Durango

Established in 1881, Durango was founded by the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad. A National Historic District, downtown Durango overflows with historic hotels, restaurants, art galleries, and boutiques.

The rugged San Juan National Forest and San Juan Mountains offers hundreds of miles of world-class mountain biking, hiking, rock climbing, plus fishing and boating on the Animas River, Lake Nighthorse, Haviland Lake, and more.

North of Durango, Purgatory Resort features 105 trails, five terrain parks, and 1,605 skiable acres.

Board the historic 1880’s Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad (D&SNGR) for breathtaking views and old-world atmosphere, or visit archaeological wonders and ancient cliff dwellings at nearby UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Mesa Verde National Park.

Things to do

Arts In Durango, art is not just an attraction—it’s a way of life, woven seamlessly into the fabric of this charming mountain town. The town’s dedication to the arts extends beyond visual and performing arts to an active literary and creative writing community. With over a dozen galleries showcasing works from local and regional artists, every corner of Durango is infused with creativity.

History and Heritage Durango has a long and rich history that history buffs and curious folks of all ages will enjoy. Discover Durango’s abundant history at any of our many museums. Durango is truly where the old west survived, and where the new west thrives.

Outdoor Adventure With direct access to Colorado’s largest wilderness area, Durango is the headquarters for outdoor thrills. From the Animas River Valley to the 14,000’ San Juan peaks, adventure in Durango is everywhere:

Food and Beverage Durango, Colorado, is home to a world-class culinary and beverage culture! Explore the international dining scene with various options from around the globe. Sample craft cocktails at one of the many bars throughout town or sample local spirits made with pure snowmelt from nearby distilleries. Enjoy fine wines from across the world or try something new at our coffee and tea shops.

Plan your trip

Plan your trip to Durango with ease. You're sure to find your vacation sweet spot in Durango's variety of accommodations. From some of Colorado's most iconic hotels, cabins, and vacation rentals, to a lovely campground or RV spot close to nature, Durango gives you more for your visit.

Trying to figure out what to see and do in Durango? Here are itineraries centered around the seasons, activities, and other themes. You'll get ideas of what to do, where to go, what to see, where to eat, and more!

No matter the season, there are always events that Durangoans anticipate. Whether it’s Snowdown in the winter, Taste of Durango in the spring, Fiesta Days and the Fair in the summer, or Oktoberfest in the fall, each season brings locals together to enjoy the wonderful town of Durango.

For more information, visit Visit Durango.