Ten Things to Do in Durango This Summer

History, culture, artisanal fare and endless outdoor adventures intersect in the southwest town of Durango. Found in the Four Corners region, it’s not the easiest destination to access, though the six-hour drive from Denver is breathtakingly scenic. Direct flights from DIA cut the commute to less than ninety minutes.

To make the journey worthwhile and ensure enough time to see the sites, plan to book an overnight stay. In-town options are walking distance from restaurants, retailers and the iconic Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad station. Similar to the train, several nearby accommodations appear on the National Register of Historic Places. Experience Gilded Age elegance at the Strater Hotel or bed and breakfast charm at Gable House, a Victorian home with exceptional local hosts. Meanwhile, lodging at Purgatory Resort offers modern comforts and a convenient gateway to the mighty San Juans.

From thrilling water sports to peaceful, crowd-free trails, there are endless ways to explore the region, which is rooted in Western heritage and Indigenous traditions. Tour the state’s only UNESCO World Heritage site, dine at a family-owned ranch, soak in natural hot springs and discover more things to do in Durango this summer.
Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
479 Main Avenue
The Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad has chugged through town and deep into the San Juan Mountains since 1881. Designated a National Historic Landmark, this iconic railway offers full-day journeys to the former mining town of Silverton, half-day trips to Cascade Canyon and a new 3.5-hour evening excursion, the Highline Express. Open-air gondolas and restored vintage cars hug cliffs high above the Animas River, providing gorgeous panoramic views. Through October 11, steam-powered locomotives also pick up backpack-clad passengers from Weminuche Wilderness stops. Summit fourteeners within Chicago Basin or hike along the Colorado Trail, then return via the train to save significant steps. Cold craft beer and other concessions are served on board.
Purgatory Resort
1 Skier Place
While better known for its affordable winter skiing, Purgatory Resort is equally as thrilling in the summer months. Zip down the clackity mountain coaster and ride the scenic gondola to the top of the alpine slide. Race your partner back to the base area, where families pan for gemstones and off-road vehicle tours depart for the backcountry. Just across the street from the resort lies Twilight Lake, one of the area’s prettiest places to paddleboard, kayak and canoe. These activities are available daily through August 17, followed by select dates through October 5. Before visiting, see its calendar for special events including a chainsaw carving competition from August 1 to 3, a guided mushroom hunt on August 16 and live music on certain evenings.
Durango Hot Springs Resort and Spa
6475 County Road 203
Ranked among the top places to soak in Colorado, Durango Hot Springs recently underwent a $14 million renovation resulting in 32 natural mineral pools, five private Japanese-inspired cedar tubs, a resort-style swimming pool and two cold plunges. More than a dozen of these water features are exclusive to adults and a full-service spa further encourages relaxation. Book an athlete’s massage after an adventurous day outdoors or soothe sore muscles with hot stone therapy, then enjoy a complimentary two-hour soak. Unlike other resorts, its pools’ oxygenated water is free of any sulphur smell but rich in many minerals said to promote a range of health benefits. Beverages with or without booze are available on-site, as is live music on Tuesday and Thursday evenings.
Mesa Verde National Park
34840 Highway 160, Mancos
The state’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mesa Verde National Park features more than six hundred Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings. Experts estimate that these and over 4,000 other archeological sites were built over a century ago. With preservation efforts, many remain in remarkable condition and are open for guided public tours. Scale up tall ladders to access Balcony House, peer into ceremonial kivas within Long House and explore Cliff Palace, the continent’s largest-known cliff dwelling. Hiking trails and scenic drives provide other viewing opportunities. Enchanting even when the sun sets, this secluded destination is one of several International Dark Sky Parks in Colorado. Marvel at the cosmos and nocturnal wildlife from Morefield Campground, which hosts free ranger-led evening programs through September 1.
Ute Mountain Tribal Park
Corner of Highway 160 and Highway 491, Towaoc
While undeniably incredible to witness, Mesa Verde National Park generally receives more than half a million visitors annually. Due to this high traffic, many cliff dwellings have undergone stabilization treatments and innumerable artifacts have been removed from their original sites. This is not the case at nearby Ute Mountain Tribal Park, where ancient corncobs, projectile points and thousands of painted potsherds have remained in the sand for centuries. Similarly, its archeological sites remain unaltered but are accessible via small private tours led exclusively by members of the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe. Buckle up for an 80-mile journey down bumpy dirt roads, with hikes to cliff dwellings and elaborate petroglyph panels. Look closely and you may spot wild horses among the sagebrush.
Mild to Wild
50 Animas View Drive
Mild to Wild offers whitewater rafting tours in several Colorado destinations, including the Animas River in Durango. Beginners and families seeking a shorter, more mellow trip should look to the Lower Animas, which features peaceful stretches and a few exciting splashes through downtown’s whitewater park. Meanwhile, the Needles portion of the Upper Animas provides an adrenaline-pumping adventure to those who can pass the swim test. Navigate continuous Class II and III rapids, with some drops ranked up to Class V. This river stretch is set in the remote Weminuche Wilderness and accessible only by the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, which adds to the exhilarating experience.
Lake Nighthorse
1795 County Road 210
Located less than five miles from downtown, Lake Nighthorse is the perfect place to beat the summer heat. Wade in the dedicated swim beach and watch your little ones play on the floating aqua park, which features inflatable slides, climbing walls and other fun obstacles. Local outfitters provide other opportunities, including paddleboard and kayak rentals, eFoil surfing lessons and sailing clinics. Take advantage of one of the region’s best boating destinations and maybe cast a line for kokanee salmon and rainbow trout, too. With a maximum surface area of 1,500 acres (which is comparable to Chatfield Reservoir), there’s plenty of space for every recreational activity.
Horse Gulch Trail System
Eighth Avenue and Third Street
From beginner mountain biking trails to rugged downhill rides, Durango boasts some of the best singletrack in the state. Cyclists have an overwhelming selection, with nearly 300 miles of easily accessible routes. The Horse Gulch Trail System is particularly convenient, with the trailhead located at the southeast end of downtown on Eighth Avenue and Third Street. With 45 interconnected trails, all abilities will find suitable options for both short and long excursions. Take the intermediate Two Loops route for a 10-mile tour of the trail network. It’s an intense, sweaty workout and shade is limited, so plan accordingly. If you need a bike rental or would prefer a guided experience, book through Durango Biking Adventures.
James Ranch
33846 US-550
Founded in 1961, James Ranch is a treasured part of the Durango community and especially worth visiting in the summertime. Outdoor seating is plentiful on its covered patio and grassy lawn, where musicians take to the stage on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Admire views of the Animas Valley between sets and spot a herd of cattle happily grazing. This 450-acre family-owned ranch features an artisanal market and a counter-serve restaurant which offers 100 percent grass-fed beef, eggs from pasture-raised hens and some of the best cheese produced in Colorado, plus produce from its regenerative garden and other local sources. Order a burger from its seasonal menu and settle in to watch the sunset.
EsoTerra Ciderworks
558 Main Avenue
270 County Road 303
While served at James Ranch and several other local venues, EsoTerra Ciderworks’ downtown tasting room is deserving of a stop. Order a flight to sample flagship options like its dry Antiquity hard cider and single varietal Crimson Gold, which is one of more than 250 heritage apple cultivars that EsoTerra grafts from historic local trees. This conservation-minded producer is also set to become southwest Colorado’s first estate winery, with over fifty grape varietals currently growing within its arboretum. This spacious outdoor venue hosted a public grand opening celebration this past Saturday, July 13, providing Durango visitors with yet another scenic place to socialize in the summer sun.