As winter turns toward spring and temperatures begin to rise in four-seasons Colorado, you might be looking for a getaway. Pack your bags, load up your vehicle, and gather your friends and family for a fun and exciting vacation that starts with a road trip to Durango! Set your sights on Durango and the surrounding area and the many fun and unique offerings you’ll find there to build a vacation that keeps everyone happy and busy during your stay.
Horseback Ride
No matter how far you traveled on your road trip to get here, it’s nice to have someone else plan a route and take care of how to get there. San Juan Sky Outfitters guides you on a six-hour horseback tour along the Cascade Creek Trail to the stunning waterfalls at the trail’s end. Don’t worry, the horses are trained for the mountainous terrain, so you’re in for a smooth and relaxing ride with loved ones. Pack your camera, sun protection, and other personal must-haves and saddle up. Lunch and a rain jacket for time near the falls are included in the tour fee.
Whitewater Rafting
Grab a paddle for an exhilarating trip on the water. There are several companies in the Durango area that offer whitewater rafting adventures along the Animas River. You’ll negotiate Class I, II, and III rapids along the way for a fun and moderately difficult excursion that will get your adrenaline pumping. Be prepared to get wet, bring valuables in a dry bag, and plenty of sunscreen. Most companies require children to be at least four years old and 30 pounds to ride in the raft. Trips are two or more hours in length, and most rafts seat six to eight people.
Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
See the change from winter to spring in a way your rental car, bike, or feet can’t take you. The railroad has been in operation for over a century and offers the most unique view of the beautiful San Juan Mountains and Animas River. “Narrow Gauge” refers to the track itself, as it measures a narrower gauge of three feet rather than the typical 4’ 8.5” of a traditional track. The narrower gauge allows for tighter turns and uses less space, an ideal solution for Durango’s mountainous terrain. Ride in a passenger car pulled by a coal-fired engine dating back to 1923-25. A round trip ride on the track lasts about eight hours, and there are several special excursions and themed trips throughout the year for holidays like Christmas, Valentine’s Day, and St. Patrick’s Day. Make sure to bring your mask and camera.
Mesa Verde National Park
There are a number of national parks in Colorado, including one near Durango. Let someone else do the driving on a full-day guided tour of Mesa Verde National Park. There are several tour companies that take you through the desert environment of the park that is home to 5,000 archaeological sites! Explore the UNESCO-listed archaeological preserve and national park, with stops at sights including Mesa Verde National Park, Mesa Verde Visitor and Research Center, Cliff Palace, Chapin Mesa Archaeological Museum, Balcony House, and more. Make sure to pack your sun protection and camera! Trips are nine hours in length and include transportation to Mesa Verde National Park, water, snacks, lunch, and admission fees at all locations on the tour.
Four Leaves Winery
Adults of the group will want to make some time for themselves to taste Durango’s finest wines. The winery is located in one of Durango’s historic buildings and just across from the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad station. Explore wines made from grapes imported from all over the world by the taste, glass, or bottle. Fermentation, blending, and bottling is all done on-site and on-display for you to view. Choose your favorite whites and reds, as well as fruity and dessert wines, then add cheeses, meats, dips, or chocolate sample pairings. If you didn’t find your favorite, create your own custom blend from the house list!
Spring Road Trip to Durango
To create a road trip and stay as unique as you and your loved ones, make sure the first thing on your planning list is booking a vacation rental with VacationDurango.com. After you’ve enjoyed a colorful trip to Colorado full of sights and experiences, prepare a home-cooked meal in the fully equipped kitchen. Relax in a private bedroom or comfortable living space and watch a movie or TV show or play a game together. Relax and unwind in outdoor spaces like expansive decks, patios, or balconies. For a cozy stay, choose a one-bedroom unit, or plan a family or group reunion and book a sprawling six-bedroom home to fit everyone! Upgrade to a premium unit for perks and features like a private hot tub, sport court, stainless steel appliances, granite counters, hardwood floors, flat screen TVs and more! Book our Durango camping cabins here!
Contact us today to book your fun-filled road trip to Durango!