Durango is a quaint mountain community located in the southwestern corner of Colorado at the foot of the San Juan Mountains that embraces its Western and Victorian heritage with festivals, events, and small-town vibes. It was founded in 1880 by the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad- as it is still home to the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge railroad that attracts visitors from across the world. Durango sits in the Rockies at 6,512 feet in La Plata County.
Fun Facts
Durango is home to 18,000 people and boasts an average of 266 days of sunshine. Just north of Durango, the infamous scene in the beloved film Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid was recorded at one of the locally-loved parts of the Animas called “Baker’s Bridge”.
Recommended Activities
Purgatory offers a unique blend of steep tree skiing trails and wide-open cruisers with stunning views. It is known for consistent, dry powder from frequent storms which are followed by sunny, bluebird days. It features over 1,600 acres of skiable terrain, 105 trails, 11 lifts, multiple terrain parks, a vertical drop of 2,029 feet, and on average receives 260 inches of snow annually. Renowned as a family-friendly resort, there are many ways to enjoy the incredible winter wonderland at Purgatory.
Spanish for "green table", Mesa Verde offers a spectacular look into the ancestral Pueblo people who made this location their home for over 700 years (from 600- 1300 CE). This park protects nearly 5,000 known archeological sites, including 600 cliff dwellings. Lodging and camping are available in the park from mid-April to mid-October.
Mountain Biking
Durango is home to one of the oldest cycling advocacy groups in the nation, as well as a number of other community-minded and competitive biking groups. The terrain ranges from high-desert rides with rock and silt to scree fields and pedaling above tree-line. Possibilities for trails are endless, as many of them connect together which allows for miles of exploration.
Hiking
Within an hour's drive of downtown Durango lies over 100 miles of pristine trails with a variety of landscapes and terrains. The Animas Mountain Trail happens to be a favorite of visitors and locals. Click here to view other favorite hiking trails.
White Water Rafting
Durango is widely known for the Animas River that runs through town, so no trip is complete without experiencing the river firsthand. White water rafting is a fun and adrenaline pumping activity that will surely leave you soaked and grinning from ear to ear.
Golfing
Golf enthusiasts will enjoy teeing off at one of Durango's premier golf courses. Each course offers their own stunning views of the town, from scenic vistas to the LaPlata Mountains.
Recommended Lodging
Built in 1887, it’s legendary for being an iconic Durango landmark located in the heart of Downtown. Adorned with beautiful handcrafted woodwork, period wallpaper, and the largest collection of American Victorian walnut antiques in the community, Strater Hotel invites you to experience "the best of the Old West”.
Recommended Dining
The Ore House is an authentic Southwestern Colorado restaurant that specializes in steak, seafood, and cocktails. It happens to be one of the oldest restaurants in the area.
A Japanese restaurant that serves everything from sushi and sashimi to black Angus beef, organic poultry, and some amazing vegetarian dishes.
This brewery is a beloved Colorado favorite and is considered one of the very best restaurants in Durango. The menu ranges from classic Southwestern dishes to gourmet pizzas with additional vegetarian and gluten-free options.
Signature Events
Poets and musicians from all over the country grace the Strater Theater stage, performing classing and contemporary poems and songs.
The Durango Arts Center presents fine art and fine crafts by makers from around the country. It takes place amidst the fall colors on Second Avenue in historic downtown Durango.
Photo Courtesy of Durango.com
A non-profit created Snowdown to promote fun, commerce, and tourism in Durango. It's the original "cabin fever reliever". Outside Magazine rated Snowdown as "one of the top 5 winter festivals in the US".
For the last half-century, the Iron Horse has become one of the premier bicycle events in the West. Riders travel to the Iron Horse from every state and several foreign countries. Each year, thousands of riders experience the thrill of descending into Silverton with hopes of beating the train.
Music in the Mountains has produced an exceptional summer music festival with musicians of the highest caliber.
THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride is for all ages to enjoy the experience, warmth, and fun of the Christmas season on a special trip to the "North Pole"!
We know many Front Range residents enjoy recreating in the mountains of Colorado, but have you ever considered buying a home in your favorite vacation destination, like Durango? Our company, WK Real Estate, is a member of Leading Real Estate Companies of the World®, a powerful network of over 500 top real estate companies with 130,000 sales associates, in over 70 countries. Through our connections with this global network, we can introduce you to an excellent, experienced real estate professional in your areas of interest. Buying a second home is an exciting opportunity and our partners will able to help you research and determine if this kind of a purchase is right for you. To get this process started, please contact WK's Relocation Department or your favorite WK associate and tell us the areas you may be interested in purchasing. We would like to thank our LeadingRE affiliates, Wells Group Real Estate, for providing these amazing recommendations!