Durango Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Durango - Purgatory which includes a city, street scenes and night scenes
Durango - Purgatory which includes forests, a river or creek and autumn leaves
Durango - Purgatory which includes night scenes and heritage architecture
Durango - Purgatory which includes mountains, tranquil scenes and autumn leaves
Durango - Purgatory showing autumn colours, tranquil scenes and forests

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 centre recognised for its natural beauty. Stroll along the Animas River, which runs right through the centre 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-kilometre) 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 neighbourhood 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 kilometres) from Durango, before returning to the town.

Where to stay in Durango

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

Historic Downtown Durango

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

Historic Downtown Durango
Default Image

Columbine Lake

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Columbine Lake and surrounding area, you can visit Purgatory Resort and Lake of the Pines.

Columbine Lake
Default Image

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
Default Image

North Main District

If you're spending some time in North Main District, Animas River and Durango Community Recreation Center are top sights worth seeing.

North Main District
Default Image

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
Default Image

Durango West

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Durango West and surrounding area, you can visit San Juan National Forest Supervisor's Office and Historic Tram Park.

Durango West
Comfort Inn & Suites Durango
Comfort Inn & Suites Durango
2.5 out of 5
455 S Camino Del Rio, Durango, CO
The price is £134 per night from 6 Jul to 7 Jul
£134
6 Jul - 7 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Durango. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,915 reviews)
"Great place to stay"

Reviewed on 3 Jul 2025

Comfort Inn & Suites Durango
Adventure Inn Durango
Adventure Inn Durango
3 out of 5
3515 Main Avenue, Durango, CO
The price is £103 per night from 4 Aug to 5 Aug
£103
4 Aug - 5 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star motel in Durango. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,004 reviews)
Good little Hotel
"Very nice Hotel and Staff. The only complaint was that the air conditioner didn't work so great."

Reviewed on 30 Jun 2025

Adventure Inn Durango
Econo Lodge Inn & Suites Durango
Econo Lodge Inn & Suites Durango
2 out of 5
2002 Main Avenue, Durango, CO
The price is £82 per night from 4 Aug to 5 Aug
£82
4 Aug - 5 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly motel in Durango. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
"Comfortable and clean .I dont know if the fan was left behind or put in the room but came in very handy. Im the type of person that sleeps with a fan on so when we came across it, i slept like a baby. I would like to give props to whomever idea that was.would definitely stay again."

Reviewed on 3 Jul 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 Wi-Fi, 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 2 Jul 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, Colorado
Stay at this cabin in Durango. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 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 28 Jun 2025

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

Reviewed on 4 Jun 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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Cities near Durango