Durango, Colorado offers some of the best mountain biking in the Rockies plus a surprisingly deep roster of unique family-friendly activities that go far beyond the usual camping-and-hiking formula. From riding the Colorado Trail to touring an active gold mine at 13,000 feet, Durango delivers the kind of experiences you actually remember and talk about for years. Here are five ideas for a vacation that is anything but ordinary.
1. Mountain Bike and Camp on the Colorado Trail
Durango has one of the best mountain bike trail systems in the country, and the best way to experience it is on a multi-day camping-based tour. On Rim Tours’ Durango Intermediate Singletrack Tour, you camp in the Rockies at Junction Creek and ride a different trail each day over 4 days and 3 nights.
The trails include sections of the legendary Colorado Trail and Hermosa Creek Trail — singletrack through alpine meadows, aspen groves, and pine forests at elevations above 8,000 feet. Each evening you return to basecamp where experienced guides cook backcountry gourmet meals, tune your bike, and share stories around the campfire.
What makes this different from a typical camping trip:
- Expert guides handle all logistics — cooking, route planning, mechanical support
- Trails are world-class — the Colorado Trail alone is a bucket-list ride
- Bring your own bike or rent — Rim Tours provides rental gear if you do not want to travel with your own equipment
- Everything is included except your personal camping gear and bike
The riding is intermediate-level, making it accessible to riders who are comfortable on singletrack but not necessarily experts. The guides adjust pace and routes to the group’s ability.
2. Tour an Active Gold Mine
The Old Hundred Gold Mine Tour takes you one-third of a mile into the heart of 13,000-foot Galena Mountain near Silverton, about 50 miles north of Durango via the stunning Million Dollar Highway. Inside the mine, you follow actual gold veins and see real mining equipment in operation. It is a visceral, slightly claustrophobic experience that gives you a genuine feel for what hard rock mining was like during Colorado’s mining boom.
Outside the mine, the scenery is spectacular — high alpine terrain surrounded by peaks. You can pan for gold, silver, and copper, and keep whatever you find. No reservations are needed, making it an easy add-on to any Durango-based trip.
3. Small Group Tour of Mesa Verde National Park
Mesa Verde’s ancient cliff dwellings are among the most impressive archaeological sites in North America, but visiting on your own involves a lot of driving (45 minutes just to reach the visitor center from Durango, then additional driving within the park to each site). The most fascinating dwellings also require guided tour reservations.
The easier option: let a local guide company handle everything. Mild2Wild offers small-group tours that pick you up at your Durango hotel and manage the entire day, including reserved access to restricted dwellings. You get the best of Mesa Verde without the driving logistics or reservation headaches.
4. Visit the Powerhouse Science Center
In 1892, Durango Light and Power built one of the earliest alternating current power plants in the country, electrifying Durango before most of America had AC power. The original mission-style building — the first of its kind outside California — now houses an innovative science center with hands-on exhibits for kids and adults. It is an unexpected find in a small mountain town and a great rainy-day option.
5. Learn About Wildlife at the Durango Fish Hatchery
The Colorado Department of Fish and Wildlife operates a hatchery and wildlife museum on the banks of the Animas River. Kids love feeding the fish in the outdoor tanks (bring quarters), and the museum features taxidermy exhibits of local wildlife with knowledgeable staff. It is a free, low-key activity that pairs well with a walk along the Animas River Trail.
Making Durango Part of a Bigger Trip
Durango is located in southwestern Colorado, roughly 5 hours from Moab. Many Rim Tours guests combine Durango riding with a Moab trip, creating a week-plus adventure that covers both alpine and desert terrain. The contrast between Durango’s high-elevation forests and Moab’s red rock desert makes for an unforgettable road trip.
A typical combo itinerary:
- Days 1-3: Durango Intermediate Singletrack Tour — camp and ride in the Rockies
- Day 4: Drive to Moab (scenic route through Cortez, Monticello, and the La Sal Mountains)
- Days 5-7: Moab day tours — Dead Horse Point, Navajo Rocks, Magnificent 7
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Durango good for family mountain biking?
Yes. Durango has trails for all levels, from smooth paths along the Animas River to intermediate singletrack in the surrounding mountains. The Durango Intermediate Singletrack Tour is appropriate for families where everyone is comfortable on basic singletrack.
How do I get to Durango?
Durango has a small regional airport (DRO) with flights from Denver, Dallas, and Phoenix. You can also drive from Albuquerque (3.5 hours), Denver (6 hours), or Moab (5 hours). Renting a car is recommended.
What is the best time to visit Durango for mountain biking?
June through September offers the best riding conditions. The Colorado Trail’s higher sections may not be snow-free until late June or early July. Fall (September-October) brings golden aspens and cooler temperatures.
Can I combine a Durango trip with Moab mountain biking?
Absolutely. Many guests do exactly this. The 5-hour drive between the two towns passes through stunning scenery, and the contrast between Durango’s alpine riding and Moab’s desert trails makes for a complete mountain biking experience.