Durango, Colorado is one of the best mountain towns in the American West for outdoor recreation, combining world-class mountain biking, the historic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, a vibrant downtown dining scene, and easy access to the San Juan Mountains. Located in southwestern Colorado at 6,500 feet elevation, Durango offers the rare combination of serious trail systems, genuine small-town character, and enough lodging and entertainment options to satisfy any travel style — from rustic cabin getaways to comfortable downtown hotels.
Mountain Biking: Durango’s Crown Jewel
Durango has one of the best mountain bike trail systems anywhere in Colorado, if not the country. The trails here range from flowy intermediate singletrack at lower elevations to challenging high-alpine riding on the famous Colorado Trail. For visiting riders, Rim Tours offers a Durango Intermediate Singletrack tour that showcases the best of what this area has to offer.
The intermediate tour hits highlights like Hermosa Creek Trail, sections of the Colorado Trail at more accessible elevations, and a mostly all-day descent to Junction Creek. You return each evening to a comfortable base camp at Junction Creek — no backcountry roughing it required. This format gives you the best singletrack riding in Durango with the comfort of a real camp setup.
For riders looking for a bigger challenge, the Colorado Trail Singletrack tour is a multi-day high-alpine adventure between Silverton and Durango that covers some of the most stunning singletrack in North America. It is consistently rated as one of our most memorable tours.
Key trail stats for Durango:
- Hundreds of miles of singletrack within a 30-minute drive
- Elevation range from 6,500 to 12,000+ feet
- Season: May through October (lower trails) or July through September (high alpine)
- Trail difficulty: Beginner loops to expert-only alpine descents
The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
The Durango & Silverton Railroad is a coal-fired, steam-powered narrow gauge railroad that has been running through the Animas River canyon since 1882. The 3.5-hour journey each way travels through the San Juan National Forest to the old mining town of Silverton at 9,318 feet. It is a National Historic Landmark and one of the most popular tourist attractions in Colorado.
The train runs daily from May through October, with winter holiday trains in December. Book in advance — popular dates sell out weeks ahead. The open-air gondola cars offer the best views and photo opportunities.
Downtown Durango: Dining, Culture, and History
Durango’s downtown is a walkable historic district with legitimate dining options, not just tourist-trap restaurants. You will find everything from upscale farm-to-table cuisine to excellent craft breweries (Ska Brewing and Steamworks are local favorites). The restaurant scene punches well above its weight for a town of 20,000 people.
Beyond food, downtown Durango offers:
- Museums and galleries — including the Durango & Silverton Railroad Museum and several art galleries
- Live music and theater — multiple venues host regular performances
- Historic walking tours — self-guided routes through the town’s mining-era architecture
- Shopping — a mix of outdoor gear shops, boutiques, and bookstores
Other Outdoor Activities
Mountain biking is the headline act, but Durango delivers across the outdoor recreation spectrum:
- Hiking — Trails range from easy riverside walks to challenging 14er summits in the San Juan Mountains
- Skiing — Purgatory Resort is 25 miles north with 1,600 acres of skiable terrain
- River sports — The Animas River runs right through town, offering everything from gentle float trips to Class III-IV whitewater
- Rock climbing — Multiple crags within a short drive
- Fishing — The Animas and numerous alpine lakes offer excellent trout fishing
Where to Stay
Durango accommodations range from budget to luxury:
- Downtown hotels — Walking distance to restaurants and nightlife
- Bed and breakfasts — Cozy options in historic homes
- Alpine cabins — Rustic retreats in the mountains above town
- Campgrounds — Multiple options including Junction Creek, which is near the trailhead for some of Durango’s best mountain biking
For mountain biking trips, staying near the trail systems on the west side of town puts you closest to the action.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to visit Durango?
Summer (June through September) offers the best weather and the most activities. Mountain biking season runs May through October at lower elevations, with high-alpine trails opening in July. Fall (September-October) brings spectacular aspen colors and fewer crowds.
Is Durango good for families?
Excellent. The narrow gauge railroad is a hit with kids of all ages, and there are beginner-friendly bike trails, river float trips, and short hikes that work for families. Rim Tours’ Durango intermediate tour is accessible to moderately fit teenagers.
How far is Durango from Moab?
About 150 miles (roughly 2.5-3 hours driving) via US-191 South and US-491. Many visitors combine a Moab mountain biking trip with Durango for a week-long Colorado Plateau adventure.
Do I need to bring my own mountain bike?
No. Rim Tours provides full-suspension Santa Cruz mountain bikes on all guided tours. If you prefer to ride independently, several Durango bike shops offer quality rentals.
What is the elevation in Durango?
Downtown Durango sits at approximately 6,500 feet. If you are coming from sea level, give yourself a day to acclimate before attempting strenuous riding at higher elevations. Drink plenty of water and take it easy on your first day.