Durango, Colorado is located in the Southwest corner of the state and is blessed with a whitewater river, mountain resort, trails, and lively downtown, without the upscale (sometimes intimidating) atmosphere you typically experience at neighboring mountain resort towns. Durango is a year-round destination, perfect for skiing, mountain biking, rafting, hiking or just relaxing in a hot spring.
Here are several classic Colorado experiences that are offered in Durango and won’t break the bank or your back:
#1 Grabbing a Beer at Purgatory Resort’s “Beach” After a Day on the Slopes
A great place for the entire family (kids ski free!), with over 1,600 acres of skiable terrain, Purgatory Resort offers a variety of runs from the novice up to the expert. After a few runs, take advantage of “the beach.” Located near the ski lifts, relax on one of the many Adirondack chairs that line the base of the mountain (similar to a beach resort) with your favorite brew.
#2 Dancing to Live Music at 11th Street Station
Located at 1101 Main Ave in downtown Durango, 11th St. Station is a diverse collection of food trucks and is a great place to unwind in an industrial-chic, open-air setting. They offer live music and dancing on select dates.
#3 Mountain Biking in the Horse Gulch
Located right in Durango just off of E 3rd St and E 8th Ave, the trailhead is just a few blocks Southeast of downtown. Horse Gulch is a wonderful and expansive trail system for biking or hiking. Explore a variety of trail types for both the novice and adventure mountain biker.
#4 Durango Hot Springs Resort & Spa
Durango Hot Springs is located on County Road 203, about 9 miles north of Durango off of State Road 550. A beautiful and relaxing resort and spa offering 26 hot spring pools and a 25-ft long saltwater swimming pool. There are both adult and kid sections of the spa, and the grown-ups can relax with canned beer and wine.
#5 Tube the Animas River
The lower Animas River runs north-south through Durango. It is THE place for laid-back afternoons of river-tubing. This is a whitewater river, but the lazy river section is located at Oxbow Park, just north of town, and is a great place for just hanging out with your friends and relaxing in your tube.
Conclusion
Whether your idea of laidback adventure includes doing very little or getting your heart pumping (or anything in between), Durango has got you covered year-round. True to form, this unassuming Colorado city offers the very best in all sorts of recreation that celebrates the outdoors and the incredible scenery that is classic Colorado.
With our unique location in the Animas River Valley, Durango is a playground for young and old alike. We are surrounded by the majestic San Juan Mountains with an average of 300 days of sunshine a year! Come discover for yourself the magic of Durango!
