Durango: Nature Trails, Culture and Railroad History

Durango offers a range of options to consider when planning your trip: non-motorized trails, museums and exhibits, and railroad history. First, consider whether you’d like to spend more time outdoors, exploring culture and history, or taking a train ride. The variety of offerings makes it possible to plan your stay around these interests.

Trails and activities in Durango

Durango’s nature trails are open to a range of non-motorized uses. Activities include mountain biking, hiking, trail running, dog walking, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The options range from activities on foot and by bike to winter pursuits. When planning, you can therefore consider different ways to spend time outdoors.

One trail described in detail is the Animas River Trail: a paved, shared-use trail that extends nearly 7 miles through the Animas River Greenway. It provides access to parks, open spaces and nature trails, as well as the recreation center, public library, Downtown Durango, residential neighborhoods and schools. In Downtown Durango, you can also walk along the Animas River. The trail and the paths along the river offer different points to consider when planning around the river, green spaces and urban destinations.

The Fort Lewis Trail System is accessible via Chapman Hill, the Skysteps or access points around the Fort Lewis College campus. In summer, it offers opportunities for trail running, mountain biking and birdwatching. To choose between the trails, compare their described features: the Animas River Trail is paved and nearly 7 miles long, while access points and summer activities are specified for the Fort Lewis Trail System.

Museums, railroads and city history

The Animas Museum is located in the former Animas City School. The three-story sandstone building was constructed in 1904–1905. Since April 23, 2019, the school building has been listed on both the National Register of Historic Places and the Colorado State Register of Historic Properties. Downtown Durango offers another connection to the city’s history: the area is a historic district on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is also designated a National Historic Landmark. It operates year-round; trains carrying passengers to Silverton and back run from early May through October. If this trip is important to your plans, check the schedule for your travel dates. The D&SNG Museum presents the history of railroads, transportation and mining. Tours are available during business hours by prior arrangement.

The Durango Arts Center hosts an average of 25 exhibitions per year in the Barbara Conrad Room, Art Library and Entrada/Arriba Gallery. Its program also includes special events, workshops, demonstrations, lectures and film screenings. The Center of Southwest Studies exhibition gallery is free to visit; a donation of US$5 is recommended. Since admission policies can change, check the latest information before your visit.

Two places offer further insights into history, each with a different focus: The Durango Fish Hatchery is Colorado’s oldest state fish hatchery, and a building on the site dating from 1927 now houses the Wildlife Museum. The Powerhouse is located in Durango’s nationally historic, coal-fired, steam-powered AC power plant.

More ways to plan your trip

Winter sports enthusiasts can visit Chapman Hill Ski Area, which has seven acres of downhill terrain, two lifts and 25 ski runs. Since facility and trail details can change, check them before your visit. Use this information to compare hotel offers for your planned stay.

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