Top Durango Day Trips

The first national park to “preserve the works of man,” Mesa Verde stands alone as a national park, archaeological site, and UNESCO World Heritage Site. On this half-day tour, you’ll skip the search for parking and go straight to exploring the ancient cliff dwellings with a guide, learning about the park’s flora and fauna, geology, and human mystery—these ruins were abandoned around the year 1300.

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.

Meet at our office in Durango, located at **360 South Camino del Rio, Suite 200**, approximately 20 minutes before departure. From there, you'll travel to Mesa Verde National Park in one of our comfortable touring vehicles with 15 passengers or fewer. This five hour experience is primarily a driving tour, giving you time to enjoy the spectacular scenery while your guide shares the archaeology, history, oral traditions, and culture of the Ancestral Puebloans. Along the way, you'll stop at one or two carefully selected overlooks or archaeological sites before continuing to the highlight of the day, **Cliff Palace**. Your tour includes the hard-to-get tickets for the National Park Service ranger-led tour, allowing you to spend approximately 45 minutes exploring the largest cliff dwelling in North America. After your visit, relax on the scenic drive back to Durango with a deeper appreciation for one of America's most remarkable national parks. Remember, we meet in DURANGO, not the Park.

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*

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 Colorado's diverse beauty with this self-guided tour bundle! Uncover ancient Puebloan cliff dwellings at Mesa Verde, then navigate the breathtaking vistas of the Million Dollar Highway. Adventure awaits in the majestic Rocky Mountain National Park, where trails and wildlife abound. End with the striking rock formations of Garden of the Gods. This mostly driving tour, sprinkled with walks, offers a unique blend of history, nature, and scenic views. Capture the spirit of Colorado at your own pace. Purchase one tour per car. Everyone listens together! After booking, check your email/text to download the separate Audio Tour Guide App by Action while connected to WiFi or mobile data. Enter the password, download the tour, & enjoy it offline. Follow the audio instructions and route from the designated starting point. New, Lifetime access, no expiry. Use it anytime, on any trip, as many times as you want. This isn't an entrance ticket. Check opening hours before your visit.

Spend a day exploring Mesa Verde National Park with a professional guide. The park is an astoundingly beautiful reservoir of history featuring more than 40 miles of road, 5,000 archeological sites, and 600 of the best-preserved Pueblo cliff dwellings in the United States. Lunch, water, and  ranger-guided tours of two important sites—Cliff Palace and Balcony House—are included.

Join us for a breathtaking day in the heart of the San Juan Mountains, traveling from Durango through the historic mining towns of Silverton and Ouray. Along the way, you’ll experience a series of memorable stops, highlighted by a rewarding hike with panoramic views of the surrounding mountain range and the town of Ouray below. After the hike, unwind with a rejuvenating soak in the renowned Ouray Hot Springs Pool—the perfect way to relax and recharge. This full-day experience offers a balanced mix of scenic beauty, light adventure, and well-earned downtime in one of Colorado’s most striking alpine regions.

Visit Mesa Verde National Park—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—on a tour from Durango. You'll have the chance to see the park's ancient Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings and learn about the history of the region. Lunch is included to make this an easy day trip for you and your friends or family.