Durango, Colorado is a historic town located in the southwestern corner of Colorado. It is just over an hour away from Mesa Verde National Park and is known as the Gateway to the San Juan Mountains.
Founded in 1880, it was originally a mining hub for gold and silver before becoming a hotspot for the railroad in Colorado. Today, this heritage is evident in the city’s buildings and the famous railroad.
In Durango, you will find immense natural beauty, including the waters of the Animas River, alpine lakes, and the surrounding forests. On the hiking trails you can see a lot of wildlife, especially during the summer months.
Here is an ultimate guide to the best attractions in Durango, Colorado.
Also Read: Southwest Colorado Road Trip Itinerary
Best Things to do in Durango, Colorado
Durango is an attraction of its own in the popular Four Corners region.
It is also one of the best small towns to visit in Colorado.
In downtown Durango, you will find historic Victorian era architecture and cultural landmarks.
Other attractions include the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, whitewater rafting on the Animas River and hiking in the San Juan ranges.
Here are the best things to do in Durango, Colorado now.
Explore the rich history of Downtown Durango
Historic Downtown Durango is a charming nugget from the past; we love walking around the town and exploring its attractions.
In and around Main Ave, you will find 19th century buildings that served different purposes when it was a mining town.
Some of the most beautiful structures are that of the railroad depot, the La Plata Bottling Works brewery, and the Historic Strater hotel.
These buildings have featured in many movies and are popular photospots.
The Durango breakfast spots, restaurants, candy stores, and boutiques hiding behind many of these facades are a delight for most travelers.
Step into an art gallery, buy some magnets at a souvenir shop, and grab some ice cream on a hot summer day!
You will also find several sculptures and public art in downtown.
Take the kids to the Powerhouse Science Center
Located on the banks of the Animas River in Durango, the Powerhouse Science Center is a fun place that combines fun and education.
The museum is located inside the old power plant building and is filled with interactive exhibits that are great for families to spend an afternoon.
Here you’ll find hands-on displays that explore gravity, electricity, geology, and space exploration that will keep kids of all ages entertained.
They also have reciprocal memberships with many children’s museums in America – so check before you visit this Durango attraction!
Visit the Durango Railroad Museum
This free museum is a must for railroad enthusiasts!
The Roundhouse museum is located in the historic Durango depot and houses a variety of exhibits that showcase the area’s vibrant railroad history.
You’ll find artifacts, photographs, and interactive displays to learn more about the history of this Colorado town.
In addition to the artifacts, the museum also has model railroads and vintage aircrafts on display.
Enjoy the Durango Silverton scenic train ride
Wondering what’s better than learning about the historic railroad that built this town?
Climb aboard for an incredible journey all the way to Silverton.
This is one of the best train rides in America and one of the top attractions in Durango.
The train ride takes you through the magnificent San Juan Mountains and deep canyons with some of the most stunning scenery in Colorado.
You’ll also find a variety of wildlife on your journey, including elk, deer, black bears, big horn sheep, and birds of prey.
The narrow gauge train ride is full of scenery, excitement, and history.
The railroad also offers Polar Express rides in the holiday season, which get sold out very quickly.
Checkout the breweries in downtown Durango
Durango is home to some of the best craft beer in Colorado.
The downtown area is filled with popular breweries like Ska Brewing, Steamworks, and Animas Brewing Company.
These local brewpubs are great places to hang out with friends and try different beers from around the world.
Food trucks often setup shop outside and many of these breweries host events like live music, trivia nights, painting classes and more.
Do note that these places are usually crowded in peak season – so plan ahead if you want to enjoy some craft beers.
Visit the Farmer’s Market in Durango
The Durango Farmer’s Market is an excellent place to soak up the local culture.
The market is open in summer and showcases some of Colorado’s finest organic produce, jams, honey, eggs, and more.
You’ll also find jewelry, crafts, antiques, hand-made clothing and more at this lively market.
It’s a great way to learn about locally-sourced food, and you can even interact with the farmers who sell their produce here.
Enjoy the food trucks at 11th Street Station
The 11th Street Station food truck park is one of the most popular places to eat in Durango.
This outdoor venue houses over a dozen food trucks from across the state, serving up delicious street fare such as tacos, pizza, burgers, seafood, and much more.
You can also get craft beers at this spot or relax with some music and live entertainment.
There are plenty of seating areas for you to enjoy a meal or snack with friends, family, or solo.
Also Read: 15 Best Restaurants to Visit in Durango, Colorado
Hike or bike the Animas River trail
One of the most popular activities in Durango is to explore the Animas River trail.
The easy-to-navigate path winds its way through town, past historic downtown, and passes by several parks and open spaces along its banks.
You can choose to run or walk this 9.75 mile stretch of trails that run parallel to the Animas River.
This paved trail is also one of the easiest mountain biking trails in the area.
The trails are a great way to explore the outdoors and take in the stunning views of Durango’s mountains, canyons, and rivers.
If you’re up for it, rent some bikes from town and cycle your way around!
Pick a new board game at Guild House Games
Downtown Durango has many specialty stores and boutiques, but one of our favorites to stop is Guild House Games.
This board game store is packed with card and tabletop games from around the world.
The interior has a cozy feel, and there are plenty of couches to lounge on while you try out the games.
You can also buy special game dice, puzzles, cards, and other fun things for kids.
Visit the Animas Museum
The Animas Museum is dedicated to preserving the history of Durango and its surrounding areas.
This museum houses numerous artifacts, photographs, and exhibits on the area’s early inhabitants, settlers, railroaders, miners, ranchers and more.
The Animas Museum is definitely worth a visit for anyone interested in learning more about the history of Durango.
Visit the Durango Wildlife Museum and Fish Hatchery
The Durango Wildlife Museum and Fish Hatchery is a great place to explore the unique wildlife of Colorado.
This museum has over 100 species of taxidermy animals, birds, fish, reptiles, and amphibians – all native to the area.
You can also learn about the hatchery on a self-guided tour.
It is free to get in and you can feed the trout.
Hike the Rim trail to admire the views
The Rim Trail is a gorgeous 1-mile hiking trail that is a part of the Fort Lewis College campus.
You’ll be rewarded with some of the most breathtaking views along this path, with lush green mountains in the distance and wildlife all around.
The Rim trail has amazing views of downtown Durango, Animas River Valley, and the tall peaks of the San Juan ranges.
It’s best to hike this trail during the summer season when wildflowers are blooming and wildlife tends to be more active.
Make sure you bring plenty of water and snacks, and wear sturdy shoes – as some parts of the trail can get pretty rocky.
The Rim Trail is a must-do for outdoor lovers in Durango!
Listen to live music in downtown
Durango, Colorado is a renowned artistic and cultural hub, known for its vibrant live music scene.
The Strater Hotel has two venues, the Diamond Belle Saloon and Office Spiritorium which host live music shows.
Fort Lewis Community Concert Hall is home to renowned musicians and popular acts.
Other popular venues include Wild Horse Saloon and 11th Street Station.
Visitors can enjoy country dances, karaoke nights, as well as dance lessons on their vacation in Durango.
Visit the Durango Botanic Garden
The Durango Botanic Garden is a beautiful oasis in the heart of the city.
This lush garden displays an array of plants from local and regional collections, including cacti, succulents, sand dunes vegetation, wildflowers, native grasses and more.
You can also find a pond as well as several sculptures scattered throughout the grounds.
The Botanic Garden has tours as well as educational programs for all ages throughout the year.
It’s a perfect place to spend a relaxing day with your family and friends!
Explore the wilderness of San Juan National Forest
Durango is surrounded by the spectacular San Juan National Forest.
This vast expanse of wilderness offers a variety of outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, backpacking, and mountain biking.
The forest is known for its lush green meadows, towering mountains and deep canyons that make it one of the most beautiful places on earth.
It has numerous trails for all difficulty levels.
You can also go fishing or take a rafting trip down the Animas River.
Enjoy Animas river rafting for a memorable adventure
Animas River Rafting is one of the most popular activities in Durango.
You can take a guided tour or rent a raft to explore the scenic Animas River.
The river has class I-IV rapids depending on what section you choose, so there’s something for everyone from beginners to experts.
Or tube the Animas River
Not up for river rafting? Tubing the Animas River is a great way to enjoy some exciting water activities in Durango, CO.
You can rent an inner tube for a relaxing float down the river.
The stretch between Junction Creek and 9th Street has calmer waters, making it ideal for families.
The Animas River Trail has several ins and outs to put tubes in, while the free shuttle will drop you at the end of your trip.
Spend a day at Jackalope Acres
Jackalope Acres is an interactive farm that offers a fun-filled day for the whole family.
You can go horseback riding, explore the pumpkin patch, or take a hayride.
The farm also has outdoor activities like corn maze for the kids to enjoy.
It’s a great way to learn about farm life in Durango while having some fun outdoors!
Enjoy splash fun at Durango Community Recreation Center
The Durango Community Recreation Center offers a wide range of outdoor activities and swimming pools.
You can enjoy waterslides, the lazy river, and even a splash area with fountains for the kids.
There’s something for everyone here and it’s a great way to beat the summertime heat in Durango!
Attempt to hike the Colorado Trail
The Colorado Trail hike is a long distance trail that connects Durango with Denver through the Rocky mountains.
It is also popular as a mountain biking trail.
The trail winds through six wilderness areas and passes through eight national forests.
It’s a great way to explore the Rocky Mountains, experience nature, and take in some of the most breathtaking views you’ll ever see.
This is not for beginner hikers, so make sure you are physically fit before attempting this hike.
Or you can attempt hiking a small section near Molas Pass as a day hike.
Go skiing at Purgatory Ski Resort
Purgatory Resort is often a top reason to visit Durango, especially during the winters.
This ski resort has something for everyone, from beginner slopes to advanced runs.
The terrain and snow conditions are great for skiing or snowboarding.
You can also enjoy activities such as tubing, ice skating, dog sledding, and more.
Purgatory Resort is the perfect place to spend a winter day in Durango, CO!
Ride the thrilling Inferno Mountain Coaster
Purgatory Resort is also home to the Inferno Mountain Coaster.
This thrilling ride takes you through the forest and up the mountain side, with speeds of up to 25 miles per hour.
You’ll be able to take in breathtaking views of Durango and beyond as you twist and turn around curves and loops on this one-of-a-kind adventure!
The Inferno Mountain Coaster is open during the summer.
Enjoy the trails at Purgatory Bike Park
Purgatory Resort is also home to a world-class bike park in the summer when the snow melts.
The bike park has over 25 miles of trails for all levels – from beginner and intermediate trails to the expert double black diamond runs.
Mountain bikers can cruise on cross country routes or challenge themselves with downhill terrain trails.
Soak in the heat at Durango Hot Springs Resort & Spa
Durango Hot Springs Resort & Spa is a great place to relax and take in the beautiful surroundings of Durango.
The resort has several hot springs pools ranging from 90-104 degrees Fahrenheit.
It also offers spa treatments, yoga classes, and a steam room.
You can spend your day soaking in the calming atmosphere while you enjoy.
Visit the beautiful Pinkerton Hot Springs
Located just a few miles north from Durango, the Pinkerton Hot Springs is one of the most unique places in Colorado.
The springs are made up of three different pools ranging in warm to hot temperatures.
The hot springs are surrounded by colorful rock formations and lush vegetation, making it a beautiful place to visit.
Go horseback riding in Durango
The Animas Valley is the perfect place to go horseback riding in Southwest Colorado.
There are several companies that offer guided tours, such as Durango Trail Riders.
Their rides cover a variety of trails from open meadows to steep mountains, depending on your experience level.
You can also find ranches and stables that offer horseback riding lessons and guided tours.
Durango is a great place to explore on horseback!
Take a day trip to see Animas Forks Ghost Town
Animas Forks is a historic former mining town located about 25 miles northeast of Durango.
The abandoned town was once home to over 700 people and now exists as a ghost town that visitors can explore.
You can take a self-guided tour of the old buildings, including the schoolhouse, jail, and assay office.
It’s a great way to explore the past and get a glimpse of life in the Wild West.
Soak up some sun at Lake Nighthorse
Fancy a picnic by the lake? Head to Lake Nighthorse!
It’s a great place for a picnic with family or friends, it also has plenty of recreational activities like kayaking, paddleboarding and fishing.
The lake is surrounded by pine forests and snow-capped mountains which provide stunning views for visitors.
Go climbing at Dalla Mountain Park
Dalla Mountain Park in Durango is a great place to go rock climbing.
The park has several routes for climbers of all levels, from easy climbs to more challenging ones.
You can also take part in guided tours or rent equipment and take a self-guided tour.
It’s a great way to get some fresh air, take in some beautiful views, and challenge yourself.
Happy climbing!
Jump off Bakers Bridge
…or don’t! While now illegal, this bridge used to be a popular point to jump off in the Animas River in the past.
Bakers Bridge is a bridge on the Old Shalona Road, about 15 miles to the north of downtown Durango.
It was first made famous as a filming spot in ‘Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid’, a Western film from the 1970s.
While cliff diving and jumping is now banned, you can still see a rope swing hanging from the bridge.
Drive the Million Dollar Highway to Silverton
The Million Dollar Highway is one of Colorado’s most scenic drives.
It stretches from Durango to Silverton, running through remote wilderness and the San Juan National Forest.
It is parallel to the Animas river for the most part.
The route has plenty of stops along the way where you can take in the breathtaking views and explore the area.
Visit historic mining towns like Ouray or Ridgway, and marvel at the picturesque San Juan Mountains.
This road is definitely worth a drive!
Attend Snowdown in Durango
Durango’s annual winter festival, Snowdown, is a popular event for locals and visitors alike.
The celebration includes parades, live music concerts, outdoor activities, competitions and more.
With its varied mix of entertainment and events, there’s something for everyone at Snowdown.
See the historic ruins at Mesa Verde National Park
In southwest Colorado, just over an hour away from Durango, you will find the incredible Mesa Verde National Park.
This park is home to the Ancestral Puebloan people, who created and inhabited some of the most amazing cliff dwellings in the world.
The highlight of any visit here is certainly exploring these ancient ruins.
You can take a self-guided tour or join a ranger-led tour for more information about this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The views offered by the park are stunning and unforgettable, making it a must-visit destination when in Durango.
Make a road trip to the Four Corners Monument
The Four Corners Monument is the only place in the United States where four states meet at one point.
It’s about a two-hour drive from Durango, but it’s worth the trip to check out this unique landmark.
At the monument, you can stand in all four states at once: Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico and Utah.
You can also buy souvenirs, take pictures, and learn about the history of this amazing spot in the Southwest.
Take a scenic drive on The San Juan Skyway
The San Juan Skyway is one of America’s most beautiful drives.
This 236-mile loop takes you through some of Colorado’s most stunning landscapes and is a perfect way to explore the San Juan Mountains.
The route passes through small towns like Silverton, Telluride and Rico, with plenty of stops along the way for sightseeing.
It is definitely worth taking a few days out of your trip to Durango to drive this incredible route.
Also Read: Durango to Telluride Road trip guide
Explore the Weminuche Wilderness
The Weminuche Wilderness is the largest wilderness area in Colorado, located in the San Juan National Forest.
It’s a great place to explore with plenty of trails and stunning views of the Rocky Mountains.
Whether you’re looking for a hike to the beautiful Emerald Lake or an overnight camping trip, there are lots of opportunities here.
You can also enjoy activities like fishing, horseback riding, rafting and more.
The Weminuche Wilderness is a must-visit for nature lovers during their trip to Durango.
Durango, CO is a perfect destination for those who appreciate a mix of history, outdoor recreation, and small-town charm.
Plus its proximity to other southwestern Colorado towns and tourist attractions such as Million Dollar Highway, Mesa Verde, and Four Corners make it a perfect place to visit.
It is the ultimate vacation destination in the Centennial State.
What are your favorite things to do in Durango, Colorado? When are you planning a trip to Durango? Let us know below.