It’s fair to say that every once in a while, planning an extended getaway somewhere scenic and inviting is a necessity when it comes to recalibrating your sense of overall wellbeing in life. Those who take time to plan out every detail of their vacation in advance will certainly find refreshing and revitalizing moments ahead. However, when Durango, Colorado happens to be your vacation destination of choice, planning a last-minute Durango vacation that’s equally effective is entirely possible too. When you feel suddenly inspired and simply can’t wait to turn those last-minute travel plans into a reality, the following tips can help ensure your time in Durango is smooth, safe, and successful from start to finish—not to mention unforgettable!
Consider the Season You Travel to Maximize the Fun
Situated in stunning southwest Colorado, Durango is a vacation destination that has something wonderful to offer last-minute travelers in every single season of the year. However, there are some details to consider depending on what type of trip you’re hoping to enjoy. Taking a moment to evaluate options for the season you’re planning a last-minute trip this way can make all the difference in your next impromptu adventure.
Springtime Specifics to Note
Typical travel trends show summer to be a continually popular season for travelers to head to Durango in the name of vacation fun. That means that if you’re looking to enjoy a last-minute getaway in this direction that includes fewer crowds to contend with, spring might just be your timeframe of choice. This time of year, the weather is mild but in higher elevations, there’s still lingering snow so depending how early in the spring you arrive, you might still be able to fit in some time on the slopes to your itinerary if downhill fun is something you love. At lower elevations, spring in Durango means blossoming wildflowers, snowmelt-filled rivers, and high-country streams that are ready and waiting for anglers to cast a line in good company. There’s no reason not to take a float down the Animas River this time of year and while you’ll still want to pack layers for the evening hours, al fresco dining at local restaurants can be added to your seasonal list too.
Make Your Summer Last-Minute Durango Vacation Wonderful
As previously mentioned, summer in Durango is typically a busy time of year so if you plan an impromptu trip this way in the warmest season, you’ll just want to make sure you’re okay with working around some crowds. The Animas River tends to come alive in this season with kayakers, stand up paddleboarders, and rafting enthusiasts alike. While you’ll find plenty of people fishing along the riverbanks, keep in mind that there are more tranquil summer fishing retreats near town at higher country streams and lakes. A highlight activity during the summertime in Durango is shopping and dining downtown, and if you’re someone who adores history, a tour through Mesa Verde National Park is something you won’t want to leave out of your experience no matter how little time you leave between travel inspiration and finding yourself in Durango this year. Finally, you’ll find that a summertime last-minute trip to Durango is an opportunity to enjoy a Jeep Tour through the Silverton and La Plata Mountains. It’s a must when you want to make sure you make the most of great views, weather, and fun this time of year.
Find Time to Travel to Durango in the Fall
No matter how last minute your travel plans for Durango are, if you head here in the fall, you’re sure to be in for a treat. Cooler temperatures open up hiking and biking trails for business this time of year, and the changing seasonal colors make leaf peeping an integral part of any itinerary. While the flow of tourists coming into Durango is still fairly strong this time of year, you will find there are fewer people out and about on the Million Dollar Highway or the San Juan Skyway compared to summertime. Wildlife watching is at a peak in the fall across Durango as elk and moose head out in droves. Many fall visitors to Durango make sure to take advantage of time on the mountain biking trails as well as sightseeing adventures on the Durango Silverton Narrow Guage Train.
Embrace the Best of Winter Travel
A last-minute getaway to Durango in the winter means you’ll enjoy the scenery with summer crowds long gone, and opportunities to take to the slopes at Purgatory Ski Resort abound! Chapman Hill has ice skating available in Durango each winter while the train transforms into a Polar Express experience if you happen to be heading here with little ones in tow. For those who are seeking unique adventures, Durango’s backcountry in the wintertime is a terrific place to try cross-country skiing and snowshoeing alike.
Make the Most of Your Travel Time and Funds
When you haven’t left yourself a lot of time to plan, and you find yourself heading to Durango on a last-minute adventure, there’s a good chance you’re going to want to do everything possible to make your travel fund and time here go further. That often begins with being strategic about when you fly into town. Shoulder travel seasons like spring and fall typically see lower airfare into Durango overall across the majority of airlines. If you’re willing to be flexible with your dates, making your last-minute trip one that happens mid-week can come with some inviting discounts on flight options too. When it comes to accommodations, booking a vacation rental for your last-minute stay direct through a company like Durango Colorado Vacations is always a good choice. Call us when you know you’re wanting to travel to not only book your ideal home-away-from-home, but to learn more about some of our off-season, or high-season discounts and saving options to enjoy.
Easy Durango Activities to Add to a Last-Minute Itinerary
Those who plan a trip to Durango in advance often have time to make reservations at local restaurants, book tickets for specific Durango activities in advance, and plan out exactly what they’re doing ahead of time. That said, you can make just as much of the local fun in Durango when you opt for a last-minute adventure instead! No matter what you enjoy doing, or how long you plan to stay, you’ll find Durango is packed with opportunities for thrills that are easy to access and don’t always require a ton of advance planning. For example, in the warm weather months of the year, the team over at Colorado Trails Ranch is happy to provide visitors with access to guided horseback riding excursions on short notice throughout the summer and fall. Reaching this ranch is easy as it sits just 30 minutes from central Durango at a stunning elevation of 7,800 feet. Day rides are available to the public between August and October and can last anywhere from an hour to a half-day in length. You don’t need any experience ahead of time to enjoy this outing as the team provides instruction and guidance every step of the way.
Take an Incredible Tour Back in Time
A trip to Durango any time of year might not feel entirely complete without taking time to step back in time with a comprehensive tour of nearby Mesa Verde. Here, many visitors opt to sign up for a guided tour of the Canyon of the Ancients, but if your last-minute trip doesn’t allow for this experience, a self-guided tour of this incredible landmark is just as fascinating and meaningful. Take time to explore at your own pace with a camera in hand and admire cliffside dwellings that have been a part of the landscape here for generations.
Include Climbing into your Stay in Any Season
Durango’s dynamic landscapes have long beckoned to those with a passion for climbing. Experts often find the cliffsides ideal for taking their skillset to the next level while beginners don’t have any trouble finding inspiration to learn upon arrival. If you’re hoping your last-minute getaway to Durango can include climbing fun, places in town like the Gravity Lab ensure the opportunity is available in every single season of the year. You’ll find the Gravity Lab at 732 CR 233 in Durango and this premier climbing gym also hosts a yoga studio on-site and cardio and weight equipment for guests to use in addition to the mix of bouldering and roped climbing options on-site. The Gravity Lab is proud to be locally owned in Durango and serves the greater Southwest Colorado region, including the Greater Four Corners. In total, the facility hosts more than 6,200 square feet of climbing space showcasing a Kilter Board, Spray wall, campus board, beginner’s wall, and auto belay wall to name a few of many impressive features. The goal at the Gravity Lab is always to inspire athletes to make the most of the sport and on-site instructors are happy to help first-timers find their footing and confidence. Stop by to get your bearings before heading out to explore climbing experiences across Durango.
Swing by the Historic Strater Hotel
When you make time to explore Durango, you’ll inevitably be treating yourself to time in a city rich in history. One of the most iconic landmarks here has long been the Strater Hotel, which was built back in 1887. Often pointed to as one of the West’s most identifiable hotels, the historic Strater Hotel enjoys a place at 699 Main Street, right in the heart of Durango. If you find that your last-minute getaway doesn’t quite align with any of the annual events hosted at the hotel, or there isn’t room on a guided tour, there’s no need to worry. In addition to its 88 historic rooms, the Strater Hotel also hosts a craft cocktail lounge, a fine dining restaurant and a wild west-themed saloon. There’s no reason you can’t swing by to enjoy any one of these destinations on-site and spend some time admiring the restored architecture while you’re at it.
There’s Always Something for Adventure-Seekers to Enjoy
If you’re a traveler who has a deep-seated love for adventure, a last-minute getaway to Durango is sure to inspire. Here, there’s no reason not to partner up with the team at Durango Rivertrippers & Adventure Tours in the warmer weather months of the year and enjoy experiencing a whitewater rafting adventure alongside the professionals! Over at Durango Adventures and Zipline Tours, you can treat yourself to new views out and over the terrain without needing a reservation in advance. Bike rentals are readily available in Durango for visitors arriving at the last minute looking to spend time exploring the Animas River Trail on two wheels as well.
Explore the Local Dining Scene at Your Own Pace
While some high-end eateries in Durango require reservations, there are plenty of fantastic stops to enjoy during a last-minute getaway where you can drop in at any time and treat yourself to palate-pleasing moments in good company. If you’re craving something sweet, make sure to drop by the Mountain Dough Baking Co to curb your craving. The 11th Street Station is always a fan-favorite eatery when you’re traveling with family, while the Himalayan Kitchen has you covered when you’re looking for a dish that features fantastic and bold flavors.
Book Last-Minute Accommodations to Suit Your Style
At Durango Colorado Vacations, we have inviting and exciting property options for travelers to choose from no matter when you arrive, how long you stay, or how many others you’re traveling alongside. From homes with amazing views and high-end amenities to those that emphasize entertainment and relaxation in tandem, with us, you can count on finding everything you’re looking for and so much more. Reach out today to learn more about our exciting collection of vacation rental options across Durango and how we can help you make it a stay you won’t soon forget. We can’t wait to see you in Colorado soon!
