Top Durango Outdoor Activities

See the towering mountains and vibrant woods of La Plata County with the kind of thrills and adventure that you just can’t experience staying on the ground. Take to the air on a wild zipline course that runs across the treetops of the La Plata woods. Choose how you finish your tour, as well – get beautiful photos from the Full Blast Adventure Center’s rooftop patio, or strap in for an exhilarating 40-foot freefall from the center’s giant tower.

See the UNESCO World Heritage–listed sites of Mesa Verde National Park on a tour of the park's Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings. A guide provides insight into the history, architecture, and spiritual features of these ancient homes and how they were lived in hundreds of years ago. Please note, this tour starts inside the park; you must already be in the park after paying your own national park entrance fee.

Get on the wild and wonderful Animas River with this 2.5-hour whitewater rafting tour. With your guide at the helm, take to the swirls, churns, and rapids, zooming away from Durango—an epic journey fit for both beginner and experienced paddlers. The panoramic canyon scenery along the Animas adds a sense of relaxation to the thrills!

Get your whole family out on the rapids with this whitewater rafting trip down the Animas River in Durango. Spend two hours in the company of an adventure guide, paddling over Class I, II, and III rapids, suitable for novices and experts alike (including children). Shoot down the river and take in the scenery, coming away with a sense of accomplishment and a better understanding of Colorado's wilderness.

View the ancient sites of Mesa Verde National Park on a guided group tour from Durango, led by an archaeologist-trained guide. This half-day adventure lets you see significant archaeological sites and stunning overlooks while learning about the rich history of the Ancestral Pueblo people. The tour includes comfortable transportation, making it ideal for couples and families. While this tour does NOT include access to Cliff Palace or other cliff dwellings, it provides unforgettable views and insights into the cultural heritage of this remarkable area. Great for folks with mobility concerns since we are not climbing ladders. - Enjoy a 5-hour guided tour from Durango with expert insights - Visit key viewpoints and mesa-top sites in Mesa Verde - Transportation from our Durango, CO office

Experience the adrenaline-pumping excitement of a rafting adventure on this professionally guided, 3-hour excursion. Ride along the clear, crisp waters of the Animas River in Durango. Crash through the Class I, II and III rapids, which are less technical but no less exciting for an introductory river experience. It’s a perfect balance for kids and adults wanting to share a fun day on the river. All boating equipment, plus transportation.

On this 4.5-hour rafting tour, you’re definitely going to get splashed. After meeting up with your guide, you’ll start with a leisurely float through Durango, eventually taking to the churning rapids of the Animas River beyond the city. Break for snacks—and taking in the views—before getting back on the water and wrapping up the half-day adventure.

Explore a rugged mountain landscape on a half-day Jeep tour to La Plata Canyon, and discover high-alpine meadows, avalanche gullies, and Colorado wildflowers with an experienced guide at the wheel. Both morning and afternoon departures are available for this La Plata Canyon tour, which departs from an office in Durango.

The Trails and Rails package showcases the San Juan's stunning scenery. Begin with a morning cruise up the San Juan Skyway, featuring dramatic views of 14,000 ft. peaks. In historic Silverton, switch to open-air 4x4s for rugged terrain exploration. Discover 150-year-old mining settlements, meadows, and panoramic mountain views. Your local guide provides stories, information, and answers questions. After alpine exploration, return to Silverton for lunch and shopping. The journey's final leg is a train ride through the breathtaking Animas River Canyon. The train views differ from the shuttle, offering a remote Weminuche Wilderness perspective. Arrive at the train station for dinner.

Not all rafting trips have to take up your entire day—this tour from Durango gets you on the water and back out with time to enjoy another adventure before the sun goes down. You'll spend one hour on the Animas River navigating the Class II and Class III rapids with a rafting guide.

The Lower Animas River is one of the nation's most accessible rafting trips—a must-do in Durango for a day of family-friendly fun. Your guides can provide a range of options for all comfort levels, from a mild trip for ages 4+ to a Class III trip for an adrenaline-filled ride. No matter your route, you'll get your fair share of beautiful scenery, thrills, and splashes.

Experience the full beauty of the Lower Animas with this 4.5-hour trip door to door, about 2.5 hours on the water, and an unforgettable adventure with expert local guides in Durango. Suited for the whole family, you will also have the option to purchase a photo package to preserve your memories when the trip is done. See historical Old West landmarks and hear stories about the early days of Durango. Our guides are more than just river guides – they are your guide to the history and lore of the region. All our Durango rafting trips include the famous whitewater park and smelter rapids.

With its 5,000 archaeological sites situated in a striking desert environment, Mesa Verde National Park offers visitors a combination of natural and cultural attractions unfound anywhere else in the country. Explore the UNESCO-listed archaeological preserve and national park with a pro on this guided tour, which takes you to the park's must-see attractions, including the Cliff Palace. This tour includes all entrance fees, lunch, and round-trip transportation from Durango.

Explore the ancient wonders of Mesa Verde National Park with our immersive audio tour! Walk among the cliff dwellings and archaeological sites of the Ancestral Pueblo people as our guides share captivating stories about their rich history, culture, and remarkable architecture. Learn about the significance of these ancient structures and the park's unique landscape. Perfect for families, history buffs, and curious travelers, our tour provides a fascinating and educational experience. Simply download, plug in your headphones, and embark on a journey through the incredible history of Mesa Verde National Park! *Download the Shaka Guide app to access the purchased tours*

Set out on an exciting adventure in Durango! Explore the city’s fascinating mining past, ride a historic train, and snap photos with colorful cowboy murals. Challenge yourself with fun questions, learn about the “River of Lost Souls,” and discover the roots of the original Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory. Take in the charm of Victorian architecture and dive into the lively food and craft beer scene. And be sure not to miss the Louis L’Amour room at the Strater Hotel!

Live like a local and enjoy the delights of the Animas River, right in the heart of Durango. Rafting the Class I, II and III rapids down the river consistently ranks as a highlight for tourists. Don't miss out on this memorable experience with fun guides to take you through a quarter day rafting trip as well as multiple laps through the Whitewater Park on inflatable kayaks.

Head into the wilderness and explore Durango’s backcountry with this hassle-free group Jeep tour. Your guide takes care of navigation so you can concentrate on enjoying the scenery and wildlife spotting. Head into the San Juan National Forest and hit the trails of La Plata Canyon. Make sure your cameras are charged up to snap photos of waterfalls, mining sites, and more.

Float down the Lower Animas River on this family-friendly rafting trip in Durango. As you glide over the rapids with a guide, you can enjoy views of Durango from the water and take in the natural beauty south of town. Stop on the riverside for a snack, and listen to stories about the history and traditions of the region. This is a mild rafting option for ages 4 years and up. Select a morning or afternoon departure time when booking.

Choose Mild to Wild for your Lower Animas River Full Day rafting trip and experience our unique commitment to excellence. Our highly trained professional guides ensure your enjoyment and fun. Benefit from a low guide-to-guest ratio for a personalized experience. We streamline your adventure with free parking, changing rooms, and a storefront for essentials. Complimentary splash jackets and helmets are standard. Enjoy a riverside locally made deli-style lunch midway. Whether paddling or relaxing, your day is crafted for lasting memories. Enhance your trip with a kayak instructor or explore packages including Jeep tours. Mild to Wild prioritizes your satisfaction and an unforgettable journey.

Skip the generic walking tours and explore Durango on your own personal scavenger hunt. Led by your smartphone—with your host in your pocket via WhatsApp—you and your crew will take to the town, finding clues, completing challenges, taking photos, solving puzzles, and exploring this Wild West hotspot with your own two feet.

Set off on a unique adventure with your friendly pack goats along the stunning Dolores River or high into the mountains, (weather dependent). Tailor your experience by choosing your hiking ability or walking distance, ensuring a memorable outing filled with laughter and surprises. Capture the beauty of your journey with cinematic GoPro Video courtesy of Your Guide and one of the Goats! Two Angles of perspective for You to take and share. This adventure can also be combined with fishing poles and gear, Nature Therapy, grilled burgers by the river (Local Beef Raised by The County With The Bounty) creating an extraordinary day in the great outdoors. Each Adventure can be expanded on depending on Your goals of adventure.

Explore La Plata Canyon on a tour from Durango. Traveling by 4-wheel-drive vehicle, you'll see a bit of the region's history as you pass by ghost towns and mining ruins, plus watch for wildlife among the mountain scenery. Stop at Kennebac Pass for views from 12,000 feet (3,657 meters), and enjoy commentary from a guide.

There’s no better way to experience Durango than this tour, combining the city’s history, nature, and culinary scene. You and your crew will tackle the largest zipline course in the world, break for lunch up in the trees’ canopy, and hop on an ecology tour. Last but not least, Durango is home to a narrow-gauge railroad, and you’ll ride a first-class train car to and from your adventure.