Durango, Colorado doesn’t ease you in—it throws you straight into the deep end of adventure. Settled in the heart of the San Juan Mountains, this southwest Colorado gem sits surrounded by over 58 peaks topping 14,000 feet, nearly 10,000 miles of streams and rivers, and more outdoor recreation than you can tackle in a single trip. Whether you’re into hiking, biking, rafting, or simply soaking in some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in the state, the things to do in Durango, Colorado will keep you busy from sunup to sundown.
Chris and I first discovered Durango on a road trip that took us through Great Sand Dunes National Park, Mesa Verde, Chimney Rock National Monument, and Pagosa Springs. We’ve been planning a return trip ever since, which says everything you need to know about this town.
20 Things to Do In Durango in the Summer
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Tucked into the southwesternmost corner of Colorado among the peaks of the San Juan Mountains, Durango is one of those mountain towns that works for everyone—families, adventure-seeking friend groups, and couples looking for a romantic getaway alike. It’s also one of the most rewarding stops on a Colorado road trip, with a historic downtown, world-class outdoor recreation, and easy access to Mesa Verde and Pagosa Springs right next door. Summer in Durango is the sweet spot—long days, wildflowers, and endless adventure on the agenda.
1. Durango Silverton Train Ride
All aboard! The Durango Silverton train ride to Cascade Canyon on the narrow gauge railway lasts for about one hour before the train returns to the Rockwell Station outside of Durango.
If your train car is full, just know that whatever scenery you don’t see on the way up, you’ll see on the return trip.
For the first twenty minutes of the trip, the views are on the right side of the train. The train crosses over a trestle bridge and the scenery switches mostly to the left side of the train. If your train car isn’t full, you may be able to switch from one side to the other throughout the trip.
Did you know that many famous people have ridden the train?
“Robert Redford, Paul Newman, Marilyn Monroe, Marlon Brando, Anthony Quinn, James Stewart, Debbie Reynolds, John Wayne, Henry Fonda, Gregory Peck, Cloris Leachman, James Garner and Suzanne Pleshette, Ernest Borgnine, Robert Urich, John Denver, Warren Beatty, Michael J. Fox, Howie Long, Dennis Weaver, Ricky Lee Jones, Michael Martin Murphy, Kris Kristopherson, President Gerald Ford, and President William H. Taft among others.” Visit Durango Colorado
2. Try Mountain Biking in Durango
While careening face first down a mountainside is NOT my gig, my husband, Chris, loves the thrill of the ride. Like Chris, you can rent a bike from Pedal the Peaks. From there, it is a short distance to the trailhead.
Chris chose the premium bike option for a half day and rode until 1:00 pm on the Twin Butte Trail. You can choose half day, full day, 24 hour, 2, 3, 4, or 5 day rentals.
3. Kayak the Animas River
Have you ever kayaked a river? Kayaking the Animas River is the perfect idea for your Colorado summer vacation in Durango with Mountain Waters Rafting-Durango Rafting Adventures, especially when the river is running a little low in late summer.
You’ll receive a helmet and personal flotation device along with your inflatable kayak and paddle. (You can also rent a wetsuit). Your guides and bus driver will transport you about 15 minutes upriver where you’ll put in the water.
A half day trip was plenty of time (especially after I got dumped out of my kayak with only 20 minutes left on my float!).
You can also raft the river, but the best time for rafting is in the spring with higher spring runoff.
4. Ride the Rapids at the Whitewater Park
The city of Durango created a “water feature” with a class three rapids section and then smaller rapids on the river. Running the rapids will be part of your kayak or rafting excursion and perhaps one of the epic things to do in Durango on your bucket list. Salida is another Colorado town that has created a white water feature in the Arkansas river as it runs through town.
You have the option to choose NOT to ride the rapids and simply carry your kayak to the downside of the water feature. This is a good place to rest, have a snack, and even SWIM the rapids if you are brave enough to try.
5. Shop the Historic Downtown Durango
Like many of the mountain towns in Colorado, Durango has a historic downtown that is fun to explore. Durango in the summer is an especially fun time to try the trendy restaurants and cafes, wander the art galleries, shope the tourist shops, and learn plenty of history along the way.
6. Take a Self-Guided Walking Tour of the Historic Downtown
Durango has a storied history. Take a self-guided walking tour to learn more about the history of the Durango Silverton train ride, coal mining, the flu epidemic of 1919, the opening of Purgatory Ski Resort in 1960, and so much more.
7. Try Some Honey at the Honeyville Factory
The Honeyville Factory store is located ten miles outside of Durango in the Animas Valley. There is lots to see and do at the factory for kids of all ages to enjoy:
- Find the queen bee in the glass beehive.
- Watch the process of honey being bottled.
- Taste samples of their famous honey, jams, jellies, and specialty sauces.
- Sample honey wine (aka mead).
- Shop for gifts.
8. Go Ziplining
Ready for more adventure on your Colorado summer vacation? Just 1 mile west of Durango, get ready for 12 high flying ziplines. Not only will you have the thrill of the ride with the wind blowing through your hair, but you’ll also enjoy mountain views from the landing decks high up in the Ponderosa pines.
9. Try the Alpine Slide at Purgatory Ski Resort
There’s nothing namby pamby about the Purgatory Alpine Slide. You set the speed as you race family and friends down the mountainside on the dual track. It is fun for everyone!
10. Dine at James Ranch Market and Grill
As you return from the Durango Silverton train ride, you’ll pass by the legendary James Ranch Market and Grill. Chris and I actually passed by this location a few times before we decided on a whim to stop for dinner. It happens to be on the list of TripAdvisor’s top 5 things to do in Durango!
Peruse the market before ordering your farm to table dinner. There is plenty of seating available in the shade of the deck overlooking the farm and the happy cows grazing in the field.
11. Drive Wolf Creek Pass
The scenery along Wolf Creek Pass is stellar. Think majestic mountains and green lush valleys.
The drive to the top of the Wolf Creek Pass is about 8 to 10 miles with a grade of about 6% (elevation is approximately 11,000 feet). Stop along the way to document the Instagrammable views on your Colorado summer vacation, find a hike, or discover waterfalls. There is even some lore about lost treasure.
12. Drive the Million Dollar Highway
Why is the road between Silverton, Durango and Ouray called the “Million Dollar Highway?” Some suggest the name relates to the cost of building the highway, while others think it is because of the gold ore that became part of the roadway. Or maybe it is just because of the amazing “Instagrammable” San Juan Mountain views that you can enjoy along the way!
13. Camp Or Bring Your RV
If you are into tent camping, RVing, or staying in a tiny home, this area of Colorado is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream. Chris and I saw an abundance of RV parks everywhere we went.
Hikes Near Durango
Durango is surrounded by some of the most spectacular trail systems in Colorado. From beginner-friendly walks along the Animas River to challenging summit attempts in the San Juan Mountains, the hikes near Durango cover every ability level and reward every effort with jaw-dropping scenery.
14. Hike Vallecito Creek Trail
Vallecito Creek Trail hike involves a lot of up and down hiking along pretty rocky paths. You’ll want to keep a close eye on the path to avoid twisted ankles. Be sure to check the weather before setting off on this 12-mile hike.
Chris and I got rained on AND hailed on. I just pulled out my umbrella so that I could keep me and my camera dry. Then, thunder clapped and the rain just started to pour. Fortunately, the rain didn’t last too long before blue sky was peaking through again.
The scenery is beautiful as you skirt around the river—sometimes you are right next to it and other times you are a couple hundred feet above it. We forded a small stream before reaching the first bridge.
15. Hiking Durango? Top 10 Trails
AllTrails lists their top ten trails for hiking in Durango in the summer:
- Ice Lake via the Ice Lakes Trail
- Island Lake via the Ice Lakes Trail
- Animas Mountain Trail
- Castle Rock via the Elbert Creek Trail
- Colorado Trail to Gudy’s Rest
- Fuller Lake via the Ice Lakes Trail
- Haviland Lake
- Purgatory Trail
- Animas River Trail
- Cascade Creek East Fork
16. Just Relax
Sometimes, in an effort to pack in as many things to do in Durango as possible, you forget to just relax and enjoy the crisp mountain air, the beautiful views, and time with family. If you happen to visiting Durango for a Colorado summer vacation, plan some time in your itinerary for downtime. Hot springs in Durango anyone?
Visit Hot Springs in Durango Colorado
The hot springs in Durango are calling your name. Infuse a little downtime and pampering into your itinerary.
17. Durango Hot Springs Resort & Spa
Durango Hot Springs Resort and Spa is newly renovated with on-site accommodations still to come. Enjoy the relaxing benefits of natural mineral hot springs for a therapeutic soak. While you’re at it, book a massage or spa treatment! Reservations are required.
The resort includes:
- Gorgeous mountain views
- Natural waters
- 40 unique water features
- 32 hot spring mineral pools (19 are family friendly and 13 are for adults only)
- 2 cold plunge pools
- A huge swimming pool
- 5 additional Japanese inspired soaking tubs
- Walking paths
- Mineral water rain tower
18. Pinkerton Hot Springs
As you drive the Million Dollar Highway, be on the lookout for Pinkerton Hot Springs. If you don’t know that they are there, you might miss the turnoff altogether. Pinkerton features a photogenic man-made rock formation where the springs bubble up through the earth. Fun for the whole family. There is plenty of parking in a nearby dirt lot.
National Parks & Monuments Close to Durango
One of the biggest perks of a Durango base camp is the concentration of incredible national parks and monuments within easy driving distance. Mesa Verde National Park, Chimney Rock National Monument, and Great Sand Dunes National Park are all within reach.
19. Mesa Verde National Park
Plan for an early start to Mesa Verde National Park to avoid crowds and to enjoy cooler temps early in the day. Stop first at the Visitors Center just outside the park. After checking out the Visitors Center, you’ll still have a twenty-minute drive to reach the top of the mesa.
Chris and I spent most of our morning visiting the ruins and cliff dwellings on the Chapin Mesa, starting first on the Cliff Palace Loop. If you plan to take a ranger-guided tour be sure to book those in advance.
After a stop for lunch, we explored the Mesa Top Loop with the featured Square Tower House. I found myself wondering how the Puebloans climbed down to their homes using the small footholds and ladders? What about keeping small children safe? Did these homes keep intruders out?
If you haven’t tried the GuideAlong self-guided audio tours, you are in for a treat. Learn the history of Mesa Verde from the comfort of your car.
20. Chimney Rock National Monument
I highly recommend taking a tour of Chimney Rock National Monument in the San Juan National Forest.
Discover the ancestral homelands of the Pueblo people, an archaeological site that suggests that the Puebloans were sky watchers and lived by sky wisdom. They relied on the sun, stars, and moon for their living, growing seasons, and festivals.
Every 18.6 years, the full moon reaches a point in its orbit where it rises between the two pinnacles. Apparently, the most recent event began in the spring of 2022, reached its pinnacle in the fall of 2023, and lasts for approximately three years.
In 2023, Chimney Rock instituted a fee system. All vehicles and motorcycles are required to pay an activity pass fee of $20.00 allowing for 5 days of access to the Chimney Rock National Monument. You can purchase your activity pass in advance at Recreation.gov. Self-guided tours are available during open hours and are included in the activity pass.
Getting to Durango, Colorado
You pretty much have two options in getting to Durango.
BY AIR
Durango has its own airport, but if you are planning to fly into a major hub and then drive from there, your three closest choices are:
- Denver, Colorado (DEN) – 361 miles (581 km)
- Salt Lake City, UT (SLC) – 391 miles (630 km)
- Albuquerque, NM (ABQ) – 217 miles (350 km)
The Durango-La Plata County Regional Airport is located 15 miles outside of Durango. Daily flights come from Denver, Phoenix, and Dallas with seasonal flights from Houston. The airport is serviced by American Airlines and United Airlines.
BY CAR
Plan a summer road trip to Durango for your next Colorado summer vacation. If you fly in to Denver, you’ll want to rent a car to begin your 6 -7 hour drive. But never fear, there are so many amazing things to see along the way, you’ll want to plan for stops.
Plan a state-cation if you are already in Colorado or the surrounding states. Pack up your car for an awesome Colorado summer vacation and road trip.
A Few of My Favorite Things
Many of My Favorite Travel Things will make your visit to the colorful “Centennial State” so much more enjoyable. For more ideas, also check out my Amazon Storefront!
- Apple iPhone 11
- Canon 6d Mark II
- Canon EF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM Lens
- UV Protection Lens Filter
- Visor
- Sunscreen
- Merrell Men’s Hiking Boots
- Oboz Women’s Hiking Boots
- Merino Wool Hiking Socks
- The North Face Recon Backpack Women
- The North Face Recon Backpack Men
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Durango from Denver?
Durango is 361 miles (581 km) from Denver. If you are planning a road trip, you’ll want to plan for 6 to 7 hours drive time… more if you make stops along the way. And you should!
Do the Durango Hot Springs Smell Like Sulphur?
No. The Durango Hot Springs are a perfect blend of minerals with no smelly sulphur odor. “The thermal waters at Durango Hot Springs are the only natural hot springs in the world to infuse nano-meter and micro-meter oxygen bubbles.” Durango Hot Springs Resort and Spa
What is Durango famous for?
Durango is famous for its waterfalls, scenic drives, outdoor adventures, water activities, hiking, the Durango Silverton train ride, and hot springs.
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Durango Is Calling—And Summer Is the Perfect Time to Answer
Consider this your reminder that a Colorado summer means sunshine for days, big blue skies, perfect mountain temperatures, and more adventure than you can fit into one trip. Durango deserves a spot on your Colorado itinerary—whether you’re hiking the San Juans, rafting the Animas River, or using it as your base camp for Mesa Verde and Pagosa Springs. The only question is how long you can stay.
If you’ve hiked, biked, rafted, or camped in Colorado, Durango has something to add to your list. Before you hit the road, make sure you’re packed and ready with my Colorado Road Trip Packing List—because Durango is just the beginning.
You may also love…
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- 21 Fun Things to Do In Glenwood Springs, Colorado
- 25 Sensational Outdoor Adventures In Salida, Colorado
- 15 Charming Mountain Towns in Colorado
- 10 Hot Springs in Colorado That are Amazing (And Sometimes Quirky)
- Colorado Adventures: 37 Epic Tours and Excursions
We’ve only visited Durango in winter. Looks like a summer visit is long overdue, with so many things to do.
So many amazing things to do! Saving this for our trip next summer!
Oooh amazing! I am always a fan of this kind of active holiday, especially if there are so many good hiking options! The hot springs, epic geology and history make it even better! Durango sounds fabulous.
Great blog post! I did not know there were so many adventurous things to do in Durango, colorado! I love ziplining and the mesa verde NP looks stunning and super unique!
so many things to do here!! your post makes me want to visit Colorado asap! kayaking and riding the rapids seems so fun, and I’d love to visit the hot springs too
I LOVE Durango. I actually spent an entire semester in nearby Pagosa Springs, so I’ve gotten to spend quite a bit of time in Durango. The Million Dollar Highway has to be one of the prettiest drives on the planet. And I highly recommend the alpine slide, especially for families!
I can’t see/hear the name Durango without a tune coming into my head – CW McCall singing ‘Here comes the Silverton, up from Durango, Here comes the Silverton, Shovelling coal’. That train ride is surely on my bucket-list if I ever get to the US again.
Wow! What a super exciting place to visit. There is so much to do. I love the train ride, white water rafting, zip line, honey tasting, and hiking trails… OMG, so much to do. This place is going on my bucket list!
What a fun outdoorsy trip! I’ve never been to Durango, and now you have me convinced!
Durango makes the perfect Colorado summer vacation destination! Would love to experience all 20 of these adventures.
So.. I was “just” going to explore Mesa Verde NP, but now you have me adding an extra days to explore all these other spots in Durango!!! thanks for the inspiration.
Okay, you’ve officially convinced me to add Durango to my travel bucket list!
What a thorough, well-written post! Sadly, I don’t know how soon, if ever, I’ll be able to go to Colorado, but it certainly looks like a fun place. I would especially like the kayaking, and Mesa Verde!
Durango looks like a great place to visit in summer and there are so many things to do! Thank you for sharing… saving it!! :))
I need to add this to my travel list. This looks like so much fun!
Durango is definitely on my bucketliat after seeing this post! We love the outdoors and will definitely visit Colorado to do all the exciting things.