Lying between desert beauty and the splendor of the Rocky Mountains, Durango has long been a highly sought travel destination. The variety of experiences this Colorado town has to offer could captivate anyone.
Mountains and Rivers
The San Juan and La Plata mountains are both within easy distance for day trips. Outfits offer 4x4 tours and rentals and the amount of hiking trails are abundant. Speaking of trails, Durango has over
2,000 miles of mountain bike trails. Host to the first UCI World Mountain Bike Championship in 1990, Durango’s cycling culture runs deep.
If your idea of fun involves water, Durango has you covered. The Animas River cuts its way out of the San Juans before winding through town. Whether you’re looking for a whitewater rafting trip or sunbathing at the lake, there are many options. In addition, a stretch of the Animas south of town has been a recipient of the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Gold Medal fishing classification since 1996.
HistoryThe southwest is home to stunning archeological areas.
Mesa Verde, a UNESCO
World Heritage Site, is a short drive from downtown Durango. There are a number of other amazing archeological sites in the area, such as Chimney Rock National Monument.
If you’re looking for a modern historical experience, imagine the early 20th century aboard the
Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge railroad or while enjoying music and refreshments inside the
Strater Hotel, a charter member of the exclusive Historic Hotels of America.
Festivals and moreIf you’re after contemporary culture, Durango hosts
events celebrating food, music, outdoor sports and more. Held in and around town including at the year-round destination of
Purgatory Resort, these events have live bands, food vendors, local artisans, children’s areas and more. Look for May’s
Iron Horse Bicycle Classic, the
Animas River Days at the beginning of June, and
Music in the Mountains throughout July, among many others.
In addition to larger celebrations, Durango also offers daily enjoyment. There are a number of exciting restaurants and shops, music venues, breweries like the nationally distributed
Ska Brewing, and much more, making any day an event.
Ouray, CO
Ouray is affectionately known as the “Switzerland of America” and once you drive into town you’ll instantly know why. Tucked into a heavenly corner or the San Juan mountains, Ouray has a mountain charm that’s hard to rival.
Waterfalls and PeaksNestled into the mountains, there are a number of nearby adventures to be had.
The Perimeter Trail follows the outline of town and offers multiple waterfalls and vistas as well as numerous access points so the hike can be done in smaller sections.
Both
Box Cañon Falls Park and
Cascade Falls Park are nearby options that still immerse you in the beauty of the area. Cascade Falls has a quarter mile trail that allows access to the falls and Box Cañon has multiple trails of varying difficulty. If you desire more advanced trails, try Yankee Boy Basin for incomparable hiking among wildflowers and majestic peaks.
For motorized recreation, try the
Alpine Loop for 4x4 at its finest and stop at the historic ghost town of Animas Forks along the way. If you’re not four wheel drive inclined the
San Juan Skyway is another scenic option and the Million Dollar Highway section between Ouray and Silverton is not to be missed.
Ouray’s outdoors also features rock climbing, mining tours, mountain biking, a via ferrata and much more.
Hot SpringsFirst discovered by the Native American Ute tribe that settled in this area, the mineral waters provide rest and relaxation after a day in the mountains or a night on the town. There are multiple facilities offering everything from a lively municipal experience at the
Ouray Hot Springs Pool to a more secluded setting at the historic
Wiesbaden Hot Springs Spa.
DowntownOuray offers a robust selection of dining and entertainment for a small town. Overnight accommodations abound, such as the historic
Beaumont Hotel, along with many others including a variety of bed and breakfasts. All along Main Street there are restaurants, breweries and regionally renowned
Mouse’s Chocolates and Coffee. For local entertainment, the historic
Wright Opera House should be on your list. Built in 1888, it showcases live music, film, art shows and more. The Wright is also the primary venue of the
Ouray International Film Festival, which will return at the end of June.
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of festivals, concert series, athletic competitions and more. This ranges from the excitement of the
music festival. This year the Philadelphia Orchestra and the New York Philharmonic will be performing, along with many others. For music lovers there’s also the
, which will begin June 30th and run until September 5th. The
will be celebrating its 37th year this June, showcasing artistic works that span the spectrum of mediums from ceramics and canvas to photography and jewelry.
and back again to contemporary American, so there’s truly something for everyone.
will resume its regular Sunday appearance. The Farmers Market also hosts a farm-to-table dinner event on
.
With the amount of waterways and mountains surrounding Vail, there are numerous activities to enjoy. The trails support everything from hiking and biking to horseback riding and the rivers and streams serve up rafting, fishing, stand up paddle boarding and more. The gondola runs up Vail Mountain daily beginning June 17th and presents riders with stunning views. A stand alone adventure in itself, the gondola can also facilitate exploring the many trails the mountain has to offer. Other activities include the
, the highest botanical garden in the world at an altitude of 8,200 feet.
With so much diversity and activity stashed away in these Colorado gems you’re sure to find something for yourself, the entire family, or for a romantic getaway.
is always on-hand to help you find the ideal rentals so you can enjoy your exploration of the Columbine state.
