Durango Colorado Tourism

Nestled in the beautiful San Juan Mountains at the junction of Hwy. 160, Hwy. 550 and the Animas River, Durango is an ideal base camp for year-round recreation. The city receives much of its distinctive charm from its 19th century hotels, Victorian architecture, saloons and hitching posts and a well-preserved downtown, creating a unique place where history and modern life blend seamlessly.

For a look into the first settlers of the area, visit Mesa Verde National Park, with its ancient Anasazi cliff dwellings, only 35 miles to the west on Hwy. 160. The Southern Ute Cultural Center, offers firsthand experience with Ute culture and tradition, only 23 miles west in Ignacio. Step back in time on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge railroad as it winds through the majestic San Juan Mountains in an authentic coal/steam-powered train.

Your vacation options continue with summer activities including great swimming, fishing and boating on nearby Vallecito and Lemon Lakes, rafting on the Animas River, ziplining at Soaring®, Full Blast and The Plunge. Durango Mountain Resort, a winter wonderland for skiers, turns into a summer playground with its Alpine slide, zipline and trails.

Pair that with Durango’s renowned hiking and mountain biking trails, and you’ll find Durango to be one of the world’s best outdoor recreation playgrounds.

Attractions in town include two registered National Historic Districts, the new Durango Discovery Museum, a wide variety of art galleries and museums, delicious restaurants, and shopping at dozens of unique boutique stores.

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