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Things to do in Durango, Colorado

Our most recommended things to do in Durango, Colorado

Durango: Round-Trip Train Ticket to Silverton

1. Durango: Round-Trip Train Ticket to Silverton

Escape into the stunning mountains of the San Juan National Forest with a round-trip, first-class train ticket from Durango to Silverton. Take in unforgettable views of the Animas River Gorge, Horseshoe Curve, High Bridge, San Juan National Forest, and more, from the comfort of a luxury train car. Depart the Durango Depot and into the mountains of the San Juan National Forest for a 3.5-hour train ride on the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. Get comfortable in your cozy train car on this iconic train, which has been running since 1882 through the untouched mountain terrain. Pass the Animas River Gorge, Horseshoe Curve, and High Bridge before arriving in the historic mining town of Silverton. Wander the town's quaint alcoves and learn about its rich history before returning to the train two hours later to head back to Durango.

Durango: La Plata Canyon Scenic Waterfalls Jeep Tour

2. Durango: La Plata Canyon Scenic Waterfalls Jeep Tour

Explore the majestic La Plata Mountains and Canyon near Durango, CO at some of the canyon’s most scenic and beautiful waterfalls. This is a mild scenic tour fun for the entire family who does not want to do the full four hour tour. Stop at 3 unique waterfalls for plenty of photo opportunities, as we climb higher into the canyon. The last waterfall stop is on private property accessible only to your tour operator. This stop gets you up close to a stunning 25-30ft waterfall with some old mining structures scattered around the base. The tour will reach around 10,000 feet above sea level and stop to take in the views. This is a great adventure for the entire family. All ages are welcome on this trip however car seats are not provided. NOTE: This tour does not go up to the top of Kennebec Pass and is a mild tour. You will board into an “Open-Air” vehicle (however we reserve the right to take a Jeep Wrangler if needed due to circumstances beyond our control). We will drive on the highway for approximately 20-25 minutes to the mouth of the canyon and from there we will start our tour into the canyon. It can get windy so if you get cold easily please bring a jacket or ask for one, we carry extra jackets and blankets but you may need to ask.

From Durango: Narrow Gauge Railroad & Ziplining with Dining

3. From Durango: Narrow Gauge Railroad & Ziplining with Dining

Discover a remote location in San Juan National Forest for a ziplining adventure from Durango or Rockwood. Travel on the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad in the first-class car and zipline through the trees before having lunch suspended over the Animas River. Start your day with an unforgettable journey on the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and ride in the first-class car through breathtaking mountainous scenery. Traverse the canyon and admire the Animas River roaring below you, famous for featuring in numerous films. Arrive at the remote location in the heart of the forest and be welcomed by the sky rangers who'll guide you through the basics of ziplining on a brief safety introduction. Learn about sustainability and preservation of this ponderosa pine forest and fly through the trees on 27 ziplines. After ziplining look forward to a delicious, four-course gourmet lunch served on a supended platform overlooking the Animas River. There are several dining options to choose from, all cooked by skilled chefs, including a vegetarian and children's menu. It is also possible to join this activity with your family without taking part in the ziplining adventure by choosing the option without ziplining at checkout. Take photos of your friends or loved ones as they go through the course and admire the picturesque scenery all around you. There are multiple options to choose from at checkout as you can choose your departure location and choose to include ziplining or not.

Private: Mesa Verde National Park Tour w/ Archaeology Guide

4. Private: Mesa Verde National Park Tour w/ Archaeology Guide

Come take a look into the lives of the Ancestral Pueblo peoples who made Mesa Verde their home for over 700 years, from 600 C.E. to 1300 C.E.! Experience some of the most notable and best-preserved cliff-dwelling ruins in the United States. Mesa Verde encompasses over 80 square miles and protects over 5,000 archaeological sites, including the famous Cliff Palace and nearly 600 cliff dwellings, some of which are more than 800 years old. When you book this tour you’ll sit back and relax while your experienced, knowledgeable archaeologist-trained guide takes you around the park. With their knowledge, you will be able to ask questions, read literature, and listen to your own tour of the park. Your first stop is the Mesa Verde visitor center where you can explore attractions on Chapin Mesa to include any combination of the following: -Park Point for a spectacular scenic view of the Four Corners landscape. See Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, and Colorado in a 360 view -Close up exploration of 12th and 13th-century mesa top sites at the Far View Village complex including Coyote Village and the Far View Great House -Museum area to view Spruce Tree House (3rd largest cliff dwelling in the park) from the Spruce Canyon trail overlooks -Driving tour of selected sites on the Mesa Top Loop to include short walks to the mesa top sites and canyon overlooks for views of the major cliff dwellings in the park including Cliff Palace and “downtown” Mesa Verde -Optional last stop at Far View Terrace for a refreshment break and souvenirs -NOTE: We do NOT go inside a cliff dwelling on this tour Why a Private Tour? For starters, we are the only company offering tours with archaeologist-trained guides. Preparation for your guided tour begins long before the tour starts. There are a lot of behind-the-scenes initiatives and activities carried out by the tour guide. Your guide is an archaeologist-trained subject matter expert requiring considerable training, education, research, and content knowledge on multiple topics with the ability to effectively communicate it to the guest. Along with intimate knowledge of the sites and resources, your guide possesses the communication skills, public speaking, and storytelling abilities to provide an enjoyable and memorable experience. The uniqueness of the Private Tour: Most aspects of the tour are customizable! Exclusivity – just your group; no one else Customized itinerary based on priority preferences – sightseeing, photos, education, etc. Flexibility in start time and tour length (up to 7.5 hours) example: start at 9:00 am vs 8:00 am Pick up at your location (within a 5-mile radius) Flexibility in last-minute changes. If your heart is set on entering a Cliff Dwelling this tour has that as an option, if discussed in advance. Step House will be open from May 1st to October Concierge-type role with recommendations for local restaurants and other attractions/activities

Durango: Animas River White Water Rafting Adventure

5. Durango: Animas River White Water Rafting Adventure

Enjoy a heart-pumping adventure in Durango on a guided whitewater rafting tour. Take on fun rapids of the Lower Animas River like Smelter, Sawmill, and Santa Rita which are perfect for families and first-time rafters. Get a snack and a drink with the longer rafting option. Start the adventure with a safety briefing and get paddling instructions from your certified guide. Then, it's time to hit the rapids. Ride with a group in a raft or float solo in an inflatable kayak. While maneuvering your raft down the Animas River, listen to the historical tales of the Wild West from your guide and learn about the area’s natural resources. When you get to the white water, splash your way through Smelter, Sawmill, Santa Rita, and Ponderosa Rapids. Choose from different tour lengths depending on the amount of time you want to spend on the water. If your schedule is limited, choose the 2.5-hour tour. If you have more time and want to go farther down the river, pick the 4.5-hour tour, which includes a stop for a drink and a snack.

Colorado: Million Dollar Highway Self-Driving Audio Tour

6. Colorado: Million Dollar Highway Self-Driving Audio Tour

Explore the Million Dollar Highway in Colorado with a self-driving audio tour. Start by downloading the Action Tour Guide app that will function as your personal guide, audio tour, and map all in one. Go at your own pace as you learn more about local history, the Gold Rush, and stunning natural landmarks with commentary developed by local guides, curated by creative writers, and narrated by professional voice artists Begin your self-guided tour in Durango, which was once little more than a ragtag railroad camp. Learn how it transition into the bustling town it is today. Continuing on, you’ll hear about Otto Mears, the entrepreneur who spearheaded the development of southern Colorado in the 1800s. One of the first major landmarks you’ll reach will be the Pinkerton Hot Springs, once believed to possess magical healing properties. After that, take the opportunity to see Baker’s Bridge, where Paul Newman and Robert Redford took their famous leap in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. Next is Haviland Lake, a pristine body of water framed by ponderosa pines and with a great mountain view. Continue past the lake, toward the breathtaking heights of Molas Pass, and hear all about the Gold Rush and the topography of these impressive mountains. Arrive in the town of Silverton, which was once a humble mining cam. This settlement has retained plenty of its old-timey charm. Around here, you can also detour to a beautiful hidden waterfall off the beaten path. Then, take a break along the shores of Crystal Lake, where you can try to spot some of the local wildlife. Then you’ll come to one of the highway’s most famous attractions, the 200-foot tall Bear Creek Falls. After admiring the cascades of the falls, travel towards the quaint town of Ouray. Featuring an ice park, a canyon full of great views and hikes, and a bustling historic district, there’s no shortage of activities and sights in this little town. Your tour then concludes at the Ouray Visitor Center.

Durango: 2-Seat KRX Kawasaki Teryx 1000 Rental

7. Durango: 2-Seat KRX Kawasaki Teryx 1000 Rental

Escape into Durango's backcountry in a 2-seater KRX Kawasaki Teryx 1000. Feel confident to take on the hardest trails in an ATV, side-by-side vehicle built for some of the world's toughest terrains. Marvel at some of Colorado's untouched landscape — only accessible with an off-road vehicle — for 2, 4, or 5 hours. To begin your unforgettable adventure, make your own way to the meeting point, where all trails depart. Once there, meet your local host, who will get you equipped and ready to go. Receive maps and recommendations for your trip to maximize your time. Then, hop in your rental and set off on your thrilling off-road exploration through breathtaking scenery. Follow the mapped trails or go your own way with the assistance and safety features of GPS tracking, which will get help to you in no time should you run into any trouble.

From Durango: Guided ATV Tour to Scotch Creek and Bolam Pass

8. From Durango: Guided ATV Tour to Scotch Creek and Bolam Pass

Choose your ride and take off on an adventure through Durango’s backcountry. Along the way, stop to spot local wildlife and learn about the area's history. Depending on your preferences and group size, choose to drive an all-terrain vehicle (ATV), a side-by-side sports vehicle (RZR), or a utility-terrain vehicle (UTV). After a quick lesson and safety briefing, you're ready to start your backroad adventure. Drive over various terrains with time for plenty of stops at historic sites, scenic waterfalls, and trail viewpoints. Enjoy Scotch Creek and Bolam Pass the way they were mean to be explored – off the beaten path. All guided tours operate under strict Stay the Trail and Leave No Trace principles.

From Durango: Animas River Whitewater Rafting

9. From Durango: Animas River Whitewater Rafting

No trip to Southwest Colorado is complete without a rafting trip on the famous Animas River. Get wet and wild on this fun adventure perfect for adults and children alike. Hit the water with professionally trained and experienced guides, allowing you to safely enjoy your trip even if you have no previous rafting experience. Choose between a 2.5 hour or 4.5 hour trip, allowing you to decide how much time you want to spend on the water! Meet at the arrival point where you will be given all the necessary equipment and an in-depth briefing on rafting procedures and safety precautions. Then get transported down to the river and hop onto a raft and set off down Animas River, which is known for its whitewater sports and is not to be missed. If you choose the 2.5 hour trip, you'll enjoy 1 to 1.5 hours on the water and class or if you choose the 4.5 hour trip, you'll enjoy about 2.5 hours on the water. You'll have a chance to explore the river, searching for wildlife, swimming and admiring the views of Downtown Durango and the natural beauty of Southwest Colorado from the river. See historical Old West landmarks and hear stories about the early days of Durango. All Durango rafting tours include mild class I, II rapids as well as exciting class III rapids at Durango’s famous Santa Rita Whitewater Park.

Durango: La Plata Canyon Exclusive Access Jeep Tour

10. Durango: La Plata Canyon Exclusive Access Jeep Tour

Come and experience the La Plata Canyon tour also known as “Kennebec Pass”. This tour will take you up to 12,000 feet at or near the tree line. You'll get to see the amazing geology of how this canyon was carved out by ancient glaciers leaving the beautiful canyon along the way. You'll also have a chance to see wildlife such as deer, bears, marmots, birds, elk, and maybe even the elusive mountain lion. All of which have been spotted on our tours. La Plata Canyon is 20 minutes west of Durango, Colorado, and has a history of old Ghost Towns and plenty of old mines to chat about along the way. An absolute bucket list item! When you book this trip you get access to private areas no other company can access. We can take you to our private 25-foot waterfall that sits on an old mining claim from the early 1900s. Our Jeep trail tours are the best in the area! On our Jeep Tours, you will board our “open-air” vehicle (however, we reserve the right to take a Jeep Wrangler if needed) and head into the “crown jewel” of the San Juan Mountains. Our tours are the perfect way to make the most out of your day with our half-day adventure, leaving the other half of the day for one of our many other adventures like rafting down the mighty Animas River.

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What people are saying about Durango, Colorado

Overall rating

4.5 / 5

based on 22 reviews

Beautiful scenery.... looks different in each direction. Was grey and wet but didn't spoil the trip. The only thing that could have made it better was being a few weeks later when the trees were changing colors

This was a great experience for me and my partner. The “Tall Timber Legend” privet car, where we got seats, is very nice and comfortable.

It was a very interesting trip! We enjoyed the company on the train and had a good time at Silverton!

This was an awesome train ride. The scenery was amazing and the staff were very friendly.

The scenery was stunning. It was a really fun trip.