Sitting in the scenic San Juan Mountains, Durango, Colorado is a captivating vacation destination that beckons to travelers from across the map in droves. It’s common for first-time visitors to turn into those who head this way faithfully each vacation season, looking forward to discovering all there is to see and things to do around Durango, CO! If you have seven days to spare in the name of getaway fun this year, the following itinerary is a terrific place to start when you want to make the most of every single moment of your Durango-bound journey ahead.
Day 1: Ride the Historic Rails
The first day of your seven-day journey to Durango should see you enjoying a ride on one of the most iconic and historic steam engines around! The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is a great way to start your trip with some breathtaking sightseeing and a step back in time. It’s one of the cool things to do in Durango, Colorado and add to the itinerary when you’re traveling with guests of all ages, and you’ll want to have your camera handy for those Animas River and canyon views along the way.
Day 2: Explore the Fun That Awaits on Main Avenue
The second day of your stay has you focused on spending as much quality time as possible along Main Avenue. This is a vibrant area of town that’s packed with incredible boutique storefronts, galleries, and great restaurants to check out. It’s also the historic district in town, meaning you have opportunities to admire some truly beautiful works of Victorian-style architecture just about everywhere you go.
Day 3: Discover the Mountain Trails
The beauty of booking a stay in Durango is that no matter what season you arrive, the mountain trails are open for exploring. In the wintertime, you can trek the mountain trails in this area with a sturdy pair of snowshoes in place for some great views and an unmatched sense of tranquility.
If you’re visiting in the summertime and looking to pick up the pace, consider taking time on day three of your stay to hit the trails on a mountain bike instead. If you only have time for one trail on this day, be sure you experience the beauty of the Animas Mountain Trail for yourself.
Day 4: Immerse Yourself in Western History and Heritage
Durango is a place that proudly holds onto its Western history and heritage. When you’re looking to learn more, day four of your getaway is the perfect time to explore the Animas Museum with family and friends. Located at 3065 W 2nd Avenue, this insightful stop sits within an early 20th century school that’s been restored to host exhibits and a research library, making your experience even more authentic and meaningful.
After your time at the museum, consider elevating your Western-inspired day even further by booking your place on a local horseback riding tour alongside a local guide. These tours not only offer up stunning views, but they give you a cowboy’s perspective of it all, too!
Day 5: Tour Mesa Verde National Park
A trip to Durango often doesn’t feel entirely complete until you’ve taken time to tour Mesa Verde National Park for yourself. Just a short drive from Durango, this incredible national park is home to ancient cliff dwellings to admire, hiking trails to explore, and a visitor center to drop by as well. You can easily spend a full day here, whether you tour this UNESCO World Heritage Site independently or alongside a local guide.
Day 6: Wander Along the Animas River Trail
The sixth day of your getaway to Durango is a great time to unwind on the Animas River Trail. This shared-use path is fully paved, making it accessible for explorers of all ages and abilities. The beauty of this trail is that it runs right through the heart of Durango, giving you options to walk it out and back, or make sightseeing stops along the way. In total, the trail stretches over seven miles of terrain and follows alongside the scenic Animas River for which it’s named. As you stroll along this inviting pathway, you can make time for stops at local parks, pack a picnic and enjoy an al fresco meal, or access the river for rafting, fishing, and kayaking.
Day 7: Put the Focus on Wellness and Beautiful Views
The last day of your stay should be all about treating yourself to the best views and opportunities for wellness possible. We would highly recommend taking time to enjoy a scenic drive along the San Juan Skyway when you want to set your sights on some of Colorado’s most impressive vistas.
If you’re more in the mood for a day trip to top things off, you can consider heading to Pagosa Springs, just an hour from the center of town. Here, visitors are invited to take advantage of time soaking in the natural mineral pools, while savoring one-of-a-kind surroundings.
Book an Incredible Getaway and Discover Cool Things to Do in Durango, Colorado
No matter when you find time to explore Durango this year, make sure the first step in planning an unforgettable trip is booking your luxurious accommodations through Durango Colorado Vacations. Reach out today to learn more about our inviting Durango condos and how we can help you tailor your stay to your travel style.
