Sophia May
Durango Colorado Things To Do – This guide includes key area attractions such as the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. Read about ski resorts, local hot springs and a nearby World Heritage Site. As one of my favorite places in Colorado, I’m also sharing some of Durango’s hidden gems!
Disclosure: Travel Lemming is an independent, reader-supported blog. You can support us by shopping through the affiliate links on this page, which may earn us a commission. See our Advertising Policy for more explanation. Thank you very much!
Durango Colorado Things To Do
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (970) 247-2733 | Website | Opening hours: daily 8:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Admission: from $105 adults, from $69 under 12 years
A Historic Getaway In Durango Colorado
The Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is one of the best things to do in all of Colorado! A ride on the historic steam train will take you to and from Silverton…but also back in time to the 1880’s. Between the train ride and activities in Silverton, it’s best to book a day when they know the activity.
🛎️ You need a hotel? The Strater Hotel is a 136 year old hotel just two blocks from the narrow gauge railroad. It is definitely one of the best places to stay in Durango.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (970) 529-4465 | Website | Hours of Operation: Open 24 hours | Admission: $30 Summer (May – October), $20 Winter (October – May) | 👉 Check out Mesa Verde Tours on Viator
Mesa Verde National Park is one of the best national parks in Colorado. During the day you can see rock dwellings and other areas once inhabited by the Pueblo people. You can also learn about the different tribes and people who have lived in the area for centuries. Gaze at the stars at night in this dark-sky international park.
The Best Durango, Colorado Tours And Things To Do In 2023
👉 Pro tip: Be sure to check out Abigail’s Colorado packing list as you prepare for your trip!
The San Juan Skyway passes through Durango, Silverton, Ouray, Telluride, Cortez and Mancos. Part of this drive is also known as the Million Dollar Highway—whether because of the construction costs or the priceless views, no one can say for sure.
Pack a picnic lunch and be prepared to make many stops at lakes, forest, and views of the San Juan Mountains on your leisurely journey.
The historic shopping district in downtown Durango offers many shops, galleries and restaurants. You can spend the afternoon window shopping and have dinner in a building that dates back to the 1800s. You can also take a tour of the historic city center.
Things To Do In Durango This Winter
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (970) 247-9000 | Website | Opening hours: daily 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Cable car tickets: from $42 for adults, free for children under 13
Purgatory Resort is one of the most affordable ski resorts in Colorado! Children under 12 ride for free and adult lift tickets are very cheap. The center offers rollerblading lessons and excursions for a unique experience.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (970) 247-4874 | Website | Admission: Free (permit required for special activities) | 👉 La Plata Canyon Jeep Tours from Durango
The San Juan National Forest covers 1.8 million acres in Southwest Colorado, so there are plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities! Fortunately, the forest service has a list of breeders who are licensed in the area. If you want a jeep tour, a kayak tour or a horseback riding tour, you can find someone to help you.
Amazing Things To Do In Durango Co You’ll Love
Gudy’s Rest is a great day hike near Durango. It follows a section of the Colorado Trail that stretches 567 miles from Denver to Durango. This moderate-level 9-mile hike follows Colorado Trail Segment 28, the western end of the trail. You might meet a tourist beginning or ending their journey!
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (970) 247-9000 | Website | Opening hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on summer weekends | Tickets: Starting at $19 for adults, free for children under 13
The Očista ski area turns into a bike park in summer. There are mountain bike trails suitable for everyone from beginner to advanced, and lessons are also available.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (800) 624-2186 | Website | Opening times: daily 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. | Price: From $65 adults, $55 under 12 | 👉 View rafting tours on Viator
The 15 Best Things To Do In Durango
One way to get a great view of the Animas River is to go down it and go rafting! There are a variety of options, from 90-minute tours to full-day rafting adventures. No experience is required to take part in this exciting summer activity.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (970) 501-0960 | Website | Hours of Operation: 7:00am – 6:00pm on weekdays, 7:30am – 2:00pm on weekends
Start or end your day with coffee or tea in this bright coffee and plant shop! The shop also offers succulents, cut flowers, and jewelry.
If you prefer a paved trail to mountain biking, the Animas River Trail is a great place to bike. It covers 9 kilometers from north to south of the city. You’ll cross bridges, get scenic views of the train, and pass Durango White Water Park along the way.
Things To Do In Spring
There are many art galleries in the city center and you can spend a pleasant day exploring art in its many forms! Here you will find jewelry, ceramics, paintings and many other works of art for sale if you want to take home a unique souvenir.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (970) 247-9000 | Website | Opening hours: winter, 11:00-16:00, summer, 9:00-16:00 | Tickets: from $29, must be 8 years and older
The Inferno Mountain Coaster is located at Purgatory Resort. It is open all year round for riders from 8 years of age. Control the speed of the car with the handbrake to help more careful drivers slow down.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (970) 517-3326 | Website | Opening hours: 9-22 hours daily | Admission: $39 adults, $15 under 16s
Things To Do In Durango When You’re On Vacation: Part 1
Enjoy a relaxing and relaxing day at Durango Hot Springs, one of the premier hot springs in Colorado. There are 15 natural thermal pools in the resort. There is also a swimming pool, Finnish dry sauna, cold plunge pool and spa services.
This community restaurant offers seven restaurants and one bar. It is a great place for a group with different tastes. Grab a bite at multiple locations and taste different types of food.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (970) 946-6410 | Website | Opening times: May – September daily 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. | Rental fee: from 30 USD
Paddle board, kayak, or fish on this lake nestled in the mountains and only 2 miles from downtown Durango. In summer, children can also have fun in the Wibit water park on the lake for free.
Spring Is The Perfect Time To Visit Durango
👉 Pro tip: If you’re planning to paddle here, call ahead as rental availability varies based on demand and weather conditions.
This trout lake offers hiking, snowshoeing and fishing. You will find a jetty and many people fishing from the shore. Ice fishing is permitted in winter, conditions permitting.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (970) 259-9234 | Website | Opening times: daily 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., closed M, Z, F | Admission: $9 adults and children
Located on the Animas River, the Powerhouse Science Center teaches visitors about electricity and steam power. It presents hands-on activities covering different scientific fields. The Interactive Science Center is a great place to spend the day with the kids while visiting Durango.
The Best Things To See And Do In Durango, Colorado
At this hatchery, you can see a variety of trout, including rainbow, brown, and squid, along with Kokanee salmon. The Wildlife Museum is also on site and is an interesting visit to learn more about the local flora and fauna.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (970) 259-9200 | Website | Opening times: 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. Sun – Thursday, 11:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m. Fri and Sat
Steamworks has 22 World Beer Cup and Great American Beer Festival medals. The brewery prides itself on having waiters who can help you choose the right beer and tell you how it’s made. Check out the seasonal specials for new and unique flavors every time you visit.
Animas Forks is one of Colorado’s ghost towns, evoking the spirit of the Wild West. It’s along the Alpine Loop, one of the best hikes in Colorado. This route connects Silverton to Ouray and Lake City.
Things To Do In Durango This Fall
You need an off-road vehicle to get to Animas Forks. These extreme travel conditions resulted in the city being abandoned. Brochures and maps are available on the website.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (970) 259-2229 | Website | Opening times: Mon – Sat 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sun 12 p.m. – 5 p.m Price: from $15
Learn the art of glass melting and create a mosaic plate, bowl or pendant to take home. The studio offers free courses to teach you how to create your masterpiece. You only pay for the materials you use.
Hike and mountain bike on the Rim Trail near Fort Lewis College. You have fantastic views of downtown Durango, the mountains and the river valley. The trail is suitable for beginners
Visit Historic Downtown Durango: 2023 Historic Downtown Durango, Durango Travel Guide
Things to do in durango colorado, to do durango colorado, things to do in durango colorado summer, things to do durango colorado, best things to do in durango colorado, durango colorado places to stay, fun things to do in durango colorado, cool things to do in durango colorado, things to in durango colorado, top things to do in durango colorado, airline tickets to durango colorado, tickets to durango colorado