If you have the time to visit only one destination this year, let it be the rugged, outdoorsy town of Durango, Colorado. Not only are there plenty of exciting things to do in Durango, CO, but it’s a city as rich in history as it is in breathtaking landscapes. Durango is a city for all types of travelers, with a blend of attractions and natural beauty that’s hard to find.
Imagine stepping into a place where every corner holds a story, and every vista invites you to pause and take it all in. Durango beckons to those with a spirit of exploration and offers a canvas for adventure-seekers, cultural enthusiasts, and nature lovers alike. The experiences here are yours to shape, and we can’t wait to share all the best things to do in Durango, CO with you.
In a destination rife with so many opportunities for adventure and exploration, it’s not always easy to slow down and enjoy it. However, we invite you to do exactly that at our Durango, CO Bed and Breakfast. No matter your reason for visiting this world-class destination, we hope you’ll take ample time to explore and unwind – and there’s simply no better place to do that than Antlers on the Creek Bed and Breakfast.
We are the top-rated place to stay in Durango, CO, and offer personalized service, comfortable elegance, and a cozy atmosphere; the perfect addition to your adventure! Book your room and experience why we’re the best place to stay in Durango, CO!
The Best Things to Do in Durango, CO in 2024
Durango offers an unparalleled blend of activities that cater to every interest, from the adrenaline-packed to the historically enriching. Spend your days filled with the thrill of exploration, where each morning presents a new adventure under the vast Colorado skies. Apart from the obvious natural beauty, the allure of this Old West town lies in the diversity of things to do in Durango, CO.
Durango is so much more than a place to visit, and we’d love to be your home base for all your adventures ahead (and relaxation, too!). Whether you’re navigating the rapids of a roaring river, meandering through historic streets, or gazing at the stars from a silent, secluded spot, there’s no shortage of remarkable things to do in Durango, CO, and plenty of moments of thrill, tranquility, and awe to enjoy. This will truly be the trip of a lifetime.
Below, we’ve compiled a list of ten of our current favorite things to do in Durango, CO, but know this is just the beginning. We’d love to share more tips, tricks, and ideas when you stay with us at our top-rated Bed and Breakfast in Durango, CO.
- Whenever anyone asks us about things to do in Durango, CO, our first answer is often riding the Durango to Silverton Train. This narrow gauge train is one of the premier attractions in the area – if not the country – and for good reason! These iconic rides offer breathtaking views of the rugged wilderness of Colorado.
- Few things beat an afternoon on the river fishing. With epic rivers like the San Juan and Animus Rivers, Durango is one of the premier destinations in the country for fly fishing. There are several local outfitters, but we love working with San Juan Anglers.
- There is perhaps no better way to experience the rugged wilderness surrounding Durango than to hike – and there is a vast array of hiking trails to enjoy. Wherever you go, you’ll find the beauty of Colorado’s wilderness is unmatched.
- Similarly, get out and explore with adrenaline-packed mountain biking adventures, one of the most popular things to do in Durango, CO. Here, you’ll find ample world-class trails that cater to all skill levels, including the start of the famed Colorado Trail.
- Are you looking for a bit of a thrill? One of the most exciting things to do in Durango, CO, is to take white water rafting trips, and our friends at Mild to Wild White Water Rafting & Jeep Tours offer unbeatable adventures. We also highly recommend their rugged backcountry jeep tours! We also love the rafting trips provided by Durango River Trippers.
- Exploring ancient history is another of the most popular things to do in Durango, CO, and the best places to do that are the cliff dwellings at Mesa Verde National Park or Canyons of the Ancients.
- Sit under the starry Colorado skies and enjoy gazing up at the vast expanse of the universe. Stargazing is one of the most underrated but awe-inspiring things to do in Durango, CO. Mesa Verde National Park, in particular, is an epic place to be after dark, as it’s rated as an International Dark Sky Park.
- It’s probably no surprise that a destination like Durango has fantastic rock climbing and bouldering opportunities. Those looking for steep climbs should head to X-Rock or Cascade Canyon, while you’ll find great bouldering at Turtle Lake, Sailing Hawks, or Lightner Creek.
- If you want to gaze at the majestic beauty of Durango without the need for exhausting adventures, we recommend spending an afternoon in nature, watching local birds and wildlife. It just so happens that one of the best places to enjoy this quiet activity is right here by our Inn at Perins Peak State Wildlife Area. You can also have the chance to see wolves up close at the Wolfwood Refuge.
- Don’t forget about the charming town that hosts these many adventures! Don’t miss your chance to stroll through Historic Downtown Durango, where vibrant storefronts and local eateries offer a taste of the community’s spirit.
Plan Now for Rides on the Durango to Silverton Train
Given that it’s one of the most popular things to do in Durango, CO, no matter the season, the scenic Durango to Silverton Train warrants a closer look. Beyond just being a scenic adventure, the trip on the Durango to Silverton Narrow Gauge Train is a journey back through time. Hop aboard the train, and you’ll find the modern pace of life slows to the rhythm of the rails beneath you.
The Durango to Silverton Train is a historic steam-powered railway, operational since the 1880s. Though it once served as a vital connection to this historic town, today, the Durango to Silverton railroad offers an array of seasonal trips. As the train chugs along the narrow-gauge tracks, making its way from Durango to Silverton, passengers are treated to views that encapsulate the raw beauty of the San Juan National Forest and the Animas River’s dramatic canyon. The open-air gondolas and period-authentic coaches offer unobstructed views of the wilderness, waterfalls, and wildlife.
Each season on the Durango to Silverton train is unique, ensuring that no two trips are ever quite the same. From the scenic Cascade Canyon and Polar Express winter trains to stunning fall foliage rides, there’s always something to admire from the comfort of this historic train. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature enthusiast, or simply searching for a unique journey, this train ride promises an unforgettable adventure through the heart of the American West.
Round out your adventures on the train and rugged wilderness beyond with a stay at our top-rated Durango, CO Bed and Breakfast. With comfortable guest rooms, exceptional hospitality, and unbeatable amenities, there’s truly no better place to stay in town. Book your room today!