Durango has something for everyone –– visitors looking for an adrenaline-packed getaway and those who prefer a peaceful retreat, you’ll fulfill your list. A trip to Durango brings outdoor adventures of a lifetime for hiking, climbing, rafting, and thrill-seeking adventures. Camp, kayak, ski, climb, and have fun!

For a true taste of the region, Seasons of Durango is the ideal complement to a day of adventure. Known for its inviting ambiance and seasonally inspired dishes, this popular restaurant adds the perfect flavor to satisfy and nourish the body for another day of Durango adventures. 

Explore the Great Outdoors: Thrilling Outdoor Adventures

Durango, Colorado’s allure lies in its diverse outdoor activities and is perfect for those in search of excitement and adventure. This action-packed location offers a variety of adventurous activities to satisfy any thrill-seeker’s adrenaline quota.

Visitors can immerse themselves in the ultimate outdoor experience, with activities available year-round. From heart-pounding mountain biking to the zen of fly fishing, Durango provides endless opportunities to explore the great outdoors amidst the stunning San Juans. 

Visitors can take in the scenic beauty of the lower Animas River and Lake Nighthorse, ideal for kayaking and paddleboarding. For those craving an adrenaline rush, activities like whitewater rafting and rock climbing provide unforgettable outdoor activities. 

With both snow-capped peaks and flowing rivers, the landscape is a playground for thrill-seekers and nature lovers year-round. Here’s a guide to the must-try adventures that await. 

Alpine Tree Canopy Ziplining

Visitors can get their adrenaline pumping by gliding through the treetops of the San Juan Mountains. Ziplining in the Durango area provides a unique opportunity to experience the region’s majestic beauty, with soaring heights and breathtaking panoramic views that are sure to leave a lasting impression.

Biking in Durango: Trails for Every Adventure

A cyclist’s dream, Durango boasts hundreds of miles of trails and roads that cater to all skill levels. From thrilling downhill singletracks to leisurely rides through scenic valleys, the area offers something for every biking enthusiast. With both challenging single-track mountain bike paths and scenic road biking routes, there’s something for everyone.

Mountain Biking
Durango is renowned for its technical single-track trails, offering heart-pounding descents and rewarding climbs.

E-Biking
For those looking to cover more ground, e-bikes are a popular way to explore the area while still enjoying the thrill of riding.

Road Biking
Smooth highways with panoramic mountain views make biking around Durango an unforgettable experience.

Fat Tire Biking
The San Juans are the perfect place to ride off-road on fat-tire bikes, with their wide tires with greater grip and stability in the region’s various terrains of snow, mud, and sand.

Off-Roading Near Durango

Recreational OHV trails abound near Durango. Whether by SUV, truck, fat tire bike, jeep, ATV, or another form of AWD, the Durango backcountry provides an off-road adventure like no other. 

Navigate designated off-road rugged routes that lead to hidden lakes, sweeping vistas, and untouched wilderness, all while experiencing the thrill and challenge of off-roading in the San Juan Mountains.

Climbing and Bouldering Near Durango, Colorado 

Durango’s rugged terrain provides ample opportunities for solid rock climbing and bouldering in the summer. While scaling challenging cliffs or practicing bouldering techniques on smaller formations, climbers can enjoy both the sport and the stunning views. The unique geology of the Four Corners region offers climbers of all levels a chance to experience the thrill and adventure of vertical exploration. 

Ice climbing opportunities abound, with single-pitch ice routes in scenic Cascade Canyon, halfway between Durango and SIlverton, an area which offers multi-pitch ice adventures. Gentler options exist along the East Animas ice. Take a trip summer or winter –– discover climbing adventures galore in Durango.

Snow Biking and Snowmobiling

For those who crave speed and adventure, snow biking and snowmobiling offer an exhilarating way to explore Durango’s winter landscapes. Traverse snowy trails and enjoy the freedom of zooming through open spaces against a backdrop of stunning mountain views.

Cross-Country Skiing

When the snow falls, Durango transforms into a winter wonderland perfect for cross-country skiing. Glide through serene forests and open meadows, surrounded by the tranquil beauty of snow-covered peaks.

Skiing, Snowboarding, and Tubing

Winter sports enthusiasts will find paradise in Durango. With powder-filled slopes and family-friendly resorts, skiing, snowboarding, and tubing opportunities are plentiful. Durango’s winter playground offers exciting outdoor adventures for experienced ski athletes, skiers new to the slopes, and every ski skillset in between.

Horseback Riding

Horseback riding in the fresh mountain air offers a serene yet active way to explore rolling meadows, lush, pine-filled paths along rivers and creeks, and more difficult ascents further into the mountains. The equestrian experience connects riders with horse, nature, and the region’s rich Native and Western heritage.

Kayaking in Durango

Kayaking in Durango presents an outdoor adventure that should not be missed. The Animas River winds its way through town and is a kayaker’s paradise, offering a combination of calm stretches and thrilling rapids. 

Beginner paddlers can kayak the calm currents of the lower Animas and the gentle waters of Lake Nighthorse, while experienced kayakers can take on the upper river’s thrilling rapids. Kayaking provides a memorable way to experience Durango’s summer activities while soaking in the natural beauty of the San Juan Mountains and the surrounding area.

Fishing, Fly Fishing, and Ice Fishing Near Durango

Anglers the world over find fishing in and around Durango a rewarding experience. Designated as a “Gold Medal Water” stream, the Animas River is one of the last free-flowing rivers in Colorado. Trout thrive in its clear, cold waters, with a variety of species from rainbow trout and brown trout to cutthroat and brook trout.

The river and its surrounding waterways are also habitat to both resident and migratory bald eagles. While spin fishing, bait casting, or fly fishing, anglers can discover the best fishing spots in Durango and the surrounding mountains, all while enjoying the scenic views of the region’s mountains, valleys, and wildlife.

Durango’s ski country also offers serene mountain ice fishing for trout, pike, and walleye, and even salmon and perch. Within minutes of downtown Durango to an hour away on the road to Silverton, at least six popular lakes for ice fishing exist (plus smaller less-known ones, ready for the enterprising angler to discover).

Trail Hiking, Running, Backpacking, and Camping

Durango’s trail network offers over 300 miles of pathways for every level of hiker, runner, and backpacker. 

Whether enjoying a leisurely stroll along the Animas River Trail or tackling a challenging multi-day backpacking trek in the San Juan National Forest, most of the region’s trails are accessible within 30 minutes of downtown Durango, promising adventure at every turn. 

Many longer routes also offer designated camping sites, as well as back-country camping, with passes.

Whitewater Rafting

Feel the thrill of riding in a raft on the white waters of the Animas River, where fast-moving rapids provide an adrenaline-packed adventure through the scenic mountains and valleys. Guided trips are available for beginners and experts alike, ensuring safety on your group raft as well as excitement through the river’s twists and turns.

Durango’s Culinary Adventure

After a day of exploration, visitors can treat themselves to a dining experience at Seasons of Durango. Located in the heart of downtown, this renowned restaurant offers a menu inspired by the region’s seasonal ingredients. 

Guests can enjoy their meal on the charming covered patio and soak in the fresh mountain air while reflecting on the day’s adventures. Seasons of Durango serves tender rotisserie meats, vibrant salads, and expertly crafted desserts, creating a dining experience that blends sophistication and comfort. It’s the perfect way to round off an action-packed day in Durango.

National Parks, National Monuments, and Parks Near Durango

Durango is the gateway to some of the Southwest’s most iconic natural and historical landmarks. Travelers can take off on exhilarating road trips to breathtaking national parks in the Grand Circle and other little-known wonders. 

The landscapes surrounding Durango offer the opportunity to immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring beauty of nature and explore the intriguing history here.

Aztec Ruins National Monument

A short drive from Durango, Aztec Ruins National Monument preserves some of the best Chacoan examples of advanced architecture and provides a glimpse into the lives of the Ancestral Puebloans. As with all sacred ancestral indigenous sites, visitors should take care to be respectful.

Canyon of the Ancients National Monument

Home to one of the highest known densities of archaeological sites in the country, Canyon of the Ancients is a must-visit for history and nature enthusiasts alike. Take a scenic drive or hike to explore its ancient wonders.

Chimney Rock National Monument

Chimney Rock National Monument, with its towering rock formations, is both a geological marvel and a cultural treasure. Guided tours provide insight into its significance to Native American history, or take a hike up to the base of Chimney Rock for outstanding views.

Hovenweep National Monument

Step into the past at Hovenweep National Monument, where six prehistoric sites built of finely detailed stone still stand in the desert canyon landscape. The monument is on the Colorado border with Utah, near Arizona, and less than two hours from Durango. Its remote setting offers a peaceful escape and a chance to reflect on its historical importance.

Mesa Verde National Park

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mesa Verde National Park is famed for its cliff dwellings and archaeological significance. It’s an essential stop for anyone interested in the rich cultural heritage of 27 pueblos and tribes. This truly beautiful site is just a short drive from Durango, and is a spectacular glimpse into the past, just 700 years ago when it was a thriving community. 

San Juan National Forest

The expansive wilderness around Durango is rich with wildlife and diverse hunting opportunities, making it an appealing destination for outdoor enthusiasts. 

Spanning millions of acres, San Juan National Forest is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts for hiking, camping, and backpacking, as well as simple sightseeing. Molas Pass, one of the most picturesque spots in the wild and forested San Juan Mountains, is also in the heart of ski country paradise.

Plan Your Trip

Accommodations and Getting Around

Getting around Durango, Colorado, is easy, whether by car, bike, public transportation or walking its Animas River Trail, where you can also find rental bikes for quick travel in town. Its central location in the Four Corners region also makes it an ideal take-off point for exploring nearby attractions.

Durango offers a variety of accommodations to suit every traveler’s needs. From cozy cabins and unique B&Bs to luxurious or budget-friendly hotels, the area provides a range of options to ensure comfort after a day of outdoor activities. 

With both stunning mountain views and convenient downtown locations, visitors can find the perfect place to rest and rejuvenate after a day of exploring. For a truly memorable meal during your stay, don’t miss Seasons of Durango, where quality and creativity come together to deliver an exceptional dining experience.

Getting Around Durango and Nearby Areas

Navigating Durango and its surrounding areas is a breeze with the variety of transportation options available. Located in the southwest corner of Colorado, Durango offers easy access to neighboring New Mexico, Arizona, and Utah, making it an ideal base for exploring the four corners region. Renting a car allows for maximum flexibility and the ability to explore at your own pace.

For those who prefer not to drive, Durango has a reliable public transportation system, including buses and shuttles, that can take you to popular destinations. Additionally, there are bike rentals and scenic train rides for a unique way to get around.

No matter your preference, getting around Durango and its nearby areas is convenient and stress-free, ensuring that you can make the most of your time exploring this beautiful region.

Visit Responsibly

When exploring Durango, Colorado, it is essential to remain mindful of the impact on the environment and local community. The natural beauty found here is a treasure that deserves to be preserved. 

Visitors are encouraged to adhere to Leave No Trace principles, support local businesses, and minimize their environmental impact. By respecting the area’s wilderness and communities, they contribute to ensuring Durango remains a pristine destination.

Supporting local shops, reducing waste, and following “Leave No Trace” practices all play a part in maintaining Durango’s beauty and sustainability. Additionally, planning ahead, being aware of fire risks, and opting for carpooling, cycling, or the local shuttle while in town can further reduce one’s carbon footprint. These efforts help protect the natural splendor of Durango, Colorado, for generations to come.

Durango — A Must-See Destination

For history enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers alike, Durango is a must-visit destination that combines breathtaking outdoor experiences in the Colorado mountains with a rich history and vibrant culture. 

Whether exploring rugged terrain, rafting along the Animas River, or enjoying a meal at Seasons of Durango, this mountain town offers something extraordinary for everyone. Start planning your trip today to experience the adventure, beauty, and flavor that make Durango truly unforgettable. Contact Seasons of Durango in advance to reserve your table.