1. Hike, Camp, and Get Lost in the Wilderness of San Juan National Forest
The San Juan National Forest was created by proclamation in 1905 by Theodore Roosevelt; in 2012 President Obama proclaimed and designated a part of the forest as Chimney Rock National Monument. It's fantastic place: I loved it!
The 1.8-million-acre land, titled as a U.S. National Forest, can be found in the southwestern corner of Colorado. The forest is bordered by the Uncompahgre National Forest and the Rio Grande National Forest and covers a portion of the San Juan Mountains.
Visitors of all ages will enjoy discovering the forest, especially the three designated wilderness areas that are part of the National Wilderness Preservation System: The South San Juan Wilderness, the Weminuche Wilderness, and the Lizard Head Wilderness.
Columbine Ranger District, 367 Pearl Street, Bayfield, CO 81122, Phone: 970-884-2512
2. Stroll, Shop, and Soak Up Charm in Historic Downtown Durango
A Nationally Registered Historic District, Downtown Durango is where the Southwest meets the Old West.
Modern-day living and western charm intertwine in the downtown area which is filled with boutique hotels, award-winning restaurants, wonderful museums, art galleries, and shops.
Visitors will enjoy browsing the shops filled with unique trinkets and local goodies in the one-of-a-kind stores, or relaxing with a cool drink at one of the many brewpubs.
There are many historic sites to explore in Downtown Durango whether visitors are on the commercial Main Avenue or on the parallel residential street, Third Avenue, including The Strater Hotel which was constructed in 1887.
Durango Tourism Office and Visitor Center, 111 South Camino Del Rio, Durango, CO 81303, Phone: 800-525-8855
Recommended Activities for Families
3. Ride the Rails on the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
The town of Durango was founded in 1879 by the Denver & Rio Grande Railway, so it comes as no surprise that one of the attractions visitors should go to when in Durango is the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and Museum.
The railroad and museum operates out of the original 1882 depot, from which visitors can go on a breathtakingly scenic ride through Colorado's San Juan Mountains on a vintage steam locomotive.
The view is so good that the Society of American Travel Writers once voted the experience "One of the World's Top Ten Most Exciting Train Rides."
Relive Durango's history on the train - and off - at the artifact-filled museum at the depot.
Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, 479 Main Ave, Durango, CO 81301, Phone: 970- 247-2733
4. Bike, Run, or Meander Along the Scenic Animas River Trail
Running for seven miles along the Animas River, the Animas River Trail starts from Animas City Park and cuts across five bridges and numerous city parks.
Visitors can explore the natural beauty of the flowing river and the lush trail surroundings.
Furthermore, there are opportunities to see the spectacular Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad run along the tracks beside the trail; eight trains safely run through the trail daily.
Visitors can enjoy meeting other people walking or jogging on the trail or picnicking on the river banks during the summer months.
It is also a common sight to see people kayaking or tube floating down the Animas River.
5. Ignite Curiosity at the Interactive Powerhouse Science Center
The Powerhouse Science Center is the perfect place for families to spend a day when visiting Durango, Colorado. The interactive science center is located in a former coal-fired, steam-generated AC power plant which is exciting to explore all on its own.
There are a number of entertaining exhibits, programs, and activities for visitors to participate in.
The center provides a fun and inspiring way for people to learn the way energy has changed over the years.
An exhibit that shouldn't be missed is the "eTree" exhibit which is a life-sized tree with solar panel style leaves that connect to a 20-inch 3-D globe.
1333 Camino del Rio, Durango, CO 81301, Phone: 970-259-9234
Attractions for Couples
6. Savor Farm-to-Table Flavors at James Ranch Market and Grill
James Ranch is situated in the gorgeous Animas River Valley and comprises over 500 acres of land filled with everything visitors hope a ranch would have: Crystal-clear flowing water, a spruce tree nursery, organic vegetable and flower garden, grazing Jersey milk cows and 100% grass-fed beef, and a beauty that is sure to take your breath away.
Visitors can understand and experience the day-to-day operations of ranch life while getting to know the James Ranch family, the land, and the surrounding community. Visitors on the unique adventure can leave not only with great memories but fresh produce, chicken and eggs, grass-fed beef, and artisan cheese - all available at the Ranch Market.
To top it off, visitors can also fill their stomachs at The Harvest Grill and Greens which offers meals created with fresh ingredients directly from the ranch.
James Ranch Market and Grill, 33846 US Highway 550, Durango, CO 81301, Phone: 970-676-1023
7. Float, Fish, or Simply Relax Along the Animas River
Though it hasn't been proven, it was once thought that the Animas River was originally named Rio de las Animas Perdidas. In 1765, Spanish explorer Juan Maria de Rivera had recorded the name as Rio de las Animas, or River of Souls as it translates to in English.
The river which flows through Durango, Colorado is one of the most-visited sites as it is filled with activities such as kayaking, whitewater rafting, or tubing, and places for visitors to explore such as the Animal Trail and the railroad.
Animas River is 126 miles long and is an arm of the San Juan River.
8. Paddle Through Rapids With Mountain Waters Rafting
Mountain Waters Rafting offers one of the most fun activities that Durango, Colorado visitors can take part in: Whitewater rafting!
The experienced staff are focused on everything rafting and make sure that all visitors, no matter their age or skill level, are able to participate and have a great time.
Sharing the insatiable passion that Mountain Waters Rafting has for whitewater rafting with everyone who visits, there are various difficulty levels offered; even better, there are things for people to do even if they don't want to go rafting!
For example, a couple of the mixed adventure packages the company has on offer include 4X4 Jeep trail tours, a tour of Mesa Verde National Park, SUP and bicycle rentals - including a Pedal and Paddle combo tour, zip lining, rock climbing, and other adventurous excursions.
303 W. College Drive, Durango, CO 81301, Phone: 800-585-8243
9. Ski, Hike, or Ride Year-Round at Purgatory Resort
Located within the rocky San Juan Mountains is the breathtakingly gorgeous Purgatory Resort. Twenty-five miles north of Downtown Durango, in the heart of southwestern Colorado, the resort sits amidst glaciers that were carved thousands of years ago.
Visitors don't have to go just for the view, even though it's completely worth it, as there's a plethora of activities offered.
Visitors can ski down the steep trails, chill on the wide-open cruisers, take lessons if they're a beginner, or just relax with a warm drink.
Purgatory Resort offers over 1,360 acres of skiable terrain, 5 terrain parks, 10 lifts, a vertical drop of 2,029 feet, and 88 trails to explore.
1 Skier Place, Durango, CO 81301, Phone: 970-247-9000
10. If You’re Craving Adventure, Go With Mild to Wild Rafting and Jeep Tours
Mild to Wild Rafting and Jeep Trail Tours has been offering an adventurous Durango experience for over 20 years now.
Considered the whitewater experts of the southwest, the tour company offers whitewater rafting not only in Colorado, but in Utah and Arizona as well.
Experience and skill come together at the tour company where visitors can pick a tour and adventure package that is best-suited to how they would like to explore Colorado and all it has to offer.
Mild to Wild works with local businesses and attractions to create combined packages for their customers, including jeep rides, train experiences, and much more.
50 Animas View Dr, Durango, CO 81301, Phone: 970-247-4789
Plan Your Trip