Durango, Colorado

Gateway to Southwest Colorado

Your Guide to Durango

Trains, trails, and ancient history

Durango anchors Southwest Colorado with a mix of outdoor adventure, historic charm, and college-town energy. The iconic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad draws visitors from around the world, but the town offers far more than a train ride.

Mesa Verde National Park—the cliff dwellings of the Ancestral Puebloans—sits just 35 miles west. The park is reason enough to visit the region, and Durango makes the best base for exploration.

Fort Lewis College gives Durango a youthful feel, with coffee shops, breweries, and outdoor gear stores lining Main Avenue. The Animas River runs through town, offering whitewater rafting, kayaking, and a scenic riverwalk.

Explore Durango

Railroads, ruins, and rivers

TRAIN

Narrow Gauge Railroad

Historic coal-fired steam train to Silverton. The 3.5-hour journey through the San Juan Mountains is one of America's most scenic rail trips.

RUINS

Mesa Verde

UNESCO World Heritage site 35 miles west. Ancient cliff dwellings including Cliff Palace, the largest in North America.

SKI

Purgatory Resort

Local ski area 25 miles north. Family-friendly with 1,600 acres of terrain and no crowds. Great for intermediate skiers.

TRAILS

Hiking & Biking

World-class trails including the Colorado Trail. Horse Gulch and Animas River Trail offer accessible outdoor recreation from town.

TOWN

Downtown

Historic downtown with breweries, restaurants, and shops. Victorian architecture meets college-town energy.

FOOD

Restaurants

Brewpubs, breakfast spots, and fine dining. Durango's food scene punches above its weight with local favorites on Main Avenue.

Plan Your Visit

Where to stay and how to get there

STAY

Where to Stay

Historic downtown hotels, mountain lodges, and budget options. From the Victorian Strater Hotel to practical chains.

TRAVEL

Getting There

330 miles from Denver via US-160 (6 hours). Durango-La Plata County Airport offers flights from Denver and other cities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Planning your Durango visit

How far is Durango from Denver?

About 330 miles, roughly 6 hours via US-160. The Durango-La Plata County Airport offers flights from Denver and other cities.

Do I need to book the train in advance?

Yes, especially in summer and fall. The Durango & Silverton sells out weeks in advance during peak season. Book early for the best cars and departure times.

How long should I spend at Mesa Verde?

At minimum, a full day. Two days allows time for ranger-guided tours of Cliff Palace and Balcony House. Book tours in advance through recreation.gov.

What's the best season to visit?

Summer for the train and Mesa Verde, fall for spectacular aspen colors, winter for skiing Purgatory. Spring can be muddy but offers fewer crowds.

Explore Southwest Colorado

Discover the San Juan Mountains