When it’s an unforgettable mountain town retreat you’re after, you’ll find it when you set your travel sights on scenic Durango, Colorado. This gorgeous vacation destination has spectacular views in every season of the year. When you’re excited to make the most of every beautiful moment of your next trip, feel free to use this Durango sightseeing guide as a place to begin your journey.
Include a Scenic Drive or Two into Your Getaway
For travelers who prefer to do their sightseeing from the comfort of a vehicle, Durango is certainly a great place to explore incredible and scenic driving routes.
Above all, you won’t want to miss out on quality time cruising along the Million Dollar Highway. This iconic stretch of road connects Silverton to Ouray, and is considered by many to be one of the most thrilling drives not only in the region, but perhaps the country!
The Million Dollar Highway is definitely not for the faint of heart, as it doesn’t always boast guardrails along it’s incredibly steep drop-offs. However, the impressive vantage point you’ll be rewarded with along this route includes unparalleled mountain views, historic mining remnants along the way, and even cascades to admire!
Yet another must-visit scenic route for sightseeing by car is the San Juan Skyway. This breathtaking drive offers adventurers access to a 236-mile loop that winds its way through the stunning San Juan Mountains. The San Juan Skyway takes you through Telluride, Ouray and Silverton, providing options to include a day trip at each destination into your sightseeing experience. This is the route to choose if you want your sightseeing to include exhilarating curves, dramatic cliffs to capture on camera, and sweeping mountain views, too.
Explore the Beauty and Wonder of Mesa Verde National Park
You don’t have to travel far from the heart of Durango to enjoy sightseeing at Mesa Verde National Park. This captivating destination is one that’s loved by nature enthusiasts and history buffs alike. A visit to Mesa Verde National Park is an opportunity to get up close to some truly extraordinary archaeological sites.
Here, you’ll get to set your sights on ancient cliff dwellings that are believed to have been built by the Ancestral Pueblo people in the region. While seeing these structures for yourself is an incredible step back in time, booking your place on a guided tour gets you even closer and allows you to learn more about the area’s rich history, ecology, and topography along the way.
Take to the Rails
For many visitors heading to Durango, a trip this way wouldn’t quite feel complete without taking a sightseeing trip on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. When you board this historic steam train, you’ll be a part of a travel experience that’s been making its way through the region since 1882.
The train carries passengers along a sightseeing route that features amazing views of canyons, cliffsides, and lush forests along the way. A ride on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is also an exciting opportunity to keep your eyes open for wildlife beside the rivers and along the peaks you’ll pass by.
Check Out Durango Hot Springs While You’re Here
There’s absolutely no reason you can’t pair incredible moments of relaxation with sightseeing when you head to Durango. In fact, it’s easier than ever for travelers who take time to unwind at the Durango Hot Springs. This is a destination that showcases Durango’s natural surroundings at its best, while visitors indulge in one of 32 mineral spring pools on-site. Whether you come for therapeutic healing or you’re just looking to relax after a day on the trails, it’s a beautiful and restorative place you won’t want to miss out on.
Take a Stroll Through Downtown
If your passion for sightseeing in Durango is rivaled only by your love for history, a stroll through downtown Durango is sure to inspire. Here, visitors are often delighted to find themselves immersed in a space that blends modern culture with undeniable Old West charm. A simple walk along Main Street is a chance to admire historic Victorian buildings that have been beautifully preserved, and stop in at one-of-a-kind cafes, boutiques, and galleries, too.
When you want an exciting glimpse of local history, swing by the Strater Hotel, which was built in 1887 and continues to stand out as one of the most impressive landmarks in town. This is a sightseeing stop you’ll want to not only get up close to, but have your camera ready to capture as well.
Experience Purgatory Resort
When your Durango sightseeing journey has you heading this way in the wintertime, a trip to Purgatory Resort is an absolute must! Not only is this a one-stop hub for downhill skiing and snowboarding fun this time of year, but the sweeping views from the lifts and summits are truly unparalleled. If you’ve thought ahead and packed a pair of snowshoes, you can extend your sightseeing in Durango along the snowy trails and routes you’ll find here as well.
When the snow melts away by summertime, Purgatory Resort remains a place that’s worth your while to check out and admire. That’s because it transforms into a playground for mountain biking enthusiasts and those who are looking to hike and sightsee, too. It’s also a great place to enjoy quality birding year-round, so don’t hesitate to pack a pair of binoculars for your time here.
Book Your Next Trip to Durango Today
No matter when your travel plans bring you to Durango, having the right accommodations when you get here can make all the difference in your experience. At Durango Colorado Vacations, our cabins, condos, and vacation homes available to rent will take your trip to the next level of memorable fun!
Reach out today to learn more about our exciting collection of property options available and how our team can help you tailor your trip to your unique travel style. We can’t wait to help you enjoy a one-of-a-kind sightseeing adventure in this direction, and we look forward to welcoming you to Durango soon.
