10 best things to do in Durango, Colorado

Durango, located in the southwestern Colorado Rockies, may be one of the state's lesser-known towns, but it is ideal for history buffs, offering plenty of Wild West charm along with its Main Street, as well as the chance to board a historic steam train. Outdoor adventurers love it too, with everything from whitewater rafting and kayaking to mountain biking, hiking, skiing and ice climbing in the Alps off the beaten track.

Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Credit: Woody H1 Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, Durango, Colorado

Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad (Hotels nearby)

Visiting Durango offers the opportunity to travel back in time over 130 years by hopping aboard this historic steam train. If it sounds familiar, perhaps it was in the 1969 film, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. The circa 1882 steam-powered, coal-fired train was purpose-built to handle the narrow mountain routes, running at 18 miles per hour as it climbs the steep and magnificent mountain passes between Durango and Silverton, 45 miles north.

The small, picturesque town of Silverton is nestled between two rugged San Juan mountain passes, Red Mountain and Molas, as if it were in Alaska. It boasts an impressive National Historic District with a number of interesting places to visit, including the San Juan County Historical Society, housed in the old county jail, as well as the Mayflower Gold Mill National Historic Site and the old gold mine.

Explore the historic centre Credit: Wikimedia Commons Downtown Durango

Explore Downtown (Hotels Nearby)

Downtown Durango is where the Southwest meets the Old West. You'll find modern amenities amidst the many historical attractions woven throughout the area. The main streets are lined with award-winning restaurants, fabulous museums, shops and art galleries. While the elegant parlours of the Victorian era have Wi-Fi these days, you'll notice that the cosy atmosphere of the Old West has remained as strong as ever. Enjoy a drink in one of the saloons or beer gardens, check out historic sites and buy local produce in unique shops.

Walk or cycle the Animas River Trail Credit: Daveynin Animas River Trail

Walking or cycling the Animas River Trail (Hotels nearby)

The Animas River Trail starts at Animas City Park and runs for seven miles along the Animas River. There are great spots to watch the Narrow Gauge Railroad pass by on all sides, with eight trains running along it every day. Locals and visitors enjoy waiting for it to arrive to take that postcard photo. Hikers can simply enjoy the scenic beauty of the river and its lush surroundings. Enjoy people watching, picnicking on the river banks or fishing: the entire length of the river along the trail is accessible and the Animas provide ideal habitat for rainbow and brown trout.

Kayak, tube or raft on the Animas River Credit: Wesley Fryer Rafting on the Animas River

Kayak, tube or raft on the Animas River (Hotels nearby)

The river that flows through Durango also offers opportunities for water activities such as tubing, rafting and kayaking. In fact, it is known for some of the best rafting and kayaking in the state. The Animas River stretches 126 miles and is an arm of the San Juan River. The Upper Animas offers incredible white water - when the water level is high in early to mid-June, it provides non-stop Class IV action that is only for experts looking for big thrills, but once the river drops in late June and July the intensity drops dramatically and is suitable for anyone who wants to enjoy it. The Lower Animas is gentler, ideal for tubing during the hot summer months. You will find a number of places to rent tubes in Durango, along with providers offering both rafting and kayaking.

Take the Scenic Chairlift at Purgatory Resort Credit: www.purgatoryresort.com Chairlift at Purgatory Resort

Take the scenic chairlift to Purgatory Resort (Hotels nearby)

Only 25 miles north of downtown is Purgatory Resort, located within the spectacular San Juan Mountains among glaciers that were carved thousands of years ago. The summer months are ideal for a scenic chairlift ride to take in some of the most breathtaking views in southwestern Colorado. But that's not all there is to do in the warmer months, in fact, there is so much that it would be impossible to fit it all in one day. There's an alpine slide that you can go down after taking the chairlift, zip line rides, a climbing wall, miniature golf, a ropes course and a new summer track with more lanes.

Ski Purgatory Resort Credit: facebook.com Ski Purgatory Resort

Ski Purgatory Resort (Hotels nearby)

During the winter, Purgatory attracts skiers and snowboarders from around the world to glide down the steep trails that receive an annual snowfall of 260 inches while admiring the breathtaking views of the San Juan Mountain Range. The mountain has 10 lifts that can take you to 85 groomed slopes that stretch over 40 miles, with about a quarter for beginners, half for intermediates and the rest for experts. With over 1,700 skiable acres and such a wide variety of trails and slopes, with fewer visitors than most other Colorado ski resorts, Purgatory was named the second least crowded ski area in North America.

Enjoy a Chuckwagon dinner at Bar D Credit: Bar D Chuckwagon Suppers Bar D Chuckwagon Dinner

Enjoy a Chuckwagon dinner at Bar D (Hotels nearby)

The Bar D Ranch is considered one of Durango's best attractions, offering the chance to step back in time to the Old West, complete with delicious chuckwagon dinners as cowboys often enjoyed themselves around the campfire after a long day of riding. Back then, they would gather by the campfire eating their meals while swapping tales, telling jokes and singing postcard songs. Bar D offers a similar experience that is complemented by musical and comedy performances and lively dancing. There is also a wide range of activities, such as a mini train ride and playground for the little ones, hay rides, gold panning, horseshoes, roping and hiking on nature trails. The facility also houses an ice cream and java café, a chocolate shop, a gift gallery, a blacksmith shop, a leather shop, a record shop and a cowboy chapel for weddings.

Pinkerton Hot Springs Credit: Daveynin Pinkerton Hot Springs

Pinkerton Hot Springs (Nearby hotels)

When you visit Durango, you can also experience one of the world's most incredible natural wonders: the Pinkerton Hot Springs. While there are plenty of hot springs across the San Juan Mountains, this fascinating place is one not to be missed because of its unique history. It began as a stream of water that used to seep down the hill and travellers began to stop and visit. After creating a traffic hazard, the Colorado Department of Transportation decided to redirect the water from the spring into a concrete structure that was soon covered with mineral deposits, creating the red-coloured rock pile structure that visitors see today. The water from these springs was also said to offer medicinal healing properties, "attracting people from all over to bathe in it, or drink the water in search of a cure. The water is a steamy 95 to 105 degrees Fahrenheit, so be careful if you want to touch it.

Catch a Performance at the Henry Strater Theater Credit: Henry Strater Theatre Henry Strater Theater

Catch a Performance at the Henry Strater Theater (Hotels nearby)

Formerly known as the Diamond Circle Theatre, the renovated Henry Strater Theatre is one of America's oldest and most prestigious theatres still in operation. It has been hosting shows and other events for more than half a century, operating year-round as a place where the community can gather to enjoy a variety of entertainment. Many of the performances take audiences back in time to the Old West, with cowboy poetry, music, skits and old-fashioned singing. The beautiful theatre was named one of the "best places in the United States of America" ââ by National Geographic, not only for its impressive shows, but for its exquisite Victorian décor.

Explore the Animas Museum Credit: The Animas Museum The Animas Museum

Explore The Animas Museum (Hotels nearby)

If you want to learn more about the history of the area, be sure to visit the Animas Museum, housed in a 1904 school building. It houses a variety of exhibitions, photo archives and an extensive research library. One of the highlights is a reproduction of an early 20th century classroom, with high ceilings and large double-walled windows, slate blackboards, richly decorated desks and even old school lights. The permanent collection displays an impressive assortment of locally produced beads, pottery, wickerwork and weavings. The museum also hosts a series of visitor programmes and walking tours of Durango's historic centre.