Summer is always an amazing time of year to plan a trip somewhere sunny, scenic, and inviting. This year, treat yourself to time in Durango, where you can access all that you’re searching for and so much more! Whether you’re traveling this way on your own, as a couple, or alongside family and friends, you’ll find a summer stay in Durango is an opportunity to enjoy activities, events, and attractions of all types. Durango sits in the beautiful San Juan Mountains and is a destination that’s equally appealing to thrill seekers, nature lovers, and those looking to relax and unwind alike. Rich in history and offering up vibrant landscapes at every turn, it’s easy to see upon arrival why Durango is a destination that calls travelers back year after year. When you’re lucky enough to be making your way in this direction this summer, the following are some of the top activities in Durango you won’t want to miss out on while you’re enjoying time in town.
Immerse Yourself in Natural Beauty and History at Mesa Verde National Park
For history buffs heading to Durango in the summertime, there’s absolutely no better place to find yourself than Mesa Verde National Park. This designated UNESCO World Heritage Site sits just a short drive from central Durango and hosts impressive Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings that are sure to inspire.
There are always options to tour the park at your own preferred pace, but a summer guided tour of Mesa Verde National Park offers up even more insight into your historic surroundings that can make your visit that much more meaningful. When you come here to enjoy a guided tour, don’t forget your binoculars because the park surroundings are home to some great wildlife watching opportunities as well in the summertime.
Hop on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad for Summer Sightseeing
Yet another terrific route to blending modern marvels and Durango’s rich history during your summer getaway is to book your place on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad when you’re here this time of year. This, among other activities in Durango, is an opportunity to experience a historic local train ride for yourself as well as spectacular sightseeing opportunities as you make your way through the lush Animas River Canyon.
The terrain here is made up of pine forests and rugged cliffs, as well as waterfalls dotted throughout. The train has been in operation in the area since the 1880s and provides passengers with options to pick and choose from seating in enclosed cars or open-air cars as well. Make sure to check the summer event calendar before you purchase tickets because the train often hosts special themed and family-friendly events to enjoy throughout the year that are well worth checking out for yourself.
Cool Off on the Animas River
If you happen to be heading to Durango this summer with fellow travelers who share your love for thrills, you’ll want to consider cooling off and embracing heart-pounding fun by booking your place on a whitewater rafting adventure on the scenic Animas River. These whitewater rafting experiences are offered each summer in Durango and can be booked according to your preferences.
Tours that focus on the Upper Animas alongside a guide will have you navigating challenging Class IV and V rapids at a thrilling pace. Those who book a tour on the Lower Animas will enjoy a more tranquil experience that still comes with gentle rapids included and works well for families with travelers of all ages. No matter what trip you select, you’ll be treated to great scenery along the way and wonderful stories to tell friends and family back home.
Take Time to Explore Historic Downtown Durango on Your Summer Trip
When shopping, dining, and architecture-admiring all top your must-experience list this summer in Durango, downtown Durango is exactly the place you’ll want to be. Here, you’ll be immersed in a charming scene where restored historic buildings host modern boutique shops, one-of-a-kind art galleries to explore, and delicious cafes to enjoy too.
Explore Local Hiking Trails
Whether you’re looking to make the most of a leisurely summer stroll or you’re an experienced hiker on the hunt for your next challenging route to discover, Durango is a destination that has hiking trails designed just for you. Heading this way means you’re in the heart of the San Juan National Forest, which spans 1.8 million acres of lush terrain. That number alone is a sure sign there’s absolutely no shortage of trail options to explore here, and the views included from the majority are bound to inspire.
Those looking for an especially accessible route that can be started from downtown will want to make sure to take time to explore the Hogsback Mountain Trail this summer. When you do, you’ll be treated to a 3-mile loop that only takes about 2 hours to complete at a moderate pace. The Skyline Trail is loved by locals and visitors alike for its scenery as you traverse the 6-mile route that takes about 3 hours to complete.
Those who are looking for a challenge will want to make sure they don’t overlook the Ice Lake Trail near Silverton, or the Perins Peak Trail when you aren’t afraid of some impressive elevation changes to conquer. No matter what hiking trail you decide to take on this year, a summertime trek in Durango deserves to include plenty of water in your pack, sunscreen in abundance, binoculars for wildlife viewing, and a group of fellow hikers excited to explore at your side.
Embrace Your Summer State of Mind at Purgatory Resort
When travelers make their way to Durango in the wintertime, Purgatory Resort is inevitably a hub of outdoor winter recreation. Here, skiing and snowboarding are all the rage in the cold weather months, but summer travelers will be thrilled to find there’s just as much waiting to enjoy when temperatures are on the rise!
Grab a Mountain Bike and Hit the Trails
For summertime travelers who set their sights on time in Durango with a passion for exploring on two wheels, there’s no better place on the map to enjoy world-class mountain biking adventures than right here. In fact, mountain biking enthusiasts flock to Durango in the summertime from across the map to take advantage of seamless access to incredible trails, paths, and adventure parks in the mountains.
Many come specifically to experience the Horse Gulch Trail System for themselves, but the Colorado Trail beckons to those who are looking to elevate the adventure even further and have the skills to keep pace with the challenging terrain. Across Durango, you’ll find mountain biking trails are refreshingly easy to access, but there are also options to book your place on guided tours or take a private lesson if you’re just getting into the sport for the first time.
Add a Summer Festival to Your Must-Attend List This Year
It’s no secret that Durango, Colorado, is a summer getaway destination on the map that endlessly appeals to those with a heart for time in the great outdoors. That said, it’s also a great place to visit in the warm weather months of the year when you’re looking to be a part of local festivals and celebrations too. Summer in Durango is often marked by experiences like the Durango Bluegrass Meltdown, which is a must for music lovers, as well as the San Juan Brewfest, which brings craft beer enthusiasts together in droves.
Give Rock Climbing a Try
Durango’s mountainous surroundings mean it’s a place that lends itself well to incredible rock climbing adventures. The good news is, you don’t have to be an expert in the sport to enjoy the experience all the same. Experienced climbers heading to Durango in the summertime can put their skills to work while being surrounded by gorgeous scenery at X-Rock, which sits just outside of town. For those who are looking to learn to climb for the first time, there are local guided climbing trips to sign up for and lessons at climbing gyms where you can practice until you feel confident enough to give it a try in nature.
Find Time for Fly Fishing
When angling is the activity that typically helps you find your vacation state of mind with ease, you’ll be thrilled to learn that fly fishing is a top activity of choice in Durango among summer travelers! That’s because the many streams and rivers that maze their way through this beautiful mountain destination play host to a robust population of trout that can be reeled in year-round. Beginners will want to set their fly fishing sights on the shorelines of the Animas River this summer, while more experienced anglers might consider places like Vallecito Lake or the San Juan River instead.
If you do choose to cast your line at Vallecito Lake, consider sticking around this serene retreat for a while longer to take advantage of time paddleboarding or kayaking at your own preferred pace. Many visitors to the lake also pack a picnic lunch to enjoy in a place that utilizes the surrounding mountains as a stunning natural backdrop to an al fresco meal.
Add a Scenic Drive to Your Summertime Lineup in Durango
Soaking up the views in Durango this summer is a breeze when you make sure to add a scenic drive or two to your itinerary. Start with time on the San Juan Skyway, which is a 236-mile loop in total. You certainly don’t have to complete the entire route to relish the scenic benefits as you make your way through charming mountain towns, historic sites, and breathtaking mountains along the way. This is a route that’s well worth having your camera in hand for this summer.
Book a Summer Getaway to Remember in Durango Today
No matter what type of getaway you’re hoping to enjoy this summer, Durango is a place where you can truly embrace the best of it all. At Durango Colorado Vacations, we know what a difference the right vacation accommodations can make in your guest experience. We’re here to help you get settled into just the right vacation rental that both meets your travel needs and exceeds your expectations too.
Whether you’re looking for a cozy cabin or a spacious multi-level home to enjoy this summer, we have you covered. While we handle the details of your stay, you’ll be free to focus exclusively on the summer fun ahead. Reach out today to learn more about our vast and varied collection of property options available to book and how we can help you tailor the details of your getaway that matter most to you. We can’t wait to help you make it a summer getaway in Durango to remember and we look forward to welcoming you to Colorado soon.
