Durango Travel Costs & Things to Do

Stay

days

Pace

Moderate

Safety

/ 5

Popularity

/ 10

OVERVIEW

Durango sits in south western Colorado beside the Animas River, with a compact centre of brick buildings, restaurants and outdoor shops. A historic narrow gauge railway climbs from town into the San Juan Mountains. Forests, high desert and archaeological landscapes all lie within the wider region.

The steam railway into the San Juan Mountains is the town’s defining excursion, while rafting, mountain biking and hiking fill the warmer months. Mesa Verde and high mountain passes are within driving range, and nearby ski areas add winter appeal. The centre remains lively without feeling like a purpose built resort.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Season

High

Low

Precipitation

THINGS TO DO

Cycle Durango’s principal route

Choose a cycling route around Durango’s principal cycling route that matches your fitness and the available time. Check gradients, surfaces and traffic rather than judging the ride by distance alone.

Cycling

2 hours to full day

Explore Durango’s archaeological sites

Explore Durango’s archaeological sites to understand the ancient settlement, belief or engineering that shaped Durango. Allow enough time to read the site rather than treating it as a photo stop.

Archaeology

2–4 hours

Drive Durango’s desert roads

Build a manageable drive through Durango’s desert roads, allowing for stops and slower roads. In a destination as spread out as Durango, choose a route that works from your base.

Road Trips

Half or full day

Raft Durango’s main river

Join a guided rafting trip near Durango’s main rafting river suited to current water levels and your experience. Routes can change with conditions, so confirm the operating section before booking.

Rafting

2–4 hours

Trace Durango’s historic quarter

Use Durango’s historic quarter to understand a specific part of Durango’s past rather than viewing it without context. Allow time for interpretation, not only the most photographed exterior.

History

2–4 hours

Walk Durango’s desert trails

Choose a walk around Durango’s desert trails that matches your time, fitness and current conditions. Check the route and weather locally instead of assuming every trail is accessible year-round.

Hiking

2 hours to full day

‹

›

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Languages

English

Currency

United States dollar · USD

Payments

Cards widely accepted

Tipping