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Elevation
6,512 feet above sea level.
Climate
Transition zone between semi- arid and mountain, summer daytime temps in
the 70's and 80's, nighttime lows in the 50's.
Population
Approximately 16,000 in Durango. Approximately 64,000 in La Plata
County.
Town History
Durango was founded in 1880 by the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad,
when they extended their line from Durango to Silverton in order to haul
precious metals from high country mines. The Durango & Silverton Narrow
Gauge Railroad now hauls only tourists. Last year about 200,000 people rode
the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad.
National Forest
San Juan National Forest
Mountain Range
San Juan Range of the Rocky Mountains
Special Events
Durango offers a wide range of events throughout the year
for all types of interests. Visit www.durango.org for the special event calendar.
Movies
Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, City Slickers, Cliffhanger, National
Lampoons' Vacation, Night Passage, Ticket to Tomahawk, Around the World in
Eighty Days, How the West Was Won, and Tracker are just some of the many
Hollywood classics filmed in the area.
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Ski Resort
Durango Mountain Resort, formerly Purgatory Resort, is located
25 miles north of Durango. 1200 acres of terrain is served by 11 lifts with
an average snowfall of 260 inches and 2,029 feet of vertical drop. Offer
a wide range of summer and winter events and activities. The Alpine Slide,
winding mountain slide, is usually open from mid June through early September. Visit www.durangomountainresort.com.
Casino
Slot machines, blackjack, poker, video poker, keno and bingo are available
at the Sky Ute Casino and Lodge, less than 30 minute drive from Durango.
D&SNGRR
The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad has been in
continuous operation for over 120 years. Two museums display at either end
of the line. The Durango museum located in the roundhouse of the D&SNGRR
offers 12,000 square feet of exhibit space with full-size locomotives, historic
coaches, railroad collectibles, books, lamps, locks, art, photos and china.
Guests also enjoy an up close view of the "Working" portion of
the roundhouse, where skilled mechanics keep the train's vintage coal fired,
steam-operated locomotives in tip-top condition. The Silverton depot is
home to an intimate mining exhibit and freight yard museum.
Archaeological Sites
Southwest Colorado is the archeological center for the
United States. Explore the ancient dwellings once inhabited by the Ancestral
Puebloans at Mesa Verde National Park. The park was selected by National
Geographic Traveler as one of The Best Places of a Lifetime to Visit as
well as named the #1 Monument in the World by Condé Naste Traveler.
Take a longer trip and also visit Crow Canyon Archaeological Center, Chimney
Rock, the Anasazi Heritage Museum, Hovenweep. Canyon of the Ancients National
Monument and the Ute Mountain Ute Tribal Park are also within an hour's
drive of the Durango area.
Museums
Visit the Center for Southwest Studies, the Southern Ute Cultural
Center, the Animas History Museum and Durango & Silverton round house
museum.
Culture & Arts
Durango offers a wide variety of art galleries and art
walks. The 17,000 sq. ft. Art Centers sponsors multiple exhibitions year-round.
Camping
Over 900 campsites within a 40-mile radius of Durango.
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Cycling
Explore the San Juan Skyway or see the Durango area on a bike. Mountain
bike rentals available. Durango is a renowned destination for mountain bikers.
Fishing
Fish in the "Gold Medal"Animas River, that runs through
Durango or on any of a number of high mountain streams and lakes within an
hours drive. Private "no license" ponds are also in the area.
Guided trips available.
Glider Rides
Soar over the Animas Valley and San Juan mountains in the peace
of a glider.
Golf
Two 18-hole golf courses open May thru October weather permitting.
Hiking
Hike many maintained trails around the area. Trails for all age levels
and abilities.
Horseback Riding
Hourly, half day, all-day and multiple day rides. Fall color
rides also available.
Hot Springs
Trimble Hot Springs located is a National Historic Site with
day spa facilities 8 minutes north of Durango west off Hsy 550.
Hunting
Big and small game hunting during season.
Jeep Tours
Over mountain passes to ghost towns and around Durango Mountain
Resort area to the top of the world. Guided mining and backcountry and specialty
theme tours.
Kayaking & Rafting
The Animas River is a nationally known river for competitions
and training for the finest kayakers in the world. Short, day-long and overnight
guided rafting trips.
Mountain Biking
Half-day, full day and multiple day guided tours and rentals.
Trails for all ability levels. Durango hosted the 1990 World Mountain
Bike Championships and one of the World Cup Mountain Biking competitions
for 2001. It was also named the "The Cycling Mecca" by Bicycling
Magazine.
Rock Climbing
Guided and self guided experiences to satisfy your challenging
requirements.
Swimming
Public swimming at the Durango Community Recreation Center, Trimble Hot Springs. Various hotel properties also offer pools, indoor or outdoor.
Western Dinner
Eat a real "Old West" supper and enjoy a western
show at the Bar-D, an evening out for all ages. Or ride the Mancos Stagecoach and stop at a log cabin for a western dinner. See "Things to Do" for more information.
Shopping
Large variety of one-of-a-kind stores as well as art galleries.
Evening
Excellent dining. Year-round concerts and entertainment. Enjoy the
Melodrama. Watch the cowboys and cowgirls at
the Durango Pro Rodeo. Try the Diamond Belle Saloon for a cowboy experience as well as live music at the saloon and other venues in downtown. See the local newspaper for details.
