Places to Go This Summer!
Durango’s stunning mountain location is a mecca for outdoor recreation enthusiasts: whether you love hiking, mountain biking, skiing, golfing, etc. there’s plenty of places to go this Summer in Durango. In addition to being an impeccable outdoor playground, Durango has plenty of other fun things to see and do, especially in the summer. Don’t miss these activities at these unique areas.
Mesa Verde
Many folks are familiar with photos of Cliff Palace, the most famous pre-Columbian pueblo site in the world, but photos do not do it justice. Visiting the site in person is an unforgettable experience, as you fully appreciate how complex, beautiful, and fragile such sites are. But Mesa Verde is much more than beloved Cliff Palace; in fact, there are 600 cliff dwellings total and over 4,700 archaeological sites within the park. Besides visiting sites such as Balcony House, (where you must scale a ladder to enter the ruins), one of the fun things to do at Mesa Verde is scouting out unmarked ruins among the cliffs, best done with binoculars. And if you love hiking, there are miles of trails to explore. Both guided and self-guided tours are available, so step back in time 800 years and experience another time and place.
Current safety precautions are that individuals over the age of two must wear a mask inside indoor common areas, and outside when physical distancing cannot be maintained. For updates on regulations and openings, click here.
Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
Step back in time by riding the rails as they were in 1882: the Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad (DSNGRR) is living history. Experience a coal powered locomotive as the train starts in Durango, traverses up and over the beautiful San Juan peaks, and drops into Silverton, a historic mining town. Though COVID-19 has canceled several themed trips and events, such as Historic Narration Coach, you can still ride the Scenic Round Trip Silverton Train, with a round trip of eight hours. For a shorter trip of two hours, Cascade Canyon Express winds through the scenic canyon of the same name.
For those planning to enjoy one of the most popular activities in Durango, be aware that weather conditions can affect the track: call beforehand to check if DSNGRR trains will run a full route. Bring a jacket—it can snow in July in the San Juans—and bring your camera as you’ll be witnessing some of Colorado’s most pristine wilderness. Masks are required on all train trips and at DSNGRR facilities. For more information on excursions and schedules, click here.
Strater Hotel
If you love the Old West, stay at the historic Strater Hotel. Built in 1887, Strater’s magnificent interior and cozy rooms are a prime example of late Victorian architecture. Even if you don’t stay the night, it’s definitely worth it to step inside the lobby and admire the beautiful woodwork, stained glass, and masonry of downtown Durango’s premier landmark. Learn more about Strater Hotel by visiting their website here.
Vallecito Lake
Colorado isn’t known for having large bodies of water, but Vallecito Lake is an exception. Located in a secluded mountain valley 18 miles southeast of Durango, you can paddle board, kayak, powerboat, swim, and fish the lake—there’s plenty of fun things to do at Vallecito. As for hiking, there are several US Forest Service trails in the area, ranging from easy, moderate, to difficult. At an elevation of 8,000 ft., watch out for the symptoms of altitude sickness, which include dizziness, nausea, and confusion. Bring plenty of water and sunscreen, as the lake reflects the intense mountain sunshine. Very much its own little world, don’t miss out on visiting Vallecito Lake. To learn more about the area and the regulations regarding boating and fishing, click here.
Durango Hot Springs
There’s nothing like a nice hot springs soak after a day spent exploring the great outdoors. Durango Hot Springs Resort + Spa is unique in that they are the only hot springs in the world to utilize the AquaGen water system to infuse their pools with micro-meter and nano-meter oxygen bubbles, which make the waters naturally anti-microbial: pretty neat! The resort offers 16 natural mineral hot springs pools to soak in, and eight private cedar soaking tubs. Reservations are required, and mask must be worn indoors by both staff and guests. To reserve a spot, visit their webpage here.
Explore the Animas River
Durango sits in the Animas Valley, carved by the river of the same name. Come summertime, and the Animas River is a great place to raft, kayak, and cool off. There are several rafting companies in town, and the Animas River Trail – a paved path that follows the water for 9 miles – is a great way to enjoy the river sights and scenery. While you run, bike, or walk your pup, you can observe the DSNGGRR trains make their way along the Animas. Click here for a map of the Animas River Trail.
Purgatory Resort
Though it’s known for world class skiing and snowboarding in the winter, Purgatory Resort is just as fun in the summer. Check out the Inferno Mountain Coaster that twists and turns for a mile down, and don’t miss the Alpine Slide. There’s a Mountain Bike Park with miles of single track, and you can observe the alpine wilderness with scenic chairlifts. Purgatory’s summer season is scheduled to begin June 19. Learn more about the resort by visiting their webpage here.
Golf at Durango
You can’t beat golfing in Durango, as you’re surrounded by incredible vistas. Check out the semi-private Dalton Ranch Golf Club, with its 18-hole course, or visit public Hillcrest Golf Club with its full size driving range.
View Wildflowers at Engineer Mountain
To view a spectacular array of wildflowers such as columbines, lupines, Indian paintbrush and more, hike Engineer Mountain Trail. Located 35 miles north of Durango, this intermediate trail provides incredible views of the San Juans. You can hike up to the meadow at the base of the peak, or can continue onward to summit the peak, elevation 12,968 ft. Be advised that you should start early and be off the mountain before afternoon, to avoid thunderstorms and lightning. Please respect the area and do not pick the wildflowers–leave the area just as you found it so others may enjoy the scenery. To view a map and directions to the trailhead, click here.
