Are you thinking about visiting Durango, Colorado? Here's what you need to know before planning your trip.
Is Durango worth visiting?
This small town is a good place to visit for two to three days. Durango is a popular tourist destination for its Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad steam train. It offers a scenic trip through the area's mountains and canyons. The town itself has a lot of charm and character, and nearby you'll find many hikes and outdoor activities that the whole family can enjoy.
The Durango & Silverton Narrow-Gauge Railroad, Durango, Colorado
Reasons to Visit Durango
Hiking
It's surrounded by plenty of natural beautiful and there is an endless supply of hikes in the region. Popular nearby hikes include Animas Mountain Trail, Falls Creek Trail, and Purgatory Trail.
Museums
Most visitors come to town specifically to ride the Silverton & Durango Narrow Gauge Railroad. There's also the D&SNGRR Railroad Museum, and the Fish Hatchery and Wildlife Museum.
Historical Sights
Filled with character, the downtown feels like you've stepped into a Western. The town has a long history as a mining and railroad community, which you can see throughout the historic area. It really feels like you're in the "Wild West."
Authenticity
Durango has an authentic vibe where you can experience local culture, cuisine, and activities without the large tourist crowds of other popular destinations.
Things to Consider Before Visiting Durango
Nightlife
Most people don't associate Durango with a lively nightlife scene. It's a small town that attracts tourists mainly for its train, so you won't find much in the way of a nightlife scene.
Food: Durango doesn't top the list for most foodies. Most of the restaurants are casual and family-friendly, serving up burgers or sandwiches for a reasonable price. You'll also find some coffeeshops and even a few food trucks and international restaurants.
Shopping: Durango isn't exactly a shopper's destination. The charming town has some boutiques that sell beautifully made Native American jewelry and other interesting items. There are also souvenir shops and other venues that target tourists specifically.
Getting Around
The area is not very walkable, and public transit is not great here, so it might be difficult to get around without arranging your own transportation.
The Cost
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Durango might be an expensive destination for you. You can find out the travel costs for Durango here or see if Durango is expensive here.
Related
What is Durango most famous for?
Durango is most famous for its historic narrow gauge railroad, its charming small town atmosphere, and its many family-friendly activities. People visit this impressive small town for its great hiking. It is also known for its great museums and historical sights. It is often described as scenic, nature-filled, historic, charming, and quaint.
What is the most famous sight in Durango?
The most popular sight in Durango is The Silverton & Durango Narrow Gauge Railroad. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Durango on our travel costs page.
Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for The Silverton & Durango Narrow Gauge Railroad and other attractions here.
How touristy is Durango? Is it a popular small town to visit?
Durango is more popular with local tourists than with international visitors. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)
- Durango Rafting - Animas River Adventure Day: $185
- Mesa Verde Comprehensive Tour: $195
- La Plata Mountains - Half Day Tour: $100
- Mesa Verde Sunrise Tours: $26
- 12-Zipline Adventure in the San Juan Mountains near Durango: $173
- 4 Hours Durango Colorado - Jeep Tour: $102
- Mesa Verde Express Tour: $139
- Full-Day Mesa Verde Discovery Tour: $206
How long should I spend in Durango?
The ideal length of time for a trip to Durango is two to three days. Since Durango has activities such as hiking, many visit for up to three days.
If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Durango? and Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Durango?.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.