The town of Durango, Colorado, at an elevation of 6,512 feet, came to life in 1881 when the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad reached the area. The town served as a supply and transportation hub for the nearby mining communities of the San Juan Mountains. Today that railroad’s successor, the restored and operational Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad carries visitors who come to ride the classic, turn-of-the-century steam trains (888-872-4607 for reservations). The town is the largest for over 100 miles in any direction and serves as a gateway to the scenery and activities of Southwest Colorado.
Attractions and activities include: jeep tours, hot-air balloon rides, rafting, kayaking, mountain biking, hiking, horseback rides, hunting, fishing, backcountry and mining tours, golf, rock climbing, museums, galleries, shopping, archeological sites, historic and Native American culture and history, and skiing & snowboarding in the wintertime. The downtown area includes the restored train depot, the historic Victorian Strater Hotel, and other old buildings converted to shops and restaurants.
