This mountain town is an outdoor paradise you can actually afford
A town born of the railroad revolution in Colorado, Durango is home to 18,500 people today.
It’s dotted with ample breweries and restaurants while boasting easy access to the great outdoors in the southwestern corner of the Centennial State.
What was once a sleepy little town far from anyone’s thoughts has since morphed into a popular tourist destination.
One of the main attractions? The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, a steam train excursion that winds through canyons and wilderness in the San Juan National Forest.
Trains depart from the depot year-round. For the holidays, the Polar Express ride takes families on a magical journey themed around the popular children’s book. The train’s staff (chefs and conductors) and actors bring The Polar Express story to life as the train makes it journey through the snow-covered forest. The train runs Nov. 19 through Jan 3, with tickets available online.
DURANGO: HOME TO NATURAL BEAUTY
Besides the San Juan National Forest, Durango is home to some of Colorado’s most interesting national monuments and parks, including Mesa Verde, Chimney Rock, Chaco Canyon, the Weminuche Wilderness, Canyons of the Ancients National Monument and Four Corners National Monument. Its location makes it an ideal playground for all outdoor lovers.
40 miles outside of town are the historic cliff dwellings of the ancient Puebloans, known as the Mesa Verde Dwellings.
Photo Credit Christopher Marona_1511393711654.jpg
40 miles outside of town are the historic cliff dwellings of the ancient Puebloans, known as the Mesa Verde Dwellings.
The San Juan National Forest covers nearly two million acres in the southwestern corner of Colorado, centered in Durango. The forest is home to wilderness, scenic byways, historic sites, and plenty of room to roam in the majestic San Juan mountains.
Outside Magazine has even named it a ‘Best City’ to live in for 2016, citing year-round activities like white-water rafting, leaf-peeping, hiking, skiing, and epic mountain biking trails.
Just opening for the season this week, Purgatory Ski Resort is a short, 25-mile jaunt outside of town.
The family-friendly resort boasts both steep skiing trails and wide-open cruisers for skiers and boarders of all levels. Enjoy the fresh powder across 99 trails and more than 1,600 skiable acres.
