Durango, Colorado is the kind of place that rewards a little planning — not because it’s difficult to visit, but because knowing a few things in advance makes the whole trip run smoother. Here’s what to know before you arrive at your Casa Durango property.
Getting to Durango
Durango La Plata County Airport (DRO) sits about 14 miles east of downtown and serves direct flights from Denver, Dallas, Phoenix, and a handful of other hubs. It’s a small airport — easy in, easy out. If you’re flying in from outside the US or connecting through a major hub, Denver is the most reliable gateway, with a roughly 6-hour drive south through some genuinely spectacular scenery.
Driving is also a great option if you’re coming from Albuquerque (3.5 hours) or Phoenix (6 hours). The roads are scenic and the mountain approaches are dramatic — allow extra time and enjoy it.
What to Pack
Durango sits at 6,512 feet, which means a few things: sunscreen matters more than you’d expect, temperatures drop sharply after dark even in summer, and afternoon thunderstorms in July and August are near-daily. Pack layers, even for summer trips. A waterproof jacket and sturdy walking shoes cover most situations. If you’re hiking above 10,000 feet, add an extra warm layer.
For winter trips, full ski gear if you’re heading to Purgatory, plus warm boots for downtown evenings.
Suggested Itinerary: 4 Days in Durango
Day 1: Arrive, settle in, walk Main Avenue for dinner. Day 2: Full-day Narrow Gauge Railroad trip to Silverton. Day 3: Morning hike (Junction Creek or Animas Mountain), afternoon brewery tour. Day 4: Purgatory Resort (bike in summer, ski in winter), then a slow evening back at the property.
That’s a lot — you’ll probably want more time. Check availability and add a day or two. You won’t regret it.