23 Best Things to Do in Durango, CO

👉 Jump to: Best Things | Downtown Attractions | Food & Drink | Summer

I’m a Colorado local here to share the best things to do in Durango! This guide overviews the area’s top attractions, like the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. I also cover local hot springs, places to ski, and a nearby World Heritage Site — plus a few hidden gems.

This southwest destination isn’t the easiest to get to, but that’s part of its charm. Stick around to get a local’s experience and see my guide on where to stay in Durango for more insights.

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23 Best Things to Do in Durango

Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad

Ride the rails on this National Historic Landmark and enjoy awesome views.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (888) 872-4607 | Website | Hours: see website for latest schedule | Entrance: $96.12+ adults, $69.12+ youth ages 4 – 11, free under 4 

The Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is one of the most scenic train rides in Colorado.

During the summer, this historic steam-powered train transports riders to Silverton and back. Plus, it transports them back in time for an 1880s experience! Winter excursions are also available, including a Polar Express-themed ride that’s perfect for the whole family.

Purgatory Ski Resort

Hit the slopes at this inexpensive Durango resort.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (970) 247-9000 | Website | Hours: varies per season, check website

Purgatory Resort is one of the most affordable Colorado ski resorts. Kids 12 and under ski free, and adult lift tickets are very inexpensive for much of the season. The resort offers lessons, as well as snowcat tours for a unique experience.

Durango Hot Springs Resort & Spa

Relax at one of Colorado’s best hot springs resorts.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (970) 247-0111 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 10 pm daily | Entrance: $39+ adults, $19+ under 16

Spend a day relaxing and soaking at Durango Hot Springs, one of the best hot springs in Colorado. The resort features 32 natural hot spring pools. There’s also a swimming pool, a dry Finnish sauna, a cold plunge, and spa services.

Mesa Verde National Park

Experience a glimpse of ancient history at this World Heritage Site.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (970) 529-4465 | Website | Hours: open 24 hours | Entrance: $30 summer (May – Oct), $20 winter (Nov – April) | 👉 Browse Mesa Verde Tours on Viator

Mesa Verde National Park is one of the best national parks in Colorado. By day, you can view the cliff dwellings and other areas once inhabited by the Ancestral Pueblo people. You can also learn about the different tribes and people who lived in the area over the centuries. By night, you can stargaze at this International Dark Sky Park.

👉 Pro Tip: Be sure to check out Abigail’s Colorado packing list as you’re prepping for your trip!

Historic Downtown Durango

See historic buildings and enjoy shopping and dining in downtown Durango.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (970) 375-5067 | Website 

The historic downtown Durango business district has many shops, galleries, and restaurants. Spend an afternoon window shopping, and grab some dinner in a building that’s been around since the 1800s. You can also take a historic walking tour around downtown.

👉 Pro Tip: Before heading to Durango, be sure to bookmark my Colorado Travel Tips guide!

San Juan Skyway

Admire the scenery on this all-day drive through the mountains.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (800) 525-8855 | Website | 👉 Browse Durango Tours on Viator

The San Juan Skyway loops through Durango, Silverton, Ouray, Telluride, Cortez, and Mancos. A portion of this drive is also known as the Million Dollar Highway — either referencing the cost to build it or the priceless views. No one can say for sure!  

Pack a picnic and be ready to make plenty of stops by lakes, in the forest, and to admire the San Juan Mountains on your leisurely drive.

San Juan National Forest

Fish, hike, mountain bike, or go horseback riding on the numerous trails throughout the forest.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (970) 247-4874 | Website | Entrance: Free (special activities require a permit) | 👉 La Plata Canyon Jeep Tours from Durango

The San Juan National Forest covers 1.8 million acres of southwest Colorado, so there are lots of options for outdoor activities! Fortunately, the Forest Service has a list of outfitters who are permitted in the area. Whether you want a Jeep tour, a kayak trip, or a horseback trail ride, you can find someone to help.

Inferno Mountain Coaster

Whiz along on a mountain coaster at Purgatory Resort.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (970) 247-9000 | Website | Hours: varies per season, check website | Tickets: $20/per activity

The Inferno Mountain Coaster is located at Purgatory Resort. It’s open year-round for riders ages 9 and up. You control the speed of the car with a hand brake, so more cautious riders can take it slow.

Downtown Attractions

Art Gallery Hopping

Admire southwestern Colorado art in many forms.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (970) 375-7742 | Website

There are many art galleries downtown Durango. You can spend a pleasant day browsing art in many forms! You’ll find jewelry, pottery, paintings, and lots of other art available for sale — consider taking home a one-of-a-kind souvenir.

Sun Sapphires

Attend a workshop and create your own epic glass art.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (970) 259-2229 | Website | Hours:11 am – 5 pm Tues – Sat, 12 – 5 pm Sun, closed Mon

Learn the art of glass fusing and make a mosaic plate, bowl, sun-catcher, or other lovely work of art. The studio offers free 2-hour classes to teach you how to create your masterpiece. You just pay for the materials you’re using! 

Visitors can also peruse the studio’s retail selection, featuring a wide array of fine jewelry and glass art.

The Fish Hatchery and Wildlife Museum

Visit the oldest state-owned fish hatchery in Colorado.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (970) 247-0855 | Website | Hours: 8 am – 4 pm daily

You can see Kokanee salmon and a variety of trout including rainbow, brown, and cutthroat at this hatchery. A wildlife museum is also on-site and a great place to learn more about local flora and fauna.

The Powerhouse

Learn about power and other scientific ideas at this hands-on children’s museum.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (970) 259-9234 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 3:30 pm daily; closed Wed | Entrance: $9.50 adults; $9.50 Children 1-17

The Powerhouse Science Center is a children’s museum set along the Animas River. It features hands-on activities that cover electricity, steam power, and other scientific areas.

Food & Drink

Steamworks Brewing Company

Enjoy a local craft beer and a burger.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (970) 259-9200 | Website | Hours: 11 am – 11 pm Mon-Thu; 11 am – 12 am Fri & Sat; 11 am – 11 pm Sun

Steamworks Brewing Company has more than 20 medals from the World Beer Cup and the Great American Beer Festival. The brewery prides itself on having servers who can select the right beer for you, and who can tell you how it’s brewed. Be sure to check out the seasonal offerings for new, unique tastes each time you visit.

11th Street Station

Choose your culinary adventure from a variety of food trucks.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (970) 422-8482 | Website | Hours: 11 am – 11 pm Sun-Thu; 11 am – 12 am Fri & Sat

11th Street Station is a collective eatery featuring seven food truck options, plus a bar. It’s a great spot for a group with a variety of tastes. Grab a small bite from several spots to sample different types of food.

Still Life Coffee & Botanicals

Relax and sip coffee amongst the plants.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (970) 501-0960 | Website | Hours: 7 am – 5 pm Mon – Fri, 7:30 am – 2 pm Sat & Sun

Start or end your day with a coffee or tea in this bright coffee and plant shop! You’ll find succulents, cut flowers, and jewelry for sale at Still Life Coffee & Botanicals as well.

Things to Do in Summer

Raft the Animas River

Get your adrenaline pumping on a rafting trip down the Animas River.

📍 Google Maps | Pricing: $65+ | 👉 Browse Rafting Tours on Viator

Looking for the best views of the Animas River? Get down into it and raft! There are a variety of options, from 90-minute trips to all-day river rafting adventures. No experience is required to take part in this thrilling summer activity.

Paddling on Lake Nighthorse

Enjoy a quiet day on the water.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (970) 946-6410 | Website | Hours: seasonal, see website | Cost: $35+ rentals

Paddleboard, kayak, or fish on Lake Nighthorse. This recreation area is nestled in the mountains and just 2 miles from downtown Durango. During the summer, kids can also enjoy the Wibit Aqua Park at the lake for no extra charge. 

👉 Pro Tip: Call ahead if you plan to paddle here. Rental availability varies depending on demand and weather conditions.

Animas Forks Ghost Town

See an abandoned mining town that’s off the beaten path.

📍 Google Maps | Website

Animas Forks is one of Colorado’s ghost towns that invokes the spirit of the Wild West. You’ll need an off-road vehicle to get there. These extreme travel conditions are what led to the town’s abandonment.

Animas Forks is set along the Alpine Loop, one of the state’s best road trips. This route connects Silverton to Ouray and Lake City. You’ll find brochures and maps at the site.

Colorado Trail

Hike a portion of the Colorado Trail for breathtaking views.

📍 Google Maps | Website

Gudy’s Rest is a great day hike near Durango. It follows a portion of the Colorado Trail, which stretches 567 miles from Denver to Durango. This moderate 9-mile hike is part of Segment 28, the western end of the trail. Maybe you’ll meet a thru-hiker starting or finishing their journey!

The Rim Trail

Mountain biking with views of the Animas River Valley.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: Sunrise – sunset

You can hike and mountain bike the Rim Trail near Fort Lewis College. You’ll get great views of downtown Durango, the mountains, and the river valley. The moderate trail is around 3.5 miles long with a 600-foot elevation gain

Fishing at Andrews Lake

Throw in a line at this lake near Silverton.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: Sunrise – sunset daily

You can hike, snowshoe, and fish at Andrews Lake, which is stocked with trout. You’ll find a pier and many people fish from shore. In winter, ice fishing is permitted when conditions allow.

Bike the Animas River Trail

Ride this neighborhood trail along the Animas River.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: Sunrise – sunset daily

Prefer a paved trail to mountain biking? The Animas River Trail is a great spot for a ride. Cover the 9 miles from the north to the south end of town. You’ll cross bridges, get a great view of the train, and pass Durango’s whitewater park along the way.

Purgatory Bike Park

Zip down a mountain biking trails at the ski area.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (970) 247-9000 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 4 pm summer weekends | Tickets: from $25 adults, free under 13 

⚠️ Closure Note: The Purgatory Bike Park will be closed through 2025 while the resort builds a new ski lift.

During the summer, Purgatory Ski Resort transforms into a bike park during the summer. There are mountain biking trails that are suitable for everyone from beginners to advanced riders, and lessons are available as well. 

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Hopefully, this has given you plenty of ideas for your Durango trip! It’s a wonderful town to visit, and one of the best mountain towns in Colorado. It’s definitely one of my happy places!

(Featured Image Credit: PT Hamilton / Shutterstock)