Top Activities on the Ground in Durango

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Watch the sunrise over the iconic Mesa Verde plateau in Hawkins Nature Preserve as you sip coffee at the canyon edge & learn about the history of southwest Colorado. Our walk is an easy 2-mile over sometimes uneven terrain. Afterward, guests can come back to explore the area on their own! Dogs are welcome, please ask before you bring Fido! As we walk through the preserve you will see & learn about the unique geology & ecology of southwest Colorado. We will stop at the canyon's edge to watch the sunrise over the La Plata mountains & Mesa Verde NP. A sunrise hike isn't complete without a treat, so I will make sure to bring your choice of coffee, tea or hot chocolate & a locally baked goodie! After the sun rises we will continue our walk through pinyon-juniper woodlands, stopping along the path to learn about various flora & fauna. We will also stop at a 1,000+-year-old ruin and discuss the lives & culture of the people that built Mesa Verde. *Tour is not in Mesa Verde National Park.

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!

Our very unique, immersive adventures are the only ones of their kind. We, unlike other companies, provide your very own remote, interactive, live host to assist and encourage you along through your phone. We are an Austin, TX-based global custom event design company offering scavenger hunts and other events in 300+ cities in North America and beyond. Our specially hand-crafted adventures are equal parts tour, creative challenge, detective hunt, and social experiment! Guests get to discover in an alternate reality our favorite hidden gems off the beaten trail and creatively interpret fun art, history, and culture clues - for points! They get to enjoy fame and glory while appearing on our website’s international leaderboard, no matter what their score. They get to essentially race other teams in other cities, even if they don’t have competitors who have signed up in their city that day. Get ready to discover unusual oddities, laugh out loud, and make the experience your own!

Are you ready to explore breathtaking trails without the hassle of heavy backpacks? Join us for a unique hiking experience with our guided slack-packing trips! Our expert guides will lead you through some of the most stunning landscapes of Colorado, Arizona, and Utah allowing you to immerse yourself in nature while we take care of your gear, food, water, and transportation.

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.

Float the Animas River in Durango on this full-day tour, perfect for families. With a guide leading, even first-timers and small children will enjoy the river rafting experience. After a lunch break (own expense), head for the zipline, where you'll zoom through the Ponderosa pines for epic views of the Colorado mountains all around you.

The Colorado Trail awaits with a thrilling four-day mountain biking adventure designed for experienced riders Aug 18-Aug 24. Covering segments 25-28, this fully supported slackpacking trip showcases nearly 75 miles of stunning singletrack through high-alpine vistas and pristine forests. Riders can enjoy manageable daily distances of 17.5 to 21 miles, tailored to their pace with a sweep guide for assistance. Camp comforts include fresh meals, a comfy glamping style basecamp, and a cozy atmosphere for relaxing with fellow bikers after a day of challenges. - Ride 75 miles of iconic Colorado Trail singletrack, featuring technical climbs and descents. - Enjoy fully supported slackpacking, carrying only essential gear for daily rides. Your bags, tents, and personal belongings are all transported for you to the next camp. - Experience fresh, hearty meals accommodating various dietary needs. - Perfect for experienced mountain bikers looking for adventure and camaraderie in the great outdoors.