Durango, Colorado, has no shortage of activities to enjoy and sights to see. No matter your interests, from hiking to the performance arts, it can be found nearby.
One of the first things newcomers to the area should do is take a drive on the San Juan Skyway and Million Dollar Highway. The views are stunning and representative of the beauty that can be found in every corner of Durango. Most of the drive takes place in San Juan National Forest, where you can catch sight of birds, wildlife, and waterfalls, and you’ll pass numerous Native American sites and old mining towns. You will also pass through several nearby towns, including Telluride, known for its skiing, Ouray, and Cortez.
Don’t forget to visit Chimney Rock, an ancient Puebloan site surrounded by the Southern Ute reservation. The landmark has been well-preserved and is a great location to see beautiful vistas as well as learn about the history of the area’s Native American tribes.
Make time to visit the Four Corners. Located in the Navajo Nation, it is the only point in the United States where four states intersect – Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, and Colorado – and you can stand in all four at once. It’s a popular photo opportunity, but once you’ve marveled over that, the Navajo nation has tables set up featuring handcrafted goods made in the traditional styles, as well as foods from their heritage so that you can learn more about the tribe’s culture.
Colorado is home to a number of outdoor sports, from whitewater rafting down the Animas River and hiking through Mesas Verde National Park during the summer to skiing in the nearby mountains.
Durango is also home to a number of annual festivals and special events that bring all the residents together. Summer brings the True West Rodeo, dedicated to preserving and celebrating Western ranching roots, and the Taste of Durango Street Festival, where the best restaurants, breweries, and more come together to celebrate the cuisine that has evolved from Colorado’s unique mix of cultures while raising money for local non-profit organizations. In winter, take a ride on the Polar Express, a train ride based on the famous holiday story of the same name. It’s fun for the whole family and a great way to see the landscape bathed in sparkly white snow.