Durango (Colorado)



Durango is a town in the southwestern part of the Rocky Mountains state of Colorado.

Understand
Durango is perhaps most famous for the historic narrow gauge railroad that connects Durango with Silverton. It is the largest town in southwest Colorado with a population of about 16,000. The people in Durango are very friendly and down to earth. Durango is a short drive from the Four Corners, where New Mexico, Arizona, Utah and Colorado meet. The surrounding landscape of Durango is diverse, spanning from red sandstone bluffs of the Animas River Valley to jagged peaks of the San Juan Mountains, a few of which rise to elevations over 14,000 feet. Durango is 6,512 feet above sea level.

History
Durango has a long, rich history. The city was founded in 1880 by the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad. By July 1882, tracks to Silverton were completed and the train began transporting both freight and passengers. The laborers were paid an average of $2.25/day. The Durango-Silverton Railroad was built to haul silver and gold ore, but passengers soon started to really appreciate the view. The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad continues to be a favorite attraction on a Colorado sightseeing vacation.

Many of the buildings in historic downtown Durango were constructed with stone and brick due to a city ordinance enacted after a fire in 1889, which damaged several blocks along Main Avenue. The Diamond Belle Saloon at the Strater Hotel opened its doors in 1957, and it has a bullet hole in the far east drawer behind the bar.

Several well-known movies have been made in Durango, including Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, City Slickers, Cliffhanger, National Lampoon’s Vacation, Night Passage, Ticket to Tomahawk, Around the World in Eighty Days, How the West Was Won, and Tracker.

Climate
Durango’s climate is fairly moderate in summer, with typical summer daytime highs in the 70s/80s (°F), and nighttime lows in the 50s.

By car
The town is well connected by highways from all major compass points, but some care should be taken if driving here from the east via US Highway 160. This spectacular highway crosses high Wolf Creek Pass (nice ski area nearby) east of Durango, in an area that receives a great deal of snowfall, and is often closed for a time during the winter.

Get around
Durango has many rental car agencies, a luxury motor-coach company, local taxi service, local buses and a downtown trolley. Durango is a small quaint town easy to get around on foot or bike.

Another great way to get around town is on the Durango "T."

For the outdoor enthusiast, entrance to Durango's trail network, designed for all abilities and skill levels, is only a short walk or hike away.

Driving is also an excellent way to get to enjoy the scenery of the southwest. Durango has more than 1,000 public metered parking spaces for your convenience.

Do
Durango’s setting and rich history make it a great vacation spot with an endless variety of activities and attractions.



Buy
Durango has over 500 retail stores offering everything from outdoor gear for your camping trip, to southwestern art and homespun honey. Main Avenue in downtown Durango is a well-known shopping area.



Eat
Durango has many award-winning restaurants. The food is delicious as many of the dishes include some of Durango's locally grown food, like beef, wild game, honey, fish, and cheeses. It has several authentic Mexican restaurants.



Go next

 * Vallecito Lake is located 23 miles northeast of Durango. It offers fishing, boating, hiking trails and horseback riding in the summer. Hunting for elk and deer is also available with fully equipped guide services.
 * Mesa Verde National Park makes a reasonable day trip from Durango.
 * San Juan Skyway is a 236-mile journey through southwestern Colorado that connects the towns of Durango, Silverton, Ouray, Telluride and Cortez.