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Durango

Durango travel guide

City in Colorado, US

Best time to visitMay
Nearest airportAMK · 5 mi from centre
Time zoneUTC−6
Population19,071

About Durango

Durango is the home rule city and the county seat of La Plata County, Colorado, United States. The city's population was 19,071 at the 2020 census, making it the most populous city in the county. Durango is the home of Fort Lewis College.

Places to visit in Durango

  1. Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad

    Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad

    Landmark · 2 mi from centre

    Historic steam trains depart from downtown and climb through the Animas River canyon toward the mining town of Silverton, passing cliffs and forest inaccessible by road.

  2. Mesa Verde National Park

    Mesa Verde National Park

    Historic · 34 mi from centre

    West of Durango, this park protects Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings built into canyon alcoves. Scenic drives and overlooks reveal sites, and ranger tours enter some dwellings.

  3. Main Avenue Historic District

    Neighborhood

    Durango's downtown core has Victorian-era brick buildings housing restaurants, outdoor outfitters, galleries and shops, with the historic train depot at its south end, making it an easy area to explore on foot.

  4. Strater Hotel

    Strater Hotel

    Historic

    A red brick Victorian hotel on Main Avenue with period furnishings and a saloon with a ragtime piano, offering a step back into the town's mining-era past.

  5. Animas River Trail

    Park

    A paved trail along the river through town that connects parks and is good for biking and walking. In summer, the river is popular for rafting and tubing.

  6. Purgatory Resort

    Purgatory Resort

    Nature

    A mountain resort north of town offering skiing and snowboarding in winter, and scenic lift rides, hiking, mountain biking and family activities in the San Juan Mountains during summer.

Where to stay in Durango

Popular hotels in Durango, out of 31 properties you can book.

See all hotels in Durango

Best time to visit Durango

Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Durango is May, when average daytime highs are around 69°F and rain falls on about 6 days a month.

MonthTemperature (°F)Rain days
Jan 11° – 37° 5
Feb 18° – 44° 5
Mar 24° – 49° 8
Apr 31° – 61° 6
May 39° – 69° 6
Jun 51° – 83° 7
Jul 55° – 85° 6
Aug 55° – 84° 11
Sep 47° – 75° 7
Oct 39° – 66° 9
Nov 26° – 51° 8
Dec 23° – 47° 2

Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.

Durango weather forecast

  • Wed 21 Oct 55° 49° 96%
  • Thu 22 Oct 54° 51° 100%
  • Fri 23 Oct 58° 45° 100%
  • Sat 24 Oct 63° 44° 33%
  • Sun 25 Oct 58° 43° 14%
  • Mon 26 Oct 60° 41° 14%

Know before you go

Currency
United States dollar (USD)
Language
English
Calling code
+1
Driving
On the right
Time zone
America/DenverUTC−6
Capital
Washington, D.C.

Upcoming public holidays in United States

  • Veterans Day
  • Thanksgiving Day
  • Christmas Day
  • New Year's Day
  • Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
  • Presidents DayWashington's Birthday

Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.

Getting to Durango

These are the airports closest to central Durango. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.

  • AMK Animas Air Park5 mi (8 km) from the city centre
  • DRO Durango–La Plata County Airport11 mi (18 km) from the city centre
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Getting around Durango

Durango has many rental car agencies, a luxury motor-coach company, local taxi service, local buses and a downtown trolley. Durango is a small quaint town easy to get around on foot or bike.

Durango travel FAQ

When is the best time to visit Durango?

Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Durango is May, when average daytime highs are around 69°F and rain falls on about 6 days a month.

What is the weather like in Durango?

July is usually the warmest month in Durango, with average highs of 85°F (30°C). January is the coolest, with average lows of 11°F (-12°C). The wettest month is typically October, with about 136 mm of rain.

Which airport is closest to Durango?

Animas Air Park (AMK) is the closest airport, about 5 miles (8 km) from the centre of Durango. Other nearby airports include Durango–La Plata County Airport (DRO, 11 mi).

What time zone is Durango in?

Durango uses the America/Denver time zone (currently UTC−6). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.

How do I get around Durango?

Durango has many rental car agencies, a luxury motor-coach company, local taxi service, local buses and a downtown trolley. Durango is a small quaint town easy to get around on foot or bike.

What are the best places to visit in Durango?

Top sights in Durango include Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, Mesa Verde National Park, Main Avenue Historic District and Strater Hotel. Historic steam trains depart from downtown and climb through the Animas River canyon toward the mining town of Silverton, passing cliffs and forest inaccessible by road.

Where should I stay in Durango?

Popular areas for hotels in Durango include Durango Area. Well-reviewed options include DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Durango and Comfort Inn & Suites Durango.

How many hotels can I book in Durango?

Destina Holidays currently lists 31 properties in and around Durango, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.