Durango, CO

Travel Guide

Durango - Purgatory which includes night scenes, street scenes and a city
Durango - Purgatory featuring forest scenes, a river or creek and autumn leaves
Durango - Purgatory featuring heritage architecture and night scenes
Durango - Purgatory which includes mountains, tranquil scenes and fall colors
Durango - Purgatory which includes tranquil scenes, forests and autumn leaves

This town is a wonderland for outdoor adventure lovers. Located in the middle of the Animas River Valley, it is characterized by its dramatic natural landscape.

Since its founding in 1881, the small mining community of Durango has continued to expand. Today it attracts thousands of visitors for its major archaeological and natural attractions. Durango has a tightknit community of 17,000 residents and a town center recognized for its natural beauty. Stroll along the Animas River, which runs right through the center of town. Take a short walk to reveal the majestic beauty of the Animas River Valley and the San Juan Mountains.

Embark on a rafting expedition. The Animas River offers both family-friendly guided floats over gentle rapids and Class IV and V rafting to challenge those with whitewater experience. 

Hike along the Animas River Valley. Bike the 7-mile (11-kilometer) car-free trail through downtown or mountain bike on over 1,000 miles of trails surrounding the city.

Rent fishing tackle to try your luck at fly-fishing in the deep river pools. Watch the scenery as you ride aboard the celebrated narrow gauge railway line that runs between Durango and Silverton, a historic mining town. 

Durango offers a range of accommodation, from hotels and apartments in the heart of the downtown precinct to mountain resorts nestled in the foothills of the San Juan Mountain Range. From your downtown location, enjoy sweeping views of the valley. You’ll also be within walking distance of Durango’s excellent dining options. Try traditional Coloradan fare, like trout caught straight from the river. After you eat, join locals for a chat over a drink at a friendly neighborhood bar.

Major U.S. highways connect Durango to neighboring cities. Albuquerque is a 3.5-hour drive south. Travel north to experience Colorado’s San Juan Skyway, which cuts through the heart of the mountain range. Explore the stunning Mesa Verde National Park, just 22 miles (35 kilometers) from Durango, before returning to the town.

Where to stay in Durango

Durango - Purgatory which includes night scenes, street scenes and a city

Historic Downtown Durango

5/5(31 area reviews)

The abundant dining options and stunning river views are top of the list for many visitors to Historic Downtown Durango. A stop by Henry Strater Theater or Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad might round out your trip.

Historic Downtown Durango
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Columbine Lake

5/5(1 area review)

While Columbine Lake might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Purgatory Resort and Lake of the Pines.

Columbine Lake
The Animas River is perfect for a hot summer day! You can bring a tube and just float down or pick different parts of the river to take your raft into white waters!

Animas River District

While visiting Animas River District, you might make a stop by sights like Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and Animas River Trail.

Animas River District
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Sky Ridge

Sky Ridge might not have many top sights, but Hillcrest Golf Club and Durango Community Recreation Center are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Sky Ridge
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Dalton Ranch

If you're spending some time in Dalton Ranch, Animas River and Dalton Ranch Golf Club are top sights worth seeing.

Dalton Ranch
Serious Texas Bar-B-Que is the name of this place, and they mean it.  Delicious sandwiches, ribs, or simply juicy meat by the pound at good prices, as well as access to hot or mild sauces for drowning it all.  Family-friendly but they also carry a small selection of bottled beers.

North Main District

While visiting North Main District, you might make a stop by sights like Durango Community Recreation Center and Animas River.

North Main District
Comfort Inn & Suites Durango
Comfort Inn & Suites Durango
2.5 out of 5
455 S Camino Del Rio, Durango, CO
The price is NT$3,328 per night from May 27 to May 28
NT$3,328
NT$3,783 total
May 27 - May 28
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Durango. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,818 reviews)
"It was a good, quality, hotel choice. We had friendly service and we enjoyed the amenities. Despite having a busy weekend with guests they made popcorn and cookies every evening. Nice treat for the kids! Nice quiet area with plenty dining options nearby."

Reviewed on 2025/5/11

Comfort Inn & Suites Durango
DoubleTree by Hilton Durango
DoubleTree by Hilton Durango
4 out of 5
501 Camino Del Rio, Durango, CO
The price is NT$6,321 per night from May 26 to May 27
NT$6,321
NT$7,184 total
May 26 - May 27
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Durango. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,003 reviews)
"Close to amenities and the river"

Reviewed on 2025/5/9

DoubleTree by Hilton Durango
Historic Strater Hotel
Historic Strater Hotel
3.5 out of 5
699 Main Ave, Durango, CO
The price is NT$4,826 per night from May 15 to May 16
NT$4,826
NT$6,077 total
May 15 - May 16
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Durango. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,016 reviews)
"Awesome vintage hotel centrally located downtown near the historic train depot"

Reviewed on 2025/5/12

Historic Strater Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Leland House Suites of Durango
Leland House Suites of Durango
4 out of 5
721 E 2nd Ave, Durango, CO
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Durango. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and free bicycles on site. Popular attractions Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (56 reviews)
"I highly recommend this experience. Perfect location if you're there for downtown Durango. The property is extremely well-managed. They text you all the instructions the day of, text to make sure all is well, and then text when you leave. The rooms are gorgeous, tasteful and practical. I'm going ..."

Reviewed on 2025/5/11

Leland House Suites of Durango
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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