Top Durango Outdoor Activities

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.

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.

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.

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

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*

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.

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!

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.

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.

Enjoy a more active way to immerse yourself in Colorado’s Rocky Mountain scenery—and benefit from a personalized experience—on this small-group, half-day kayaking tour near Durango. Meet at a central location and then transfer to the Animas River; with all necessary gear included, enjoy a hassle-free experience. Once aboard your inflatable kayak, and with your guide in the lead, set off to tackle class III rapids.

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!

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.

Experience the thrill of inflatable kayaking on Durango’s Lower Animas River! This 1/4 day trip lasts 2 hours and 25 minutes round trip, with 1 hour on the water. Navigate exciting Class II rapids and one exhilarating Class III rapid, including “Smelter,” “Santa Rita,” and “Sawmill,” with calmer stretches for scenery and relaxation. Lower water flows in late summer make the rapids even more exciting. No experience is needed—our expert guides provide gear, instruction, and local insights.

Download GuideAlong’s self-guided audio tour bundle for the US Rockies & Plains, featuring 15 tours including Yellowstone & Grand Teton, Glacier, Rocky Mountain, Mesa Verde, Theodore Roosevelt, Black Hills, scenic drives, and Yellowstone walks at Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic, and West Thumb. Discover geysers, peaks, wildlife, history, and wide-open landscapes with GPS-triggered stories that play automatically offline, making it easy to explore by car and on foot. Enjoy the freedom to explore offline at your own pace, spending more time at places that interest you and bypassing any that don’t. Stories, tips, and directions play automatically based on your location Travel at your own pace Tour offline using GPS. No cell service or WiFi is needed Suggested itineraries for half, full, or multi-day use No time limits or expiry, and free updates Like having a tour guide along for the drive Purchase one tour per vehicle.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Navigate the Animas River in your personal inflatable kayak on a 2-hour tour from Durango. There’s no need to smuggle your personal paddle past TSA, as all gear, including a helmet and life vest, is provided for you. After a safety briefing and rundown of the route, it’s time to hit the water. Follow your experienced guide along class III whitewater rapids as you adventure through world famous Colorado wildlife.

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.

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.

Experience the thrill of inflatable kayaking on Durango’s Lower Animas River! This half day trip lasts 3 hours and 45 minutes round trip, with 2 hours and 15 minutes on the water. Navigate exciting Class II rapids and one exhilarating Class III rapid, including “Smelter,” “Santa Rita,” and “Sawmill,” with calmer stretches for scenery and relaxation. Lower water flows in late summer make the rapids even more exciting. No experience is needed— the expert guides will provide gear, instruction, and local insights.

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.