Are you headed to Durango and looking for a great 3-day itinerary? Then you are in the right spot!
Durango is one of my favorite places in Colorado – and for good reason. Stunning mountains, beautiful rivers, and a scenic railroad make Durango so special. The town is super cute, and the people are friendly!
Since there is so much to do and see, it can be hard to nail it down to a few activities that will fill your trip.
Luckily for you, I have just returned from Durango and am excited to help you plan your trip in this ultimate guide to Durango.
Let’s get to it!
Day 1: Train Adventures and Old Town Charm
Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is a historic steam train that runs between Durango and Silverton, Colorado.
It will take you on a scenic journey through the San Juan Mountains. You can enjoy the most amazing views of rivers, forests, and cliffs.
It was originally built in the 1880s to haul silver and gold. Nowadays, it is the most popular tourist attraction in Durango.
Depending on the season you ride, the journey will look a bit different. In the main season, this will be a full-day trip with 2 hours to explore Silverton. In winter, the train turns around a bit earlier.
They sell delicious apple cider and snacks on the train, so no need to pack your own. This was definitely the highlight of our weekend in Durango.
The train journey takes about 3 hours, but time passes quickly because you’ll have a lot to see. You can grab hot and cold drinks and some snacks on the train as well.
I suggest booking your seat in a heated carriage unless you are going in the middle of summer.
There is no ideal side to sit on (despite what people are saying) – both sides of the train are magical. Plus, you’ll get to see the other side on the way back.
Once you arrive in Silverton, you have about two hours to explore the town. That is enough time to check out some shops, have a nice lunch, and explore the surrounding area.
Silverton is not huge, so you don’t need a detailed plan for your day there. We had lunch at T’s Smokehouse and Grill, which was truly delicious. Natalia’s 1912 Restaurant is also a great place for food.
There are a few quirky places in town, like the original historic jailhouse building or a fun photography studio that does antique-style photos with costumes.
You won’t have enough time for a big hike, but you can explore nature a little, for sure.
Historic Downtown Durango
After you return from your train trip, you’ll be dropped off right in the middle of the historic downtown of Durango.
Historic Downtown Durango is a cute and Instagrammable place. It is full of old-west character and well-preserved architecture from the late 1800s.
Not only is it super Instagrammable, but it is also an amazing spot to spend a relaxed evening.
Downtown has a lot of local shops, art galleries, and restaurants lining the streets. You can buy original cowboy boots (I got some really nice ones for my wife), beautiful art, and lots of books.
I loved to explore landmarks like the historic Strater Hotel and, of course, to see the famous trains rolling through town on their way to the station.
We had dinner at Eolus Bar & Dining, which I can really recommend. It is a little upscale, but they have amazing sushi and cocktails. Himalayan Kitchen Durango is another place we absolutely loved for dinner.
Day 2: Nature and Hot Springs
Purgatory Resort
On the second day in Durango, we’ll explore Purgatory Resort. It is a bit of a drive away from town, but the nature there is beautiful, so it is totally worth it.
Before heading out there, I suggest breakfast at Oscar’s Cafe in Durango. Most locals recommend the pancakes for sure!
Purgatory is a popular year-round destination just outside Durango. This is the place to be for outdoor adventures and stunning mountain views.
In winter, it’s a great spot for skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing. During the rest of the year, it is awesome for mountain biking and hiking. There are also a couple of beautiful lakes in the area to check out.
Here, you’ll get the most breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. There is a lot of stunning scenery, so make sure to bring your camera.
Durango Hot Springs
Durango Hot Springs is a relaxing retreat just outside Durango. After hiking or sporting in the morning, you’ll probably appreciate this place as much as we did.
At the hot springs, you can soak in natural mineral hot springs with stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
These springs are even known for their therapeutic properties.
They have multiple pools at varying temperatures, so you can choose the perfect spot to unwind. The resort also offers spa treatments, perfect after a day of exploring. Kinda pricey but worth it.
Durango is not as famous as the nearby town of Pagosa Springs, but I thought it was just as good to soak there.
Dinner and Breweries
For dinner, I suggest you check out the Steamworks Brewing Company in Durango. This rustic brewery is a local favorite, so I suggest you make reservations for sure.
They have a pretty diverse menu, with anything from chicken to burgers and desserts.
If this is not your vibe, you can also check out some of the local food trucks. There is plenty of space to eat at some picnic tables and maybe even enjoy some live music.
Colorado is pretty big on craft beer, so it is a must to check out on your weekend in Durango.
After dinner, we’ll have cocktails at The Strater Hotel’s Diamond Belle Saloon. It is such a cool place that we really loved!
Day 3
Mesa Verde National Park
Early in the morning of our last day in Durango, we’ll head to Mesa Verde National Park. It is almost around the corner, so it would be a shame not to visit during your time there.
Mesa Verde National Park is famous for its well-preserved ancient cliff dwellings. They were built by the Ancestral Puebloans over 700 years ago.
The park has over 600 cliff dwellings you can check out. The Cliff Palace is the largest and most famous of them all, so I suggest you start there.
I suggest checking out the Mesa Top Loop Road, a scenic 6-mile drive. You’ll pass by several overlooks and stop at cliff dwellings and archaeological sites.
If you are into hiking, you might wanna try the Petroglyph Point Trail – I really thought it was beautiful.
Lastly, check out the Far View Terrace Cafe in the park for a delicious lunch.
The park is pretty big, so you can probably spend the entire day there too. From all the national parks I have seen, this one surely has the coolest archeological sites.
Animas River Trail
Once you are back in Durango, it is time to check out one of my favorite parts of the town: the Animas River.
We walked the Animas River Trail in the evening right before sunset, and it was a magical experience. The water is beautiful and deep blue, and you can walk on a scenic sidewalk.
This area is especially beautiful in fall and winter when the seasons change. We visited in the fall, and the foliage around this area was so lovely.
Are 3 Days Enough For Durango?
I think you should stay at least three nights in Durango. We opted to stay a fourth night since we had a long drive ahead of us.
Three days are enough to check out the railroad, the historic downtown, and even Mesa Verde National Park.
If you are into skiing or hiking, you can easily keep yourself busy for a week in Durango.
Keep in mind that Colorado is pretty expensive, so you might want to keep that in mind when planning your vacation time.
Conclusion
Discover the best of Durango, Colorado, with this tried and tested 3-day itinerary!
We’ll start by exploring Downtown Durango, with its historic charm, and later take the iconic Durango & Silverton Railroad for an adventurous ride.
On day two, enjoy outdoor adventures at Purgatory Resort for hiking, biking, or skiing, depending on the season, and relax at the Durango Hot Springs afterward.
On the final day, visit Mesa Verde National Park to explore the ancient cliff dwellings and learn about the Ancestral Puebloans.
If you are not done yet with Colorado (which I totally understand), I suggest hitting up Telluride and the Million Dollar Highway.
I hope you love Durango as much as I did!
About the Author
Hi friend, I am Sabrina, a passionate travel blogger and photographer from Austria.
I love capturing the world through the lens of the seasons, chasing soft spring blooms, golden autumn light, and cozy winter moments along the way. My goal is to help you discover destinations at their most magical moments.
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