If you’ve been to Durango before, you know that every season offers a wide variety of activities, but which is the best season for you Durango Vacation? While this ski town has beautiful slopes, you can’t forget about summertime on the Animas River or fall on the hiking trails. Durango has so much to offer, we outlined the highlights of visiting in every season so you can decide what’s best for you. Of course, you might just have to come back for every season after you see this list of things to do in Durango during your vacation!
Click here to get our recommendations for the best activities and attractions in Durango. Our Vacation Guide has helped countless guests plan their trips in no time.
Unforgettable Durango Experiences for Every Season
Spring
Spring in Durango is beautiful, but the weather can be a little unpredictable. If you’re planning a spring visit, make sure to check the weather while packing for your trip—some spring seasons will be cooler than others. Main Avenue in downtown Durango is lined with trees that come to life with stunning, pink flowers in the spring. Check out the unique mom-and-pop style boutiques and restaurants that make Durango truly unforgettable. Next, try horseback riding with the beautiful Rocky Mountains as your backdrop. This is a great activity that you can enjoy in both cool and warmer spring seasons. See a list of local ranches here. Don’t forget to stop by the Durango Farmer’s Market for an incredible selection of produce, bakery items, homemade soaps and more.
Summer
Summertime in Durango is an outdoorsman’s dream. Make sure to pack your bathing suit! There are countless water sports to enjoy including whitewater rafting, stand up paddle boarding, tubing the Animas river and more. Plus, Lake Nighthorse reservoir is Durango’s destination for boating, fishing and relaxing on the water. For the adventurers, explore Durango’s waterfalls for some rewarding hikes, great photo opportunities and exciting stories to bring home.
For some on-shore fun, check out the several off-road Jeep tours, mountain biking and hiking trails and Durango’s renowned craft beer scene (which, of course, is great all year round). If you’re visiting in the early summer, make sure you stop by Taste of Durango, southwest Colorado’s premiere food and drink festival. Dozens of local restaurants, coffee shops and breweries set up booths along Main Avenue, which shuts down in late May each year for this summer kick-off festival. With live music, local art and a dog-friendly atmosphere, this festival is a must-do for travelers, foodies and craft beer enthusiasts.
Fall
If you haven’t seen it already, check out our list of our favorite places to see the leaves change in the fall in Durango. It’s sure to be a highlight of your trip. Hiking and horseback riding are also great fall activities, but get into the Halloween spirit this fall with a historic Durango ghost tour. You’ll get a closer look at Durango’s 1880’s architecture and hear about the town’s first inhabitants and some of the spooky legends that are still told today.
Don’t miss out on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad’s variety of events, including the Beer Train and Wine on the Rails. Not only will you get up-close views of the wildlife, fall leaves and valleys, you’ll also get to meet new people and enjoy unique, small batch wines and craft beers.
If you find yourself in Durango in October, be sure to swing by Sutherlin Farms for the pumpkin patch, corn maze and even pumpkin shooters! Just 30 minutes out of town, this is well-worth the trip. What better way to enjoy fall in the four corners?
Winter
Skiers and snowboarders flock to Purgatory Mountain Resort in the winter months for some of the country’s best slopes. There are rental stores for all your equipment needs and some great shops and restaurants to keep you fueled up on the mountain. If you visit in January, don’t miss out on the state’s most famous festival: Snowdown. This quirky and crazy week-long event is like nothing you’ve ever experienced. With activities ranging from a city-wide scavenger hunt and bartending competitions to animal costume contests and mini golf games, there are activities for all ages. See our Snowdown tips here.
For more outdoor fun this winter, try cross-country skiing. With such wonderful views, you’ll forget you’re also getting a great workout in. If you bring the kids along on your Durango vacation, check out the Polar Express. Families from all over the state get in the holiday spirit by wearing their pajamas and enjoying hot chocolate aboard the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad as it curves through the snow-covered peaks.
So, which season will you choose?
We hope this list gives you a better idea about which season to pick for your next visit to Durango (and the one after that!). See all of our rental properties to decide which suits you best: a riverside cottage, a cabin in the mountains or something in between. No matter which home or season you choose, we can’t wait to have you visit!
Book the Best Accommodations in Durango
Look through all of our unique properties to find the perfect match for you, including pet-friendly rentals, hot tubs and more. Check out Curry Barn, our 1860s Amish-style barn complete with gorgeous, ceiling-to-floor wood work. This six-bedroom, four bathroom “barn” sleeps up to 10 people and sits on 11 beautiful acres. Book Curry Barn or any of our one-of-a-kind properties today and discover the best season for your Durango vacation for yourself.
