Things to Do in Durango, Colorado
Durango, Colorado is a charming mountain town in the southwest corner of the state, just north of the New Mexico border and about 85 miles east of the famous Four Corners where Arizona, Utah, Colorado, and New Mexico meet. The city is nestled in the Animas Valley between the rugged San Juan Mountains of the Colorado Rockies, with the scenic Animas River running right through town.
Durango’s history dates back to the 1800s, when mining boomed and the railroad brought prospectors, supplies, and settlers to the area. Today, Durango has grown into one of the best gateway towns for outdoor recreation while still holding on to its historic western charm.
Visitors will find hundreds of miles of hiking trails in the nearby San Juan National Forest, plus opportunities for mountain biking, trail running, and 4×4 off-roading. The Animas River offers white water rafting in the summer, and Purgatory Resort just north of town is perfect for skiing and snowboarding in the winter. You can also explore nearby destinations like the historic mining town of Silverton, the famous Million Dollar Highway (US 550), the mountain town of Ouray, and Mesa Verde National Park just over an hour to the west.
Phoenix to Durango
Durango is about a 7 to 8 hour drive from Phoenix, making it one of the best road trip destinations for a long weekend getaway. We’ve made the drive several times and love how easy it is to turn this into a quick mountain escape from the desert. Whether you’re planning to hike, off-road, ski, or just relax in a charming mountain town, Durango is close enough for a weekend yet feels like a completely different world.
We’ll continue to update this blog with new hikes, drives, and activities each time we visit so you can plan the perfect trip.
Leave No Trace & TREAD Lightly
The trails, campsites, and backroads around Durango and the San Juan Mountains are popular for a reason. The views are incredible and the outdoor adventures are endless. But with popularity comes impact. Heavy use has already started to wear down trails, damage fragile alpine ecosystems, and put pressure on local wildlife. In some areas, there is concern about future closures or restricted access if the damage continues.
It’s up to us, each individual visitor to be mindful of our impact and do our best to minimize further degradation. By practicing the Leave No Trace and TREAD Lightly principles, we can reduce human caused negative impacts. Together we can still keep these public lands accessible and open, and even better for future generations to enjoy while wildlife thrives.
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Hikes near Durango, Colorado
Durango is surrounded by incredible trails, and this area is a perfect place to get outside and explore. Within the surrounding national forest are a number of trails with a wide range of difficulties. Below are some of our favorite trails so far. We look forward to continuing to update this post with our favorite hikes in the Durango area.
Cascade Falls
Thanks to our hosts on our first trip to Durango, we discovered Cascade Falls, a hidden gem just north of town. This waterfall flows along Cascade Creek and is located off a sharp curve on Highway 550. Look for the exit onto Lime Creek Road on the southeast side of the highway. On Google Maps, you might see a pin for Cascade Creek Rapids, but continue a bit farther to a small pullout that can fit just a few cars. The coordinates are 37.656152, -107.8074640 | 37°39’22.2″N 107°48’26.9″W and we pinned it on Google Maps.
From the trailhead it is less than half a mile to the falls. The trail descends about 200 feet in elevation to reach creek level, where the trail ends at the waterfall. It is narrow in some spots but easy to follow. At the base, you can enjoy views of the waterfall and if you are lucky spot rock climbers on the wall nearby. Because afternoon summer rains are common in the San Juan Mountains, the water can sometimes appear a bit brown, but it is still a peaceful and scenic spot worth visiting.
Coal Bank Pass to Engineer Mountain
Coal Bank Pass is one of the most scenic trailheads along Highway 550, offering a stunning start to the hike toward Engineer Mountain. The trail begins in a lush hillside meadow bursting with wildflowers in the summer before winding into the shade of tall pines. Switchbacks take you gradually higher, with occasional openings that offer beautiful views of the surrounding San Juan Mountains. After about 1.5 miles, the trail enters a wide alpine meadow where Engineer Mountain comes into full view. It’s an impressive sight and a great spot to pause and take it all in.
From here, connect with Engineer Mountain Trail 508 and begin the climb toward the summit. The incline becomes progressively steeper, and footing can get tricky on loose rock and dirt. The higher you go, the more dramatic the views become, with sweeping vistas of the surrounding peaks and valleys. At over 12,000 feet of elevation, the air gets thinner, so take your time and enjoy the scenery. On our hike, building afternoon clouds convinced us to stop at a stunning lookout point instead of continuing to the summit, and the views of the meadow and forest below were still absolutely worth the effort.
Quick Stats
Length:
6.1
Route Type:
Out & Back
Elevation Gain:
1,482 ft recorded
Vaulted Toilets:
Yes
Dog Friendly:
Yes
Fee:
No
Difficulty:
Moderate to Hard
Water:
No
Potato Lake via Spud Trail
The Spud Trail begins off Lime Creek Road north of Durango. The road to the trailhead can be rough and is best suited for high-clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicles. Weather and erosion frequently change the road’s condition, so check reports before heading out. If your car is not equipped for off-road driving, you can park at the start of Lime Creek Road and hike in along the roadside. This will add a couple of miles to your trip.
Once at the trailhead, the hike to Potato Lake is relatively short and not overly strenuous. The trail winds through lush forest with sections of uneven terrain, boulders, and exposed tree roots, so sturdy hiking shoes are recommended. The payoff is a beautiful alpine lake with calm, reflective water surrounded by trees and mountains. In the summer, you might spot people wading or taking a dip to cool off.
Quick Stats
Length:
3.2
Route Type:
Loop with out & back
Elevation Gain:
458 ft recorded
Vaulted Toilets:
No
Ice Lake & Island Lake via Ice Lake Trail
The Ice Lake Trailhead is about an hour and twenty minutes north of downtown Durango and is home to one of the most breathtaking hikes in the San Juan Mountains. Ice Lake Trail is considered one of the most popular and beautiful hikes in Colorado, and for good reason. The trail climbs steeply from around 9,800 feet above sea level to over 12,000 feet, leading to two stunning alpine lakes, Ice Lake and Island Lake. The brilliant blue water of Ice Lake and the rugged peaks surrounding Island Lake make this hike unforgettable.
Because of the trail’s popularity, parking fills up quickly, and there is limited legal parking along the road. We highly recommend arriving early in the morning to secure a spot. Summer weather in the San Juans is unpredictable, and afternoon thunderstorms are common. Plan to be back below treeline before storms roll in, as lightning can be extremely dangerous at high elevation.
Unfortunately, the area has faced challenges due to overuse and poor visitor behavior. Portable toilets at the trailhead have been vandalized, and some hikers have left waste near the trail and water sources. To help protect this incredible place and avoid a future permit system or restricted access, practice Leave No Trace principles, use proper waste disposal methods, and park only in designated areas.
Quick Stats
Length:
8
Route Type:
Loop with out & back
Elevation Gain:
2,659 ft recorded
Vaulted Toilets:
Yes (limited availability)
Dog Friendly:
Yes, but challenging
Fee:
No
Difficulty:
Hard
Water:
No
Other Things To Do In or Near Durango
Durango is more than just a basecamp for hiking — it’s a hub for incredible outdoor adventures, scenic drives, and unique experiences in the San Juan Mountains. Whether you love off roading, exploring historic mining towns, or simply soaking in mountain views, there is no shortage of things to do nearby.
Alpine Loop 4x4 Off-Road Trail
The Alpine Loop is one of the most iconic off road adventures in Colorado, combining two of the most scenic mountain passes in the San Juan Mountains: Engineer Pass and Cinnamon Pass. This 65 mile loop connects the historic mining towns of Silverton and Lake City, with Animas Forks as a popular stop along the way. Most visitors from Durango choose to drive the loop clockwise by starting in Silverton, going from Eureka on County Road 2 to Animas Forks, climbing Engineer Pass, and returning via Cinnamon Pass.
Engineer Pass and Cinnamon Pass are popular for good reason. The scenery is spectacular with towering peaks, alpine meadows, and streams cutting through lush valleys. Wildlife sightings are common, and wildflowers cover the tundra in the summer months.
This route requires a high clearance, four wheel drive vehicle with low range gearing. While the trail is typically rated a moderate 4/5 out of 10 in difficulty, weather and erosion can quickly change conditions. Drivers should be comfortable with narrow roads, rocky climbs, and steep drop offs. The loop can take most of the day to complete, so plan accordingly, bring plenty of water and snacks, and check the weather before starting.
*Click on the photos below to see them larger.
Animas Forks & Engineer Pass
We pay for the Premium Membership with OnX Off Road and use the app when navigating back country roads. You can download areas for offline use when there is no cellphone service available.
Cinnamon Pass
Durango Hot Springs Resort & Spa
After a day of hiking in the San Juan Mountains, visiting Durango Hot Springs is the perfect way to relax and recharge. We visited in the evening after hiking Engineer Mountain, grabbed some food and drinks in town, and then soaked in the warm mineral waters as the sun went down.
Durango Hot Springs has 16 pools of varying temperatures, so you can find the perfect one to suit your preference. The setting is quiet and scenic, making it a great way to end a day of adventure. Pro tip: wear swimwear that you do not mind staining, as the natural minerals in the water can discolor lighter colors like white.
Mesa Verde National Park
Mesa Verde National Park is an incredible stop if you are visiting Durango. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is known for its well-preserved cliff dwellings built by the Ancestral Puebloans over 700 years ago.
If you have time, we highly recommend getting tickets for a ranger-led tour to explore some of the cliff dwellings up close. Tickets sell out quickly, so it is best to book them online in advance. If you do not have a tour booked, you can still enjoy the park by driving the Mesa Top Loop and stopping at the viewpoints and archeological sites along the way.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Over Memorial Day weekend in 2025, we visited Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. To break up the long drive from Phoenix, we camped two nights just outside of Durango. Our detailed blog post covers the entire trip, including our camping spot, the scenic Million Dollar Highway (US 550), and everything we did at the park.
Favorite Meals and Coffee in Durango
One of the best parts about visiting Durango is the incredible food scene after a day of hiking or exploring.
- We loved Steamworks Brewing Company — the pizza was delicious, the beer selection was excellent, and the atmosphere was lively. It’s a great spot to grab a casual dinner and unwind.
- Another favorite was James Ranch Grill, a farm-to-table restaurant featuring locally sourced ingredients and stunning views of the Animas Valley. The food was fresh and flavorful, making it the perfect stop for a relaxed meal outside of town. (not pictured below)
- During our first trip to Durango our plans left us looking for dinner later at night when most restaurants had already closed. We had a fantastic meal at Taco Libre in downtown Durango.
- If you need a morning pick-me-up, don’t miss Durango Joes Coffee. Their coffee is excellent and the drive-thru makes it a perfect place to fuel up before heading out on an adventure.
- One of our favorite coffee shops in downtown Durango is aptly named, Durango Coffee Company. We love the vibe inside, especially on a rainy afternoon and the coffee is delicious. Check out their really cool barista set up!
Where We Stayed in Durango
On our most recent trip, we stayed near Purgatory Ski Resort in an airbnb and it turned out to be the perfect home base. We were just 20 minutes from downtown Durango, making it easy to head into town for dinner, grab groceries, or explore local shops. At the same time, we were only about 20 minutes from many of the hiking trails and outdoor adventures we wanted to do in the San Juans. It gave us the perfect balance of convenience and mountain seclusion
Other Things To Consider
Black Canyon of the Gunnison: Road Trip Itinerary From Arizona
We took a fun road trip from Phoenix to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park over Memorial Day. This stunning, lesser-known park has incredible views and dog-friendly trails. We camped near Durango, explored diverse routes, and soaked up gorgeous sunsets. It was a perfect getaway full of adventure and nature!
The AZ Hikeaholics Top Gear Recommendations
Gear for the trail ranges from what’s in our pack to what’s on our back and feet. Here you’ll find what we trust and bring, including the essentials and what keeps us comfortable!
Colorado Rocky Mountains: Ultimate Summer Trip Guide
If you’re looking for a quick escape from the heat, a flight from Phoenix to Denver is about 90 minutes. Once there, rent a car and hit the stunning Rocky Mountains. This blog shares hiking spots, tips on timed park entries, and fun activities like biking and paddleboarding!
