• What does the name "Durango" mean?
    • Durango means "water town" and is home to over 16,000 people.
  • Which famous individuals have lived in Durango?
    • Notable residents include the late Apollo 14 astronaut, Stuart Roosa, and actor and Oscar nominee, Tom Tully.
  • How can visitors experience Durango's Old West heritage?
    • Visitors can enjoy the Old West heritage that is present throughout Durango, from parks and museums to the annual town fairs and festivals.

Things to Do:

1. San Juan National Forest

San Juan National Forest
© Courtesy of spiritofamerica - Fotolia.com

2. Historic Downtown Durango

Historic Downtown Durango
© Courtesy of Brad Pict - Fotolia.com

3. Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and Museum

Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and Museum
© Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and Museum

4. Animas River Trail

Animas River Trail
© Courtesy of karagrubis - Fotolia.com

5. Powerhouse Science Center

Powerhouse Science Center
© Powerhouse Science Center

6. James Ranch Market and Grill

James Ranch Market and Grill
© James Ranch

7. Animas River

Animas River
© Courtesy of Chris Lofty - Fotolia.com

8. Mountain Waters Rafting

Mountain Waters Rafting
© Mountain Waters Rafting

9. Purgatory Resort

Purgatory Resort
© Purgatory Resort

10. Mild to Wild Rafting and Jeep Trail Tours

Mild to Wild Rafting and Jeep Trail Tours
© Mild to Wild Rafting and Jeep Trail Tours

11. Durango Fish Hatchery and Wildlife Museum

Durango Fish Hatchery and Wildlife Museum
© Durango Fish Hatchery and Wildlife Museum

12. Bar D Chuckwagon

Bar D Chuckwagon
© Bar D Chuckwagon

13. Ice Pirates Snowmobile Tours

Ice Pirates Snowmobile Tours
© Ice Pirates Snowmobile Tours

14. The Colorado Trail

The Colorado Trail
© Courtesy of karagrubis - Fotolia.com

15. Pinkerton Hot Springs

Pinkerton Hot Springs
© Courtesy of wakr10 - Fotolia.com

16. Ska Brewing

Ska Brewing
© Ska Brewing

17. Soaring Tree Top Adventures

Soaring Tree Top Adventures
© Soaring Tree Top Adventures

18. Animas Museum

Animas Museum
© Animas Museum

19. Animas Chocolate Company

Animas Chocolate Company
© Animas Chocolate Company

20. Durango Craft Spirits

Durango Craft Spirits
© Durango Craft Spirits

21. Dalton Ranch Golf Club

Dalton Ranch Golf Club
© Dalton Ranch Golf Club

22. Old Lime Creek Road

Old Lime Creek Road
© Courtesy of wildnerdpix - Fotolia.com

23. Durango Botanic Gardens

Durango Botanic Gardens
© kichigin19/stock.adobe.com


Best Time to Visit Places to Stay Tips for Visiting
Spring (March-May) – Mild temperatures and fewer crowds. Strater Hotel – A historic and elegant hotel in downtown Durango. Ride the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad – Enjoy stunning mountain views on a scenic train journey.
Summer (June-August) – Warm weather, ideal for outdoor activities. Purgatory Resort – A great stay for adventure lovers near hiking and biking trails. Explore Mesa Verde National Park – Visit ancient cliff dwellings and learn about Native American history.
Fall (September-November) – Comfortable weather and vibrant autumn colors. General Palmer Hotel – A charming and cozy boutique hotel. Drive the San Juan Skyway – Experience breathtaking fall foliage and mountain scenery.

Plan Your Trip