Rediscovering Durango: 9 Activities for an Amazing Adventure

Durang is our favorite little gem nestled in the southwestern pocket of Colorado. We’ve rolled our RV into this town more times than we can count, both as a duo seeking adventure and later with our little one in tow.

If you’re looking for a place where the Old West meets new-age charm (with a side of craft beer), buckle up. You’re in for a ride.

A Snapshot of Durango

Founded in 1880 by the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad, Durango was named after Durango, Mexico—because apparently, one Durango wasn’t enough. With a population hovering around 19,000, it’s a small town with a big personality.

The Animas River cuts through the city—its name means “River of Souls,” which sounds both enchanting and mildly ominous.

Demographically, Durango is a mix of outdoor enthusiasts, college students from Fort Lewis College, and folks who think owning multiple flannel shirts is a personality trait. The median age is around 31, so either we’re getting older, or everyone else is just getting younger.

The town boasts a rich history rooted in mining and the railroad, which you can still experience today—minus the risk of black lung.

1. Ride the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad

Address: 479 Main Ave, Durango, CO 81301
Price: Adults from $99, children from $65 (prices vary based on seating class)
Durango Vibes: Historic, scenic, and a tad sooty

There’s something about chugging along in a vintage steam train that makes you question why we ever moved past coal. We embarked on this journey with our little one, opting for one of the high-end cars to make the experience as comfortable as possible.

The ride to Silverton offers jaw-dropping views of the San Juan Mountains, the kind that make you momentarily forget about your email inbox.

The train itself is a moving museum—wooden interiors, the sound of the whistle echoing through canyons, and the occasional soot smudge on your face add to the authenticity.

Silverton is a quaint town where the Wild West vibe is so strong, you half-expect a tumbleweed to roll by. Sharing this experience as a family made it even more memorable.

Safety Concerns:

Hold onto your hats—literally. The open-air gondola cars offer the best views but come with cinders flying about. Maybe skip the white shirt unless you’re into the speckled look. Also, keep an eye on little ones around the open windows.

2. Stroll Along the Animas River Trail

Address: Access points throughout Durango; main trailhead at Rotary Park, 1565 E 2nd Ave, Durango, CO 81301
Price: Free (unless you count the ice cream bribes)
Durango Vibes: Relaxed, scenic, family-friendly

The Animas River Trail is a seven-mile pathway that meanders alongside the river. We’ve walked this trail more times than we’d like to admit. It’s stroller-friendly, which is code for “parents, this is your safe haven.”

The trail is perfect for people-watching. You’ll see cyclists who clearly take it too seriously, joggers who make you feel guilty about your life choices, and families just like ours, attempting to enjoy nature while managing mood swings.

Safety Concerns:

Watch out for overzealous cyclists who think they’re training for the Tour de France. Stay in your lane, folks.

3. Explore Mesa Verde National Park

Address: Mesa Verde National Park, CO 81330 (About 35 miles west of Durango)
Price: $20 per vehicle (may vary by season)
Durango Vibes: Historical, awe-inspiring, slightly humbling

Visiting Mesa Verde is like stepping into a time machine set to “impress.” The ancient cliff dwellings built by the Ancestral Puebloans are a sight to behold. We decided to make this a grown-up excursion—steep ladders and unpredictable nap schedules aren’t the best mix.

Touring the dwellings, we couldn’t help but marvel at the architectural prowess from over 700 years ago. It made us wonder if our own DIY home projects are really that impressive (spoiler: they’re not).

Safety Concerns:

Steep climbs, narrow passages, and high elevations. Not recommended for those with a fear of heights or an aversion to physical activity.

4. Raft the Animas River

Address: Various outfitters; we went with Mild to Wild Rafting & Jeep Tours, 50 Animas View Dr, Durango, CO 81301
Price: Around $60 per person for a half-day trip
Durango Vibes: Exhilarating, wet, and slightly chilly

We traded our parenting hats for helmets and life jackets to tackle the Lower Animas River. The rapids are classified as Class II and III, which means they’re fun but won’t have you questioning your life choices. The scenery? Stunning. The water temperature? Let’s just say it wakes you up better than a double espresso.

Our guide was a local who knew the river like the back of his hand—and had jokes that were as dry as the Colorado climate. By the end, we were soaked, exhilarated, and contemplating a career change.

Safety Concerns:

Listen to your guide, wear your life jacket, and maybe don’t attempt a selfie in the middle of a rapid.

5. Drive the Million Dollar Highway

Address: U.S. Route 550 between Durango and Ouray
Price: Free (gas money not included)
Durango Vibes: Breathtaking, slightly terrifying, Instagram-worthy

They say it’s called the Million Dollar Highway because of its views or the cost to build it—or maybe because that’s what you’d pay not to drive off the edge. The road has sheer drop-offs with no guardrails, which adds a dash of adrenaline to your sightseeing.

We made the drive sans little one, mainly because the phrase “Are we there yet?” loses its charm after the 27th time. The vistas are unparalleled: mountains that touch the sky, valleys that seem to go on forever, and enough photo ops to fill your cloud storage.

Safety Concerns:

Sharp curves, steep cliffs, and unpredictable weather. Keep your eyes on the road and maybe save the gawking for designated pull-offs.

6. Dine at The Ore House

Address: 147 E College Dr, Durango, CO 81301
Price: Entrées range from $25 to $50
Durango Vibes: Rustic elegance with a side of steak

Date night alert! The Ore House is one of Durango’s oldest and finest restaurants. We booked a sitter and indulged in a meal that didn’t involve cutting someone else’s food. The steaks are mouthwatering, and the ambiance makes you feel fancy without needing to mortgage your house.

The staff is knowledgeable, perhaps a bit too eager to explain the origin story of your asparagus, but hey, that’s fine dining for you.

Safety Concerns:

You might slip into a food coma. Proceed with dessert at your own risk.

7. Sip Craft Beer at Ska Brewing Co.

Address: 225 Girard St, Durango, CO 81303
Price: Pints around $5–$7
Durango Vibes: Laid-back, hoppy, and slightly hipster

Because nothing says “vacation” like sampling local brews. We took turns enjoying Ska Brewing’s eclectic selection. Their IPAs are fantastic, and the atmosphere is so relaxed that time seems to slow down—a rare luxury.

Food trucks often park outside, offering everything from tacos to gourmet grilled cheese. It’s the perfect spot to unwind after a day of exploring.

Safety Concerns:

Watch your step—the only thing higher than the ABV is the altitude.

8. Visit the Durango Fish Hatchery and Wildlife Museum

Address: 151 E 16th St, Durango, CO 81301
Price: Free (donations appreciated)
Durango Vibes: Educational, family-friendly, fishy (in a good way)

In an attempt to introduce our little one to the concept of wildlife beyond squirrels and cartoon characters, we visited the fish hatchery. Surprisingly, it was a hit. Feeding the fish became an event, and we enjoyed the low-key environment.

The small museum offers insight into local wildlife, and the hatchery allows you to feed the fish. It’s simple, it’s free, and it’s a pleasant way to spend a morning.

Safety Concerns:

Keep an eye on little ones near the fish ponds unless you want to test if they can doggy paddle.

9. Soak at Trimble Spa & Natural Hot Springs

Address: 6475 County Rd 203, Durango, CO 81301
Price: Adults $17 (prices may vary)
Durango Vibes: Relaxing, rejuvenating, slightly sulfuric

After days of hiking, rafting, and pretending we’re more athletic than we are, a soak in natural hot springs sounded heavenly. We made this a adults-only excursion—the perfect opportunity to unwind without keeping an eye on a tiny human.

The pools at Trimble Spa are mineral-rich and muscle-relaxing. The setting is serene, with mountain views that remind you why you put up with the smell of sulfur.

Safety Concerns:

Water temperatures vary; make sure you’re comfortable and stay hydrated.

Our Basecamp: Oasis Durango RV Resort

Our home away from home, the Oasis Durango RV Resort, offers full hookups and amenities that make RV life feel less like camping and more like glamping. The staff is friendly, the sites are spacious, and they have Wi-Fi that actually works—a rarity in the RV world.

Pro Tip: Mountain Magic: 5 RV Parks in Durango You Can’t Miss

Is Durango Safe?

In all our visits, we’ve found Durango to be as safe as any small town can be. Downtown is well-lit and walkable, and we’ve never felt uneasy, even during our late-night ice cream runs.

As with any place, basic common sense goes a long way. Lock your vehicles, don’t leave valuables in plain sight, and perhaps don’t invite wildlife into your RV for a sleepover.

Weather in Durango: When to Visit

Durango enjoys all four seasons in full display. Summers are warm with average highs around 85°F (29°C), perfect for outdoor adventures. Winters bring snowfall and average highs of 40°F (4°C), turning the area into a winter wonderland.

Spring and fall are our favorite times to visit. The weather is mild, the crowds are thinner, and the changing foliage adds a splash of color that’s simply breathtaking.