We are in the southwest corner of Colorado, a state whose name evokes the epic of the West, wagon trains that thrashed miles over all types of terrain, Indians in pursuit, but also natural beauty, forests, alpine lakes and mountains. Here we are in Durango, at an altitude of about 6500 feet, surrounded by the San Juan National Forest, a prelude to the majesty of the Rocky Mountains that dominate the north and center of the state. Let’s discover together the best things to do in Durango!
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Where is Durango? How to get there?
We arrived here from Arizona, the Grand Canyon State, and the Four Corners Monument (87 miles away), the geographical point of the States where Arizona, Utah, Colorado and New Mexico meet perpendicularly and where we all take the ritual photo with our hands and feet on the four states at the same time. It may be a bit of triviality, but it is a satisfaction to say: I was there too!
Our destination is very close to where the two main arteries in the area meet: US160 (east-west) and US550 (north-south). We’re talking about scenic U.S. roads in the true sense of the word, without exaggeration.
You can also reach Durango via its small airport that has connections with the international airports of Denver (8500 Pena Blvd.), Dallas-Fort Worth (2400 Aviation Dr.) and Phoenix (3400 E. Sky Harbor Blvd.), but the most fascinating way to arrive is by car, enjoying the panoramas that the route offers. Durango, a stop you can’t miss, where you can breathe in the atmosphere of the west and enjoy the charm of nature.
Best Time to Visit Durango
Choosing the time of year to visit Durango depends on what you want to enjoy most; the summers are hot and the winters very cold, while the so-called “shoulder seasons” (between high and low season) have reasonable temperatures to offer great excitement, less crowding and we mustn’t forget the red-gold colors of autumn. In any case, all seasons are fascinating.
Things to Do in Durango
Durango is appreciated for its western vibe and even though it has become a tourist destination over time, it isn’t tacky, as the more modern look is minimal, not overdone, and we like that.
Main Avenue
Our attention is captured by the San Juan Mountains behind the city and its pleasant Main Avenue. No wonder Hollywood continues to shoot movies in this charming place. The main street is home to many restaurants, stores and bars, but the impression is that of a city with a strong personality and we like to imagine it back in the days when it was a land of Spanish conquerors, then of hunters and traders.
We enter the Strater Hotel (699 Main Ave.), four floors of Victorian-style red brick, and in a split second the ceilings, walnut furniture and antiques transport us back to the late 1800s. This luxury hotel is still fully operational today and is run by the third generation of the Barker family who purchased it in 1926. The rooms are sumptuous, not all the same, with the same walnut furniture and Victorian style to take you back in time, all of considerable visual impact. The combination of red and white on the stairs and in the hallways leading to the rooms is a very pleasant touch. This complex also houses a fine, expensive restaurant, the Mahogany Grille, and the theater of the same name, which we are told is one of the most prestigious in Colorado, operating for 47 years with great musical performances.
Actually, it’s not just spaces, nature and history that excel here in Durango; the city boasts an excellent artistic streak and this is evident in the dozens of galleries you find downtown. At 567 Main Avenue, another historic building makes us look up: it’s the General Palmer Hotel, a Victorian-style building, also dating from the late 1800s and still in full swing. The decorations in the lobby, the lounge, the reading area and all the nooks and crannies where you can relax or have a conversation all lead back to that historical period.
The hallways are a succession of plants and sofas, the rooms are refined and pleasant, not only for those who like the Victorian style. The receptionist, definitely a bit biased, tells us that staying here is a real experience. The hotel is named after General Palmer who purchased the railroad that led to the mining towns of Silverton and Durango. The Visitor Center (802 Main Ave.) is a great place to get valuable information or to make reservations if you’re not already fully organized.
Durango Attractions: Museums, historic ranches and hot springs
Main Avenue ends at the plaza in front of the old station, and the dip into the past as you walk inside the building continues as you board one of the historic steam trains at the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad & Museum (479 Main Ave.): a trip back in time amidst the harmonious landscape. The route winds through spectacular canyons in the remote wilderness of the great San Juan National Forest.
To experience the adventure of traveling in historic wagons pulled by a coal-fired steam locomotive on the same trails as miners, cowboys and settlers of the Old West is as good as we could ask for from this tour that takes us to the mining town of Silverton after a ride of just over 44 miles with unforgettable scenery.
Between May and October, you can take a full-day excursion to and from Silverton by purchasing a round-trip ticket, or you can choose to purchase one-way and not return to the starting point if you have other plans. You can also choose tours that include rafting, ziplining and horseback riding. There are many things to do and it’s worth checking them out on the official website or at the Visitor Center.
For sure, the day at the James Ranch (33846 Highway 550) gave us a real experience in direct contact with the family that manages it. We learned about a daily routine that was new to us in a fascinating scenario amidst hills, valleys, lots of greenery and farm animals. For those who wish to have the same experience, guided tours cost $25 for ages 6 and up. The official website keeps you updated on all the events organized by the family. Dining here is highly recommended.
Historic Main Avenue, mountain vistas and ranch life led us into the dimension we were looking for and love to be a part of, but we briefly turned away from it all and followed the advice to visit the Powerhouse Science Center (1333 Camino del Rio). In an old building now restored (near a bike trail) robotic challenges, a flight simulator, experiments and other interactive activities made us as excited and entertained as and perhaps more than the kids who were present. It’s definitely a place to spend a couple of hours with minimal expense: $7.50 for adults, $6.50 for seniors and $6 for kids ages 3-17.
Having fun outdoors can be tiring. No problem, you can refresh yourself with beneficial massages and soak in the geothermal waters of the nearby San Juan Mountains. Let’s talk about Trimble Hot Springs (6475 Country Rd.), a location with hot springs, a real wellness corner where you can appreciate a large pool and another with warmer water, a lawn for more relaxing moments, picnic, yoga or simple rest. The entrance ticket costs 39$.
What is there to do near Durango?
Durango is an important ski resort that in its various locations is between 25-30 miles from the city center. One of the places that attract the most ski enthusiasts is Purgatory Resort, a hotel complex considered to be one of the best destinations in North America. But beyond evaluations and classifications, this location is in an enchanting position, with ideal slopes on the snows of the San Juan Mountains, it is a structure equipped with all accommodation services and with 3 types of ski-passes, so you can choose the one most suitable for your needs.
At the northern end of Durango, the great San Juan National Forest (4700 square miles) is a perfect place for all nature lovers; here you can try trekking, horseback riding, rafting, mountain biking and mountaineering. Inside the forest is one of the most scenic routes in America; the complete loop is 230 miles and from Durango the roads to follow are (in order): Rt.550N, 62W, 145S, 160E.
In an area called High Desert, one of the nearby points of interest that we don’t want to miss is certainly Mesa Verde National Park, set between the towns of Mancos and Cortez, 55 miles west of Durango. Actually, we have already touched on Mesa Verde along Route 160, when we arrived in town from the south, but now it’s time to devote some due time to this site. The charm of the highlands (mesas) with breathtaking views increases as we enter this vast area. Continuing on, we come across one of the few places in America where the remains of the dwellings of the natives, the Anasazi, can still be seen and visited.
The villages were built inside the recesses of the rock; the best known, perhaps because they are the largest, is Cliff Palace. Take advantage of the rangers’ presence to listen to the history of these extraordinary and very well organized urban agglomerations. To learn more check out our guide on how to visit Mesa Verde National Park.
Another very interesting destination that offers the chance to visit the Anasazi ruins while enjoying beautiful views is Canyon of the Ancients, about a 1 hour 15″ drive from Durango. To learn more you can read our TOP 10 natural destinations in Colorado.
Weminuche Wilderness is an important area in the San Juan Mountains with rugged areas, jagged peaks and the deep gorge of the Animas River. Nowhere else in Colorado has mountains with such wilderness; it is a wonderful alpine adventure. For example, Emerald Lake, a must-see, is less than 25 miles northeast of Durango.
Chimney Rock (3179 State Hwy 151, 3 miles south of Hwy 160) is located between the small town of Pagosa Springs and Durango (about 35 minutes away) in the San Juan National Forest and includes an archaeological site along trails that date back a thousand years, with ruins of ancient pueblos that inhabited Chaco Canyon. This area was undoubtedly in need of protection and on September 21, 2012, former President Obama officially proclaimed this area Chimney Rock National Monument, thus granting it the attention it deserves. (Area accessible 15/5 to 30/9 from 9am to 4:30pm. Tour $14 for adults and $7 for ages 5-12).
Great suggestions for further exploration with tours and excursions throughout the area surrounding Durango can be found by clicking on the link below.
Activities and tours in Durango
Durango Events
We are also here to capture the essence of the place, to get to know the people who live in this town and it’s nice to do so during events, because these occasions show the true spirit of the place.
The True West Rodeo (La Plata County Fairgrounds – 2500 Main Ave.) comes to life every Wednesday from June through August, to celebrate and honor its western roots. Races, shows, music, markets and food intertwine to make a wild west-style event that is pure excitement. Admission is $15 for adults, $10 for those over 62 and also for kids ages 5-17. The same area (La Plata County Fairgrounds – 2500 Main Ave.), is home in August to the La Plata County Fair, an old-fashioned country fair featuring animals, farm products, “grandma’s pies” and wonderful quilts, in many colors and designs.
On Labor Day weekend, in early September (sometimes straddling the end of August), the Four Corners Motorcycle Rally (Durango Harley Davidson – 750 S. Camino del Rio) gets “underway”, with the gathering of enthusiasts displaying their choppers, a motorcycle parade, live music, street vendors and all the passion for two wheels.
In mid-September, on tree-lined East 2nd Avenue downtown, the Durango Autumn Arts Festival showcases excellence in arts and crafts. More than 100 artists from all over the area meet and exhibit their creations in a pleasant setting with live music. Horses, floats and lots of people on foot bring to life the parade that kicks off in early October at 10 a.m. at the Train Depot (479 Main Ave.) and proceeds north along Main Avenue. It’s the Cowboy Parade, the parade much loved by the locals that also attracts many visitors present ready to capture the western spirit of Durango. Countless photo opportunities!
We would also like to point out other, particularly appealing events that take place on Wednesdays. From 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., a green space for Summer Yoga is available on the lawn of the Smiley Building at 1309 E. 3rd Ave., while at the Irish Embassy Pub (900 Main Ave.), the notes of Blue Grass Music fill the place for a special evening dedicated to this genre, from 6 to 9 p.m.
Shopping in Durango
Shopping in Durango is a pleasant, all-round affair. There are so many stores: clothing, gifts, home and outdoor. So we take a break from all the exploration and knowledge-learning in favor of some “retail therapy” along the main street, the historic hub with late 19th, 20th and Victorian buildings.
For obvious reasons it’s not possible to bring home large items but fortunately you can buy smaller items, for example the glass and decorative items from Get Fused (600 Main Ave.), and also jewelry made with local stones, something that reminds you of Durango in time; in this regard, we mention Sticks and Stones Handmade (734 Main Ave.) and Diane West Jewelry Art (820 Main Ave.).
Durango T-shirt Co. (816 Main Ave.) is a different kind of store, an inviting souvenir store where you’ll want to linger a while and explore. Our “therapy” concludes at Overland Sheepskin Co. (546 Main Ave.), a true western-style emporium where we find many things we’d like to buy and what we couldn’t buy we enjoyed trying on, especially jackets and hats.
Places to Eat in Durango
Speaking of restaurants here in Durango, we liked to end our experience at the James Ranch (33846 Highway 550) at their Harvest Grill & Greens restaurant. The burgers here are great, as well as the cheese and greens that are offered. You can taste that the products are local and the view is spectacular, with the tables facing the valley between the hills, all in the company of birds and some farm animals. Before leaving this property, we stop at the ranch’s market to buy products from the family and the local farmers without forgetting the excellent ice cream.
It seems that here in Durango we are spoiled for choice, we would like to stop everywhere. Outside of downtown, we opted for the College Drive Café (666 E. College Ave.) on the suggestion of a small store manager, and as always, the advice proved invaluable. In this casual eatery, with its warm wood paneling, tortillas, beans, omelets and eggs Benedict make us feel like we’re in the Old West.
The Lone Spur Cafe (619 Main Ave.) is a mid-priced eatery located along Main Street that offers cowboy charm and good food in a family-friendly setting. The restaurant, open from 6:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., offers omelets, meat and eggs, burgers, sandwiches, ribs and a salad with crispy chicken. Not far away, Ken & Sue’s (633 Main Ave.) has a pleasant interior and a cute patio. The menu is varied, the beef and chicken are great but so are the fish, cheeses and vegetables like mashed potatoes and asparagus, not to mention the cheesecake.
It’s nice to move from one environment to another and here we are at Derailed Pour House (725 Main Ave.), a place with an immediately pleasant impact. We’re in a historic building with railroad-themed furnishings. The room with good music and a TV is crowded, so we move to the outdoor area. Here, not only is the meat good but so is the cheese, vegetables and beer; a great combination of good food, ambiance and service.
At El Moro Spirits & Tavern (945 Main Ave.) Colorado’s “old west” and Victorian heritage blend with contemporary culinary trends and techniques. The inviting interior venue is part of Durango’s family of exclusive restaurants. El Moro is capitalizing on the growth of organic ranches and farms in the area and uses mostly locally grown ingredients for its menu, original offerings, reinterpretations of American, Western recipes, and it all makes you want to come back.
Beers, live music and good food prepared with the richness of what grows close to home. This is what they say here in Durango and we believe it after seeing it with our own eyes and tasting it ourselves.
Places to Stay in Durango
It is a pleasure to stay overnight in Durango. There are plenty of choices, you can stay in the aforementioned historic hotels
Or you can choose to stay in a less expensive place, but still of excellent quality.
- At Wapiti Lodge (21625 Highway 160) rooms have mountain or garden views. They are spacious, equipped with wi-fi, a small refrigerator, coffee maker and some of them have a larger area that includes a sofa and a kitchen. The property has a parking area.
- The Best Western Mountain Shadow (3255 Main Ave.) is located on Main St. and is just a bit north of the city’s center. Rooms are equipped with hot tubs, microwaves, refrigerators and coffeemakers. A hot breakfast is included and there’s also an indoor pool. Parking available and wi-fi. Highly recommended!
- Adobe Inn Durango (2178 Main Ave.) is simple on the outside, like all real adobe buildings, but the rooms inside are large and attractive, in New Mexico style, with cable TV, coffee maker, microwave, wi-fi and parking area. The hotel is located near the city streetcar stop.
