Things to do & places to visit in Durango, Colorado, United States

Once a frontier mining town, Durango draws thousands of tourists year-round for the myriad outdoor recreational activities and scenic beauty. Mountain bikers, rafters, kayakers, horseback riders, rock climbers, hikers, campers, hunters and fishermen are drawn to the two-million acre San Juan National Forest and to the San Juan mountains, the largest range in the Rockies. But the city's biggest tourist draw is a nine-hour historic train ride in a vintage steam locomotive. The Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, which hauled precious metals in the 1880s, now takes tourists for a 47-mile, open-air journey through mountains and forests and past abandoned mines to historic Silverton and back. Children and train buffs will relish the chance to climb into a locomotive and pore over railroad memorabilia at the railroad's museum. Skiers flock to the Durango Mountain Resort in winter, which also offers hiking, fishing, rafting and horseback riding in warmer months. Slow down your pace with a stroll past splendidly restored Victorian buildings in historic Downtown Durango and wind up a very active weekend in a local brewpub or saloon.

Durango municipality in Colorado, United States. Timezone: America/Denver, current date and time: Monday, May 06, 2024, 15:00.

Top things to do (27)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Snowmobile Adventures (1.034 reviews)
- Wonderful Time!
Monday: 7:30 AM - 7:00 PM Ski & Snow Tours

We will show you how to ride one of our Polaris snowmobiles and send you out with one of our mountain guides. We have the most variety to offer with 35,000 acres of terrain, over 75 miles of trail, plus our own trail grooming equipment. There is a lot to choose from: meadow play grounds, old mine sites, stage coach trails, mountain passes, scenic overlooks, old log cabins, or just sight seeing and playing in the snow. Most importantly we will have fun - that's our specialty. See more..
5.0 San Juan National Forest (582 reviews)
- Pass Creek Trail to Engineer Mt--Gorgeous Wildflowers
National Parks • Forests

Wilderness area consisting of forested mountains, 14,000-foot peaks, scenic roads, geological formations, prehistoric communities and a narrow-gauge railroad. See more..
5.0 Durango Community Recreation Center (112 reviews)
- Awesome indoor water park and pool
Spent 1-2 hours Sports Complexes

The 71,557 square foot Durango Community Recreation Center offers a Lap and Leisure Pool, Hot Tub, Water Slide, Outdoor Splash Pad, Racquetball Courts, Indoor Track, Aerobics Studio, Gymnasium, Youth Games Area, Cybex Free Weights and Pin Loaded Weight Equipment, Cardiovascular Equipment, Climbing Wall, meeting rooms, outdoor playground and Babysitting. See more..
5.0 The Snowbike Experience (90 reviews)
- A Great Way To Spend Your Vacation
Ski & Snowboard Areas

My husband and I have enjoyed snowbiking for the last 3 years. We tried it on a whim and will probably never ski again. Imagine a ski vacation where you have no sore knees or muscles. We love the bike and enjoy a relaxing ski vacation each year (emphasis on relaxing!). The snowbike is very easy to learn and we look forward to biking down the mountain each year. Give it a try - you won't be sorry!! from the other Mike & Donna See more..
5.0 The Colorado Trail (81 reviews)
- Hiking Colorado Trail (segment 25)
Biking Trails • Hiking Trails

Spanning some 500 miles from Denver to Durango, this path crosses many different elevations and environments, including eight mountain ranges, seven national forests, six wilderness areas and five river systems, making it one of the most fascinating and scenic trails in the state. See more..
5.0 Durango Craft Spirits (36 reviews)
- SURPRISE! A Real Local FIND...
Distilleries

Enjoy a tour of our grain to glass distillery located on Main Avenue in downtown Durango! Take a step back into Durango history in our Tasting Room and enjoy stories of Durango's past while enjoying a cocktail featuring our Soiled Doves Vodka. Even those that don't consider themselves vodka drinkers are enjoying our distinct spirit. See more..
5.0 St. Columba Catholic Church (28 reviews)
- Beautiful!
Monday: 12:30 PM - 4:00 PM Churches & Cathedrals

This church has been around for forever it seems. It's beauty inside and out are breathtaking. The stained glass is breathtaking. See more..
5.0 Scenic Aperture Gallery (22 reviews)
- Phenomenal Experience
Monday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Art Galleries

Visiting Durango? Stop by and see us! Scenic Aperture's Durango Gallery is located in the heart of Durango's vibrant art scene. Scenic Aperture features fine-art nature photography of the four-corners area of the American Southwest. The Gallery showcases the photography of award winning Durango photographer Frank Comisar. Scenic Aperture is a highlight of Durango's historic Main Street. Scenic Aperture also offers half-day and destination photography workshops to aspiring photographers. See more..
5.0 Santa Rita Park (17 reviews)
- Nice, Safe Playground!
Spent 1-2 hours Parks • Playgrounds

Great playground! Some of the equipment is special needs friendly and has ramps. The bigger slides are a bit challenging to access for special needs children. There is a swing for the special needs population. It is not built for a wheel chair. Overall the park is wonderful. It is along the Animas river path. So you and your family have access from the playground to walk, hike, bike or stroll on the concrete path. It is one of the sights that rafting companies exit the Animas River. That is fun to watch. There are some improvements taking place near the park. I hope it is adding a restroom (there is not one now). These improvements do not impede access to the playground. Overall well worth the visit if you have young children that need an extra activity. The city has spent a ton on safety for the children. It is an awesome park. See more..
5.0 Cascade Creek Trail (16 reviews)
- Beautiful Scenery, Magnificant Waterfall, A Highlight Of Our Trip
Spent More than 3 hours Hiking Trails

This 6 miles trail north of Durango sends you through plush meadows, mountain views, along side a rushing creek, and onto a beautiful waterfall. We really enjoyed all of our hike here. It was tranquil, with not allot of traffic, and the views all around were awesome. There are actually 2 trails here on either side of the creek, so if you want to do both sides, which I highly recommend to get the total experience, you will have to cross the creek twice. It was fun!!! At the end of the 3 miles is a beautiful waterfall, where we had lunch, and it was a great place for that. We did go at peak of late spring run off, so the water was higher than usual, so crossing the creek was a little challenging. Overall this was a great place to take in nature, and see some wonderful sights!!!!!! I loved this place!!! See more..
5.0 SheRide Snowboard Camp for Women (16 reviews)
- Can't wait to do it again!
Sports Camps & Clinics

I just returned from an amazing She Ride weekend in Durango. It was such a pleasure to get to be a part of such an fantastic, positive and caring group of women. I learned so much in such a short period of time all while laughing and having a great time. This was my first time snowboarding so I really wasn't sure what I could expect to pick up in 3 days, I exceeded any expectations I may have had. The coaches were so great to work with and by the second day we were working our way down from the top of the hill and by day 3 it really clicked. Each day we had a different coach, each with a special, supportive way of teaching. I would encourage any woman who has ever considered wanting to learn, to do it the right way....The She Ride way. Thank you ladies...can't wait to do it again. I hope to see you at your mountain bike camp too. XOXOXOXOXO!!! See more..
4.5 Historic Downtown Durango (1.891 reviews)
- DT Durango visit and bonehead recovery
Spent 2-3 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks

Historic Downtown Durango is the heart of the community. Filled with over 200 unique shops, stores and restaurants, Downtown Durango has something for everyone. The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is located in Downtown, and has daily excursions plus a FREE museum. The Strater Hotel is also in Downtown and has been in operation since the 1800's. We have wonderful restaurants, from fast food to fine dining, and everything in between. Plus there are amazing shops with unique items, including nearly a dozen world class art galleries. To learn more about Historic Downtown Durango, visit our website, and use the FREE wifi Downtown at Durango WiFi. Thanks for visiting! See more..
4.5 Animas River Trail (501 reviews)
- Outstanding River Walk
Hiking Trails

We used this path several times during our one week stay. It parallels Main St & can be easily accessed from the downtown area. Much of the path has river views. The path also has oversized public art. We were impressed with the areas cleanliness. We loved the artistic foot bridges that traverse the river. A portion of this walk is by a Botanical Garden. Most of the plants were blooming. The flowers were gorgeous. Best of all, they were labeled so I could learn their names. See more..
4.5 Animas River (338 reviews)
- Nice public Park on the Riverwalk
Bodies of Water

We were delighted to find this lovely free public park right on the banks of the Animas River in downtown Durango. There were tables, benches, and green grassy areas for kids to play. Plus the river walk, with a pedestrian bridge is nearby so one can enjoy the river after their picnic. We ate in our car in the parking area. We had found a nice shady place to park, but the picnic table in that area was filled with a large group of people, many of which were smoking. The drifting smoke forced us away from that spot. Nevertheless we enjoyed our picnic and then had time to enjoy the river walk and watch kayakers and some individual rafters, as well as a few rafting tours. See more..
4.5 James Ranch (268 reviews)
- Casual lovely eatery with fantastic views
Monday: Ranches

The setting is a newly constructed wood beam restaurant and store with indoor and outdoor seating with views of the mountains. It’s a nice drive out jog town ans one can continue a little and turn around by the Purgatory ski resort. Burgers are the main fare with all the expected sides. Interestingly, the non alcoholic coconut and other drinks were amazing. We would return in heartbeat. See more..
4.5 Durango Wildlife Museum and Fish Hatchery (195 reviews)
- Fun, Simple Visit. Museum CLOSED
Monday: 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • Nature & Wildlife Areas

We opened the Museum on June 12, 2022. We are open to visitors until Sunday, September 11, 2022. Our hours are 11:00-3:00 Sunday through Saturday. The hatchery is open. See more..
4.5 Durango Welcome Center (172 reviews)
- Perfect place to start tour of Durango
Monday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Visitor Centers

Located at the corner of Main Ave. and 8th St. (802 Main) in the heart of Historic Downtown Durango, the Durango Welcome Center is a one-stop “information” shop for all that Durango and surrounding La Plata County offers to visitors and locals. See more..
4.5 Animas Museum (66 reviews)
- Great city and area museum
Monday: History Museums

The Animas Museum is owned and operated by the La Plata County Historical Society, with the mission to keep La Plata County history and culture alive for present and future generations. Current exhibits at the Museum explore how Native Americans, education, mining, ranching, fires, the railroad, law enforcement and tourism have shaped La Plata County. See more..
4.5 Animas Mountain Trail (55 reviews)
- Such a great hike, I did it twice
Hiking Trails

Located in the San Juan National Forest, this eight-mile trail leads to the top of a mesa where you can get a fabulous view of the area. Separate trails for hikers/horseback riders and mountain bikers are marked with different colors. See more..
4.5 Rim Trail/ Campus Loop (40 reviews)
- amazing views!
Hiking Trails

This is a great place to sightsee deer, the sunsets and stargazing. The view at night of the town is beautiful and looking at the opposite side (behind you) the stars shine bright and that part of town is dark enough to enjoy them. A must go location. See more..
4.5 Potato Lake Trail (29 reviews)
- Great Family Hike
Spent 1-2 hours Hiking Trails

The access road to get to the trail head was sketchy. Lots & lots of rocks, some quite large. We had a 4x4 high clearance vehicle but I would not have attempted in anything smaller (although there was a Prius up there when we got there). Nothing was really marked telling us where the trail was so we weren't sure how far we were supposed to drive. We finally found a spot to pull off & park. When we walked around the corner we saw the beaver pond that has been referred to and a parking area so we knew we were close to the trail. Just around the next corner we found 2 posts at the beginning of the trail. The hike to get to Spud Lake was about 1 mile and fairly easy. The trail is quite rocky so you do have to watch your footing. My kids (15, 12 & 7) easily did this hike. The lake was beautiful with an awesome reflection of the mountain behind it. See more..
4.5 Haviland Lake (21 reviews)
- Beautiful & Peaceful
Bodies of Water

This place is gorgeous!!! Loved fishing here and taking it all in. Totally worth a visit if you are into fishing. See more..
4.5 Sutcliffe Vineyards (19 reviews)
- Perfect Fall Afternoon in Canyon Country
Monday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Wineries & Vineyards

On a whim, we visited Sutcliffe Vineyards for some "tasting" and a glass of vine near the end our 3 week adventure exploring "Bears Ears" "Canyons of the Ancients" and "Mesa Verde". The grounds and beautiful fall colors were breathtaking. The wine was lovely and a match for the gorgeous scene. The owner, John Sutcliffe, look time visit with us a tell a few stories. He is as interesting and colorful as the surroundings. If you're visiting Canyons of the Ancients or passing through McElmo Canyon, don't miss this opportunity. And PS. We saw some of the negative reviews. They seem odd - very different from the high quality experience we enjoyed. See more..
4.5 Castle Rock (14 reviews)
- Great hike - spectacular view from the top
Spent More than 3 hours Geologic Formations

Hiking up Elbert Creek trail to Castle Rock is a fairly short but fairly steep hike - you need to be in reasonable physical condition to do it comfortably since you are climbing the entire 2.5 miles up with over 1600 feet in elevation gain and some of the last half-mile or so is pretty steep. The view from the top is amazing - the Animas River valley stretching from North to South below you with the cars on US 550 looking like toys, the blue of Electra Lake to the South East and the peaks of the Weminuche Wilderness rising up in the distance. It makes all the climbing worth every bit of the effort expended. The hike back down is much easier aerobically but probably not much easier on your quads. See more..
4.5 Durango Antique Market (10 reviews)
- Nice people to work with
Monday: 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM Antique Shops

I have purchased several items from this store. One main reason I will keep returning is because of the staff. They greet you, offer assistance and will contact sellers if a price is not a firm one or below $25, to see if they will "deal with you". See more..
4.0 Purgatory Resort (811 reviews)
- It's all about the skiing- we loved it!
Ski & Snowboard Areas

Purgatory Resort is a family-friendly, four-season resort offering a variety of activities for all ages. In the winter, enjoy alpine skiing and snowboarding, snow shoeing, horse-drawn sleigh rides, Nordic skiing, snowmobiling and more. Summer and fall offers hiking, mountain biking, Alpine Slide rides, zipline, scenic chairlift, disc golf, bungee trampolines, climbing walls, miniature golf and more. See more..
4.0 Pinkerton Hot Springs (158 reviews)
- This was cool!
Hot Springs & Geysers

My husband and I found this cool hot spring randomly. It was so awesome. I think we literally stayed there for 30 mins just touching the spring water. Its random. It's a spring (which is cool). Its free. So, why not. Definitely something I would recommend you see. See more..
4.0 Powerhouse Science Center (80 reviews)
- Neat place BUT.........
Monday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Science Museums

The admission fee was not bad (21.00 for two adults and a six year old). The place was great for hands on experience. This is the Bad: Many of the exhibits are hands on and you can make items ,however, the items were not stocked so over half of the exhibits we could not do. Another horrible encounter was there was a bloody small chick with its face in the bedding (it was obvious it was not going to make it) crying for help and it was left for young children to witness...shame on you! Now, set those two bad vibes apart the place would be great for children to roam so I do not have to chase a six year old around. See more..
4.0 Old Lime Creek Road (27 reviews)
- Edge of your seat!
Spent 2-3 hours Hiking Trails • Scenic Drives • Off-Road & ATV Trails

This Jeep trail has amazing views and not too long (2-3 hours). It takes you by Potato Lake. Must have a 4x4 and take your time driving this one. There is a part of the trail that narrows and you are driving on the edge, so if you have a fear of heights, I do not recommend. No rails. Glad we drove this one! See more..
4.0 Hesperus Ski Resort (27 reviews)
- Great place for tubing
Ski & Snowboard Areas

Ski area may be small in size but it offers plenty of challenge for skiers of all ability levels. See more..