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 Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad or Animas River Trail 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
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
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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
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Durango West

When in Durango West, you can plan a visit to San Juan National Forest Supervisor's Office and Historic Tram Park, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Durango West
Comfort Inn & Suites Durango

Comfort Inn & Suites Durango

2.5 out of 5
455 S Camino Del Rio, Durango, CO
The price is NT$4,529 per night from Aug 17 to Aug 18
NT$4,529
NT$5,147 total
Aug 17 - Aug 18
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! (1,992 reviews)
"Excellent service! Nice accommodations."

Reviewed on 2025/8/5

Comfort Inn & Suites Durango
The Junction Hotel and Hostel

The Junction Hotel and Hostel

2.5 out of 5
2202 Main Avenue, Durango, CO
The price is NT$3,250 per night from Aug 18 to Aug 19
NT$3,250
NT$3,807 total
Aug 18 - Aug 19
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this motel in Durango. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular ...
7.4/10 Good! (271 reviews)
"Customer service was great"

Reviewed on 2025/8/5

The Junction Hotel and Hostel
Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Durango Downtown by IHG

Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Durango Downtown by IHG

3 out of 5
21636 Highway 160 West, Durango, CO
The price is NT$5,733 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
NT$5,733
NT$6,704 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Durango. Enjoy free WiFi, room service, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,007 reviews)
"The young lady that checked us in was so sweet close to airport Sheree Hendrix"

Reviewed on 2025/8/6

Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Durango Downtown by IHG
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! (71 reviews)
Awesome find
"Very convenient for train in Durango and river. Clean and comfortable!"

Reviewed on 2025/7/27

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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