DurangoDurango Colorado is an outdoor oasis snuggled in the San Juan mountains. You'll find a multitude of activities and opportunities for adventure. This is a popular Colorado family vacation destination where the people are super friendly and helpful.
Want Family Fun Things to Do In Durango?The city hosts numerous festivals, year round events and is in close proximity to some of the best outdoor adventures in Colorado. It provides access to the rushing rapids of the Animas River, the beautiful San Juan National Forest and nearby Vallecito Lake and some of the best Colorado tourist attractions in the state.Historic Downtown DistrictI love to stroll the sidewalks of the Downtown District looking for that unusual something. You'll find plenty of shopping, dining where menus are posted outside for viewing and historic hotels such as the Strater Hotel built in 1887.Downtown is a great place for people watching. May sound like a strange activity but my whole family is fascinated by watching people as they pass. Sidewalks here are a bustle year round as people shop and dine.
Durango and Silverton RailroadSpend the entire day amidst the unspoiled San Juan Mountains with a train ride on the historic DNSRR. The railroad has been transporting passengers since 1882 and was added to National Historical Landmark Register in July 1961.Click here to read our Durango train ride travel journal aboard the historic railroad. The DNSRR offers several all inclusive packages for everything from Jeep Tours, Zip Line adventures, Snowmobiling and Whitewater Rafting. We highly recommend taking the optional excursions. Durango Mountain Resort (Purgatory)DMR, also known as Purgatory, is a family dream vacation all by itself. Spend a day on the slopes or a week at the resort. There is nothing like walking out the door and being on the slopes.The resort seems to cater most to beginner and intermediate skiers and is a great place for families. They offer children's programs where they can learn skiing and snowboarding. Beginner's lessons for individual and family style (up to 5 people).
Durango Mountain Resort Lodging (Purgatory Ski Resort)If you plan to stay on the property or in close proximity there are several available options. Accommodations range from the Hotel at Purgatory Village and slope side townhomes/condos of Cascade Village to the newest luxury facility, Purgatory Lodge.Think Purgatory is Just for Winter Fun?If you think Purgatory is just for Winter fun, think again! They offer a huge selection of things to do during the Summer months starting mid June.If you plan on staying for a day or two, a Total Adventure ticket would be a great way to spend one of them. You get several activities including unlimited slide and lift rides as well as limited access to bungee trampoline and the climbing wall. Other activities include horseback riding, mountain scooters and FREE guided nature hikes on Tuesday's and Saturday's. You can rent a scooter for the entire day for around $30. Horseback riding options range from 1 hour to full day and sunset dinner rides (dinner rides available Wednesday-Saturday).
Vallecito LakeBeautiful Vallecito Lake is about 20 miles outside the city. The lake is surrounded by the San Juan Mountains and is host to some great lodging accomodations (click here to read our Pine River Lodge travel journal ).You have access to plenty of on the water activities like fishing and boating. Hiking, horseback riding and ATV's are other great family activities around the lake. We highly recommend you include the tour of carvings on your to do list. These carvings were made by a local artists with the trees that were damaged in the Missionary Ridge fire in 2002. All 14 carvings can be found around the lake area.
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