Durango

Durango is a charming mountain town in southwestern Colorado, best known for its historic narrow gauge railroad connecting it with Silverton. With a population of about 16,000, it is the largest town in southwest Colorado and sits at an elevation of 6,512 feet. The town is surrounded by diverse landscapes, from the red sandstone bluffs of the Animas River Valley to the jagged peaks of the San Juan Mountains, several of which rise above 14,000 feet.

Founded in 1880 by the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad, Durango has a long and rich history. The railroad was built to haul silver and gold ore, but passengers quickly came to appreciate the spectacular scenery. Many of the downtown buildings were constructed with stone and brick after a fire in 1889 damaged several blocks along Main Avenue. The Diamond Belle Saloon at the Strater Hotel, opened in 1957, still has a bullet hole behind the bar.

Durango has served as a filming location for numerous well-known movies including Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, City Slickers, and Cliffhanger. The town enjoys a four-season climate with warm summers ideal for outdoor activities and snowy winters perfect for skiing at nearby Purgatory Resort. Durango is a short drive from the Four Corners, where New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, and Colorado meet.

By Train

Amtrak does not serve Durango. However, the famous Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad operates as a heritage tourist railway, not a transportation service.

By Car / Road

Durango is accessible by car from several directions. From Denver, the drive is approximately 335 miles (about 5.5 hours) via US-285 south and US-550 south. From Albuquerque, New Mexico, it is about 210 miles (3.5 hours) via US-550 north. From Grand Junction, drive south on US-550, approximately 150 miles (2.5 hours). From Cortez, it is about 45 miles east on US-160. The roads are well-maintained paved highways, though mountain passes can be challenging in winter.

Downtown Durango is very walkable, with most restaurants, shops, and attractions clustered along Main Avenue and the surrounding blocks. The historic district is compact and easy to explore on foot. For attractions outside downtown, a car is useful. The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad departs from the historic depot at 479 Main Avenue.

• Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad — The town's signature attraction. This historic steam-powered train travels through the spectacular Animas River Canyon to the old mining town of Silverton. A full-day round trip.

• Historic Downtown Durango — Stone and brick buildings constructed after the 1889 fire, with charming shops, restaurants, and the Diamond Belle Saloon at the Strater Hotel

• Animas Museum, 3065 W 2nd Ave — Local history and culture

• Powerhouse Science Center, 1333 Camino del Rio — Interactive science exhibits

• Mesa Verde National Park (approximately 35 miles west) — UNESCO World Heritage Site with ancient cliff dwellings

• Four Corners Monument (approximately 140 miles southwest) — The only point in the United States where four states meet

• Ride the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad through the Animas River Canyon — a must-do experience

• Whitewater rafting and kayaking on the Animas River

• Mountain biking on numerous trails in the area

• Skiing and snowboarding at Purgatory Resort (approximately 25 miles north)

• Hiking in the San Juan Mountains, including access to the Colorado Trail

• Horseback riding in the surrounding mountains

• Visit Mesa Verde National Park to explore ancient cliff dwellings

• Explore the historic downtown and browse local galleries and shops

• Attend events and festivals throughout the year

Durango offers a diverse dining scene with options for every budget. The town is known for its Southwestern cuisine and farm-to-table restaurants using local ingredients.

• Ore House, 1000 Main Ave — A Durango institution since 1972, serving steaks and prime rib in a Western atmosphere. Entrees $20-40.
• Jean Pierre Restaurant, 699 Main Ave — French-inspired fine dining with an extensive wine list. Entrees $25-45.
• Animas Brewing Company, 1120 S Camino del Rio — Craft brewery with hearty pub fare and river views. Mains $12-20.
• Rochus Kitchen + Wine, 723 E 2nd Ave — Modern American cuisine with a seasonal menu. Entrees $18-35.
• Carver Brewing Company, 1022 Main Ave — Brewpub with burgers, sandwiches, and salads in a lively atmosphere. Mains $12-20.
• El Moro Spirits & Tavern, 945 Main Ave — Craft cocktails and New American small plates in a historic building.

Durango has a growing craft beer scene with several local breweries. The Animas Brewing Company and Carver Brewing Company are popular local favorites. El Moro Spirits & Tavern offers craft cocktails in a stylish setting. The Diamond Belle Saloon at the Strater Hotel provides a historic Old West atmosphere with saloon-style entertainment. Mountain water from the San Juan watershed is safe to drink.

• Budget: Durango Downtown Inn, 802 Main Ave — Affordable hotel in the heart of downtown, walking distance to the train depot. Rates from approximately $90/night.
• Mid-range: The Rochester Hotel, 726 E 2nd Ave — Boutique hotel with individually themed rooms, each decorated to reflect a different Western movie filmed in Durango. Rates from approximately $150/night.
• Mid-range: Holiday Inn Durango, 3777 Main Ave — Full-service hotel with pool and restaurant, convenient to downtown and the railroad. Rates from approximately $130/night.
• Upscale/Heritage: The Strater Hotel, 699 Main Ave — A Durango landmark since 1887, with Victorian-era elegance and the famous Diamond Belle Saloon. Rates from approximately $200/night.

Durango's downtown offers a variety of shops along Main Avenue and the surrounding historic district. Look for local art galleries, Western wear, outdoor gear stores, and unique boutiques. Local crafts include pottery, jewelry, and artwork inspired by the surrounding landscapes. The town has a strong creative community with many artisan shops.

• Silverton (48 miles north via US-550, ~1.5 hr by car, ~3.5 hr by train) — Old mining town at 9,318 feet, reachable by the narrow gauge railroad or the scenic Million Dollar Highway
• Mesa Verde National Park (35 miles west, ~45 min) — UNESCO World Heritage Site with ancient Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings
• Durango Mountain Resort / Purgatory (25 miles north, ~30 min) — Skiing in winter, hiking and mountain biking in summer
• Farmington, New Mexico (50 miles south, ~1 hr) — Gateway to Aztec Ruins National Monument and Chaco Canyon
• Ouray (70 miles north via US-550, ~2 hr) — "Switzerland of America" with hot springs and spectacular mountain scenery