Nestled near the San Juan National Forest, Durango is a fantastic destination in a stunning setting in southwest Colorado.
With rivers, forests, and mountains all around, you’ll find so many amazing things to do in Durango no matter your favorite type of adventure.
If you’re looking for expert recommendations on things to do in Durango, I’ve totally got you covered.
I’ve lived in Colorado for nearly 15 years and have spent a ton of time exploring the area all around Durango.
Trust me, I have the inside scoop on all the best things to do in Durango, Colorado if you want to travel like a local, not a tourist.
About this Guide to Things to Do in Durango
Inside this local guide to the best things to do in Durango, you’ll find:
- Where is Durango & how to get there
- What Durango is known for
- Why Durango is worth visiting
- The best things to do in Durango
- Additional local Colorado travel resources
Where is Durango?
Durango is in the southwest corner of Colorado about a 6-7 hour drive from Denver. It sits along the Animas River just south of the San Juan National Forest.
Durango makes a great long weekend getaway from Denver and would be a perfect stop on a Denver to Grand Canyon road trip!
Local Tip: I’ve road-tripped to the Grand Canyon countless times, and the last time we went, we swung through Durango after staying near Mesa Verde National Park in October.
The leaves were changing the scenery was incredible.
What is Durango Known For?
Durango is known as one of the prettiest places in Colorado, situated in a landscape that is practically a playground for outdoor adventurers.
People flock to Durango to play on the Animas River, explore the San Juan National Forest, hit the slopes at Purgatory Ski Resort, and visit Mesa Verde National Park.
The Best Things to Do in Durango
If you’re wondering what to do in Durango, here is a whole list of awesome Durango activities for everyone, from epic outdoor adventures to a fresh foodie scene to relaxing hot springs.
1. Ride the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
Get a unique perspective of the San Juan National Forest wilderness with a ride on the historic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad.
Board the train at the Durango Depot and take a half-day ride through Cascade Canyon or spend the full day on board for a round trip to Silverton. This is definitely one of the coolest things to do in Durango!
2. Stroll Around Downtown Durango
You don’t have to get out on a trail to appreciate Durango! Stay in town and stroll around the charming and historic downtown area with a mountain backdrop while you check out the local shops.
3. Hit the Slopes at Purgatory Ski Resort
Durango is home to Purgatory Ski Resort, which is one of the cheapest ski resorts in Colorado. It’s a great place to hit the slopes, especially if you have kids, since those under 12 ski for free!
4. Spend Some Time in the San Juan National Forest
Since Durango sits at the edge of the San Juan National Forest, you’ll find some of the best Durango hikes there.
Falls Creek Loop Trail is a lovely trail for hikers of all levels, or you can challenge yourself with a hike to the summit of Silver Mountain.
5. Hike a Section of the Colorado Trail
The Colorado Trail runs all the way from Denver to the southern terminus in Durango. You can hike Section 28 of the CT starting from Durango and going 21.5 miles through the San Juan National Forest.
This section has the most elevation gain of any segment of the trail, so be prepared for some serious vert!
Not feeling the whole thing? Even just a day hike on this iconic route is worth the effort – the sections that go through Durango and the San Juans are some of the best!
Local Tip: I’ve hiked over 120 miles of the Colorado Trail, and the sections through the San Juans are my favorite.
Just understand that section distances are listed one-way, so you’ll either need to shuttle a car or have a friend help you out.
6. Shred the Mountain Bike Trails
Durango is a mountain biking destination in Colorado, with over 400 miles of backcountry single track.
Beginners can check out the Rim Trail in town for a chill ride, and advanced riders will love the Purgatory Bike Park (lift ticket required).
7. Raft the Animas River
The Animas River runs right through Durango, and you can go rafting on the river with one of several guide companies in the area.
Mild to Wild Rafting and AVA both offer a variety of rafting trips on the Upper and Lower Animas.
8. Taste the Local Food Scene
Still Life Coffee & Botanicals is the place to start your day with great coffee and Odd Bird Baking Co. pastries combined with a boutique floral shop featuring plenty of plants to create a lovely atmosphere.
For lunch and dinner, visit James Ranch for burgers, sandwiches, and salads and grab local produce, cheese, meat and more to take home from their market.
9. Explore Mesa Verde National Park
Mesa Verde National Park is often overshadowed by other Colorado national parks, but it offers a look into the life of the Ancestral Pueblo tribes who lived here on the mesas and cliffs for over 700 years.
It’s about a 40-minute drive to the entrance of the park from downtown.
Local tip: We came for a visit when my child was four months old, and the main thing to do here is to explore the cliff dwellings.
You need to take a ranger-guided tour to actually enter the dwellings, which I would highly recommend since there’s not much to see otherwise.
10. Go Art Gallery Hopping
Art lovers will appreciate the variety of galleries in downtown Durango featuring works from painters, photographers, sculptors, and more.
Don’t miss Toh-Atin Gallery which is home to pieces from Native American artists in the Four Corners region.
Local Tip: The Ute and Navajo reservations are close by. Durango is their traditional homeland.
11. Ride the Inferno Mountain Coaster
If you love adrenaline, one of your favorite things to do in Durango will definitely be riding the Inferno Mountain Coaster. This coaster at Purgatory Resort runs in both the winter and summer seasons.
12. Hang Out at the Hot Springs
One of the interesting things to do near Durango, Colorado is to stop by the Pinkerton Hot Springs.
This roadside attraction along the Million Dollar Highway is a colorful limestone formation with mineral water bubbling out the top.
But if you actually want to soak in some hot springs, head to Durango Hot Springs Resort & Spa for a relaxing experience at one of the top hot springs in Colorado.
13. Enjoy the Vibes at 11th Street Station
A former service station, 11th Street Station is now a food truck hub with a full bar that features lots of fun events and live music. Grab a bite to go or enjoy an evening of entertainment here.
14. Paddle on Lake Nighthorse
Play around on the water at Lake Nighthorse, where you can kayak, sail, SUP, swim and so much more. This recreation area is just a couple of miles from downtown Durango.
15. Spend Time at Andrews Lake
Anglers will enjoy Andrews Lake in the summer, while snowshoers and cross-country skiers will appreciate the trail that runs around the lake in the winter.
16. Take a Scenic Drive on the San Juan Skyway
One of the best Colorado scenic drives is the San Juan Skyway which runs from Durango through Silverton and Ouray to Telluride and back.
The 236-mile drive is full of breathtaking views, and it would make a great weekend in Colorado to drive the whole loop and stop at all the Colorado mountain towns along the way.
Local Tip: Having driven the San Juan Skyway multiple times, my favorite time of year is the fall when the changing colors are absolutely gorgeous!
Late June and early July are great, too, as long as you’re not planning any hikes, since snow can still linger at the higher elevations.
For the best weather conditions, I would recommend doing the drive in mid-to-late August.
17. Experiment at The Powerhouse
The Powerhouse is a place for kids to get hands-on with science in a historic steam-generated power plant on the banks of the Animas.
From the ball wall to the TinkerLab, the Powerhouse provides a fun day of learning for everyone.
18. Check Out the Fish Hatchery
Visit the Durango Fish Hatchery & Wildlife Museum to learn more about the fish, including many varieties of trout, and other animals in this area of Colorado. You can even feed the fish here – just be sure to bring quarters for fish food!
19. Sip the Local Beer & Wine
Beer lovers will enjoy the Colorado Kolsch and other locally brewed beers at Steamworks Brewing Company, while those who prefer wine can do a tasting at Four Leaves Winery.
20. Backpack to Emerald Lake
Find solitude in the Weminuche Wilderness by backpacking to Emerald Lake.
It’s 10 miles from Pine River Trailhead to the lake (20 miles round trip), and the moderate trail is great for novice and experienced backpackers.
21. Off-Road on the Alpine Loop
You’ll want to rent a UTV for this rugged 63-mile loop that connects Silverton, Ouray, and Lake City.
The views along the Alpine Loop are spectacular as you go over Cinnamon and Engineer Pass, both 12,000-foot mountain passes.
Local Tip: You can check out the ghost town of Animas Forks along the way, but I wouldn’t make a special trip just for that since the road is tedious and bumpy by passenger vehicle.
22. Take the Animas River Trail
This paved mixed-use trail is the spine of the Durango trail system. Take advantage of this 7-mile trail which connects downtown Durango to take a leisurely walk, go for a run, or cruise on a bike.
23. Explore Dalla Mountain Park
Dalla Mountain Park attracts hikers, bikers, and climbers to the five miles of trails and plentiful rock formations. Bring your crashpad, because it’s mostly bouldering here.
Is It Worth Visiting Durango?
It’s absolutely worth visiting Durango! It makes a great home base to explore the San Juans and is a must-stop on any Colorado road trip.
Additional Colorado Travel Resources
Looking to explore the best of Colorado like a local, not a tourist? Then check out these other awesome resources:
