Colorado Getaways: Summer in Durango, CO
Nestled in the San Juan Mountains in southwestern Colorado, Durango boasts cool mountain nights and offers an escape from the heat! Daytime adventures are yours to make memories and her are 10 ideas to tempt you and help you plan this summer’s Durango vacation!
1. Old West Heritage. Step back in time and bring the Wild West to life. There’s plenty to choose from: Bar D Chuckwagon, History Hunt self-guided walking tour, Animas Museum, Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum, dude ranches, Durango Discovery Museum, Southern Ute Cultural Center, gunfight and carriage rides at the Strater Hotel, historic hotel tours and so much more!
2. Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. Ride a historic steam train through the remote wilderness to the mining town of Silverton. Explore the wilderness with a hike from the Needleton stop or ride the train to Soaring Tree Top Adventures. Treat the family to the Dinosaur Train™ running June 8, 9, 10, 14, 15 & 16. www.durangotrain.com
3. National Parks & Monuments. We are the gateway to culture and history: Mesa Verde National Park, Chimney Rock National Monument, archeological sites at Hovenweep and the Aztec Ruins, Four Corners National Monument, Southern Ute Cultural Center and Museum, and the Center for Southwest Studies.
4. Outdoor Recreation. From rafting the Animas River to mountain biking over 200 miles of single-track trails, zip lining, jeep tours and rock climbing to hiking, back packing, golfing mountain courses, horseback riding and paddle boarding. There is an adventure just out your door!
5. Arts & Culture. A hidden jewel in the arts world, Durango is home to over a dozen art galleries that carry treasures from Contemporary, Western and Southwestern art represented with sculptures, pottery, baskets, fine art photography and home furnishings. We are home to exceptional summer music festival, Music in the Mountains July 7 – 28. Enjoy outdoor public art, Tour of Carvings, the Melodrama at the Henry Strater Theatre, outdoor concerts, live music, and the Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College.
6. Outdoor Sportsman. Southwestern Colorado is a sportsman’s playground with hunting, guided hunting outfitters, pack trips, horseback riding, fly-fishing on the Animas River and on Vallecito Lake, 4×4 trails and jeep tours. Be inspired with a visit to the Durango Fish Hatchery and Wildlife Museum.
7. Affordable Luxury and Leisure. Choose from over 80 restaurants for fine and casual dining, three historic hotels, and 5 craft breweries for award winning local brews. Soak at Trimble Hot Springs, relax at a spa, stroll historic downtown for boutique shopping. Pamper yourself and enjoy affordable luxury and relaxation.
8. Discover Diverse Ecosystems. Nestled in the San Juan Mountain range, the surrounding area is collection of ecosystems and climates. The San Juan Skyway will tour you through mountain, alpine and high desert regions on a scenic 240-mile byway. For recreation on a pristine high mountain lake visit Vallecito Lake.
9. Agritourism. It’s an unforgettable rural experience in a breathtaking location; where vacation and agriculture meet. With the increased awareness of sustainability, health and understanding where food comes from, agritourism is a growing travel trend. The Durango area provides the perfect venue for agritourism: James Ranch farm tours, Linda’s Local Café, Honeyville, farm-to-table dinners, Farmer’s Markets, craft breweries and much more!
10. Special Events. Celebrate at our (almost) weekly summer festivals, parades and celebrations including: Coffee Fest, San Juan Brew Fest and Iron Horse Chef at the Durango Farmer’s Market, Animas River Days, Music in the Mountains, Fiesta Days, La Plata County Fair, Coffeefest, San Juan Brew Fest, Showcase of the Arts, Four Corners Bikers Rally, Salute to America, True West Railfest, Apple Days…
For information on planning a trip to Durango, and even more ideas, visit www.durango.org.
Colorado AvidGolfer is the state’s leading resource for golf and the lifestyle that surrounds it. It publishes eight issues annually and proudly delivers daily content via www.coloradoavidgolfer.com.
