View more places in Colorado
Set in the Animas River Valley and surrounded by the San Juan Mountains, Durango is a historic railroad town that has evolved into a year-round destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The city was founded in 1880 by the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad as a key stop along its route through the rugged terrain of southwestern Colorado. Its fortunes grew with the mining boom, drawing silver and gold prospectors to the region by the thousands. Over time, Durango transitioned from a rough frontier outpost into a thriving community that balances its Old West heritage with a vibrant arts scene and modern amenities. The Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, a National Historic Landmark, still operates today and remains one of the most popular heritage railways in the country.
Durango was established in September 1880 when the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad laid tracks into the Animas Valley, quickly attracting miners, merchants, and settlers. The surrounding mountains produced millions of dollars in silver and gold during the late 19th century, fueling rapid growth and the construction of many Victorian-era buildings that still line Main Avenue today. The Strater Hotel, opened in 1887, remains one of the finest examples of Victorian architecture in the West and continues to host guests in its ornately decorated rooms. Fort Lewis, originally built as a U.S. Army post in 1880 to protect settlers, later became the foundation for Fort Lewis College, which now occupies a scenic mesa overlooking the town. The railroad’s transition from freight to passenger tourism in the mid-20th century helped Durango reinvent itself as a premier destination for heritage travel and outdoor recreation.
Riding the historic Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is the quintessential Durango experience, offering stunning views of the Animas River Gorge and the high peaks of the San Juan National Forest. During winter, Purgatory Resort provides more than 1,600 skiable acres with terrain suitable for all ability levels, along with snowshoeing, tubing, and a scenic mountain coaster. The Animas River Trail, a paved path stretching over seven miles through town, is perfect for walking, jogging, and cycling while enjoying views of the river and surrounding cliffs. Whitewater rafting on the Animas River attracts thrill-seekers from late spring through early fall, with guided trips ranging from family-friendly floats to challenging Class III rapids. The Durango Arts Center and numerous galleries along Main Avenue showcase works by local and regional artists, offering a taste of the city’s creative spirit.
Main Avenue serves as the heart of historic downtown Durango, featuring well-preserved buildings housing locally owned shops, restaurants, and breweries. The Durango Fish Hatchery and Wildlife Museum, established in the early 1900s, educates visitors about regional fish species and conservation efforts while providing a pleasant riverside setting. The Powerhouse Science Center, housed in a repurposed 1893 power plant, offers interactive exhibits on science, technology, and energy for visitors of all ages. Railroad enthusiasts will appreciate the Durango Railroad Historical Society Museum, where vintage locomotive equipment and photographs document the area’s rail heritage. Just outside town, the Animas Museum presents exhibits on the region’s Native American history, mining era, and pioneer life in a restored 1904 schoolhouse.
The San Juan National Forest surrounds Durango with nearly two million acres of wilderness offering hiking, mountain biking, camping, and backcountry exploration. The Colorado Trail, stretching from Denver to Durango, terminates near town and provides challenging multi-day backpacking through some of the state’s most dramatic landscapes. Anglers will find excellent trout fishing in the Animas River and nearby high-country lakes, while hunters pursue elk, deer, and game birds throughout the national forest during designated seasons. Rock climbers can test their skills on the sandstone and granite formations scattered around the valley, with popular spots including East Animas Crags and Turtle Lake. During autumn, the mountainsides erupt in brilliant displays of golden aspen, drawing photographers and leaf-peepers from across the country.
The Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum at the downtown depot features historic locomotives, rail cars, and interpretive displays that bring the railroad’s century-plus history to life. Mesa Verde National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located just 35 miles west of Durango, preserves remarkable Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings dating back more than 700 years. The Bar D Chuckwagon Supper, a Durango tradition since 1969, combines a Western-style dinner with live cowboy music and comedy in an open-air setting during the summer months. Pinkerton Hot Springs, a roadside geothermal feature north of town, offers a quirky stop where visitors can see mineral-rich water bubbling up through a unique rock formation. Vallecito Lake, situated in a scenic valley northeast of Durango, provides boating, fishing, and camping opportunities surrounded by towering ponderosa pines.
Summer from June through August brings warm days perfect for rafting, hiking, and mountain biking, though afternoon thunderstorms are common and accommodations fill up quickly. This is also the peak season for the Durango and Silverton Railroad, with multiple daily departures and special event trains. Fall from September through early October offers crisp weather, stunning aspen colors, and fewer crowds, making it a favorite season for photographers and hikers seeking solitude. Winter from December through March transforms the area into a snowy playground centered on Purgatory Resort, with cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and sleigh rides adding to the appeal. Spring from late April through May sees melting snow, flowing rivers ideal for early-season rafting, and lower lodging rates before the summer rush begins.
Here are some of our recommended things to do while visiting Durango. Select what you would enjoy!
The Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is a historic steam-powered train that travels 45 miles through the rugged San Juan Mountains between the towns of Durango and Silverton, Colorado. Originally constructed in 1882 to haul gold and silve…
Lake Nighthorse is a 1,500-acre reservoir located just two miles southwest of downtown Durango, created by the Ridges Basin Dam as part of the Animas-La Plata Project . This striking body of water, surrounded by the high-desert mesas and rolling jun…