Durango, CO

Travel Guide

Durango - Purgatory which includes night scenes, street scenes and a city
Durango - Purgatory featuring forest scenes, a river or creek and autumn leaves
Durango - Purgatory featuring heritage architecture and night scenes
Durango - Purgatory which includes mountains, tranquil scenes and fall colors
Durango - Purgatory which includes tranquil scenes, forests and autumn leaves

This town is a wonderland for outdoor adventure lovers. Located in the middle of the Animas River Valley, it is characterized by its dramatic natural landscape.

Since its founding in 1881, the small mining community of Durango has continued to expand. Today it attracts thousands of visitors for its major archaeological and natural attractions. Durango has a tightknit community of 17,000 residents and a town center recognized for its natural beauty. Stroll along the Animas River, which runs right through the center of town. Take a short walk to reveal the majestic beauty of the Animas River Valley and the San Juan Mountains.

Embark on a rafting expedition. The Animas River offers both family-friendly guided floats over gentle rapids and Class IV and V rafting to challenge those with whitewater experience.

Hike along the Animas River Valley. Bike the 7-mile (11-kilometer) car-free trail through downtown or mountain bike on over 1,000 miles of trails surrounding the city.

Rent fishing tackle to try your luck at fly-fishing in the deep river pools. Watch the scenery as you ride aboard the celebrated narrow gauge railway line that runs between Durango and Silverton, a historic mining town.

Durango offers a range of accommodation, from hotels and apartments in the heart of the downtown precinct to mountain resorts nestled in the foothills of the San Juan Mountain Range. From your downtown location, enjoy sweeping views of the valley. You’ll also be within walking distance of Durango’s excellent dining options. Try traditional Coloradan fare, like trout caught straight from the river. After you eat, join locals for a chat over a drink at a friendly neighborhood bar.

Major U.S. highways connect Durango to neighboring cities. Albuquerque is a 3.5-hour drive south. Travel north to experience Colorado’s San Juan Skyway, which cuts through the heart of the mountain range. Explore the stunning Mesa Verde National Park, just 22 miles (35 kilometers) from Durango, before returning to the town.

Where to stay in Durango

Durango - Purgatory which includes night scenes, street scenes and a city

Historic Downtown Durango

5/5(31 area reviews)

The abundant dining options and stunning river views are top of the list for many visitors to Historic Downtown Durango. A stop by Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad or Animas River Trail might round out your trip.

Historic Downtown Durango
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Columbine Lake

5/5(1 area review)

While Columbine Lake might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Purgatory Resort and Lake of the Pines.

Columbine Lake
The Animas River is perfect for a hot summer day! You can bring a tube and just float down or pick different parts of the river to take your raft into white waters!

Animas River District

While visiting Animas River District, you might make a stop by sights like Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and Animas River Trail.

Animas River District
Serious Texas Bar-B-Que is the name of this place, and they mean it.  Delicious sandwiches, ribs, or simply juicy meat by the pound at good prices, as well as access to hot or mild sauces for drowning it all.  Family-friendly but they also carry a small selection of bottled beers.

North Main District

While visiting North Main District, you might make a stop by sights like Durango Community Recreation Center and Animas River.

North Main District
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Dalton Ranch

If you're spending some time in Dalton Ranch, Animas River and Dalton Ranch Golf Club are top sights worth seeing.

Dalton Ranch
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Durango West

When in Durango West, you can plan a visit to San Juan National Forest Supervisor's Office and Historic Tram Park, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Durango West
Comfort Inn & Suites Durango
Comfort Inn & Suites Durango
2.5 out of 5
455 S Camino Del Rio, Durango, CO
$161 nightly
The price is $183 total per night from Jul 27 to Jul 28
$183 total
Jul 27 - Jul 28
Total includes taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Durango. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,912 reviews)
"What a beautiful hotel!! It’s perfectly located and the staff is fantastic!"

Reviewed on Jul 7, 2025

Comfort Inn & Suites Durango
Best Western Plus Rio Grande Inn
Best Western Plus Rio Grande Inn
2.5 out of 5
400 E 2nd Ave, Durango, CO
$217 nightly
The price is $246 total per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
$246 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
Total includes taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Durango. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,006 reviews)
"Excellent stay. Clean, great staff, excellent breakfast, and perfect if you’re going to be in the historic downtown Durango."

Reviewed on Jul 4, 2025

Best Western Plus Rio Grande Inn
Econo Lodge Inn & Suites Durango
Econo Lodge Inn & Suites Durango
2 out of 5
2002 Main Avenue, Durango, CO
$102 nightly
The price is $116 total per night from Jul 30 to Jul 31
$116 total
Jul 30 - Jul 31
Total includes taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly motel in Durango. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,006 reviews)
"I only gave it 5 stars because nobody reads the 2-star reviews, which is what I would have given this hotel. You walk into the "lobby" and see all these "awards" on the wall and start to think that the 1960s-esque exterior is just a facade. Wrong. We got to the room, and it was like a studio apartment. ..."

Reviewed on Jul 5, 2025

Econo Lodge Inn & Suites Durango
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Leland House Suites of Durango
Leland House Suites of Durango
4 out of 5
721 E 2nd Ave, Durango, CO
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Durango. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and free bicycles on site. Popular attractions Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (61 reviews)
"Loved the rooms and Lola’s next door was great!"

Reviewed on Jul 2, 2025

Leland House Suites of Durango
Classic Colorado Cabin on the Florida River - 20 Minutes to Downtown Durango
Classic Colorado Cabin on the Florida River - 20 Minutes to Downtown Durango
Durango
Stay at this cabin in Durango. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and satellite TV channels. Popular attractions Lemon Reservoir and Horse Thief Park are located ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (56 reviews)
Steve
"Beautiful setting right on the river, home was clean, outdoor deck needs a little attention. Overalll we had a great time."

Reviewed on Jun 28, 2025

Classic Colorado Cabin on the Florida River - 20 Minutes to Downtown Durango
Waterfall Ranch home
Waterfall Ranch home
Durango
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Durango. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and patios. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (121 reviews)
"Lovely Air B&B! Comfortable, lovely gardens and Host was top notch!Me our needs perfectly!"

Reviewed on Jun 4, 2025

Waterfall Ranch home
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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