Durango Travel Guide

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Trek Zone

Locality

Facts and practical information

Nestled in the heart of the Colorado region, Durango is a picturesque destination that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture. Surrounded by the majestic San Juan Mountains, this charming town is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers.

One of the highlights of Durango is its world-class skiing and snowboarding opportunities. With its abundant snowfall and pristine slopes, the nearby Purgatory Resort attracts winter sports enthusiasts from all over the country. Whether you're a seasoned skier or a novice looking to learn, Purgatory offers a range of trails and terrain parks suitable for all skill levels.

But Durango is not just a winter wonderland – it also offers a plethora of outdoor activities during the warmer months. The Animas River, which runs through the town, is a popular spot for whitewater rafting and kayaking. Thrill-seekers can navigate the rapids while enjoying breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.

For those who prefer a more leisurely pace, Durango boasts an extensive network of hiking and biking trails. The Animas River Trail, a scenic path that follows the river, is perfect for a leisurely stroll or a bike ride. The trail offers access to beautiful parks, picnic areas, and fishing spots, making it an ideal spot for a family outing.

Durango is also known for its rich history and cultural heritage. The town's historic downtown area is filled with well-preserved Victorian-era buildings, boutique shops, and art galleries. Take a step back in time by hopping aboard the historic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, a steam-powered train that winds its way through the breathtaking San Juan Mountains.

In addition to its natural and historical attractions, Durango is also a food lover's paradise. The town is home to a vibrant culinary scene, with a wide range of restaurants offering everything from farm-to-table cuisine to international flavors. Don't miss the opportunity to try some of the local delicacies, such as green chili and Rocky Mountain oysters.

Alternative names: Population: 18 thous.Area: 9.96 mi²Elevation: 6532 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 37°16'26"N, 107°52'48"W

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ColoradoUnited States

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Durango Top Attractions

Durango Attractions - What to See and Explore

Durango offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Fish Hatchery, Powerhouse Science Center, Fort Lewis College, Lake Nighthorse. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Nature and wildlife • Museum • Specialty museum
Fish Hatchery
The Durango Fish Hatchery is a Colorado Parks and Wildlife cold water fish production facility located near the Animas River in Durango, Colorado. The hatchery staff raise rainbow, brown, Snake River and native cutthroat trout, and kokanee salmon.
Museum • Event space • Science museum
Powerhouse Science Center
Powerhouse Science Center, formerly The Durango Discovery Museum, is an interactive science center located in Durango, Colorado. The museum opened on February 23, 2011 in what was once a power plant.
Art museum • Museum • Universities and schools
Fort Lewis College
Fort Lewis College is a public liberal arts college in Durango, Colorado. Because of its unique origins as a military fort turned Indian boarding school turned state public school, FLC follows a 1911 mandate to give qualified Native Americans a tuition-free education and awards...

37°13'31"N • 107°55'6"W
Lake Nighthorse
Lake Nighthorse is a reservoir created by the 270 feet high Ridges Basin Dam southwest of Durango in La Plata County Colorado. As part of the Animas-La Plata Water Project, Lake Nighthorse provides water storage for tribal and water right claim-holders along the Animas River.
37°16'8"N • 107°52'55"W
Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
Scenic railroads • Museum • Specialty museum
37°17'38"N • 107°52'19"W
Durango Community Recreation
Sport complex • Park • Recreation center
37°17'1"N • 107°52'37"W
St. Columba Church - Durango
Church
Neighbourhood
Main Avenue Historic District
Main Avenue Historic District in Durango, Colorado is a 34-acre historic district that was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980.

Day trips

Durango – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Durango, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Cliff Palace (Mesa Verde National Park), Canyons of the Ancients Visitor Center and Museum (Dolores), Salmon Ruins (Farmington).

33 milesW
Ruins, Historical place, Museum
Cliff Palace, Mesa Verde National Park
Nestled within the rugged landscape of Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado, Cliff Palace stands as a testament to the ingenuity and culture of the Ancestral Puebloans who once inhabited the region. This archaeological treasure, one of the most significant in the...
39 milesW
History museum, Natural history museum, Museum
Canyons of the Ancients Visitor Center and Museum, Dolores
Nestled in the scenic landscape of Dolores, Colorado, the Canyons of the Ancients Visitor Center and Museum serves as a gateway to the rich cultural heritage of the region. This museum is dedicated to preserving and interpreting the history of the Ancestral Puebloans...
40 milesS
Museum, Archaeological museum
Salmon Ruins, Farmington
Salmon Ruins is an ancient Chacoan and Pueblo site located in the northwest corner of New Mexico, USA. Salmon was constructed by migrants from Chaco Canyon around 1090 CE, with 275 to 300 original rooms spread across three stories, an elevated tower kiva in its central portion, and a great kiva in its plaza.
41 milesW
Archaeology tours, Tours, Archaeological site
Crow Canyon Archaeological Center, Cortez
Crow Canyon Archaeological Center is a 170-acre research center and "living classroom" located in southwestern Colorado, US, which offers experiential education programs for students and adults.
40 milesN
Natural attraction, Mountain
Mount Wilson, Lizard Head Wilderness
Mount Wilson is the highest summit of the San Miguel Mountains range of the Rocky Mountains of North America. The prominent 14,252-foot fourteener is located in the Lizard Head Wilderness of San Juan National Forest, 10.6 miles north by east of the Town of Rico in Dolores County, Colorado, United States.

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Best Time To Visit Durango

Learn when is the best time to travel to Durango weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Popularity among visitors

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June, July and August are the busiest months in this location. Slightly fewer tourists decide to visit in May.

Average temperatures in °F

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The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January, February and December.

Monthly rainfall in inches

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The lowest rainfall is recorded in June. Most of it rains in August.

Length of day in hours

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We can expect the longest days in June, while the shortest in December.

Sunrise

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Durango?

The top attractions to visit in Durango are:

What is the best time to visit Durango?

June, July and August are the busiest months in this location. Slightly fewer tourists decide to visit in May. The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January, February and December.