Durango: Nature Trails, Culture and Railroad History

Durango combines diverse nature trails with a distinctive railroad and urban history. For families looking to bring different interests together, the town offers opportunities for exercise, museums, exhibitions and historical discovery. When choosing a vacation rental in Durango, it helps to organize your preferred daily activities early: Should walks along the river, culture or outdoor activities be the main focus?

Nature Trails Between the River, Parks and Open Spaces

Durango’s nature trails are open to multiple non-motorized uses. These include mountain biking, hiking, trail running, dog walking, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. This makes it possible to plan active days in different ways without committing to just one form of exercise.

An important point of orientation is the paved Animas River Trail. The shared-use path runs for just under 7 miles through the Animas River Greenway. It provides access to parks, open spaces and other nature trails in Durango, as well as the recreation center, public library, Downtown Durango, residential neighborhoods and schools. In Downtown Durango, you can also walk along the Animas River. Those looking for accommodation can consider these destinations when planning their days without limiting their vacation to a single activity.

The Fort Lewis Trail System also offers its own selection of options. It can be reached via Chapman Hill, the Skysteps or access points around the Fort Lewis College campus. In summer, trail running, mountain biking and birdwatching are possible there. Chapman Hill Ski Area is a seven-acre downhill skiing area with two lifts and 25 ski runs. This means that Durango offers both summer nature experiences and a documented winter sports program within the town.

Discover Historic Places and Museums

Durango’s cultural offerings range from railroad history to regional art. The D&SNG Museum presents the history of railroads, transportation and mining. During business hours, the museum offers tours by prior arrangement. The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is also a National Historic Landmark and operates year-round. From early May through October, it carries passengers to Silverton and back. These details help with the timing of a trip without treating every season the same.

Downtown Durango is a historic district listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The Animas Museum, located in the former Animas City School, is also rich in history. The three-story sandstone building was constructed in 1904–1905 and has been listed in both the National Register of Historic Places and the Colorado State Register of Historic Properties since April 23, 2019.

The Durango Fish Hatchery offers further unusual insights and is considered the oldest state fish hatchery in Colorado. A building constructed at the facility in 1927 now houses the Wildlife Museum. Admission to the exhibition gallery at the Center of Southwest Studies is free; a donation of $5 is recommended. The Durango Arts Center hosts an average of 25 exhibitions per year in the Barbara Conrad, Art Library and Entrada/Arriba Gallery spaces. The exhibitions include special events, workshops, demonstrations, lectures and film screenings.

Technology History as a Distinctive Feature

Durango has another distinctive cultural venue in The Powerhouse. It is housed in Durango’s national historic, coal-fired, steam-powered alternating-current power plant. Together with the historic downtown, museums and railroad, it forms a destination where active days and thematic discoveries can be planned alongside one another.

The Right Vacation Rental for Your Travel Plans

When searching for a vacation rental in Durango, it is worth choosing a location based on your personal priorities. Those planning to visit the Animas River Trail and Downtown can take these points into account when selecting a base. For a culture-focused stay, the D&SNG Museum, the Animas Museum, the Durango Arts Center, The Powerhouse and the historic railroad are the main attractions. Those who want to spend more time outdoors in summer can also include the Fort Lewis Trail System and the nature trails.

Durango is therefore well suited to travel plans with a changing rhythm: walks and nature trails can alternate with exhibitions, museums or railroad history. As additional destinations on the regional overview, you can view Ignacio, Hesperus and Bayfield.

For the overarching travel overview: La Plata.