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Durango, Colorado
Durango was born as a railroad town more than a century ago. As thousands of visitors take a journey back in time aboard the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad each summer, it looks like it's still a railroad town today! And as one of the world's top mountain biking centers, Durango also offers hundreds of miles of backcountry trails to cycling enthusiasts. For scenery lovers, the changing seasons prove this to be an area of infinite variety. Durango was founded in 1880 when the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad line was extended to Silverton to haul precious metals from high-country mines. When mine production began to wane in the early 1900s, the city fell on hard times. Over the years, though, large numbers of cottage industries and small retail shops have flourished as the local economy has shifted to tourism and education. Purgatory (now the Durango Mountain Resort) ski resort opened in 1965 and still remains a great place for winter activities. In the summer, vacationers can indulge in river rafting, fishing, golfing, hiking and backpacking, cattle drives, and of course mountain biking. Local riders have even taken home medals in the World Mountain Bike Championships and have competed in the Olympic Games. After a hard day on the mountain, treat yourself to a beautiful drive along the San Juan Skyway. With views like you'll find around Durango, however, a simple picnic lunch might be the best part of your vacation.

Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge railroad — The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad winds through spectacular & breathtaking canyons in the remote wilderness of the two-million acre San Juan National Forest for an unforgettable year-round adventure. Experience the adventure of traveling by a coal-fired, steam-powered locomotive on the same tracks miners, cowboys and settlers of the Old West took over a century ago. Relive history with the sights and sounds of yesteryear for a truly spectacular journey on board the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad.

Durango Mountain Resort — Durango Mountain Resort offers a complete Rocky Mountain winter vacation, perfect for families and groups, experts, intermediates and beginners alike because of their spectacular location, world class ski and snowboard terrain on Purgatory Mountain, a multitude of activities including tubing, sleigh rides, snowmobiling, snowcat trips, kids programs, nordic skiing, and snowshoeing.

Mild 2 Wild Rafting — Mild to Wild Rafting & Jeep Trail Tours, Inc. offers white water rafting and jeep tour adventures in southwester Colorado. Select a trip by region, river, intensity or trip length. They offer over 27 different trip combinations to help you get the most our of your adventure outing.

Mountain Bike Specialists — Over the years, Durango Colorado and Mountain Bike Specialists has been acknowledged as some of the best Colorado has to offer when it comes to cycling. With over 30 years involvement with the Durango cycling community, Mountain Bike Specialists is the premier bike shop in the four corners area. From their outstanding bicycle lines that they carry to the historical cycling museum that lines their walls, MBS has been the home and inspiration to many of the greatest bikers of all time!

Animas Museum — Within the walls of the historic 1904 Animas City School lies the exciting world of La Plata County History. Through their exhibits, programs, photo archives, and research library they will transport you back to Durango's early days. Make the Animas Museum one of your first stops in town and your visit to Durango is guaranteed to be a more enjoyable and colorful experience.

Bar D Chuckwagon Supper Show — The Bar D Chuckwagon provides a live western music cowboy stage show with music, and comedy performed by the Bar D Wranglers after a barbecue beef, chicken, or steak supper. The Bar D Chuckwagon opened in 1969 near Durango on the Dalton Bar D Ranch. The Bar D has become one of the areas major attractions for tourist, visitor, and locals alike and is a must experience among things to do and restaurants to try near Durango.

Carver Brewing Co. — Since 1986, Carver's has offered the very best in bakery and brewery. Featuring handcrafted baked goods, fresh soups and stews, and a healthy choice of entrées. It just tastes better at Carver's. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily with outdoor patio dining, handcrafted beers and healthy food. "A town institution" - Ski magazine.

Cyprus Cafe — A block off Main, award-winning Mediterranean cuisine in a casual, elegant century-old Victorian home. Colorado lamb, seasonal specialties, vegetarian selections. Only natural meats, free-range chicken and sustainable seafood served. Seasonal patio with live jazz.

Gazpacho Mexican Restaurant – Voted Durango's favorite Mexican food and margaritas. This Durango mainstay serves traditional northern New Mexican food. Their specialities include hatch red, green chile, carne adovada, tamales, blue-corn enchiladas, and stuffed sopapillas.

Many great Western movies have been filmed in and around Durango over the years. The funny train robbery scene from "Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid", was shot on the Durango & Silverton train tracks.