge or Smelter Mountain, which are all the hills within city limits. A short drive West will take you to the very heart of the San Juan Basin, and any drive North will bring you to the taller mountains and to our home ski mountain, Purgatory!
Purgatory Mountain Resort is settled just twenty miles north of downtown Durango and provides a full winter of skiing and snowboarding and a full summer of zip-line and jeep tours. Lined with trails perfect for bikers, Purgatory hosted the first World Mountain Bike Championships in 1990. Also, with a magical backdrop of Twilight Peak and surrounding mountains, the resort hosts weddings and other events!
Dining in Durango
Eating out in Durango is easy and enjoyable with fine dining at every corner and up every street. Hearty steak houses like the Ore House (right next door!) and the Mahogany Grill are popular for special occasions, while lighter foods like sushi can be found at East by Southwest (right across the street!) or Rice Monkey. Magnificent French cuisine at Jean Pierre’s and at Crepes, Inc. are right on this block, too! Pizza, something we all enjoy, is amazing at Home Slice and Diorios South Pizza (right around the corner!). Or if you have a desire to indulge in America’s favorite meal – a hamburger – try a local organic grass-fed burger at Grassburger or enjoy a handmade burger in the 1950’s charm of the Durango Diner. If you are thirsty for some craft beer, there are many fantastic local breweries including Steamworks Brewing Co. (two blocks away!), Carver Brew Co. and the Brew Pub & Kitchen (just down the street!). Enjoy a morning coffee at any of the charming local coffee shops like the 81301 Coffee House, Steaming Bean, and Durango Joe’s. Also, Starbucks is right across the street from us at the Rec Room!
