When the snow eventually melts away and temperatures are steadily on the rise, it’s a sure sign that it’s time to start planning your summer getaway to Durango, Colorado! Here, there’s absolutely no shortage of options when it comes to outdoor recreation to add to your itinerary, fun seasonal events to attend, relaxing moments to relish, and stunning views to enjoy too. At Durango Colorado Vacations, we have the incredible accommodations in place for travelers who are looking forward to a one-of-a-kind summer getaway in this direction. When you’re ready to plan a summer vacation in Durango, Colorado, the following guide is a great place to begin.
Summer Weather Expectations
Travelers who decide to make Durango, Colorado their vacation destination of choice this summer will be delighted to find that in this area, this time of year, daily highs can span anywhere from the mid-70s to the low 80s. That means endless opportunities to take advantage of time in the great outdoors with plenty of sunshine on your side too. In the evening hours, temperatures typically drop down into the low 50s, providing visitors with picture-perfect patio dining weather for evenings in town. Making things even more comfortable this time of year in Durango is the fact that summers tend to be low in humidity as well as sparse in terms of cloud cover. The month with the greatest possibility for rainfall is often July, but even then, the area only receives around 3.07 inches of precipitation on average.
Getting Here Is Easy
When you’re excited to spend quality time in Durango for a well-deserved summer retreat, you’ll discover that getting here is simple, no matter what your point of origin might happen to be. The Durango La Plata County Airport is a full-service regional airport that caters to many non-stop flights daily from Phoenix, Denver, Houston, and Dallas alike. The airport is located just 15 miles Southeast of downtown Durango, so from the moment you land, you won’t have to go far to get the fun underway. Other landing options within easy reach of Durango include Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Denver if you don’t mind a bit more of a scenic drive into town. All of the above-listed airports host on-site car rental options, so customizing your preferences when it comes to summer transportation in the area is simple as well.
You’ll Love Your Durango Summer Getaway Experience
Adventurers from near and far pick Durango, Colorado, as their summer getaway destination year after year with good reason. Here, there’s truly something for everyone to fall in love with, no matter what your travel interests might entail or your getaway preferences might be. History buffs will adore the fact that downtown Durango is filled with 19th-century architecture, the city plays host to the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, and a summer visit this way puts them within easy reach of mesmerizing historic landmarks like Mesa Verde National Park.
If shopping and dining your way through a stay is what you’re looking forward to most this summer, you’ll find Durango is brimming over with one-of-a-kind shops to explore and fantastic eateries that always provide a palate-pleasing experience too. The scenic beauty you’ll encounter across Durango in the summertime is truly unmatched, thanks to the city’s place in the heart of the San Juan Mountains. It’s also fair to say that Durango is an outdoor adventurer’s dream come true in the summertime whether you have a passion for hiking, mountain biking, climbing, or wildlife watching as well. Additionally, Durango is a destination filled with fun summer events that are fit for the entire family to enjoy together.
Add a Stop at Purgatory Resort to the Summer Lineup
While Durango is a winter wonderland of downhill fun and thrills each winter, when the fresh powder melts away, a summer trip in this direction can still include quality time over at Purgatory Ski Resort. That’s because the trails that are covered all winter long are finally thawed out to reveal a maze of amazing hiking and mountain biking routes to explore this time of year! The scenic chairlifts are still operational in the summer here as well so if you find yourself in the mood for a bird’s eye view on your surroundings, hopping on and savoring the sights from a new vantage point at the resort might just be the highlight of your stay in Durango this summer.
Enjoy Time Rafting Your Way to Fun This Summer
When summer temperatures are on the rise in Durango, visitors are invited to cool off in style by booking their place on a rafting tour along the Animas River. Excursions begin as early as May during a typical year, and there are many local outdoor recreation outfitters ready and waiting to help you book a half-day or full day outing on the water. Pick and choose from tours that showcase a more leisurely float, or those that focus on navigating challenging rapids depending on your preferences. Either way, you’re in for a refreshing day outdoors with stunning views making the experience that much more memorable.
Don’t Miss Out on Riding Your Way Through History
Durango is a destination that has a unique way of keeping the past alive and well in the present, modern world. When you’re visiting here in the summertime, you won’t want to miss out on your chance to take a ride for yourself on the historic Durango & Silverton Narrow Guage Railroad. There are typically a lineup of unique summer events this time of year onboard the train in addition to the daily rides you can book. In either scenario, amazing views, onboard fun, and a memorable experience are guaranteed.
Take time to Enjoy Paddleboarding in Durango
When you’re looking to slow things down, admire the surrounding views, and relish your downtime this summer in Durango, a great way to do exactly that is to set aside some time on the itinerary for paddleboarding. Durango hosts a collection of gorgeous lakes to explore and whether you’re looking to focus on paddleboarding for exercise or sightseeing, the options are vast and varied. Check out places like Lake Nighthorse or Vallecito Lake for some truly exceptional summer paddleboarding experiences, while the Animas River is also open for paddleboarding adventures if you choose to venture that way instead.
Summer Celebrations to Check Out
If your summer travel plans have you heading to Durango over Independence Day, you’ll find the 4th of July is always an exciting time to be here! Durango typically hosts a family-friendly 4th of July celebration each year with an agenda in place that includes live musical performances over at Buckley Park, a fantastic parade down Main Street, and a delicious community breakfast too. July also marks the arrival of Music in the Mountain in Durango which celebrates classical music at its best. Visitors will find an impressive concert lineup available to enjoy at venues located across town this time of year with local, national, and international artists heading this way to perform. For those who are heading to Durango in August, you’ll likely be just in time to take part in the annual San Juan Brewfest. This is typically considered one of the largest events of its kind in the region, and it draws in beer enthusiasts from near and far. On average, the San Juan Brewfest showcases 40 breweries and provides attendees with access to over 100 beers to try. Fantastic food pairings, live music, and a welcoming community vibe are all a part of this experience too when you head over to Buckley Park and choose to be a part of the moment this summer. Just be sure to purchase your tickets in advance of your arrival because inevitably, the San Juan Brewfest sells out fast.
Spend Time at the Local Farmers Market
A great way to make your summer stay in Durango even more memorable is to spend some time shopping local at the Durango Farmers Market. This fun and inviting experience is open to guests every Saturday throughout the summertime and transforms downtown into a destination where you can purchase local produce, crafts, and goods while enjoying live music in good company.
Explore Downtown
Summer is a terrific time to simply stroll through downtown Durango alongside family and friends. Here, you’ll enjoy access to no less than 200 galleries, restaurants, and shops where you can find a one-of-a-kind item to purchase, enjoy a delicious dish, or settle in for some people watching as well.
Find Your Thrills
If your idea of a great summer getaway includes heart-pounding thrills, you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for and more in Durango at Soaring Tree Top Adventures. This destination is dedicated to world-class ziplining fun, and once you’ve tried as many lines as you can, there are even options to enjoy a gourmet lunch right in the tree!
Enjoy Accommodations with Incredible Amenities in Place
No matter when you arrive in Durango this summer, how long you plan on staying in the name of getaway fun, or how many fellow travelers you’re adventuring alongside, having just the right accommodations to enjoy upon arrival can make all the difference in your overall guest experience. At Durango Colorado Vacations, we maintain a meticulous portfolio of beautiful and ideally located vacation rentals for summer travelers to enjoy who value options to stay near the places they can’t wait to explore while making the most of access to world-class amenities, features, and furnishings too.
Exceeding Guest Expectations at Every Turn
When you book a summer rental in Durango through Durango Colorado Vacations you can enjoy the peace of mind that comes from knowing you’ll have access to a collection of homes that always provide guests with above and beyond experiences with every booking. Here, we’re proud to be able to provide travelers with Durango summer vacation rentals with gourmet kitchens in place, ideal for serving up savory moments on a whim.
Many kitchens include spacious counters, custom cabinetry, high-end appliances, and stunning finishes throughout. When it’s time to dine in good company, it’s typical for guests to enjoy a stay with a dedicated dining room indoors as well as furnished outdoor patios, decks, or balconies where an al fresco meal is always within reach. When guests are looking for even more from their summer getaway to Durango, we’re more than happy to help them get settled in a rental with a private and luxurious hot tub in place, or private garage access for added space, storge options, and peace of mind. If you happen to be traveling this way with a favorite canine companion in tow, we have a variety of summer rental options available that are set up for the best of pet-friendly living too.
Book Your Summer Vacation in Durango, Colorado Today
Your trip to Durango this summer deserves to be exceptionally wonderful, and booking your stay through Durango Colorado Vacations is the first step in making that happen. Reach out to our dedicated team today to learn more about our amazing summer rental collection as well as our property options that are ideal home away from home solutions in any season of the year. We can’t wait to help you create a one-of-a-kind getaway and look forward to welcoming you to beautiful Durango, Colorado soon.
