Top Durango Historical Tours

Get away from the crowds—and the scheduled ranger talks—and explore Mesa Verde National Park with a private guide in your pocket. Using just GPS and your smartphone, this self-guided audio driving tour takes you from fantastic cliff dwellings to panoramic viewpoints and beyond, loading you up with stories, facts, tips, and more. Only travel when, where, and how you like, creating your own customized-yet-guided tour.

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

Drive along Colorado’s Million Dollar Highway and discover its history as you embark on a self-driving audio tour. Download the app and follow the driving route; the GPS indicates where you are and plays the audio for that particular location. Drive past abandoned mining towns, natural landmarks, and old railroads, learning of their histories as you go.

Get a quick overview or Mesa Verde National Park on this half-day tour focused on the park's highlights. It would take days to see everything here; so if you're short on time, this tour's for you. Stops include the ranger-guided tour of the Cliff Palace, Chapin Mesa, and other areas based on the group's interests. Traveling with a small group of just 15 people or fewer means you'll enjoy personalized attention and the chance to ask questions.

Visit Mesa Verde National Park — a UNESCO World Heritage site — on this full-day tour from Durango. With a guide, xplore the park's preserved Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings and other archaeological sites, learning about the history and culture of this ancient Native American community. Lunch is included.

We got tickets! Discover Mesa Verde with an Archaeologist Trained Guide & explore Cliff Palace! Skip the hassle of trying to get tickets and dive straight into an unforgettable journey through one of Colorado’s most iconic landmarks. Our Mesa Verde Express Tour offers a 5-hour adventure door to door through the breathtaking landscapes and rich history of Mesa Verde National Park. This experience includes a rare opportunity to explore the legendary Cliff Palace on a ranger-led tour, where you’ll spend 45 minutes up close with the largest cliff dwelling in North America. Discover the incredible ingenuity of the Ancestral Puebloans, who built and thrived in these structures over 700 years ago. Throughout your journey, you’ll be accompanied by a highly trained guide, extensively educated by a professional archaeologist. Their in-depth knowledge of Mesa Verde’s history and culture.,

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.

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.

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.

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.

Spend some time high in the rarified air of the La Plata Mountains on this guided, 4-hour, small-group 4x4 tour. Choose from a morning or afternoon departure, then this open-vehicle excursion winds up and through La Plata Canyon for 14 rugged miles, reaching breathtaking views from Kennebec Pass at more than 12,000 feet. Along the way, learn about the canyon’s mining history, its native Ute people, the geology and the flora and fauna of the San Juan Mountains. Snacks are included on the trip.

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.

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.

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!