Explore Durango, Colorado
The city of Durango, Colorado is home to 19,000 residents and is La Plata County's country seat. In 1881, the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad established the town to provide resources to the San Juan mining district. It got its name from the Mexican town of Durango. Visitors to present-day Durango will find numerous archaeological sites near the city, including Durango Rock Shelters Archeological Site and Mesa Verde National Park.
Since the railroad serviced Durango, the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is a popular point of interest to visit in a Durango, Colorado RV rental near town. Visitors can make their way to Silverton, a historic mining town while riding near the Animas River. History buffs will also enjoy the Animas Museum, which boasts plenty of local history exhibits. It is housed in a school building from 1904, and the permanent exhibit is a recreation of an early 20th-century schoolroom.
If you prefer spending time shopping, eating, and immersing yourself in local art, downtown Durango has plenty of eclectic options that highlight the city's Old West heritage. Some of the city's more popular eateries include The Ore House, a quintessential Old West steakhouse, and Michel's Corner Crepes, which features scrumptious French cuisine. If you prefer to grab a drink, check out the popular Steamworks Brewery or head over to the Diamond Belle Saloon.
National Forests Near Durango, Colorado
If you want to drive your motorhome to a national forest near Durango, check out San Juan National Forest. The forest, which is just 40 minutes north of Durango, consists of alpine peaks, lakes, and desert mesas. With over 1.8 million acres to explore, plan to spend a day or two in the forest. Use the scenic byways to get your RV in and out of the park while enjoying spectacular views. Some of the most popular activities RVers enjoy are rock climbing, fishing, and hiking or horseback riding on the area's trails, including the 21-mile Colorado Trail.
Colorado's Uncompahgre National Forest, three hours and 45 minutes northwest of Durango, is home to hundreds of miles of trails, some of which were carved by the region's Native American tribes hundreds of years ago. People visit to hike its trails, including Bridal Veil Falls Trail and See Forever Trail, in solitude. Visit the national forest in the winter to enjoy activities like snowshoeing and snowmobiling.
Located two hours and 55 minutes northeast of Durango, Rio Grande National Forest features a wide variety of fauna and flora. You'll find 1.86 million acres of land that's home to wildlife such as black bears, Canadian lynxes, and one of the Rocky Mountains' largest herds of bighorn sheep. There are several hiking trails in the forest, including easy-to-moderate rated trails such as Middle Alder Trail #797 and Archuleta Trail. For those who want a more strenuous hike, consider a day-section hike on the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail.
Events Near Durango, Colorado
Animas River Days – This annual whitewater rodeo event at Santa Rita Park in Durango began in 1983 and attracts paddlers worldwide each year in June, offering a variety of events for all skill levels from amateur to professional. Spectators will enjoy watching paddlers attempt the rapids and can learn more about healthy living and how to keep the area's rivers cleaner.
Music in the Mountains — This classical music festival is held in July each year at the Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College. Chamber concerts are held at venues throughout Durango, but there are also several outdoor concerts presented throughout the month that are perfect for families who want to enjoy a picnic lunch and listen to beautiful music.
True Western Rodeo — The rodeo is held through June and July in Durango with nightly events that include barrel racing, breakaway roping, bull riding, team racing, and more.
