Great beds, welcoming spaces, and everything you need to feel at home—so you can spend your days experiencing Durango.
Durango is the kind of place that invites you to get out and explore. Spend the morning on a mountain trail, wander through town in the afternoon, then settle in somewhere local for dinner as the day winds down.
From outdoor adventures and scenic drives to independent shops, local restaurants and cultural favourites, there is plenty to experience at your own pace. Whether you are here for a full itinerary or a slower few days away, Durango makes it easy to find something memorable around every corner.
These aren’t paid recommendations. They’re simply places we like and places we send our friends.
You don’t need to be an extreme athlete to enjoy them, from mellow walks to much more challenging adventures.
Some of our favorite Durango experiences aren’t really “activities” at all.
A few of the experiences that go beyond the view, into what makes this part of Colorado what it is.
Optional add-ons for guests who want to make an evening of it, without leaving the house.
Through our yhangry partnership, guests can book a private chef to cook a meal at the property, a nice option for a special occasion, an anniversary, or simply an evening when you’d rather not think about dinner.
Chefs handle the shopping, cooking and clean-up, so you get a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of the house, no reservation, no dressing up required.
Practical, local knowledge for planning each day of your stay.
Before heading out for a hike, bike ride, river day or high-country adventure, we like Durango Weather Guy for a truly local perspective on what’s happening around Durango and the San Juan Mountains.
Conditions can be dramatically different between downtown and the high country, even on the same day.
Mountain trail conditions can change quickly, always check conditions before heading out for the day.
Find a stay that feels right for your trip, from character-filled homes to cosy spaces made for slowing down and enjoying Durango your way.
These aren’t paid recommendations. They’re simply places we like and places we send our friends.
Tucked behind Anarchy Brewing and especially convenient to several of our in-town CasaDurango homes. Great food, relaxed atmosphere and very Durango.
For a really nice dinner, this is one of our picks. Go here when you want to dress up a little, order a great meal and make an evening of it.
If you’re staying at one of our Sun Mesa Farm properties on Florida Mesa, the Arboretum is one of the closest places to grab something to eat and drink. An easy outing when you don’t feel like heading into town.
Our choice when we’re craving authentic Mexican food.
If it’s sushi night, this is where we’d send you.
Excellent Italian food downtown. Fresh pasta, good wine and a great choice when you want something a little special without feeling overly formal.
We go here all the time. Casual, delicious and an easy favorite.
A true Durango institution for Chinese food downtown, still run by May herself. One of those local places we hope never changes.
Our pick for Thai food, and close to the train station, an easy stop before or after a train day.
Our favorite breakfast spot in town. Nothing fancy, just a really good Durango breakfast.
For coffee, breakfast or something wonderful from the bakery, we love the downtown location on East 8th Street.
Another favorite stop for coffee downtown.
You don’t need to be an extreme athlete to enjoy them, from mellow walks to much more challenging adventures.
When the water is running, rafting the Animas is one of the most fun ways to experience Durango. We recommend Mild to Wild and Durango Rivertrippers for guided trips.
Spring generally brings the biggest rafting water, while warmer summer days are perfect for getting out on the river in a more relaxed way.
One of the closest trail options to our Sun Mesa Farm properties, near the hospital, an easy place to get outside without a full-day production.
A longtime favorite. Follows the creek through beautiful forest without feeling relentlessly steep, kids love playing in the cold creek on a warm day.
Best if you’re staying in town. Lots of interconnected trails, we especially like the Meadow Loop for its wide views.
South of Durango near Aztec, New Mexico. Lower and drier, a great choice when higher trails are still snowy, but very hot in summer.
Beautiful options once you’re ready to head higher into the mountains. The Ice Lakes area near Silverton is hard to beat for serious hikers.
Trail conditions can change quickly in the mountains, always check current conditions before heading out.
One of the standouts, easiest trail system to access from town, with options for a wide range of abilities.
Locals still call it the Test Tracks. Fantastic in-town riding with more technical terrain, without committing to an all-day expedition.
For a bigger adventure. Can be ridden as a long point-to-point route from Purgatory toward Hermosa, the kind of ride you’ll remember long after your vacation.
A paved trail that follows the river through town. Walk it, bike it, bring the kids, stop for lunch, or build an entire day around it.
Durango’s big in-town lake, an easy place to spend a summer day on the water.
Beautiful mountain lakes farther afield, each with its own personality, half the fun is the drive.
A little local gem near our Sun Mesa Farm properties, a Colorado State Wildlife Area surrounded by open agricultural land.
Check current Colorado Parks & Wildlife rules and access requirements before visiting.
Purgatory is our main ski mountain and an especially approachable place for families and newer skiers, while still having plenty for experienced skiers to enjoy.
One of the coolest things about Durango is that we have a ski hill and ice rink right in town. Chapman Hill is wonderful for families. When we get enough snow, sledding is another local favorite.
We understand. Colorado Outback Adventures operates in the Purgatory area and is a convenient option for ATV adventures in the mountains. For exploring by Jeep, check out Cliffhanger Jeep Rentals.
Conditions, access and seasonal regulations change in the high country, let the local outfitters help you choose the right adventure for the time of year.
Some of our favorite Durango experiences aren’t really “activities” at all.
Our favorite ice cream in town.
Especially wonderful in winter, when a great cup of hot chocolate feels almost medicinal.
A beloved independent bookstore we can rarely walk past without going inside.
One of Durango’s most interesting little shops, herbs, tinctures, teas, soaps and handmade products.
A fun stop for good used clothing and treasures you weren’t necessarily planning to buy.
These are all clustered within a very small part of downtown, an excellent wandering-and-snacking expedition.
We specialize in family stays, and this is one of our favorite easy days with children. Almost everything revolves around the River Trail.
A hands-on science center right along the river, a great place to begin the day.
A little bookstore that’s especially welcoming to children, the kind of independent shop that makes downtown feel like Durango.
Conveniently located along the River Trail, an easy stop when everyone needs lunch.
Go see the fish, wander around, and if there’s still energy, the library is another easy stop nearby.
We travel with our own dogs whenever we can, and every CasaDurango home welcomes pets. Durango is an exceptionally fun town to explore with a dog, trails everywhere and many local patios are dog-friendly.
A few places we particularly like for a meal or beer with a four-legged companion: James Ranch Grill, 11th Street Station, Steamworks Brewing Company, and Anarchy Brewing Company.
Check current restaurant and trail pet policies before you go, keep your dog under control around wildlife and other trail users. Need dog daycare or boarding? See Helpful Local Resources.
A few of the experiences that go beyond the view, into what makes this part of Colorado what it is.
The train is quintessential Durango. The historic railroad winds through spectacular mountain scenery between Durango and Silverton and is one of those experiences that really does live up to its reputation.
If you have never been to Durango before, this is a wonderful way to see just how dramatic this part of Colorado is.
Mesa Verde is extraordinary and absolutely worth setting aside a day to explore. The cliff dwellings and history of the Ancestral Pueblo people make this much more than a scenic excursion, it is one of the truly special places in the Southwest.
Some cliff-dwelling tours require advance reservations, so check the park schedule before you go.
Some longtime locals still know Canyons of the Ancients Visitor Center & Museum as the Anasazi Heritage Center. Near Dolores and McPhee Reservoir, an excellent complement to Mesa Verde if you’re interested in Four Corners archaeology and history.
Whether you arrive by train or car, heading north into the San Juan Mountains toward Silverton is always worth it. Sometimes the best plan is to leave room in the day for whatever looks interesting along the way.
Yes, Durango has ghosts. A walking ghost tour downtown is a fun way to hear some of the strange, colorful and occasionally spooky stories behind the historic hotels, saloons and buildings you’ve been walking past all day.
Particularly fun once you’ve already spent some time downtown and suddenly want to know what supposedly happened inside all those old buildings.
Optional add-ons for guests who want to make an evening of it, without leaving the house.
Through our yhangry partnership, guests can book a private chef to cook a meal at the property, a nice option for a special occasion, an anniversary, or simply an evening when you’d rather not think about dinner.
Chefs handle the shopping, cooking and clean-up, so you get a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of the house, no reservation, no dressing up required.
Practical, local knowledge for planning each day of your stay.
Before heading out for a hike, bike ride, river day or high-country adventure, we like Durango Weather Guy for a truly local perspective on what’s happening around Durango and the San Juan Mountains.
Conditions can be dramatically different between downtown and the high country, even on the same day.
Need a bike for Horse Gulch, Overend, or Hermosa Creek? Both shops are our go-to for rentals and local trail advice.
A terrific local resource for river gear and information ahead of a rafting day on the Animas.
Our recommendation for dog daycare or boarding while you’re out exploring for the day.
Some tours require advance booking. Check the park schedule before you go so you don’t miss a spot.
A Colorado State Wildlife Area. Check current Colorado Parks & Wildlife rules and access requirements before visiting.
Mountain trail conditions can change quickly, always check conditions before heading out for the day.