Explore Endless Outdoor Adventures when You Visit Durango
Durango is proud to be your host for incredible outdoor adventures, but the fun doesn’t stop at the end of the hiking trail. Durango is home to more than 500 retail shops and more than 180 unique restaurants. Prepare to wined, dined and pampered after your action packed day of outdoor activities. Here at Visit Durango we have created a detailed itinerary for your Durango vacation so you are never left searching for things to do. Explore the best dining options, outdoor adventures and relaxation opportunities in Durango with your custom vacation itinerary.
From Heart Pumping Outdoor Adventures to Relaxing in a Natural Hot Spring, Durango is the Perfect Place for Your Spring Vacation.
Day 1
Start your first day in Durango with some extra pep in your step with coffee and breakfast from Durango Joes. There are several Durango Joes locations in town for you to enjoy specialty coffees & espresso, pastries, breakfast burritos, sandwiches and more.
Durango is home to hundreds of miles of biking trails with amazing scenery, and Durango is at the top of many mountain biker's bucket list. When you visit Durango a great way to hit the trails is by renting a bike and creating a customized bike tour with Durango Mountain Bike Tours.
A local deli is the perfect place to grab a quick, quality lunch while on vacation. 2nd Street Deli & Spirits is a Durango favorite that offers fast and convenient take out for downtown co-workers as well as a laid back and enjoyable bar atmosphere.
The seven mile Animas River Trail runs alongside the Animas River and takes you through the heart of Durango making it something you should definitely experience on your first day in town. There is no better way to see Durango than walking, biking, running or strolling along the Animas River Trail. The trail is paved and runs through town making it easily accessible and hikeable for all skill levels.
Dinner, libations and live music make the Derailed Pour House one of Durango's favorite restaurants for locals and visitors alike. The Pour House is so awesome that it has been ranked Top 10 Worldwide by Tripadvisor. The old-fashioned tavern with a mahogany bar, fireplace and patio seating create a charming atmosphere that's perfect for dining after a busy day in Durango.
After a full day of biking and hiking you deserve to treat yourself, and there's no better way to do so than with fresh baked cakes, cupcakes and other craft desserts from the Yellow Carrot Restaurant & Bakery. All baked goods from the Yellow Carrot are made fresh daily, and are available for pick up from the bakery.
Explore the Best Outdoor Activities in Durango According to Locals
Day 2
When adventuring in the southwest there’s no better way to start your day than a hardy cowboy breakfast from the Lone Spur Cafe. At the Lone Spur Cafe you can enjoy a nice home-style breakfast with options including their famous french toast special, delicious chicken fried steak & eggs, biscuits & gravy, the cowboy Benedict smothered in country gravy and more. The staff will tell you they specialize in, "great cowboy food, great cowboy service and genuine cowboy charm."
The Durango Outdoor Exchange is the perfect shop for all of your adventure gear needs, and a great place to visit before you hit the trails. Featuring new and select gently used items, the Durango Outdoor Exchange is a local favorite because they have the best deals on the best gear. Like most outdoor recreation retail shops, the Durango Outdoor Exchange is staffed by individuals who are passionate about the outdoors and dedicated to helping you find the gear and tools you need to best experience the great outdoors.
The Pass Creek Trail is a perfect day hike located about 30 miles from downtown Durango. This trail starts in the forest and ends in a beautiful open meadow with Engineer Mountain looming above offering a dynamic hiking experience. With a trail length of 2.7 miles and an elevation gain of 1,000 feet this trail is perfect for hiking, biking and trail running. You might even come across Picnic Rock while you're hiking. Be sure to pack snacks, an extra layer and plenty of water.
The Living Tree Live Foods Salad Bar is the perfect place to grab a healthy lunch in the middle of your busy day of outdoor adventures. Founded in 2016 with a mission to bring healthy, organic, cultured foods to the Durango community the Living Tree Live Foods Salad Bar has quickly become a favorite for those seeking a healthy meal that is nutritious and delicious.
Durango has an assortment of amazing art galleries and the Sorrel Sky Gallery is one that you should definitely check out when you visit Durango. Featuring contemporary and traditional western art and jewelry the Sorrel Sky Gallery is the perfect place to pick up something special, or simply to view the amazing works. If you need assistance finding something that is right for you the Sorrel Sky Gallery has a team of professional art advisors. Sorrel Sky showcases artists who present the West through new eyes, combining contemporary methods with timeless images and designs.
The Wild Horse Saloon is Durango’s favorite country western bar and dance hall offering live country music, dance lessons, karaoke nights and more. The Wild Horse Saloon has been around for decades and is a staple for locals and visitors. You don't need to know all the line dancing steps or own a cowboy hat to enjoy an evening at the Wild Horse Saloon. Just bring an open heart and your favorite dancing shoes.
After a busy day of hiking and dancing you've surely built up a healthy appetite. Check out El Moro Spirits and Tavern for seasonal New American food options, craft cocktails and more. El Moro is a hip bar featuring steampunk decor that was built in a former old west saloon. Featuring something for every palette, El Moro comes highly recommended from Durango locals and the Visit Durango staff.
Day 3
Rise and shine for another day of adventures in Durango with breakfast from the Durango Diner. Locals say you go for the amazing breakfast and lunch, but you stay because of the incredible green chili and southwest salsa. Locals have been eating at the Durango Diner for more than 55 years, and visitors love being able take home a taste of Colorado with jars of Durango Diner's own green chili and southwest salsa.
After you fuel up with breakfast get ready to take a journey through time at Mesa Verde National Park where you can explore the ancient cliff dwellings of the Ancestral Pueblo people who made it their home for over 700 years, from A.D. 600 to 1300. During the spring you can take self guided tours of the park with breathtaking views from the trails that overlook the various cliff dwellings. Learn about this mysterious ancient culture and explore their unique piece of the American southwest.
After traveling throughout ancient history you will surely have an appetite. When you return to Durango we recommend the flame grilled wraps from RGP's in the heart of downtown. These tasty, nutritious and delicious wraps are grilled to order on our fresh, homemade dough. Enjoy dining in or get some wraps to-go from RGP's.
The Sky Steps are another Durango staple giving you the opportunity to enjoy a short hike in town that leads to amazing views. Trekking the Sky Steps up to Fort Lewis is a must for anyone visiting Durango. The stairs start Downtown on 10th street and guide you all the way up to Fort Lewis College. Once you reach the top and catch your breath you will be greeted with a bird's eye view of town and the surrounding mountains. The Sky Steps can be enjoyed any time of day, but the access to sunrises, sunsets and stargazing is what makes this attraction so spectacular.
The Rim Trail at Fort Lewis college is another amazing hike right in the heart of town that is enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. The Rim Trail is a relatively easy trail that offers some of the best views of Durango. Don't forget your water bottle and your camera when you head out to the Rim Trail because the views will literally take your breath away. The Rim Trail is one of many recommended photo opportunities when you visit Durango.
After a long day of hiking around Durango there is no better way to unwind than relaxing in the healing waters of the Durango Hot Springs Resort & Spa. Immerse yourself in the 26 unique thermal mineral water features, including 16 natural mineral hot springs soaking pools, 8 private Japanese-inspired cedar soaking tubs, reflexology walking path and a mineral water rain tower. At the Durango Hot Springs you can enjoy the benefits of natural mineral hot springs soaking with therapeutic and relaxation massage as well as a full complement of spa treatments. In addition to the Durango Hot Springs there are several additional hot springs in the surrounding area that are easily accessible from town.
There's never a wrong time for tacos, and Durango is proud to feature an assortment of dining options that include tacos. Taco Libre is Durango's newest Mexican eatery and is conveniently located on Main Ave. Taco Libre features traditional and affordable Mexican street food like tacos, burritos, quesadillas and more that are perfectly paired with modern mixology and an eclectic atmosphere.
A trip to the southwest would not be complete without experiencing a real old west saloon. The Diamond Belle Saloon located inside the historic Strater Hotel is Durango's premier old west saloon where you can enjoy live music including but not limited to the talented ragtime pianist of the Belle. When the ragtime piano players take the night off the Diamond Belle is proud to feature a cadre of local musical talent. Durango loves live music.
When it is time for a sweet treat Durango has you and your sweet tooth covered. One of the best places in town to grab truffles, bonbons, caramels and more is the Animas Chocolate Company on Main Ave. At the Animas Chocolate Company you will discover a decadent confection, a latte steamed to perfection, or simply a dose of Durango hospitality, everything they create is designed to make your life a little brighter.
Discover How (And Where) To Dine Like a Local in Durango
Day 4
Start your day in Durango with a nutritious and delicious smoothie and wrap. The Raider Ridge Cafe features an assortment of gourmet breakfast & lunch wraps, salads, homemade soups, whole fruit smoothies, fresh baked treats and a full espresso bar. All items at the Raider Ridge Cafe are made from scratch daily by their friendly staff. You have to head about a mile from downtown to the intersection of College Drive and 8th Avenue to find the Raider Ridge Cafe, but once you make it you'll realize it was well worth the short trip from downtown.
The Animas Overlook Trail is another short hike near Durango that is perfect for all skill levels. This .7 mile trail is a convenient loop with many photo opportunities and perfect spots for a picnic. The trail includes several scenic overlooks that feature informative signs that will teach you more about the history of the surrounding area and the important role of water and other resources. The Animas Overlook Trail was designed to be ADA accessible and has no more than a 5% grade along with a three-foot-wide paved path. Naturally, the surface has deteriorated due to the dynamic changes in weather we experience in Colorado, but it should still be navigable by stroller or wheelchair.
Discover More Hiking Trails Conveniently Located to Durango
If you are looking for authentic Neapolitan pizza while vacationing in Durango you are in luck. Conveniently located in the heart of downtown Durango you will find Fired Up Pizzeria. Fired Up Pizzeria is dedicated to the ingredients, quality and traditional methods of producing authentic wood fired Neapolitan pizza. In addition to incredible wood fired pizza, Fired Up also features one of the best rooftop patios in Durango as well as dining on Main Avenue in the newly constructed bump out for the spring and summer.
Durango is home to more than 500 retail shops, and Main Avenue is the heart of Durango’s shopping district. Everyone who visits Durango should take advantage of the seemingly endless window shopping opportunities on Main Avenue, and maybe find something special to take home so you never forget your adventures in the southwest.
Another great place to catch live music in Durango is the Balcony Bar & Grill located on the second story of 600 Maine Avenue. The Balcony Bar & Grill serves house made American fare, with cold drinks and awesome views of downtown Durango. You can take a break from all your activities, shoot the breeze, get some sun and enjoy live & local music while you relax on the balcony.
The Chimayo Stone Fired Kitchen is another Durango favorite on Main Avenue featuring made-from-scratch southwestern and Mediterranean cuisine. The exhibition style kitchen boasting two woodstone stone-fired ovens is the centerpiece of Chimayo and a major part of why their food is so delicious. Their menu features fresh salads, small plates, artisanal pizzas, fire-roasted steaks, seafood and several specialty dishes. The menu also features numerous selections from the bar including a unique variety of handcrafted cocktails.
Everyone knows that the Steamworks Brewing Co. has incredible lunch, dinner and drink options, but did you know they also have one of the best dessert menus in town. While in Durango we highly recommend dessert from Steamworks. The hard part is how to pick between the root beer float, the old fashioned carrot cake, the decadent chocolate peanut butter mousse cake, the pecan turtle cheesecake or the stout bacon brownie.
From Outdoor Adventures to Dining - There’s So Much To Do in Durango in the Spring
Durango, CO is the Premier Outdoor Adventure Destination
Durango, Colorado is the premier outdoor adventure destination in the United States featuring endless opportunities for heart pumping action, mouth watering meals, craft cocktails & fresh brewed beer as well as hot springs & spas to help you relax and recover. Durango is “Always in Season” and the springtime is one of the best times to enjoy this truly dynamic Colorado mountain town.
