Southwestern Colorado’s historic hub, Durango has roots as an important mining town. Today, visitors can get a taste of its prospecting past with a ride on the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, which winds through canyons and past abandoned gold and silver mines. Outdoor adventurers will also find plenty to do in Durango, from hiking in the San Juan National Forest to skiing at family-friendly Purgatory Resort. It’s also an ideal base for exploring Mesa Verde National Park, the site of ancient stone cliff dwellings built by the Pueblo people.
Though summer packs in the visitors, Durango is truly a shoulder-season standout. Spring (April–May) brings mild temps, smaller crowds, blooming mountain valleys, and events like Taste of Durango and Durango Wine Experience. Fall (September–October) is great, too, what with the equally pleasant weather, gentler river adventures, and the yellow-gold cottonwoods and red-orange scrub oaks lighting up the surrounding San Juan National Forest.
If your Durango visit includes outdoor adventures, you’ll probably want a car—that way you can head into the surrounding forests and parks at your leisure. If you do forego wheels, you can get by with some mix of on-foot travel, rideshares, tours, and the Main Ave Trolley—a fun, inexpensive way to tour the city. And don’t miss the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, which is based right out of downtown Durango.
Even if you’re not usually the water adventure type, try to make an exception for Durango. The Animas River—which flows right through town—is the beating heart of this Wild West outpost, and experiencing it is a rite of passage. There are adventures for all ages and abilities, from gentle floats that lull you to sleep to whitewater thrill rides guaranteeing a healthy splash. Of course, just dipping your toes in counts, too.
