Adventure Awaits in Durango, Colorado: Best Things to Do
Snuggled away in the San Juan Mountain Range is the tiny little cowboy town of Durango, Colorado. Unknown to many, this cute little town is picturesque, old-school Colorado. A pioneer village in the southwest of Colorado, Durango holds a quaint type of charm. But it’s not just the city that draws visitors to this little place near the four corners of the United States. No, there is a multitude of things to do in Durango, Colorado, for any type of traveler.
Whether traveling in winter or summer, the things you are going to need while you are traveling in Colorado are good boots! Good hiking boots or snow boots will make or break your trip to Colorado! Some of my favorite hiking boots are from Helly Hansen. They are decently priced hiking boots that have lasted me for years and are one of the top brands in the industry! My personal snow boots are from Columbia, and I am in love with them. I’ve had them for 2 years and wouldn’t trade them out for anything. They are warm and comfortable, and above all, I don’t feel as though they restrict my feet too much! Apart from Columbia, I’ll say it again: Helly Hansen also makes fantastic snow boots.
Are you looking for help planning your dream getaway? If you’re feeling overwhelmed by all the options on the internet or just don’t have the time to get into planning your dream trip – I really encourage you to check out my travel planning services! You can download my “How We Work” guide here – or submit your inquiry here!
SKI AT PURGATORY SKI RESORT
Obviously, one of the biggest draws to the Colorado mountains every year is the prospect of skiing and snow. There are many ski resorts in Colorado to choose from, but Purgatory has got to be one of my favorites. While you absolutely can go to Aspen or Vail and pay $200+ daily for lift tickets, spend the entire weekend waiting in line, and dealing with monstrous crowds… INSTEAD, you could go to Purgatory, where there is rarely a line except for holidays and weekends (and even that isn’t bad), and only pay $70-$110 for lift tickets. Just some suggestions, but I’ll see you on the slopes at Purg.
If you’re looking for professional ski gear that will keep you looking fly on the slopes and warm all around, none do it better than Helly Hansen. Additionally, Colombia, Oakley, and Giro are all great brands.
More To Explore in Colorado From the Boho Traveller
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Winter Holiday Ski Destinations: A Guide to Luxury Ski Resorts and Ski Destinations in the World
Dog Sledding Durango – A Barking Good Time!
TRY YOUR BEST AT DOG SLEDDING WITH DURANGO DOG RANCH
One of the best experiences I’ve ever had in Durango was Dog Sledding with Durango Dog Ranch. This family business, which has been running for 25 years, really knows what they are doing. Gretchen and Greg run a tight ship, and you can tell their animals are well-loved and taken care of.
When dog sledding, you get to meet your guides and each individual pup with a different personality. You get to help harness and set up your sled and even get the chance to drive behind the sled! This two-hour excursion through the San Juans is truly magical and will leave you thirsting for more.
Don’t think this is solely a winter activity! Tours run in the summer as well.
Make sure you book your reservation in advance!
VISIT THE HOT SPRINGS
There are several hot Spring options in and around Durango, Colorado. The Durango Hot Springs is in town, only 5 miles north of town and 15 miles south of Purgatory. However, if you are looking for the best in the area, I would have to recommend the Ouray Hot Springs or the Pagosa Hot Springs Spa and Resort.
The Ouray hot springs are about an hour and 45 minutes from Downtown Durango and about one hour from Purgatory Ski Resort. These mineral waters are naturally heated from the nearby Box Canyon. This hot spring, by far, has one of the best views of any hot spring I have ever experienced. I have dipped in Hot Springs all around the world, from the Blue Lagoon in Iceland to the valleys in Banos, Ecuador. Ouray Hot Springs has three large pools of varying temperatures.
There is a gym on-site if you want to get your pump in as well! But apart from that, the facilities are limited. The drive to Ouray is part of the Million Dollar Highway (see below!), and it’s definitely an adventure worth taking. At the time of this writing, it cost $18 for entrance.
Pagosa Hot Springs and Spa takes a bit of a different approach. Pagosa Hot Springs is more of a Spa/Resort type feeling and it definitely exudes luxury. With boardwalks between different pools, an adults-only area, and a walk-up bar in the center of all the pools, this Hot Spring definitely caters to the bougie. Each pool is like a mini hot tub for you and your friends traveling with you, and each tub has a different temperature. Prices are a bit more expensive for Pagosa, with packages starting at $35.
TAKE A HIKE ON ONE OF THE MANY BEAUTIFUL TRAILS THE SAN JUAN MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK HAS TO OFFER
During the summer, the ski slopes melt away, and you are left with beautiful scenery and thousands of amazing trails to hike. In town, the most simple and easy hike to access is the Animas Trail Hike (5 Minutes outside of town). A few of my other favorite hikes are the Canyon of The Ancients, and if you’re really looking for a go-getter intense mama hike, the Engineer Mountain trail is sure to test your trekking skills. As always make sure you are practicing standard mountain safety. This includes making sure you have enough water on you, leaving no trace, and carrying bear spray and an air horn!
THINGS TO DO IN DURANGO? TAKE A RIDE ON THE SILVERTON STEAMTRAIN
The Durango Silverton Steam Train has been in operation since 1882 to carry both goods and passengers up the mountain with some spectacular views at hand! The train runs all summer long for your pleasure and also runs during the Snowdown Festival on the first weekend of February. This steam train ride is definitely worth the ride. Check it out while you are in Durango for amazing photo opportunities and create a fun adventure that is great for the whole family.
TOUR A DISPENSARY
Weed is legal in Colorado! Take a tour at one of the several dispensaries in town and see how the creation of the Devil’s Lettuce goes down. In the end, don’t feel pressured to buy anything, but I’ve heard the gummy bears are nice!
CREATE A GLASSTERPIECE (GLASS MASTERPIECE) AT THE GLASS-BLOWING SHOP DOWNTOWN
Sick of skiing and the cold? Get creative and create an interesting work of art at Get Fused! Glass studio in Durango. Furthermore, my mom and I have made this a traditional activity in Durango that we do every year while visiting in January. In the last two years, we have made fun and unique cheese plates!
Get Fused!
600 Main Ave. Durango, CO
EAT AT ONE OF THE MANY RESTAURANTS DURANGO HAS TO OFFER
Shockingly enough, this little cowboy town has an interesting claim to fame. 2018 announced that Durango has more restaurants per capita than any other US city. Even more than San Francisco!
Gazpacho
Durango Diner
Himalayan Kitchen
Fired Up Pizzeria
Diamond Belle Saloon
Mahogany Grille
Steamworks Brewing Company
TAKE A DRIVE ON THE MILLION DOLLAR HIGHWAY
The famous Ski resort of Telluride is only 50 miles away from Durango. To get there, you simply have to take a drive on the million-dollar highway! I say simply, but this is not actually the case. The million-dollar highway is a winding route and is a part of US 550. It is also known as the San Juan Skyway. It is called the Million Dollar Highway because, for each mile they built, it cost them a million dollars.
The Highway has stunning scenery but can be a little tumultuous. If you are afraid of heights, you might want to avoid them, as the cliff drop-off is relatively frightening. The road leads you through Silverton, Ouray, and eventually to Telluride!
UNFORTUNATELY, AS RABBIE BURNS ONCE WROTE, EVEN THE BEST-LAID PLANS OF MICE AND MEN OFTEN GO AWRY. THAT IS WHY WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND TAKING OUT TRAVEL INSURANCE TO COVER ALL EVENTUALITIES. OUR PARTNER, TRAVEL INSURED, IS OUR PREFERRED VENDOR FOR OUR CLIENT AND PERSONAL TRAVELS.
