One of the biggest draws for people coming to the vibrant, Old West town of Durango is the magnificent Durango to Silverton Train. While this narrow-gauge train is worthy of being on your bucket list, it’s also just one of the many incredible things to do in Durango, CO. You should also make time for visiting places like Canyon of the Ancients National Monument, not to mention Mesa Verde, National Park.
Furthermore, Durango, a town situated amidst the majestic San Juan Mountains, provides the perfect canvas for adventure-loving outdoor enthusiasts. Whether hiking, mountain biking, fishing, horseback riding, or simply exploring our breathtaking natural surroundings, visitors will be immersed in awe-inspiring landscapes everywhere they turn. Of all the things you can enjoy this summer, we think a trip to the Canyon of the Ancients National Monument deserves top billing.
This archeological site is a remarkable destination and a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the Four Corners area. Here, you’ll find carefully preserved remnants of the ancient Puebloan civilizations that once called this area home. You’ll not only learn more about this ancient civilization, but you’ll leave with a profound connection to the people and places that surround us. With so many inspiring things to do in Durango, you’ll undoubtedly find yourself tired at the end of the day and ready for a respite.
There’s no better place to retreat than our top-rated Bed and Breakfast in Durango, CO. Our accommodations are peaceful, elevated, and comfortable. Nestled on the outskirts of town, our Inn provides the perfect contrast to your busy adventures, with thoughtful onsite amenities designed to help you reach a deep state of relaxation. Whether enjoying a quiet evening on our grounds or savoring a delicious homemade breakfast, the experience of staying at a bed and breakfast in Durango should be an essential piece of your summer vacation. Book your stay today!
Explore the Canyon of the Ancients National Monument
Visiting Canyon of the Ancients in Durango, Colorado, is a stunning walk through time. The historical site spans over 176,000 acres and is one of the most extensive and well-preserved archeological areas in the United States. In fact, though the designation as a National Monument didn’t come until the early 2000s, the Canyon of the Ancients is home to the highest known archaeological site density in the country. The Puebloans, who lived here for thousands of years, have left behind a remarkable legacy that includes more than 6,000 recorded archeological sites. At times, there are more than 100 sites per square mile, including things like Villages, field houses, check dams, reservoirs, great kivas, cliff dwellings, shrines, sacred springs, agricultural fields, petroglyphs, and sweat lodges.
These archeological findings afford visitors an unparalleled glimpse into the lives of the people who inhabited this area long before modern civilization. You don’t have to be a cultural or historical enthusiast to appreciate a visit to the Canyon of the Ancients, though. This National Monument is breathtakingly beautiful. As you’d expect of the Four Corners region, the landscape here is vast and rugged. The area is managed by the Bureau of Land Management, and as such, there are plenty of diverse hiking trails throughout the region.
The Canyon of the Ancients National Monument is about 50 miles west of downtown Durango and only 12 miles from Mesa Verde National Park. We recommend starting your day at the Canyons of the Ancients Visitor Center & Museum. The exhibits here do a great job framing the area, allowing you to take more from your experience. Appropriately, the temporary and permanent exhibits here focus on Ancestral Puebloan, Native American, and historic cultures in the Four Corners region. Just outside the building, you’ll also find easy access to two 12th-century archaeological sites, the Dominguez and Escalante pueblos.
Other areas of interest at the Canyon of the Ancients National Monument include the Sand Canyon Pueblo, the Painted Hand Pueblo, and the Lowry Pueblo. Temperatures can reach and even exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit during the summer months, so make sure to bring plenty of water and sun protection. Even so, we recommend getting an early start to your day to avoid the intense midday heat.
The Best Bed and Breakfast in Durango, Colorado
Whether you’re here for the Durango to Silverton Train or simply looking to enjoy the breathtaking Four Corners region this summer, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a site more impressive or awe-inspiring than the Canyon of the Ancients. Your vacation shouldn’t be all about adventure, though. You deserve plenty of rest and relaxation, too – and that’s where our newly reopened Bed and Breakfast in Durango, Colorado, comes in!
Antlers on the Creek Bed and Breakfast is a beautiful oasis on the outskirts of town and the perfect place to relax, unwind, and enjoy some downtime this summer. Our Inn offers five spacious guest rooms, each featuring unique décor, modern amenities, and stunning views. We offer a multi-course, made-from-scratch breakfast each morning of your stay, and in the afternoon we welcome you back to the property with a delicious happy hour, featuring house-made appetizers and fabulous seasonal cocktails.
These little extras are just a small example of our detail-oriented, friendly hospitality and one of the many reasons guests continue to rate us as one of the best Bed and Breakfasts in Durango. Our guest experience has been thoughtfully curated to provide the ultimate home away from home, from the moment you wake up to the moment your head hits our comfortable assortment of pillows. Our guest rooms are exactly what you hope from a vacation.
With so many fantastic amenities to enjoy during your stay with us, including a relaxing hot tub and gorgeous gardens and grounds, it’s easy to see why we’re rated as one of the best places to stay in Durango, Colorado. Book your room today!
