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Top 5 Things to Do in Summer

HomeDurango Top 5Top 5 Things to Do in Summer

Enjoying time away from a daily routine filled with work and life responsibilities is important for maintaining a sense of balance. Travelers that are looking for a beautiful, inviting, and inevitably fun place to spend time away from the grind this summer will find everything they’re searching for and more in Durango, Colorado. This gem of a vacation destination in the southwest corner of the state offers up a seemingly endless number of Durango summer activities to enjoy that give travelers every reason to savor their getaway experience to the fullest. Whether you’re one for time on the water, or you can’t wait to spend your summer cycling, Durango is a place where the best of it all is waiting. The following are five things you simply won’t want to leave off the itinerary when summer travel plans bring you this way.

Explore Purgatory on Two Wheels

While Purgatory Resort is a place that calls to downhill enthusiasts to come and find slope-side fun in the winter, the summer season sees this area boom in popularity amongst cycling enthusiasts with good reason! While all of Durango is designed to be an epic place to enjoy mountain biking, Purgatory Bike Park is a prime stop for those who are excited for an adrenaline-pumping challenge. Hosting no less than 400 miles of trails, Purgatory Bike Park is a summer traveler’s one-stop-shop for mountain biking fun that can be customized according to age level, skill level, and preference too. No matter which route you choose, you’re sure to enjoy amazing views and tantalizing terrain. The San Juan National Forest and the Needles Mountains work as a beautiful backdrop to the experience, enhancing it all that much further.

Discovery Mesa Verde National Park

If you happen to have a heart for history and you’re ready to dive into the past, visiting Mesa Verde National Park is a must-have on your summer to-do list in Durango. This incredible and history-rich site is located just west of Durango and hosts an impressive lineup of 5,000 archaeological sites within its parameters. Many summer visitors come to tour the iconic cliff dwellings, but there are also incredible nature trails to explore, and wildlife-watching opportunities abound. Feel free to take to the park independently but booking a guided tour is a great way to gain more insight into how this park brings the past to life through stunning cultural sites.

Whitewater Raft or Paddle Board Down the Animas River

When summer temperatures are on the rise in Durango, visitors will find cooling off is not only refreshing but fun when the Animas River is within reach. A summer trip this way should always include some time tubing down this iconic river which winds through the city and offers up great views of nature and downtown alike. Put a tube in at 32nd Street and disembark at 9th Street to make the most of the watery route. If you happen to be looking for something a little faster, there are options to book summer whitewater rafting adventures down the Animas River with a number of local outfitters.

Fish Andrews Lake

Durango’s location makes it an idyllic place on the map for those with an interest in angling. Summer is a great time of year to take advantage of warm weather patterns and grab a fishing line to see what you reel in. While there are plenty of fishing options here, a fan favorite in the summer tends to be Andrews Lake. This destination is situated just 10 miles from the center of Durango off of the San Juan Highway. The lake is located at the foot of Snowdon Peak which rises 13,000 feet into the air. A fishing trip to Andrews Lake is a chance to reel in trout thanks to well-stocked waters and beautiful views that make waiting for that bite a breeze.

Book a Train Ride

One of the most popular things to do in Durango, CO in summer, to enjoy year-round is a ride on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. A summer journey is no exception to the rule! Enjoy a ride alongside family and friends that showcases gorgeous valley floors and sprawling canyons framed by the San Juan Mountain and Animas River Valley. It’s an experience you won’t soon forget.

Book Your Stay & Enjoy Durango Summer Activities

No matter what time of year travelers have time to spare in the name of vacation fun, heading to Durango is the right choice, and booking amazing summer rentals ensures luxury, comfort, and style are part of the stay as well. That’s where Durango Colorado Vacations comes in. Our team is here to make sure visitors enjoy the best of amenities when booking a stay in scenic Durango. We’ll take care of all the details so that you can focus on a great Colorado adventure ahead! Take a look at our houses for rent in Durango, CO with a washer and dryer!

Reach out today to learn more about our beautiful summer rentals and how we can help you start planning your next trip.

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