Things To Do
in Durango

A regional favorite made with pork or beef and topped with roasted green chile — widely available at casual New Mexican–style eateries and some breakfast spots.

Must-Try!

Fresh freshwater trout, often pan-seared or almondine; commonly found at local restaurants and steakhouses.

Lean game-meat burgers that showcase Rocky Mountain fare, offered at many gastropubs and grills.

A frybread base topped with beans, meat, lettuce and salsa — available at some local stands and regional food festivals.

Open seasonally (spring–fall), offering fresh produce, local cheeses, baked goods and prepared foods — great for picnic supplies and local specialties.

Seasonal food trucks and pop-up vendors appear during events and weekends serving tacos, BBQ, crepes and global street food.

Locals are generally friendly and casual; a polite hello and small talk are common. Respect friendliness but be mindful of personal space.

Outdoor ethics are important — pack out trash, stay on trails, and follow fire restrictions and seasonal closures.

Mesa Verde and nearby tribal lands are culturally significant — follow signage, stay on designated paths, and don’t climb or touch archaeological sites.

Recreational cannabis is legal in Colorado but public consumption is illegal. Use privately and be mindful of accommodations’ policies.

Tipping is customary: 15–20% in sit-down restaurants, $1–2 per drink at bars, 10–15% for taxi or shuttle drivers, and $3–5 per bag for bell staff. Guide services and rafting instructors typically receive tips (10–20%) for good service.

Most businesses accept credit and debit cards and contactless payments. Cash is handy for farmers markets, tips and occasional small vendors; ATMs are available in town. In remote trailheads and some rural vendors, card acceptance may be limited.

Warm, sunny days and cool nights; peak season for hiking, mountain biking, rafting and scenic train rides. Expect busy weekends and book accommodations/activities in advance.

Crisp days and spectacular aspen color from late September into October; fewer crowds and excellent hiking weather but nights get cold quickly.

Snowy and cold with prime skiing and snowboarding at Purgatory Resort and winter excursions; be prepared for winter driving and occasional road closures.

Variable weather — early spring can still be wintry while late spring brings wildflowers and muddy trails. Some high-elevation roads and trails may remain closed until snowmelt.

The nearest airport (about 15–20 minutes from downtown) with regional flights to hubs like Denver and Dallas — convenient for most visitors and seasonal services expand in winter and summer.

About a 2.5–3.5 hour drive (depending on route) and another option for reaching the San Juan region with larger carrier service during peak seasons; often used for Telluride/Mountain access.

A major airport about 3.5–4 hours’ drive away; offers many domestic connections and can be a reasonable alternative for lower fares or different schedules.

Largest nearby hub (roughly 6–7 hours by car); provides the most flight options and is commonly used for connecting flights, though it requires a longer drive or a connecting regional flight.

A major recreational and competitive activity in the region with vast singletrack, technical trails and mountain-biking events.

Seasonal alpine sport centered at Purgatory Resort and surrounding backcountry areas; attracts locals and visitors for downhill and Nordic skiing.

Popular on the Animas River and nearby streams, both as recreation and a component of local tourism guiding businesses.

Fort Lewis College supports regional sports and community engagement — college basketball, soccer and other events draw local fans.