Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad

Durango, Colorado was founded by the Denver & Rio Grande Railway in 1879. The railroad arrived in Durango on August 5, 1881 and construction on the line to Silverton began in the fall of the same year. By July of 1882, the tracks to Silverton were completed, and the train began hauling both freight and passengers.

The line was constructed to haul silver & gold ore from Southwest Colorado's San Juan Mountains, but passengers soon realized it was the view that was truly precious.

This historic train has been in continuous operation between Durango and Silverton since 1882, carrying passengers behind vintage steam locomotives and rolling stock indigenous to the line. It is a family-friendly ride sure to create memories that will last a lifetime while offering a view of Colorado's mountain splendor  inaccessible by highway. Relive the sights and sounds of yesteryear for a spectacular journey on board the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad.

Mesa Verde National Park

Mesa Verde, Spanish for green table, offers a spectacular look into the lives of the Ancestral Pueblo people who made it their home for over 700 years, from AD 600 to 1300. Today the park protects nearly 5,000 known archeological sites, including 600 cliff dwellings. These sites are some of the most notable and best preserved in the United States.

Mesa Verde National Park is a National Park and World Heritage Site located in Montezuma County, Colorado. It protects some of the best preserved Ancestral Puebloan archeological sites in the United States.

The park was created by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1906. It occupies 52,485 acres (21,240 ha) near the Four Corners region of the American Southwest, and with more than 4,300 sites, including 600 cliff dwellings, it is the largest archeological preserve in the US. Mesa Verde (Spanish for "green table") is best known for structures such as Cliff Palace, thought to be the largest cliff dwelling in North America.

Starting c. 7500 BCE, Mesa Verde was seasonally inhabited by a group of nomadic Paleo-Indians known as the Foothills Mountain Complex. The variety of projectile points found in the region indicates they were influenced by surrounding areas, including the Great Basin, the San Juan Basin, and the Rio Grande Valley. Later, Archaic people established semi-permanent rockshelters in and around the mesa. By 1000 BCE, the Basketmaker culture emerged from the local Archaic population, and by 750 CE the Ancestral Puebloans had developed from the Basketmaker culture.

The Mesa Verdeans survived using a combination of hunting, gathering, and subsistence farming of crops such as corn, beans, and squash. They built the mesa's first pueblos sometime after 650, and by the end of the 12th century they began to construct the massive cliff dwellings for which the park is best known. By 1285, following a period of social and environmental instability driven by a series of severe and prolonged droughts, they abandoned the area and moved south to locations in Arizona and New Mexico, including Rio Chama, Pajarito Plateau, and Santa Fe.

San Juan National Forest

The San Juan National Forest is a U.S. National Forest covering over 1,878,846 acres in the southwestern corner of Colorado. The forest occupies land in Archuleta, Conejos, Dolores, Hinsdale, La Plata, Mineral, Montezuma, Rio Grande, San Miguel and San Juan Countie.

It borders the Uncompahgre National Forest to the north and the Rio Grande National Forest to the east. The forest covers most of the southern portion of the San Juan Mountains west of the Continental Divide. The forest contains two alpine wilderness areas; the Weminuche and South San Juan, as well as the Piedra Area.

The Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad passes through the National Forest.

Theodore Roosevelt created the forest by proclamation on June 3, 1905. Forest headquarters are located in Durango, Colorado. There are local ranger district offices in Bayfield, Dolores, and Pagosa Springs.

President Barack Obama designated part of the forest as Chimney Rock National Monument by proclamation on September 21, 2012.

Vallecito Lake

Sheltered in a secluded mountain valley 8,000 feet above sea level, Vallecito Lake is one of the largest and most beautiful bodies of water in Colorado. Vallecito, Spanish for "Little Valley", and ancestral home to many of Colorado's Ute Indians, became the name of the sparkling waters of the lake it surrounded. Located in the Southwestern part of the state just 18 miles from Durango, Vallecito provides a perfect base for enjoying the Four Corners area and its many wonders.

Activities include:

Boating
Fishing
ATV Rentals
Horseback Riding
Hunting
Skiing
Hiking

Purgatory Resort

Welcome to the rugged San Juan Mountains of Southwestern Colorado!  

Purgatory at Durango Mountain Resort is known for some of the most consistent snow around and incredible skiing! Frequent storms followed by sunny, bluebird days create perfect conditions for pure alpine nirvana. 

Purgatory Resort is a family-oriented ski resort located in the San Juan Mountains of Southwest Colorado, 26 miles north of the town of Durango. For a time it was known as Durango Mountain Resort until it came under new ownership in spring of 2015. The resort was then renamed back to the original Purgatory Resort. It was originally opened by Ray Duncan in 1965 and offers 85 trails, including 2 terrain parks, the Paradise Freestyle Arena, Pitchfork Terrain Garden, and a Burton Riglet Park for young snowboarders.

The resort covers 1,360 skiable acres, with 88 trails and 10 ski lifts, including one six-person "Flying Couch" or "Six pack" and one high speed quad lift. Average annual snowfall is 260 inches per year, and artificial snow is produced on approximately one-fifth of the mountain. The elevation at the summit is 10,822 feet, with a vertical drop of 2,029 feet.

In spring 2015 Durango Mountain Resort was renamed back to Purgatory when James Coleman, who had grown up skiing in the area, bought the resort.

James Ranch

Start your family vacation by taking a tour of Jame's Ranch!

"A unique, family adventure became available north of Durango in the summer of 2008. The families of the James Ranch decided to open their incredible ranch on a limited basis for tours. If you are an adult visitor interested in a more sustainable, organic lifestyle or if you are traveling with children and looking for a fun adventure that will be a memorable learning experience, consider taking a two and a half hour tour of the James Ranch. Expect to be captivated by the beauty of the 400 acre ranch in the Animas River Valley.  The 2015 tours will be conducted starting June 15th and concluding on August 31st on Mondays and Thursdays 9 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. and Tuesdays from 4:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m."

The Electric Cart Tour*, taking roughly two hours, is a little on foot and most by cart. It will take you through the lush green pastures where the grass-fed cattle graze along with the wild elk and deer. You will visit the seasonal dairy and cheese making facility where you will be able to observe a part of the artisan cheese making process. You can expect to visit the gardens, hens, turkeys, pigs and cattle while learning about sustainable farming and ranching and its importance to healthy and ethically-treated animals.

Reservations are required and the cost for the tour is $25.00 per seat, children 5 and younger can go with their parents/guardian at no charge.

*Groups of 8 or more will take the tour on a hay wagon.

Sky Ute Casino Resort

The Sky Ute Casino Resort sits on the Southern Ute Indian Tribe reservation – the oldest continuous residents of Colorado!  The Ute Nation encompasses 7-Bands on the Eastern Slopes of the Rockies, from Denver, south near the Las Vegas, New Mexico, Rio Grande, Chama, Tierra Amarilla to the valleys of Gunnison, Uncompahgre Rivers and Grand River in Colorado to Utah including the Great Salt Lake Basin.  The Sky Ute Casino Resort opened in 2008 designed by Elders of the So. Ute Tribe in collaboration with the Leo A. Daly engineering firm headed by VP of Design,  Francis Xavier Dumont. 

The Casino features:

• 45,000 ft. of Gaming Floor including Slots, Black-Jack tables, Poker room, Roulette, Craps
• Casino Floor Million dollar State-of-the-Art Smoke mitigation system
• Seven Rivers Bingo Hall

Ignacio serves as the headquarters for the Southern Ute Tribe, on approximately 310,000 acres, across three counties in southwest Colorado. The SUIT is located 24-miles southeast of Durango, Colorado.  The construction of the new Cultural and Recreational Center, including the upgraded Fair Ground home to the nearly 100-year old So. Ute Fair & Pow-Wow… next door to the Sky Ute Casino Resort – inviting all Tourism Destination guests to enjoy!  

Hillcrest Golf Club

Hillcrest Golf Club, established in 1969, sits atop a scenic mesa overlooking the historic and quaint western town of Durango, Colorado.  Hillcrest offers magnificent views of the LaPlata Mountains and the Animas River Valley nestled in the Southern Colorado Rockies.  We offer affordable greens fees, friendly staff, perfectly manicured fairways and a relaxed atmosphere.
   
Hillcrest Golf Club has a full size driving range and an additional short game practice facility, which allows players to warm up before a round, practice extensively, or just have a good time hitting balls for fun and enjoyment.

Many golfers enjoy the ability to walk this beautiful course, as the distance from tees to greens is relatively short.  However, for those who prefer to ride in electric golf carts during their round, carts are offered at a reasonable fee. Walking push carts are also available to rent for a nominal fee.

During summer months the Hillcrest Golf Club, including the driving range, is open from dawn until dusk. Please call the Golf Shop to inquire about current hours of operation.

Durango Mountain Bike Tours

Durango Mountain Bike Tours specializes in guided mountain bike tours on the 100 plus miles of pristine single track in and surrounding the town of Durango. We operate April through November, offering customized 2, 3, 4 or more hour rides for all ability levels.

We offer a variety of tours, with something for every experience level. From a first timer to a seasoned rider, let us show you the best mountain biking experience that Durango has to offer for your skill level!

DMBT is led by 20 year Durango resident John Robinette. With over 30 years of cycling experience and a vast knowledge of the Durango trail system All abilities and ages are welcome. We are fully licensed, permitted, and insured.

I know what it is like to go to a new area and ride an unfamiliar trail system. The trails might be great, but if you are unsure of them, or don't know the best routes, it can diminish your fun, making you a little apprehensive. DMBT came to life in the summer of 2011 with this in mind. After logging hundreds of hours on the trails in and around Durango, I want to share my passion and knowledge of mountain biking and the pure joy of riding with others.

Let Durango Mountain Bike Tours customize a ride for you that will match trails and terrain to your skill and excitement level. We offer rides for the entire family, from the beginner to the hardcore enthusiast.

We look forward to helping you plan your next Durango Mountain Bike Tour. Contact us today to get started or call us now at 970.749.5328.

Mild to Wild Whitewater Rafting

We use the best equipment available. Our food is fresh, healthy and prepared by our multi-talented guides! Camping with us is deluxe and comfortable! Our guides are professionals who share their knowledge and love of the outdoors with you. Whether you are an individual, family, tour group, non-profit organization or corporate client – we aim to provide you with an extraordinary outdoor trip.

If you are not absolutely delighted with our guides and river equipment, THE TRIP IS FREE! This confidence in our service is unparalleled in the industry. We serve over 18,000 "absolutely delighted" customers annually.

4 Corners Whitewater

Join the “whitewater specialist” for family friendly or high adventure raft trips in Durango, CO.  The Lower Animas River runs through the heart of Durango which allows for a fun, safe and convenient trip suitable for the entire family. For you adrenaline seekers out there,  join us for an adventure of a life time on our action packed Upper Animas river trip. Enjoy deep discounts when you combine a zipline, ATV or a train tour with your raft trip.

Our specialty is hand-crafted and well-orchestrated itineraries, expert leadership and a personal connection to each river we run. If your trip is taking you beyond Durango, don’t miss the opportunity to get on the San Miguel River near Telluride or the San Juan River in Bluff, UT. From beginner to expert, let the whitewater specialists take you and your family down the river during your stay in Southwest Colorado.

Outlaw River and Jeep Tours

As Durango Colorado's premier outfitter, Outlaw Tours understands the importance of having an amazing vacation.  That's why we stop at nothing to ensure our guests the most memorable adventures possible.  Whether you're looking to ride the raging whitewater, ascend to high mountain trails or relax in scenic Outlaw has the trip for you.  Simply browse through our many exciting tour packages, make your reservation online, and we'll take care of the rest.

As one of the largest outfitters in Southwest Colorado, we offer a wide variety of adventures to suit any skill level or budget. Experience the thrill of our whitewater rafting or kayaking tours ranging from family-friendly to extreme. Or, explore our beautiful San Juan Mountains with a Hummer or ATV tour.

Can't decide what adventure is best for you? That's why we combined trips, saving you time and money. Select from our wide range of combo trips that set us apart from our competition. These trips include our popular Jeep package, whitewater rafting and hummer adventure, snowmobile combo, or our ultimate two-day adventure that includes our Jeep combo, Mesa Verde and whitewater rafting or ATV tours.

Whitewater Rafting
Jeep Rentals
Adventure Packages
Snowmobile Tours
Hummer / Jeep Tours
Mountain Bike Tours
ATV Tours
Zipline

Purgatory Creek Fly-Fishing Clinic

Purgatory Creek fly fishing clinic is an institution that celebrates the simplicity, beauty and joy of fly fishing in the mountains.  Our goal is to bring the sport of fly fishing to the average person, whether they have spin fished for decades or fly fished for minutes.  Within a few minutes of Purgatory Resort in Durango, one can find miles and miles of pristine fishing opportunities.  We want to teach you how to get into the backcountry and be self sufficient and confident to catch trout in all types of water.  With the help of our knowledgeable instructors, you will be able to analyze the water and choose the correct fly pattern that will catch fish.  We will teach the basics of fly tying, simple casting techniques and build overall confidence when out on the water.  Having fun is our priority at the clinic and we want you and your family to join us at the lake, get out in the sun and let's learn how to catch some fish!

Fly Casting Instruction
Fly Tying Instruction
Basic Bug Knowledge
Fly Fishing Fundamentals
Knot Tying
Essential Gear

Altitude ATV Rentals

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Trimble Spa & Natural Hot Springs

Come on in….

Let our experienced staff treat you to a relaxing, rejuvenating experience.
Whatever your needs may be rest assured we can meet them.

With all massage and body treatments you have all day access to the hot springs.

When you check in you will fill out a health history form, the receptionist will then show you back to the dressing room where you get a robe, locker, towel and slippers.  Depending on how much time you have before you appointment you can either soak in the private hot tub out back or wait for your technician in the waiting room.

When you meet with your technicians he or she will ask you what your looking for in your treatment.  After your treatment feel free to use the spa as your base while you relax on the grounds.