There are quite a few Colorado mountain towns worth exploring this year, but none more enchanting than Durango. Located in the southwest corner of the state, surrounded by the San Juan Mountains, the region offers outdoor adventure and plenty of historic character for your getaways. There’s a vast array of things to do in Durango, CO, including taking unique day trips and adventures in the Four Corners region of the USA.
Durango is a destination filled with fascinating history, striking landscapes, and a long list of experiences that appeal to both first-time visitors and seasoned Colorado explorers. One of the most iconic Durango, Colorado, attractions is the Durango Silverton train, a historic narrow-gauge railroad that has been carrying passengers through the San Juan Mountains since the late 1800s. Explore historic cliff dwellings with day trips to Mesa Verde National Park, or spend some time exploring historic downtown Durango.
Durango captures the spirit of the Old West without sacrificing the lively mountain-town energy that’s perfect for fun escapes. Beyond well-known highlights, you can spend your days hiking, mountain biking, fishing, rafting, offroading, and so much more. And when you need a break from it all, the cabins and rooms at Blue Lake Ranch are waiting. Surrounded by gorgeous gardens and mountain views, and paired with exceptional hospitality, it’s easy to see why this is one of the top hotels in Durango, CO. Book your stay today!
The Best Things to Do in Durango CO
Durango began as a railroad hub during the late-nineteenth-century mining era, and that legacy still shapes the community’s character today. Visitors walking through historic downtown Durango will notice carefully preserved buildings that now house locally owned restaurants, charming shops, lively breweries, and galleries showcasing regional artists. The atmosphere feels authentic and welcoming, which makes exploring the city one of the most enjoyable things to do in Durango CO.
The location also places visitors within easy reach of some of the most remarkable landscapes in the Southwest. Within a short drive, you can access high mountain passes, ancient archaeological sites, alpine lakes, and miles of hiking and biking trails. This variety is what makes Durango one of the most sought-after destinations in Colorado. Below is a brief look at some of the top things to do in Durango.
What to Add to Your Durango Itinerary
- No visit would feel complete without riding the Durango Silverton train. This historic steam-powered railroad has been operating since 1882 and travels nearly 45 miles from Durango to the old mining town of Silverton. It’s one of the most popular things to do in Durango year-round, especially in the scenic fall months and during the holiday season. The route follows the Animas River through rugged mountain canyons and dense forests, offering remarkable views of the area.
- Located about 35 miles west of Durango is Mesa Verde National Park, which protects some of the most significant archaeological sites in North America. The park contains more than 600 cliff dwellings built by the Ancestral Pueblo people over 700 years ago, including the Cliff Palace and Balcony House structures.
- Historic downtown Durango serves as the city’s cultural center and remains one of the most enjoyable things to do in Durango CO. Visitors will find independent bookstores, art galleries, Western outfitters, and locally owned restaurants.
- The Animas River Trail offers a relaxing way to experience the natural beauty that surrounds Durango. This paved path stretches for more than seven miles along the Animas River and connects parks, open spaces, and downtown areas.
- If you’re into hiking, don’t miss the San Juan National Forest. It’s one of the most popular things to do in Durango! The forest covers more than 1.8 million acres of wilderness surrounding Durango, and provides countless opportunities for hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, and scenic drives, including the Colorado Trail and Engineer Mountain Trail.
- Purgatory Resort is certainly one of the most popular things to do in Durango in the winter, but the resort also offers year-round recreation in the San Juan Mountains. In winter, visitors come for skiing and snowboarding across more than 1,600 acres of terrain. During summer, the resort operates a mountain coaster, alpine slide, scenic chairlift rides, and an extensive network of mountain biking trails.
- With so many outdoor adventures to enjoy, you’ll also want plenty of ways to relax and unwind. Luckily, Durango and surrounding mountain towns are filled with hot springs, including the popular Durango Hot Springs Resort, and those in Pagosa Springs, Ouray, and more.
- For visitors interested in scenic drives, the Million Dollar Highway offers one of the most dramatic routes in Colorado. The road connects Durango with the historic towns of Silverton and Ouray, winding through high mountain passes and steep canyon landscapes. It’s one of the most iconic things to do in Durango in the summer and fall.
- Durango is home to some of the best trout fishing in the country, with plenty of fishing opportunities along the Animas and San Juan Rivers.
- There are plenty of adrenaline-pumping things to do in Durango, too, including off-roading jeep adventures, ziplining, mountain biking, whitewater rafting, and more.
With so much at your fingertips, it’s easy to see why this is one of the most compelling places to visit in Colorado. Whether visitors are exploring historic sites, riding a legendary railroad, hiking through national forest land, or enjoying the energy of downtown, there are countless memorable things to do near Durango throughout every season.
Stay at One of the Best Hotels in Durango
After a full day exploring the many things to do in Durango, it’s time to head back to one of the most distinctive hotels in Durango. Blue Lake Ranch, set just outside the city, sits on more than 200 scenic acres of gardens and meadows, with sensational mountain views. We’re only 20 minutes from downtown Durango, placing you close enough to all the most popular area attractions, but you’ll feel like you’re a world away in Colorado’s mountain paradise.
The accommodations at Blue Lake Ranch reflect the character of the Southwest, with thoughtfully designed lodging, including rooms, suites, cabins, and more, that create a comfortable retreat after a day of adventure. Many rooms include fireplaces, private patios, and views of the surrounding landscape. There’s truly nowhere quite like it. Book your stay, and get ready for fun in Durango, Colorado!