Colorado, USA
The San Juan Mountains present a natural playground for various outdoor activities, promising excitement and breathtaking scenery.
Animas River Trail (Durango): A paved multi-use path for all ages. Cascade Creek Trail (near Purgatory): A relatively flat trail leading to waterfalls.
Gudy's Rest (Durango, Horse Gulch): A popular loop with elevation gain and city views. Spud Lake (near Purgatory): A hike to an alpine lake with mountain views.
Ice Lakes Trail (near Silverton): A challenging hike to stunning turquoise alpine lakes. Sections of the Colorado Trail: Offer challenging climbs and long distances for experienced hikers. Chicago Basin (near Silverton): A wilderness area for climbing "14ers."
Beyond adventure, connect with the local culture through arts, history, and community events.
The Southern Ute Cultural Center and Museum (Ignacio) offers insights into Ute culture and history through occasional events, demonstrations, or educational programs. Check their schedule.
An annual event in March showing independent films from around the world and local talent.
An annual cycling event in May where cyclists race against the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad train from Durango to Silverton.
Celebrates the rich heritage of the American cowboy through poetry, music, and storytelling.
A quirky, fun winter festival in Durango with parades, contests, and various events celebrating winter and community spirit.
Review local event calendars for Durango and Silverton before your trip to discover unique festivals, art shows, or performances.
After days of adventure, find opportunities to relax and rejuvenate in Durango's tranquil settings.
Some local yoga studios in Durango offer drop-in classes for visitors. Dedicated multi-day yoga or meditation retreats are more common elsewhere in Colorado.
Find tranquility along the Animas River Trail or in the quieter areas of the San Juan National Forest for peaceful moments.
The region is landlocked; there are no natural beaches. Pool clubs are limited to hotel swimming pools.
Numerous restaurants and bars in downtown Durango regularly host live music, especially on weekends. Venues like Animas City Theatre and the Diamond Belle Saloon at The Strater Hotel are prominent.
The Durango Arts Center and Fort Lewis College present various performances, including theater productions, concerts, and art exhibitions throughout the year.
Downtown Durango has a concentrated area of bars and brewpubs, making a casual pub crawl easily feasible on foot. Nightclubs with dedicated dance floors are limited.
Discover unique souvenirs, local crafts, and fresh produce while exploring the shopping scene in Durango and Silverton.
Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad merchandise: T-shirts to replica trains.
Authentic pottery, jewelry, or textiles are available. Buy from reputable galleries or directly from artists.
Local craft beers or spirits, locally made green chile products (jams, sauces, roasted chiles).
Find something truly special at local artisan shops and galleries, showing regional talent and unique designs.
Many shops offer shipping services, making it convenient to send your purchases home, especially for larger or fragile items.
