Durango, Colorado: The Essential Guide

When you consider Colorado mountain townsAspen Vail and Breckenridge are some of the most popular skiing destinations in Colorado. But amid the rugged San Juan Mountains of southwestern Colorado, the former mining community of Durango, Colorado, is one of the last bastions of affordable skiing in the state—with easy access to fresh powder and all the Old West charm you could ask for.

Durango, located in the heart of one of America’s most beautiful national parks, is often overlooked by its more flamboyant cousins from the Centennial State. reasonably priced ski resorts. Take it from me—I’ve been skiing nearly as long as I’ve been able to walk, and I’ve visited Durango since I was a kid. But even if you’re not into snow, there are plenty of other things to do around town, from rafting on the Animas River to hiking Mesa Verde National Park to admiring the views along the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, which you may recognize from “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.” Durango will always be a great choice, regardless of what time you visit or the activities that you have planned.

Durango is a destination that has been overlooked by many travelers for a long time. But it’s now attracting deservedly more visitors. Durango-La Plata Country Airport reported its highest ever number of passengers. busiest summer By 2024, it is possible to have a world without pollution.

Tori Ossola: “A few year ago, I’d have said that we were relatively off-the-beaten-track for adventures.” Ossola, a Durango resident for almost 20 years, has been the general manager of the historic Strater Hotel Durango Tourism Board since 2018. “We’ve been finding that the Covid-19 outbreak brought attention to places that are off the beaten track. Durango was one, and we definitely benefited from that exposure.

Durango is still a very down to earth town, even though it may not be as quiet or peaceful as it was in the past. Forget the crowds of other Rocky Mountain destinations—Durango gives visitors a warm Colorado welcome, and then some.

Rachel Welsh is a destination communication strategist at Visit Durango. She says, “Durango offers a variety of cultural experiences with no ego.” It’s an approachable town, and you can easily feel at home.

What you should know before visiting Durango, Colorado.

Best Hotels & Resorts

The Leland House

The Leland House The stylish luxury boutique is housed in an old residence dating back to 1927. Leland House, a dog-friendly, environmentally-conscious boutique, has 11 rooms, suites, and studios powered entirely by the Southern Colorado sun. Grab coffee and fresh baked pastries in the morning at the on-site Lola’s Place You can fuel up before you go on adventures in Durango.

Strater Hotel

The red-brick Strater Hotel, a landmark of downtown Durango, has been around since 1887. Inside, 88 unique rooms with vintage furnishings and original art whisk guests back in time—with the addition of modern comforts like plush mattresses and crisp linens, of course. 

Visit the halls and lobby after checking in to learn more about its history. On-site restaurants, a spa, and three restaurants (the Mahogany Grille, Diamond Belle Saloon. The Office Spiritorium() will complete your stay with great food and drink, as well as wellness treatments.

General Palmer Hotel

The oldest of the General Palmer Hotel still serves much the same purpose as it did over a century ago: it still houses guests who arrive by the Durango & Silverton railroad, which deposits passengers at the depot next door. The Victorian-style decor is complemented by modern amenities, including a complimentary breakfast.

The Rochester Hotel

Peeples Hotel used to be a public board house. The Rochester Hotel This property was completely remodeled into 15 luxurious rooms. Pet-friendly rooms are available upon request. Start your visit with cocktails, beers, and natural wines at the Peeples bar, which offers a view of Rochester Gardens.

Best Restaurants

El Moro Spirits and Tavern

Step inside this former saloon Enjoy a menu featuring seasonal and local ingredients. El Moro flips the script on typical tavern cuisine with dishes like duck confit gravy, rainbow trout and pork sugo. Consider ordering the lavender gin-and-tonic or Colorado Mule off of the special menu. 

Steamworks Brewing Company

If you’re planning a trip to Colorado, be sure to visit at least one of the state’s craft breweries. Steamworks Brewing Company Durango is a great place to get a taste for the brewing culture. Emphasis on “popular”—you may have to wait for a table, but that’s just a testament to the food and drinks here. You’ll soon be savoring burgers, pizzas in southwestern style and Lizard Head Red Ale to wash down your meal.

Jean Pierre Bakery & Wine Bar

The downtown Jean Pierre Bakery & Wine Bar This is a perfect place for a quick morning snack or breakfast. Jean-Pierre, my favorite pastry and coffee shop in the area, is a great choice. “They are a totally authentic French bakery. The pastries were amazing, and the coffee was the best!”

Stop by first thing in the morning to snag a hefty stuffed croissant for a hike, or a creamy café au lait to wake you up for a fishing trip on the Animas River. If you’re feeling extra hungry, try one of Jean Pierre’s complete meals such as the country French breakfast, or the crab-and-asparagus crepes.

Oscar’s Cafe

Although the decor may seem out of place in Durango, this 1950s diner is a great option for a western-themed meal. Oscar’s Cafe It has earned its place as one of the best restaurants in town. Oscar’s serves up breakfast and lunch classics including omelets, burgers and reubens. The cafe is open very early to allow you time to enjoy the park or ski before heading out.

Shop for Best Deals

White Rabbit Books & Curiosities

It’s easy to fall down the rabbit hole. White Rabbit Books & CuriositiesThe independent bookshop is a treasure trove of random items. Browse a variety of new and used books, find gifts, or catch a live concert during the summer.

Animas Trading Co.

This cozy boutique has everything you need to know about Durango. You’ll find everything you need, whether it’s locally made jewelry for a souvenir to remember your trip by or soaps that smell good to give your family and loved ones back home. Animas Trading Co. This retailer has it all. The retailer also welcomes dogs.

Old Colorado Vintage

Want to get that mountain chic look locally? You can find the best mountain chic looks in your area. Old Colorado Vintage You’ll find a curated assortment of Western-style clothes, including deadstock hats from top brands and jeans. There’s bound to be something you like, whether that’s a leather-fringed jacket or some old workwear.

Durango Antique Market

Find hidden treasures and bargains at the Durango Antique MarketA downtown storefront that has over 20 different vendors. Vintage jewelry, retro furniture and Southwestern memorabilia are just a few of the many booths you can find here.

Pine Needle Mountaineering

Durango has a variety of outdoor activities to offer, including hiking, skiing, and river rafting. Pine Needle Mountaineering It is a good place to start. It’s a good place to start. outdoor gear store You can find dozens of brands at, such as Big Agnes and La Sportiva.

The Best Things to do

Explore Mesa Verde National Park.

Back thousands of years, the area now known by the name “52,000+ acres” was a vast forest. Mesa Verde National Park Ancestral pueblo people lived in these cliffs and constructed a series sophisticated stone dwellings. Visitors can still see many of these structures, which are accessible on foot. Bring extra water and sunscreen, and visit the visitor centre to learn about the Indigenous Peoples who lived in this desert environment.

Ride the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad.

It is important to note that the word “you” means “you”. Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is much more than a tourist attraction—it’s the beating heart of Durango. Welsh says, “The train runs right through the town.” The same tracks were used in early 1800s for transporting ore from Silverton, Colorado to Durango.

Visitors can now take scenic steam train rides through the San Juan Mountains. Routes follow the Animas River for roughly 45 miles between Durango and Silverton, Colorado, a journey that will take around three and a half hours each way—though it may feel much faster when you’re aboard. The train [goes through] Welsh says there are areas in the San Juans where cars can’t go. So you have to cut through the Animas River and its sheer drops, waterfalls, and beautiful vistas. 

While the views of the train are spectacular all year long, the autumn is when they really shine. Aspen and cottonwoods along the route transform into a colorful display of oranges, golds and reds. You’ll want to reserve your tickets for the fall foliage ride in advance because they sell out fast.

Ski Purgatory Resort

The name is misleading. Purgatory Resort Heaven on Earth for skiers. Purgatory is located just 30 minutes from Durango and offers reasonably priced lift tickets as well as lessons and rentals. A ski day becomes a fun experience rather than an expensive budgeting exercise. Welsh says that the cost is not prohibitive. It’s only $70 for one day of skiing or snowboarding. Kids 12 and younger ski for free.

Purgatory offers 105 trails with more than 2,000 vertical feet. It is also a great place for experienced skiers. That includes après options, as you can grab a post-ski drink and bite to eat at the base village.

Rafting the Animas River

Durango is home to the Animas River – a world-famous Colorado whitewater river. Local outfitters, such as Mild to Wild Rafting, Mountain Waters Rafting. Durango Rivertrippers & Adventure Tours Guide family-friendly whitewater rafting trips down Class II or Class III. You’ll enjoy the San Juan Mountains as you pause between rapids.

Relax in the Hot Springs

Southwestern Colorado holds one of the state’s best-kept secrets—a series of natural mineral hot springs touted for their health and wellness properties. It’s up to you to decide the exact health benefits of these springs, but a warm, long soak is always welcome. Welsh says that the hot springs “are really approachable”. “It doesn’t have the sulfur smell which I like.”

Book a soak Durango Hot Springs ResortYou can also visit the Pinkerton Hot Springs for free and marvel at its brilliant colors. 

How to get there

One of the most exciting and scenic ways to get to Durango is to ride the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad from Silverton.

If you are coming from another area of the country, American Airlines and United Airlines offer routes from and to Dallas, Denver and Phoenix. Ossola points out that you will need to book certain accommodations if you plan on flying into La Plata County Airport.

She says, “If you are flying in, plan your transportation to and from the airport well ahead of time.” “We are not a major international airport of the caliber of Denver International Airport. We do not have Ubers and taxis ready to go for those who want them, and our rental car fleet is very limited.”

If you prefer to fly to a major airport, then drive to Durango from there, consider booking tickets to Colorado Springs Airport or Albuquerque International Sunport, which are respectively 5.5 and 3.5 hour away.

How to Get Around

It is best to rent a car to get around Durango. This is especially true if you are planning to visit Mesa Verde National Park, or Purgatory resort. There are a few options in town for getting around.

Durango, like many other places in southwest Colorado, is both bike and pedestrian friendly. Durango also has an excellent public transport system. Durango TransitDuring the summer months, fixed-route trolleys or buses service local trailheads as well as river put-ins. 

The Best Time to Visit

I don’t think there is a bad season to visit Durango. However, you might want to consider the seasons when planning your trip. Summer is a time of long, hot days and warm weather. Spring brings wildflowers. The fall is perfect for leaf peepers and winter attracts skiers and boarders. 

Not sure where to go? It might be worth timing your trip to coincide with an event happening in the locality. Ossola advises people to check our calendar of events if they think that they are traveling through the Southwest. Durango has a number of great events. There are many festivals throughout the year, including art festivals, craft brewing festivals and music festivals.