Durango Colorado

Out in the Old West

Durango is home of the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, known around the world as one of the most scenic North American train journeys. Relive the sights and sounds of yesterday with a spectacular ride aboard a historic, coal-fired, steam-powered train that has been in operation since 1882. As the train winds through breathtaking canyons in the remote wilderness of the 728,000-hectare San Juan National Forest, you’ll experience the wilds of Colorado like the original miners and pioneers encountered. Along the Million Dollar Highway, originally built in 1883, discover the ghost town of Animas Fork and the old silver-mining town of Silverton, a National Historic Landmark District.

American Indian Heritage

Situated in the hills 56 kilometers west of Durango, Mesa Verde Country is the archaeological center of the USA. At Mesa Verde National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, see some of the most well-preserved cliff dwellings of the Ancestral Puebloans. Other notable places to see prehistoric, native archaeology include the Ute Mountain Tribal Park, Hovenweep National Monument, the Anasazi Heritage Center, Crow Canyon Archaeological Center, Canyons of the Ancients and Chimney Rock National Monument. On the Fort Lewis College campus, the Center of Southwest Studies displays colorful Navajo and Pueblo art, handicrafts and artifacts.

Adventure Travel

Durango is a wonderland for outdoor enthusiasts. Whitewater rafting and kayaking on the Animas River ranges from tame to wild. At Vallecito Lake, which is 30 kilometers from Durango, enjoy hiking, fishing, boating, hunting and camping. The Weminuche Wilderness in the San Juan National Forest is the largest wilderness area in the state. It boasts three “Fourteeners,” mountains that exceed 14,000 feet (4,267 meters), and abundant outdoor adventures, including mountain biking, hiking, horseback riding, fishing, rock climbing and camping. In the winter, Colorado’s famous powder attracts skiers and snowboarders to Purgatory Resort. The resort’s amenities include accommodations, dining, shopping and nightlife.

Downtown Shopping, Art and Entertainment

Downtown Durango, which is on the National Register of Historic Districts, overflows with historic hotels, such as the Strater, Rochester and General Palmer, in addition to restaurants, art galleries and boutique shopping. Festivals, live music and special events are held year-round and add a festive vibe. Craft beer drinkers can grab a cold one at Carver Brewing or Steamworks Brewing. Indulge in fine dining in an Old West atmosphere at the Ore House or enjoy mouthwatering Southwestern flavors at Zia Taqueria. Don’t forget to stop at the Diamond Belle Saloon, revered as one of the most famous original ragtime piano bars in the Wild West, and the El Moro Spirits & Tavern, site of “Durango’s Strangest Shootout” in 1906 between the sheriff and the city marshal.