Things to do in Durango, CO
Durango, CO, is located in southwest Colorado near the Four Corners of Utah, New Mexico, Arizona, and Colorado. You can do various activities in Durango, including Downtown Durango, hiking, river rafting, riding the train, visiting lake nighthorse, and camping and backpacking.
Downtown Durango is a vibrant area with shops, restaurants, and historical sites. Visitors can stroll along Main Avenue and explore the variety of boutique shops, art galleries, and local eateries. The area also has a rich history, with beautifully preserved Victorian architecture adding charm.
Durango offers a plethora of hiking trails for all skill levels. From peaceful nature walks to challenging alpine treks, there's something for everyone. Popular trails include the Animas Mountain Trail, the Colorado Trail, and the San Juan National Forest scenic trails. River Rafting: The Animas River, flowing through Durango, is a popular spot for river rafting and kayaking. Adventurers can experience the thrill of navigating through rapids while taking in the stunning natural beauty of the surrounding landscape. and
The historic Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad offers a memorable journey through breathtaking mountain scenery. Passengers can ride in vintage steam-powered locomotives and enjoy a scenic trip to the region's mining and railroad history.
Lake Nighthorse is a beautiful reservoir near Durango, perfect for water-based activities such as boating, fishing, and paddleboarding. The serene setting and views of the surrounding mountains make it a great place to relax and enjoy the outdoors.
The Durango area provides numerous camping and backpacking opportunities, from developed campgrounds to backcountry sites. Whether you prefer the convenience of established campsites or seek a more rugged adventure in the wilderness, there are options to suit every outdoors enthusiast.
1. Downtown Durango
Strater Hotel Downtown Durango, CO
Downtown Durango is where the Old West meets the Southwest. It is a historic district with boutique hotels, restaurants, brewpubs, art galleries, museums, and shops. You can stroll along the Animas River and enjoy views of the La Plata Mountains before browsing locally-owned stores for souvenirs, gifts, and clothing. On Fridays, you can listen to live music at Buckley Park, and there are special events in the summertime. During winter, you can enjoy a carriage ride through the snow-covered streets of downtown and take in the lights of "Holiday Station." Downtown Durango welcomes visitors to explore the local culture and vibrant atmosphere all year round, offering an authentic Colorado experience!
2. Hiking
The La Platas, Needles, West Needles, and Grenadier Range are part of the more extensive range: the San Juan Mountains, which provide many hiking trails.
Here are a few of my favorite trails in Durango: Animas Mountain, Perin’s Peak, Animas River Trail, Hogsback, and Twin Buttes. For detailed information about these hikes, check out this blog post (coming soon. Subscribe to my newsletter here to be notified when new posts go live)
For my detailed (and most popular) blog post, A Sunrise Hike, where I hiked Perin’s Peak in the early morning to watch the sunrise over the valley of Durango.
Sunrise at Perin’s Peak
3. River Rafting
The Animas River runs from the San Juan mountains through Durango before merging into the San Juan River. It is known for its beautiful 125-mile passage through mountains, canyons, and valleys. The name "Rio de las Animas" translates roughly into "River of Lost Souls" or "River of Souls" and was given by Spanish explorers to honor a group of lost conquistadors without a proper funeral.
The Durango area offers a wide range of recreational activities along the river. It is a popular destination for whitewater, natural and artificial calm rapids, and regions suitable for both professionals and leisurely floaters. The Animas River is also a year-round home to avid fishers, providing excellent opportunities for both fly fishing and other types of fishing.
Rafting on the Animas contributes almost 10% of Colorado's commercial rafting market revenue, with Durango being a central hub. Multiple access points in and out of town make it convenient for rafters to start their adventure. The river offers class five and below rapids, a whitewater whitewater, and various outfitters providing equipment and lessons.
4. Durango and Silverton Railroad
Open from May to October, the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad has unparalleled scenery on this unique journey through history aboard our National Historic Landmark train. Experience the thrill of traveling through the beautiful San Juan National Forest and reliving the 'Golden Age' on our railroad. On this 9.5-hour round trip train excursion with a 2-hour layover in Silverton, passengers can look forward to experiencing all of the most remarkable sights our railroad features, such as the Horseshoe Curve, High Bridge, and the Animas River Gorge, including the spectacular views from the High Line. For more information, check out the website.
5. Lake Nighthorse
Located to the southwest of Durango and only about two miles from downtown, Lake Nighthorse is a reservoir offering water storage and recreational opportunities. The lake, named after former Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell, was filled for the first time in 2011 after its development. Previously used solely for water storage, the lake opened up to the public for recreation in 2018 and offers various options for summer entertainment, including SUPing, swimming, fishing, boating, and hiking. The lake is open from early April through November, with different activities available depending on the season. It is closed during the winter and early spring months for wildlife protection, reopening in the summer for visitors to enjoy.
6. Camping/Backpacking
Backpacking tent set up a few years ago
Camping and backpacking are two activities that you should consider for an immersive experience in the stunning outdoor environment of Durango, Colorado. These experiences offer an incredible opportunity to connect profoundly with nature. Countless picturesque hiking trails cater to various skill levels, ensuring everyone can enjoy the area's beauty. The natural landscapes are genuinely awe-inspiring, providing a backdrop that is nothing short of spectacular. Check out my detailed Beginners Guide to Backpacking and my detailed Beginners Guide to Camping (coming soon. Subscribe to my newsletter here to be notified when new posts go live.) One of my favorite camps places is at Molas Lake.
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