Location: Durango
Top Things to do in Durango
10 Hiking Trails in Durango That You Shouldn't Miss
Once a frontier mining town, Durango draws thousands of tourists year-round for the myriad outdoor recreational activities and scenic beauty. Mountain bikers, rafters, kayakers, horseback riders, rock climbers, hikers, campers, hunters and fishermen are drawn to the two-million acre San Juan National Forest and to the San Juan mountains, the largest range in the Rockies. But the city's biggest tourist draw is a nine-hour historic train ride in a vintage steam locomotive. The Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, which hauled precious metals in the 1880s, now takes tourists for a 47-mile, open-air journey through mountains and forests and past abandoned mines to historic Silverton and back. Children and train buffs will relish the chance to climb into a locomotive and pore over railroad memorabilia at the railroad's museum. Skiers flock to the Durango Mountain Resort in winter, which also offers hiking, fishing, rafting and horseback riding in warmer months. Slow down your pace with a stroll past splendidly restored Victorian buildings in historic Downtown Durango and wind up a very active weekend in a local brewpub or saloon.
Restaurants in Durango
1. The Colorado Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 79 reviews
Spanning some 500 miles from Denver to Durango, this path crosses many different elevations and environments, including eight mountain ranges, seven national forests, six wilderness areas and five river systems, making it one of the most fascinating and scenic trails in the state.
Reviewed By debbien884 - Nashville, United States
We went out 25th street and hiked for an hour out and back on the Colorado Trail. Picked up some people that had been out in tents for 39 nights.
2. Cascade Creek Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 16 reviews
Reviewed By AN6pack - Waco, United States
We read what we could find about this hike. Having rented a van, we parked in a lot well before the rough road started and we quickly saw why 4x4 is needed as we traversed this on foot! After passing through the red gate, we veered on the path to the left and hiked almost 4 miles to a huge waterfall with a small deep pool below where my kids enjoyed jumping in to the frigid waters below. It was so beautiful, blue and clear! We crossed over right above the waterfall and continued on the path on the other side. A mile or so later, we came to another waterfall with a large area to relax and hang out on rocks, but without a pool. We continued on this path back to the fork where we originally went left (this was the right path) and back to the parking area. This was a total of about 8 miles. I would rate it a moderate hike with some areas being quite easy. We crossed through water on 6-7 occasions, one being across the creek where the water was almost knee deep! Overall, it was a great experience with beautiful rewards throughout! Highly recommend.
3. Animas Mountain Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 49 reviews
Located in the San Juan National Forest, this eight-mile trail leads to the top of a mesa where you can get a fabulous view of the area. Separate trails for hikers/horseback riders and mountain bikers are marked with different colors.
Reviewed By hikerfromhell
This hike is awesome. To do the loop, it took 2 hours, 3 minutes for 5.7 miles (I used an app to track). If you go up the back of the loop first, it is very slow uphill climb for the first mile and I was breathing heavy. Some people go counterclockwise which seems like an easier climb. Once you get past that initial climb, things start to level out a bit and it gets easier. The views are great! Wear sturdy hiking shoes as the trails are very rocky. Mornings are a better bet to avoid the rain.
4. Rim Trail/ Campus Loop
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 39 reviews
Reviewed By cicimed
This is a great place to sightsee deer, the sunsets and stargazing. The view at night of the town is beautiful and looking at the opposite side (behind you) the stars shine bright and that part of town is dark enough to enjoy them. A must go location.
5. Animas River Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 478 reviews
Reviewed By beventful
Beautiful views and a lovely walk to see the River. If you are lucky and time it right you will be able to see the train and wave to everyone.
6. Potato Lake Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 27 reviews
Reviewed By JolaSchraub
We take visitors here all the time because the hike is easy and the reward at the end is a feast for the eyes. I've done it dozens of times and I don't get tired of it. From the lilylpad lake at the start to the Spud Lake / Spud Mountain view at the end of the short (~1 mile hike), it's truly one of the best.
7. Old Lime Creek Road
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 25 reviews
Reviewed By ashlyllloyd - Longview, United States
We took this road in a Jeep with Colorado Outback Adventures. It was BEAUTIFUL! Such a great hike or ride!
8. Halflin Creek Trail
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1 reviews
9. Durango Off Leash Area
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 6 reviews
Reviewed By patriciawW9472UW - Durango, United States
As a local I often visit our dog park. It is usually very clean as folks are conscious of our "pick up" duties. I have never found the pick up bag dispenser to be empty. Our dog loves to play in the river which is easily accessible along the trail. There are always friendly dogs ready to play fetch with anyone willing to throw a ball.
