Everyday Enjoyment of All Seasons in Durango

Durango’s seasons are what make this area so enticing for everyday enjoyment. Located in the more remote southwest corner of Colorado, Durango is uniquely suited to various attractions and elevation changes. A short drive in any direction will result in a stunning geographical change and offer up seasonal experiences not to miss. Below are our recommendations for everyday enjoyment of each season in Durango and the surrounding area.

Spring :: Summer :: Fall :: Winter

Springtime – Everyday Enjoyment in Durango

Visiting Durango in the spring is a chance to experience the trees and wildflowers blooming, the rush of the river challenging its banks, and the clean, crisp air! There’s fresh energy all around, with many places to explore, activities, and music festivals to attend! Here’s a suggested itinerary for a seven-day visit, but you can always just pick out a few days to meet your needs.

Suggested Spring Itinerary

• Day 1 – Hop on board the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad for a historic steam train ride to Cascade Canyon. Experience one of the D&SNGRR special event trains like the St. Patrick’s Day Shamrock Express or the Mother’s Day Train. Upon return, visit the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Museum Snoopy and, then, stroll through Historic Downtown Durango, exploring the numerous shopping and galleries before enjoying dinner at one of the microbreweries or other local restaurants.
• Day 2 – Hit the slopes at Purgatory Resort or one of the other area ski resorts for some unparalleled spring skiing/snowboarding/ hiking or other outdoor recreational activity. Find your way back to town for dinner at one of the area’s fine dining establishments and later attend a show at the Durango Arts Center or Fort Lewis Community Concert Hall.
• Day 3 – Explore Mesa Verde National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site 35 miles west of Durango, that features the best-preserved Anasazi Indian cliff dwellings with over 4,000 ruin sites and 600 cliff dwellings. Visitors will have an unforgettable opportunity to explore the life of Ancestral Puebloans at the ruins and on-site museum. Upon your return, sample another of Durango’s fine restaurants or another microbrewery before strolling downtown, admiring the local architecture and visiting the local photography and art galleries.
• Day 4 – Enjoy breakfast at one of the many delicious local eateries, then hike and explore the local trail system. Weather permitting, try one of these popular hikes: Fort Lewis College Mesa, Animas City Mountain, or Smelter Mountain, and enjoy unparalleled photo opportunities of Durango.
• Day 5 – Take some time to relax at Trimble Spa & Natural Hot Springs, and on your way back to town, visit the Animas Museum to learn about the local history. Take a self-guided walking tour around Historic Durango before dining at one of the award-winning restaurants and enjoying some lively entertainment at one of the area venues or one of many area spring festivals (Durango Film Festival, Durango Celtic Festival, Ragtime, and Early Jazz Festival, Durango Bluegrass Meltdown, Durango Wine Experience, or Taste of Durango).
• Day 6 – Explore more archeological sites such as Aztec Ruins, Chaco Canyon, or Chimney Rock. On your return to Durango, stop by Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory or Animas Chocolate Company for a treat. Later, visit the Durango Arts Center gallery and head over to the Diamond Belle Saloon for some lively ragtime music.
• Day 7 – Stroll or bike along the Animas River Trail. Along the way, stop for a visit at the Powerhouse Museum located just off the trail. Then head back downtown for lunch and some shopping before heading out to one of the local wineries for wine tasting or partake in one of the local springtime food and wine events including The Durango Wine Experience or Taste of Durango!

Summer – Everyday Enjoyment in Durango

Summertime in Durango is sublime! Everyday enjoyment is around every corner and a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts. There’s something for everyone: mountain biking, flyfishing, kayaking, hiking, and more! Some popular summer special event trains include Blues, Brews, and the family favorite, T. Rex Express. Summer celebrations are not to be missed. With events such as Animas River Days, Music in the Mountains, Fiesta Days, La Plata County Fair, and San Juan Brewfest, there’s something to interest everyone! With 300+ days of sunshine a year, friendly Western hospitality, and a wide array of summer celebrations and activities, you will find Durango a favorite destination.

Suggested Summer Itinerary

• Day 1 – All aboard the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad for a historic steam train ride to the unique mining town of Silverton, CO. The tracks run along steep mountainsides and climb into the beautiful San Juan National Forest, where you will have ample photo opportunities of mountain vistas and surrounding natural beauty. Enjoy lunch and some shopping in Silverton before returning to Durango by train or vehicle. Upon return, explore the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum and stroll through Historic Downtown Durango before enjoying dinner at a microbrewery or other local eateries. After that, stop by the Diamond Belle Saloon for a gunfight and ragtime music.
• Day 2 – Explore Mesa Verde National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site 35 miles west of Durango. This site features the best-preserved Anasazi Indian cliff dwellings, with over 4,000 ruin sites and 600 cliff dwellings. Visitors will have an unforgettable opportunity to explore the culture of Ancestral Puebloans at the ruins and on-site museum. Upon your return, sample another of Durango’s fine restaurants before exploring the downtown art galleries.
• Day 3 – Rent a mountain bike and ride from downtown Durango to access over 30 miles of trails in the Horse Gulch area or explore The Colorado Trail system. Or experience a popular local activity of tubing down the Animas River. Later, visit the Animas Museum to learn about the area’s fascinating history before enjoying a genuine Western stage show and delicious barbeque supper with the Bar-D-Chuckwagon.
• Day 4 – Set out for a driving adventure on the San Juan Skyway as you follow the 236-mile Million Dollar Highway through the San Juan Mountains to Silverton and Ouray through breathtaking terrain before looping back to Durango.Fishing in Durango
• Day 5 – Learn to fly fish on a guided trip on the Animas River before exploring the Durango Fish Hatchery and Wildlife Museum, or take a horseback ride into the backcountry. Top it off with a show at the Henry Strater Theatre, Fort Lewis College Community Concert Hall or an unforgettable classical musical performance during the Music in the Mountains Festival (July).
• Day 6 – Have a whitewater adventure on the Animas River. Savor lunch, then visit a local wine-tasting room to find that special vintage to take home. Later, enjoy a self-guided walking tour of Historic Downtown Durango before checking out a show or art exhibit at the Durango Arts Center.
• Day 7 – Have an adventure of a lifetime! Soar through the air on the world’s largest and longest zipline tour, accessible only by the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. The Durango Train has partnered up with other outfits and offers a variety of adventure packages.

Autumn in Durango

Autumn in Durango is one of the best times to visit as the temperatures grow cooler and the fall foliage emerges in all its brilliance. See some of the most stunning wilderness Colorado offers in full autumn splendor from the comfort of a Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge train. Hop on board one of the special event trains, such as the Fall Photo Shoot, Brew, Wine, or Cowboy Poetry Train. Other fun autumn activities include jeeping, mountain biking, hiking, horseback riding, and many other exhilarating outdoor activities. Other options include attending many area fall events, such as Oktoberfest in Durango, the Autumn Arts Festival, and the Durango Cowboy Poetry Gathering.

Suggested Fall Itinerary

• Day 1 – All aboard the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad for a historic steam train ride through the spectacular fall foliage of the San Juan National Forest. Ride one of the popular fall special event trains such as the Wine, Brew, Fall Photo, or Express Trains. After your train ride, visit the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum and head downtown for a delicious dinner at one of Durango’s fine restaurants.
• Day 2 – Go for an exhilarating fall mountain bike ride, hike up Horse Gulch, Animas Mountain, or the Rim Trail, or venture further onto The Colorado Trail or try some hiking trails near Purgatory. Head back to town for dinner at the Mahogany Grille and then step back at the Diamond Belle Saloon for some lively ragtime music.
• Day 3 – Join a jeep tour and explore some of the old mining areas around Durango. Celebrate Oktoberfest in Durango or enjoy a beer tasting and dinner at one of the many craft breweries in the area. Afterward, stroll around Historic Downtown Durango and check out some art galleries and shops.
• Day 4 – Enjoy the brisk autumn air from horseback as you ride into the backcountry. On the way back into town, stop and relax at Trimble Spa & Hot Springs for a soak before returning to town. Enjoy dinner and a show at the world-renowned Henry Strater Theatre, one of Colorado’s oldest and most prestigious theatres.
• Day 5 – Enjoy breakfast at one of the delicious local eateries, then learn about the area’s history with a visit to the Fort Lewis College Center for Southwest Studies or the Animas Museum! Take a self-guided walking tour of Historic Downtown Durango before dining at one of the award-winning restaurants.
• Day 6 – Delve deeper into four corners of history by visiting Mesa Verde National Park, which features the best-preserved Anasazi Indian cliff dwellings with over 4,000 ruin sites and 600 cliff dwellings. You may also choose to visit other areas of archeological sites such as Chaco Canyon, Aztec Ruins or Chimney Rock.
• Day 7 – Rent an ATV and explore La Plata Canyon or some other area backroads while enjoying the spectacular fall foliage and beautiful landscape. Experience the local agriculture scene with a tour of James Ranch. Later, check out Honeyville and Honey House Distillery for honey-infused spirits as well as Colorado honey-inspired gifts.

Winter in Durango

Winter is a spectacular time to visit the mountain town of Durango. Whether you love skiing, snowboarding, ice climbing, or skating, Durango is surrounded by unparalleled outdoor winter recreation. If shopping and celebrating is on your list, Durango comes alive with winter shopping opportunities and festivities! Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad special event trains in winter include THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride, Christmas Tree, Winter Photo, and the New Year’s Day Brunch Train. Winter festivals include Durango’s renowned Snowdown Festival and Purgatory’s Winterfest.

Suggested Winter Itinerary

• Day 1 – All Aboard the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad for a historic steam train ride to Cascade Canyon. Experience one of the D&SNGRR special event trains, such as the Christmas Tree or the popular THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride. Or try one of the fun adventure train package trips, such as the train/snowmobiling excursion with Ice Pirates. Upon return, explore the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Museum and then stroll through historic downtown Durango, visiting the numerous art galleries before enjoying dinner at a microbrewery or other local restaurants.
• Day 2 – Hit the slopes at Purgatory Resort or other local ski areas. With every snow activity imaginable, from downhill skiing to backcountry skiing to snowboarding, you’re bound to find an activity that excites you. Or try your hand at dogsledding by taking an Intro to Mushing on The Old Flume Trail at Purgatory. Find your way back to town for dinner, then catch a show at the Durango Arts Center, The Henry Strater Theatre, or Fort Lewis Community Concert Hall.
• Day 3 – Explore Mesa Verde National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site 35 miles west of Durango, that features the best-preserved Anasazi Indian cliff dwellings with over 4,000 ruin sites and 600 cliff dwellings. Visitors will have an unforgettable opportunity to experience the life of Ancestral Puebloans at the ruins and on-site museum. Upon your return, sample another one of Durango’s fine restaurants before attending a San Juan Symphony, Community Concert Hall, Durango Arts Center, or other performances at a local venue.
• Day 4 – Take a magical sleigh ride, go snowmobiling or ice climbing or hit the slopes again either at Purgatory, Hesperus or in Durango at Chapman Hill Ski Area. Chapman Hill also has an ice skating rink.
• Day 5 – Take some time to relax at Trimble Spa & Natural Hot Springs, visit the Animas Museum, and walk around Historic Durango soaking up the local flavor and enjoying some shopping before dining at one of the area’s award-winning restaurants or dancing at one of the area venues.
• Day 6 – Make the journey to beautiful Vallecito Lake for ice fishing or groomed track Nordic skiing on their winter recreation trail system.
• Day 7 – Take a stroll along the Animas River Trail. Stop by and visit the Powerhouse Museum located just off the trail. Then, head back downtown for lunch and some shopping before boarding the Train for a winter wonderland ride on THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride to the North Pole.

Durango’s Seasons and Everyday Enjoyment

There’s no “off-season” in Durango, as all of Durango’s Seasons present everyday enjoyment. You can fit your visit to Durango when you have some vacation days to fill out or find the seasonal attraction that most appeals to you. The Durango train goes year-round and is not to be missed. The best part about Durango is the combination of seasonal activities you can put together to satisfy everybody in your group.