by Michele Kadison

Winter Activities in Durango, Colorado

Skiing
With 1200 acres of terrain serviced by 11 lifts, Durango Mountain Resort is an ideal travel destination for the beginner to advanced skier. The area has an average snowfall of 260 inches and the resort boasts a vertical drop of 2,029 feet.

Ice Fishing
Just a short distance from Durango you will find the beautiful and reknowned Vallecito Lake where ice fishing is a predominant pastime amongst the majestic parkland that borders its shores.

Summer Activities in Durango, Colorado

The Alpine Slide
This beautiful mountain slide is open from mid-June through early September, depending on weather conditions.

Hiking
With its numerous well-maintained trails for all levels of ability, Durango is the perfect location for enjoying the outdoors and experiencing the beauty of the region.

Camping
Durango boasts over 900 campsites within a 40 mile range.

Mountain Biking
The 1990 World Mountain Bike Championships was held in Durango, as well as one of the World Cup Mountain Biking competitions in 2001. Named the “Cycling Mecca” by Bicycling Magazine, Durango is famous for its mountain biking trails designed to accommodate enthusiasts of all levels. One spectacular ride not to be missed is the magnificent San Juan Skyway.

Horseback Riding
Numerous trails abound in Durango where horseback riders can enjoy the varied terrain. Take hourly, half or all-day rides in spring to enjoy the wildflowers, summer to enjoy the verdant fields and forests, and autumn to bask in the ravishing colors.

Rock Climbing
Guided tours are available for climbers at all levels. Climbers can go out on their own to enjoy the many challenges that the region has to offer.

Kayaking & Rafting
Known for its competitions and training for some of the best kayakers in the world, the Animas River is the place to enjoy this terrific water sport. Day long and overnight guided rafting trips are also offered, proving the visitor with some of the most exquisite natural settings in the Colorado Rockies.

Swimming
Swimming opportunities abound, with some great options found at Trimble Hot Springs, the Durango Community Recreation Center, and at various hotels in the area.

Fishing
There are countless areas for fishing in the Durango region. One of the best known is the Animas River, one of the most beautiful spots in the Colorado Rockies. Take a guided trip or fish in one of the private “no license” ponds that you can learn about at the traveler’s center. Take a short 22 mile trip to Vallecito Lake to enjoy excellent fly fishing. Here you will find Rainbow, Cutthroat, and German Brown trout as well as Northern Pike and Kokanee Salmon.

Glider Rides
What could be more beautiful than drifting above the majestic Animas Valley and San Juan Mountains? Take a gliding tour of Durango and its environs and enjoy the peace of the skies.

Jeep Tours
What a way to spend the day, riding over soaring mountain passes, through old western ghost towns, and into the Durango Mountain Resort where you can drive to the topmost peak! Check out the guided backcountry and mining tours as well as the specialty theme tours that Durango offers.

Golf
Durango has two top notch 18-hole courses that are open in May through October, depending on weather conditions.

Hot Springs
Take time to visit the natural historic site of Trimble Hot Springs where you can enjoy the spa, selecting from a range of healthful treatments.

For the Family

The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, in operation for over 120 years, offers visitors a chance to visit museum displays at each end of the line. In Durango, the museum offers 12,000 square feet of exhibition space that includes full-size locomotives, historic coaches, and railroad memorabilia such as art, books, photos, china, lamps, and locks. Located in the roundhouse of the D&SNGRR, visitors can witness the work area where the coal is fired and where the steam-operated locomotives are kept in perfect operating condition. In Silverton, at the other end of the line, the smaller museum houses mining and freight yard exhibits.

Archeological Sites
Southwest Colorado is known as being one of the most prolific archeological spots in the United States. Here you can explore ancient dwellings created by the Pueblo Indians at Mesa Verde National Park, which has been designated by National Geographic Traveler as one of the “Best places of a lifetime to visit,” and has been named the #1 monument in the world by Conde Naste Traveler. Other amazing archeological sites can be found at the Crow Canyon Archaeological Center, the Anasazi Heritage Museum, Canyon of the Ancients National Monument, Chimney Rock, Hovenweep, and the Ute Mountain Tribal Park, all within an hour’s drive of Durango.

Arts and Culture

Museums
With several museums to choose from, Durango provides the visitor with ample information on its origins and history. Visit the Southern Ute Cultural Center, the Animas History Museum, and the Center for Southwest Studies for a greater educational sense of the region.

Galleries
With its many art galleries and art walks, Durango offers the visitor a chance to enjoy art in a variety of settings. Visit the 17,000 square foot Art Center where you can see a wide range of exhibitions all year long.

Dining
Durango offers a variety of eateries to satisfy every taste. For something truly authentic, enjoy an Old West dinner while watching one of the western shows at Bar-D, perfect for the whole family.

Shopping
Durango offers a large range of stores and specialty shops to satisfy every need.

Nightlife in Durango, Colorado

Casino
Check out the Sky Ute Casino and Lodge, just 30 minutes outside of Durango for its slot machines, poker, video poker, blackjack, bingo, and keno.

Bars
Durango has a wide range of bars for downing beers in a casual setting or drinking designer cocktails after a long day of recreational activity.

Concerts and Entertainment
With year-round concerts and other types of entertainment, Durango will never leave you bored. See what’s happening at the Diamond Circle Theater, enjoy the cowboys and girls at the Durango Pro Rodeo, and check up on some of the live entertainment featured at many of Durango’s hot spots.

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