See why The New York Times just named us one of
“5 Irresistible Fall Train Trips”
There’s still time to ride before the season ends!
Last Ride of the Season: October 26th
Nestled in the heart of the San Juan Mountains, Durango is where outdoor splendor meets an Old West charm. Whether you’re chasing adrenaline, exploring rich history and heritage, or savoring modern fusion cuisine, Durango is your ultimate destination for adventure, exploration, and connection.
Step aboard the historic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad for a breathtaking ride through the Animas Valley and San Juan National Forest , where stunning landscapes and rich railroad and mining history come together.
Relax and unwind from your rail adventure with a rejuvenating soak at the Durango Hot Springs, known for its soothing oxygen-infused waters. 30+ soaking pools, a full spa service, and family-friendly amenities await.
Dive into ancient times with a visit to Mesa Verde National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the ancient cliff dwellings of the Ancestral Puebloans and connect with the area’s deep Native American heritage.
For those seeking entertainment and excitement, the Sky Ute Casino Resort features gaming, dining, and live events, offering something for everyone to enjoy.
If you’re a fan of live music, performances, and art, Fort Lewis College is a must-visit. Perched atop a scenic mesa overlooking downtown Durango, the campus hosts incredible concerts, theater productions, and live presentations that highlight the region’s rich cultural heritage while showcasing local talent. Explore captivating art galleries and exhibits, or engage your mind with continued education lectures that delve into fascinating topics.
With over 300 days of sunshine each year, Durango is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, especially during the warmer months. Adventure seekers can explore more than 300 miles of trails, perfect for hiking or biking, that wind through picturesque alpine forests, vibrant wildflower-filled meadows, and breathtaking high desert and mountain vistas. These trails cater to all levels, from casual explorers to seasoned athletes seeking a challenge.
The Animas River is a hub for activities like rafting, kayaking, and paddleboarding, offering both thrilling rapids and calmer stretches for a variety of skill levels. Nearby Lake Nighthorse, Vallecito Reservoir, Lemon Reservoir, and Haviland Lake provide a serene escape with its glassy waters, ideal for fishing, paddleboarding, tubing, or just enjoying a peaceful lunch surrounded by nature.
Thrill-seekers can take their adventures off-road, exploring the rugged mountain terrain in a jeep or ATV. These excursions unveil hidden panoramic views, secluded spots, and the raw beauty of the San Juan National Forest and the Weminuche Wilderness.
Durango transforms into a winter wonderland once the snow falls, offering something for every explorer to enjoy.
Purgatory Resort offers over 100 ski and snowboard trails for every skill level, from beginner-friendly slopes to challenging backcountry runs for experienced riders. With more than 250 inches of annual snowfall, it’s the perfect destination for winter enthusiasts.
For those seeking adventure off the slopes, the San Juan National Forest offers a magical winter landscape perfect for exploration. Try dogsledding through snow-covered trails in La Plata Canyon or feel the thrill of speeding across the powder on a snowmobile through Molas Pass. Fat tire biking is a great way to navigate the snowy terrain, while snowshoeing and cross-country skiing provide peaceful, up-close encounters with nature in its winter glory.
Prefer to take in the scenery at a slower pace? Scenic winter drives offer breathtaking views of snow-draped peaks of the San Juan Mountains, frosted forests, and frozen lakes. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or simply looking to soak in the beauty of the season, Durango’s winter activities promise an unforgettable experience.
Durango is brimming with inspiration for art lovers, offering a vibrant cultural scene of murals and galleries galore. Explore galleries showcasing an impressive variety of photography, sculptures, mixed media, and Native American artifacts, each telling its own unique story. Take a stroll through historic downtown Durango and the North Main District and discover local artists’ work in cozy studios and curated exhibits.
For those who love live performances, Durango has no shortage of options. Catch a thought-provoking play at Merely Players, enjoy a diverse lineup of concerts and events at the Durango Arts Center, or experience world-class performances at the Community Concert Hall. The Animas City Theatre offers a mix of film, music, and live acts, while Durango’s local music scene brings talented bands to intimate venues across town.
Creativity knows no bounds here, making Durango a true haven for art and culture enthusiasts.
Walk in the footsteps of pioneers and indigenous tribes who shaped this remarkable region. Start your adventure in historic downtown Durango, where beautifully preserved Victorian-era architecture tells the stories of miners, cowboys, and outlaws, capturing the charm and spirit of the Old West. Wander through downtown’s boutique shops, cozy cafes, and historic buildings, and picture the bustling days when Durango was a thriving hub for mining, ranching, and railroads.
To explore the area’s rich Native American heritage, start with a visit to the Southern Ute Cultural Center and the Center for Southwest Studies. These museums feature exhibits celebrating the vibrant traditions, resilience, and history of the Southern Ute people and other cultural groups in the Four Corners region.
From there, immerse yourself in the cultural landmarks scattered throughout the area. Discover Chimney Rock National Monument, where ancient Puebloan people once lived and celebrated their celestial knowledge. Visit the Canyon of the Ancients, home to the highest density of archaeological sites in the United States. Explore the dramatic cliffs and ruins of Canyon de Chelly, a sacred place to the Navajo Nation rich with indigenous history. Finally, stop by Aztec Ruins National Monument, where you can walk through 900-year-old structures that bring ancestral Puebloan life to vivid detail.
For a truly immersive experience, drive to Ignacio to support local Native American businesses, attend the Green Chilli Fest for a flavorful celebration, or enjoy fishing and the natural beauty of Navajo State Park. Each stop offers a meaningful glimpse into the past and a celebration of the enduring cultures that continue to shape this extraordinary landscape.
Durango’s dining scene is as diverse as its stunning landscapes, offering street food to locally sourced fine dining. The town’s thriving local agriculture community plays a central role in its culinary identity, with many eateries embracing farm-to-table dining and using locally sourced produce, meats, and other ingredients for an authentic taste of Colorado. From fresh, seasonal vegetables to grass-fed beef raised nearby, the emphasis on local sourcing ensures every dish bursts with flavor.
For craft beer enthusiasts, Durango is a dream come true. Award-winning brews and spirits can be savored at seven microbreweries and distillers where innovative flavors and a vibrant atmosphere make every visit memorable.
Durango’s food truck scene is also booming, with mobile kitchens serving up everything from gourmet tacos to global street food. These bustling food trucks add an exciting and casual dimension to the town’s food culture, offering quick yet delicious bites for on-the-go foodies.
Most of Durango’s restaurants are locally owned, adding a personal touch to every meal.
Whether you’re in the mood for fine dining, a hearty breakfast, or a quick stop at a food truck, every culinary experience in Durango reflects the creativity and passion of its community.
Durango isn’t just a trip—it’s an unforgettable experience that will leave you longing to return. Nestled in the heart of the San Juan Mountains and Animas Valley, this charming mountain town has something for every explorer.
Adrenaline junkies can explore thrilling outdoor activities like hiking, mountain biking, or whitewater rafting. History buffs can take a journey back in time aboard the historic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad or visit fascinating archaeological sites. Art lovers will adore the ever-changing galleries and local crafts, while foodies can indulge in delicious cuisine at the town’s many locally owned restaurants and breweries.
Start planning your adventure today and uncover everything Durango, Colorado, has to offer. Let Visit Durango be your guide to an unforgettable experience.
To learn more about all the great activities Durango and the surrounding area has to offer, click here.
Last Ride of the Season: October 26th
Due to significant recent weather events, The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad had a slide at milepost 486.0 just north of Needleton which resulted in the tracks being covered with rock and debris, making train passage to Silverton impossible. Due to this, we have had an interruption of service to Silverton and both Silverton trains have been rerouted to Cascade Canyon for tomorrow, July 3rd. resume service to Silverton on July 4th and will be communicating with guests if there is any change. Our maintenance of way crews are actively working to clear the slide and to restore the tracks.
We look forward to restoring full Silverton service on July3 3rd.
We think so, but we’re also a little biased. We’re incredibly thankful to be nominated as one of the “Top 10 Scenic Train Ride in North America” by USA Today! From today until May 13th, you can vote for your all-time favorite scenic train. Do you think we deserve this honorable merit? Then click the link below and vote for the Durango Train! Throughout the duration of the voting period, fans may cast a single vote each day leading up to its conclusion.
We are now operating daily and our train schedule has in fact expanded as we’ve moved deeper into the summer season.
We experienced a brief pause in railroad operations recently while we worked through communications with the Forest Service on our operating status while observing agreed upon fire precautions. Concurrently, we were able to rebook passengers to adjacent days when train excursions were operating.
All trains scheduled for Thursday, June 16 and beyond are operating as scheduled at this time.
Please know that if we experience any interruptions in service due to future fire precaution levels, we will reach out to all of our guests in a most timely manner to offer information and alternatives.
Thank you”
You can see how this popup was set up in our step-by-step guide: https://wppopupmaker.com/guides/auto-opening-announcement-popups/