Things to Do in Durango, CO
Introduction
Julie and I ended up settling in Durango after five years of traveling full-time in an RV. Nestled in the southwest corner of Colorado, Durango boasts a mild climate with over 300 days of sunshine a year. It’s the perfect blend of mountain and desert, with the San Juan Mountains to the north and easy access to Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico.
Why We ❤️ Durango
Durango’s prime location allows us to experience a wide range of outdoor activities. Whether we’re bagging peaks in the San Juans or exploring the desert landscapes of the Four Corners, there’s always something epic to do. The community is rad, with friendly locals and a laid-back vibe that makes us feel right at home.
Summer Things to Do in Durango – Outdoor Activities
Mountain Biking
Durango is a mountain biking mecca, with trails for every level of rider. From beginner-friendly paths to gnarly downhill tracks at Purgatory Resort, there’s something for everyone. You can even tackle the Colorado Trail and bike all the way to Denver. Talk about an epic adventure!
Our favorite trail systems to ride near town are:
- Twin Buttes
- Horse Gultch, connects to Grandview Ridge
- Overland Mountain Park aka Test Tracks
- Dry Fork
Durango Trails, a local non-profit organization, and the Trailforks app are our favorite resources for finding trails and checking trail status before you head out for a ride.
Road Biking
Some of the best road biking routes are right here in Durango. The area is home to many road cycling legends and hosts the annual Durango to Silverton Ironhorse bike race. It’s a big event that draws cyclists from all over, and the route through the mountains is absolutely stunning.
Popular road bike routes in the area are:
- The Trimble Loop Easy, about 20 miles, 533′ of elevation gain
- Elmore’s Loop – Intermediate, about 23 miles with around 1200′ elevation gain
- Wildcat Canyon Loop – Advanced, around 33 miles with ~1900′ elevation gain
Electric Biking
Exploring Durango on an e-bike is a blast. With lots of paved paths, you can ditch the car rental and cruise around town effortlessly. It’s a great way to see the sights and get around.
You can rent electric bike rentals in Durango online and reserve one in advance.
Hiking and Trail Running
There are hiking trails galore right outside of town and throughout the San Juan Mountains. We love hiking to waterfalls and mountain lakes. Some of our favorite spots include Cascade Creek Falls and Adrenaline Falls off Lime Creek Road. The views are breathtaking, and the trails are pure bliss.
I like using Alltrails for finding hiking trails but one thing to know is that many of the trails are closed in late spring and early summer due to wildlife migration patterns. Plan ahead and make sure that the trails that you’re thinking of hiking are open and don’t impact wildlife migrations in the area.
Backpacking
For those who crave a bit more adventure, backpacking the Colorado Trail or exploring the Weminuche Wilderness is a must. Chicago Basin is another incredible area that’s perfect for a multi-day trek.
River Sports
Durango’s rivers offer endless fun. Whether you’re into rafting, whitewater kayaking, packrafting, stand-up paddleboarding, or river surfing, the options are endless. The Animas River is a local favorite, offering everything from mellow floats to thrilling rapids.
The best place to rent gear like kayaks and SUPs is 4 Corners River Sports.
Best Lakes to Kayak and SUP Near Durango
If flat water is more your style, check out the following lakes for some epic flat-water paddling:
- Lake Nighthorse – Rent SUPs at the lake, no reservation needed.
- Lake Haviland – no rentals available, bring your own gear.
- Electra Lake – no rentals available, bring your own gear.
- Vallecito Lake – no rentals available, bring your own gear.
- Purgatory Lake – Small but beautiful. Rent SUPs at the lake, no reservation needed.
These spots are perfect for kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. Potato Lake is a gem for those who like to hike to their paddle spots with an inflatable SUP. Getting to Potato Lake requires a high clearance vehicle as Lime Creek Road is a pretty rough gravel road.
Camping
The camping around Durango is top-notch. Whether you’re car camping or RVing, there are plenty of spots north of town that offer stunning views and easy access to outdoor activities.
Visiting Mesa Verde National Park
A visit to Mesa Verde National Park is like stepping back in time. Explore ancient cliff dwellings and learn about the rich history of the Ancestral Puebloans. It’s a must-see destination that’s just a short drive from Durango.
Rock Climbing
Durango offers some fantastic rock climbing opportunities. From bouldering to multi-pitch routes, the local crags have something for everyone. Don’t miss out on the chance to climb in such a scenic and diverse area.
An Incredible Local Community
We’re proud to be part of the Durango Running Club, and we love supporting locally-owned businesses downtown. The community here is tight-knit, and there are several local non-profit organizations worth supporting, including Durango Trails, the San Juan Citizens Alliance, and the Mountain Studies Institute.
Visit Responsibly and Helpful Resources
It’s important to visit responsibly to help keep Durango beautiful and sustainable. Shop locally, reduce your trash, and follow Leave No Trace principles. Plan ahead, be mindful of fire danger, and consider carpooling or taking the local shuttle. For more tips on visiting responsibly, check out Visit Durango’s responsible visit section. Check out tips from our Visiting Silverton Responsibly blog post
Resources:
- DuranGO micro transit for public transportation around town. Only $2 per ride!
- Durango Gear Exchange for outdoor gear that you may need during your trip.
Come Visit!
We’re stoked to call Durango home and can’t wait for you to experience all it has to offer. Whether you’re here for the adventure, the community, or the stunning landscapes, Durango has something for everyone. Drop us a line or let us know if we can help plan your trip. Happy adventuring!
