The Ultimate Travel Guide To Durango & Things To Do

Whether planning a visit to Durango for the first time or having been there before, this part of Colorado is filled with numerous excursions and attractions that entice travelers of all ages and interests. From outdoor sports to cultural attractions to historical sites and features, there is a lot to see and do. Every season comes with unique activities, giving vacationers something new to experience every time they visit.

The world has plenty of natural attractions that travelers need to visit at least once in their lifetime and Durango definitely boasts some of the best. Here is the ultimate travel guide to Durango and things to do there.

Things To Know Before You Visit Durango

• Durango Transit system is the cheapest way to get around, costing only $1 per ride.
• Many travelers take Durango as a nature lover’s paradise, but it has numerous other things to do, especially in the historic downtown area.
• Spring is the best to visit the city. Durango is home to some of the most adventurous destinations in the US. Spring’s good weather allows vacationers to enjoy the best of the city’s outdoor activities.
• There are numerous mountain biking trails in the city: Durango boasts some of the most impressive mountain biking trails in the country. Vacationers will find plenty of San Juan National Forest guarantee fun mountain biking excursions that one can’t find anywhere else.
• Travelers can explore the wild side of Durango on a historic train ride: The historic Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Train takes vacationers through the city’s wilderness, revealing some of Colorado’s hidden travel gems.

When Is The Best Time To Visit Durango?

Spring is the perfect time to visit Durango since there are a lot of things to see and do. The weather is also great, with temperatures warming up, offering plenty of outdoor opportunities. Hiking and biking are some of the most popular spring activities in Durango.

There are numerous events and festivals to catch during this season, including the Memorial Day weekend, the Durango Bluegrass Meltdown, and the Home and Ranch Show.

The best strategy is to plan well before going on a spring vacation. After all, it is still spring and the weather may change. So, pack some layers and boots.

• Best time to visit: Spring
• Popular events & festivals: the Memorial Day weekend, Durango Bluegrass Meltdown, and the Home and Ranch Show

How Best Can You Get Around Durango?

Located on the beautiful shores of the Animas River, at the meeting point of Highways 160 and 556, Durango is one of the most walkable cities in Colorado. Vacationers can walk around the downtown area, exploring the beautiful historic buildings, unique shops, restaurants, and bars.

One of the best ways to get around the city is by riding the transit system, which comprises buses and trolleys. The buses, also known as The Lift, operate between College Drive and Main Avenue. They also run through Fort Lewis College and Albertson’s and are the most affordable way of getting around Durango.

• The cost of riding The Lift: $1

The Trolley runs from Days Inn to College Drive after every 20 minutes every day.

• The cost of riding the historic Durango Trolley: $1
• Hours of operation of Durango Trolley: 7:00 am – 10:40 pm

Things To Do In Durango

Ride the Durango Train

One of the best things to do in Durango is ride the historic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad to take in the beautiful scenery.

Related: 10 Things To Know Before Riding The Pikes Peak Cog Railway

• The best time to ride this historic railroad: Fall for the awesome autumn views

One may opt for renting a car to get around the city, which is doable since there are several rental companies offering vehicles at varying prices.

• The average cost of renting a car in Durango: $46

Explore The Historic Downtown

The historic downtown of Durango is brimming with beautiful historic buildings and gorgeous streets lined with top-notch restaurants, art galleries, and unique boutique shops selling colorful items.

While many vacationers plan trips to Durango to take advantage of the outdoor activities, the town’s historic downtown area is worth exploring, too.

Go Rafting At Animas River

Animas River is among the best places in the US for beginners to enjoy white water rafting. Navigating through this beautiful river via rafting gives visitors an incredible chance of enjoying the natural scenery of the town from a different point.

Numerous rafting companies offer excursions that fit travelers of all ages and abilities.

Go Hiking And Mountain Biking Along Colorado Trail

Colorado Trail is one of the most beautiful places to enjoy hiking and mountain biking in Durango. The 485-mile trail stretches from Durango to Denver, giving travelers several miles of beautiful scenery to explore.

The trail also takes visitors through some of the area’s most striking mountains and other stunning terrains. One can also go horseback riding in this area.

Go Skiing At Purgatory Ski Resort

Visiting Durango in winter? Skiing at Purgatory Ski Resort is one of the things not to miss on a trip to Durango. The place is filled with a variety of slopes and trails to explore. There are several winter activities, including snow tubing and snowmobiling.

Related: How Vermont’s Ski Resorts Differ From Those In Colorado (& Which Are Better)

Where To Stay In Durango

With many things to do in Durango, visitors are definitely going to need somewhere to sleep as they explore this charming town. Here are some of the best areas and hotels for vacationers.

Historic Downtown

The historic downtown is filled with a lot of fun activities and attractions. The area is pedestrian-friendly, and one can stroll through its bars, shops, historic buildings, and museums, discovering the unique charm of Durango.

Staying in the historic downtown gives vacationers access to some of the most iconic attractions in town, lots of dining and shopping options, and entertainment.

The only drawback of staying downtown is that the cost of accommodation can be high, but, of course, there are budget options to consider.

Where To Stay In The Historic Downtown: General Palmer Hotel

Located in the Historic Downtown Durango, the General Palmer Hotel is located a few minutes walk away from the famous Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, giving visitors an incredible opportunity on exploring the wild side of the city on a scenic ride via train.

• Address: 567 Main Avenue, Durango, CO 81301-5422
• Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, tea/coffee maker, coffee machine, business center, flat screen TV, cable or satellite TV, free toiletries, meeting/banquet facilities, and internet.

Purgatory Resort

Purgatory Resort for its numerous family-friendly outdoor activities, including a ski resort located nearby. This mountain town has numerous condos and apartments, some of the top scenic skiing trails in the US, gorgeous views, and numerous accommodation options.

Where To Stay In Purgatory Resort: Purgatory Resort, Luxury Condo, Ski-In/Ski-Out Slop Side Condo, Purgatory Lodge

Located right in the heart of the Purgatory Resort, this luxury condo offers lavish, modern, comfortable, and relaxing accommodations. It offers incredible access to the San Juan Mountains of Southwest Colorado.

• Address: Address: 24 Sheol St, Durango, CO 81301
• Amenities: Outdoor pool, fitness center, tennis, coffee machine, cable or satellite TV, internet, Wi-Fi, parking, and spa.

Fort Lewis College Area

Apart from its natural attractions and fun outdoor adventures, Durango also offers higher education opportunities, including Fort Lewis College Area. There are a good number of lodging options in this area and outdoor activities, including hiking and biking.

Where To Stay In Fort Lewis College Area: Residence Inn by Marriott Durango

If staying in Fort Lewis College Area, one of the best hotels to stay in is Residence Inn by Marriott Durango, offering plenty of shopping, hiking, rafting, hunting, and rafting opportunities.

• Address: 21691 Highway 160 West, Durango, CO 81301
• Amenities: Indoor pool, fitness center, room service, free Wi-Fi, coffee machine, free parking, business center, Wi-Fi available in all areas, flat-screen TV, cable or satellite TV.

Related: Summer Vacation: 10 Affordable Hotels In Colorado

Where To Eat In Durango

Durango isn’t just an outdoor paradise. It also boasts an incredible culinary scene, thanks to its amazing restaurants. Here are some of the spots to get the best food in town.

• Michel’s Corner Crepes: This is one of the best restaurants offering an incredible European touch, and is one of the best spots to have breakfasts. The menu is extensive and includes both sweet and savory crêpes.
• Derailed Pour House: Ranked among the best of the best restaurants in the United States and the in the world, Derailed Pour House offers an amazing menu and includes Mash burgers, derailed burgers, and Jalapeño popper burgers in the menu.
• Eolus Bar & Dining: This is one of the spots in town to have delicious dinner, thanks to the incredible menu comprising Hamachi volcano roll, grilled hanger steak, Caesar, and more.

Spending A Perfect Day In Durango

Durango is filled with numerous attractions and activities that are impossible to explore in 24 hours. Here’s how to give nearly everything a try in a short amount of time.

Start a perfect day in Durango by grabbing breakfast in one of its incredible restaurants. From there, head to the historic downtown and explore its colorful shops, eateries, and galleries. Explore the history of Durango with one of the many historic walking tours.

Enjoy free admission at the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Train Museum, and explore the railroad history. Go tubing or rafting at Animas River. Numerous rafting companies are offering amazing trips on the river.

Related: 10 Things You Can’t Miss Seeing When You’re In Colorado

Break for lunch in one of the incredible dining spots. After lunch, head to the Durango Recreation Center for some fun indoor activities, ranging from swimming to attending an aerobics class to playing a basketball game.

Spend time exploring the local craft breweries. Durango boasts five incredible craft breweries producing unique drinks. One can sample a few drinks and even take some bottles home.

Enjoy dinner in one of Durango’s fine restaurants and complete the perfect day by having a drink in one of the local bars.

FAQ

Q: Is Durango worth visiting?

Whether planning a visit to Durango for the first time or having been there before, this part of Colorado is filled with activities that entice travelers of all ages and interests. From history and culture to outdoor adventure, Durango has it all (and Colorado is also known for being an affordable state to visit in winter).

Q: What is the best time of year to visit Durango Colorado?

Spring is the perfect time to visit Durango since there are a lot of things to see and do. The weather is also great, with temperatures warming up, offering plenty of outdoor opportunities. Hiking and biking are some of the most popular spring activities in Durango. Events and festivals abound in spring, too.

Q: What’s Durango famous for?

Durango, Colorado is famous for being an incredible outdoor adventure, offering opportunities for vacationers of all ages and interests. It is home to some of the most scenic waterfalls, forests, handsprings, and nature preserves. It offers a variety of outdoor activities, including rock climbing, hiking, canoeing, camping, and skiing.