Durango Spring & Summer Planning Guide

Durango, Colorado, the top mountain vacation destinationDurango’s spring season typically consists of snowstorms followed by sunny days where the temperatures get up into the high 50s and 60s. Since the spring weather in Durango is pretty mild you can enjoy riding the slush at Purgatory at Durango Mountain Resort one day and spend the next mountain biking, hiking or shopping around downtown. You might want to take a ride on The Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. The train resumes a daily train ride schedule in the spring featuring their Winter Cascade Canyon Train along with many fun additional springtime specialty train rides. Spring in Durango is also filled with lots of fun springtime events.  The Durango Bluegrass Meltdown is a popular Durango spring event held in April that’s dedicated to bluegrass music. There is always bluegrass music playing all over Durango, on stages, in barns, in coffee shops, bars, restaurants, and breweries! One of our favorite summer events in Durango is the Climb to Conquer Cancer of LaPlata County. The Climb to Conquer Cancer is a non-competitive walk/hike to raise awareness and dollars to fight cancer. The event has been so popular in the past they have created Canines for the Cure, a festival that will feature a 2 mile dog walk. It’s a day full of live music, canine demonstrations, entertainment, food and a whole lot of fun!

 

DuranglersIn two decades of service, our two locations have provided our clients and customers some of the most diverse fisheries, experienced guides and knowlegeable staff in the country. In addition to the local rivers, lakes and resevoirs, Duranglers also travels the world over in search of the finest fly fishing and will customize a guided tour to your desires. Located at
923 Main Avenue Durango, CO

 

City of Brewerly Love Vacation PackageDurango's local breweries make up the best of the best in the way of microbrews. In recent years, Durango has also become very well known for another of its man-made wonders...our incredible craft beer industry!

Durango Dude & Guest RanchesDurango Guest and Dude Ranches are a great option for summer lodging.  You can experience the authentic southwest with the luxury of horseback riding, fishing, hiking and more right outside your back door.

We also suggest taking an outdoor adventure [ Outlaw Tours >>] through the San Juan Mountains. Just spend some unscripted time in nature, and breathe in the crisp mountain air.

 

The Springs Resort & Spa

Located in Pagosa Springs, The Springs Resort & Spa is full service resort and spa offering numerous natural soaking pools. The Springs Resort hotel offers 50 rooms from Standard, Deluxe, Grande and Suite accommodations. Visit our site today to plan your adventure getaway. Breathtaking Views...Healing Waters...Rest and Relaxation.

 

Hampton Inn

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Downtown DurangoHistoric Downtown Durango offers over 500 unique boutiques, specialty shops, posh galleries, art markets, photography establishments, outdoor emporiums, groceries, and natural product stores.  Don’t forget the cozy coffee shops and great restaurants when looking for a shopping break.

 

Romantic Getaway Vacation PackageSlow down, reconnect and catch up with each other and rekindle your romance. How about a romantic room, and access to a natural hot springs and a couples massage? Enjoy a romantic ride on the Durango Train, and dinner for two. Build your own perfect vacation with this Durango Romantic Getaway package.


Advertise your wedding service on Durango.comSpring and summer are also the perfect times to get married in Durango. The mild temperatures in Durango are perfect for a scenic outdoor wedding where you can enjoy the beauty of southwest Colorado.

Durango Railfest

Train Enthusiast TravelTake a journey through time with a unique, one-of-a-kind train enthusiasts package and explore the scenic "old" west like they did in the 1880's - aboard 2 coal-fired steam engine trains. Package includes 2 nights in Pagosa Springs, a ride on the Cumbres and Toltec, 1 night in Durango and a ride on the famous Durango train.

Ruins and Rails Vacation PackageTake a beautiful journey on the famous Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge - winding through the majestic San Juan mountains much as they were seen over 100 years ago! Stay two nights in Old West Durango and one night in Cortez. Come and experience the two most sought-after attractions in Southwest Colorado with a round trip train ride on the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and a half-day or full-day tour at Mesa Verde National Park, one of only 20 World Heritage sites in the U.S. Package includes 2 nights in Durango, Colorado, round trip tickets on the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, a guided tour at Mesa Verde National Park and 1 night in Cortez, Colorado.

Durango Cowboy Gathering

Beer Lovers Weekend ItineraryIf you're looking for fun things to do in Durango, then sampling beer will be one of the first things on your list. If you enjoy high quality microbrewed beer paired with delicious food, then this is the perfect weekend itinerary for you! Use this suggested itinerary to craft the perfect weekend! Experience the amazing breweries the city has to offer. Durango is home to 4 craft beer micro-breweries that have become very popular in recent years. Sample them all!

Outdoor Enthusiast Weekend ItineraryDurango, Colorado is an outdoor enthusiast's dream! With over 300 days of clear blue sky, Durango offers vacationers unlimited adventure; fly fish the Animas River, ride thru the Rockies or hike the Colorado Trail thru the San Juan National Forest. What are you waiting for! Hikers, river runners, ice climbers and hunters come here from all over the world. Durango is the place for those who love the thrill of adventure and adrenaline while traveling to exotic places.

 

 

Winter 2012

January 7 | Comedy Nights at the Hank - 8:00 p.m. at The Henry Strater Theatre. The headliner, Jeff Wozer is based out of Denver’s world famous Comedy Works, has clean and clever material that makes him a regular on the national club and corporate circuit. He was recently one of only 24 comedians in the nation to be invited to the Great American Comedy Festival.

January 12 | The Infamous Stringdusters Ski Tour - Bluegrass will return to the Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College. The Infamous Stringdusters will perform with a special guest Elephant Revival.

January 14 | Evening Snowshoe Tours at Durango Mountain Resort - Explore the mountain like never before during the Evening Snowshoe Tours, which include snowshoe rentals, guides, chairlift ride to the top of the mountain and a wine and cheese party at the Powderhouse restaurant.  Meet at 3:30 pm at the Guest Service desk inside the ticket office. Reservations are required with 24 hours notice. Call Guest Services at 970-385-2147 to book your Snowshoe adventure. 

January 14 | Fireworks display at Durango Mountain Resort - Check out a spectacular fireworks display illuminate the night sky overhead at Purgatory Beach.

January 14 - 16 | Winterfest at DMR - A fun weekend long event at Durango Mountain Resort that gives snow enthusiasts of all ages opportunities to experience winter activities such as ice climbing, dog sledding, snowshoeing, Nordic skiing and more.  Events are hosted at Durango Mountain Resort and sponsored by Backcountry Experience.

View all Durango Vacation Packages

January 26 | The Official Blues Brothers Review - - Sanctioned by Dan Aykroyd and the Belushi Estate, Jake and Elwood are the most dangerous combination since Nitro and Glycerin.  The review is at the Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College.

January 28 | Evening Snowshoe Tours at Durango Mountain Resort - Explore the mountain like never before during the Evening Snowshoe Tours, which include snowshoe rentals, guides, chairlift ride to the top of the mountain and a wine and cheese party at the Powderhouse restaurant.  Meet at 3:30 pm at the Guest Service desk inside the ticket office. Reservations are required with 24 hours notice. Call Guest Services at 970-385-2147 to book your Snowshoe adventure. 

January 28 | Ladysmith Black Mambazo International Icons and singers from Paul Simon's Graceland at the Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College.

February 1 - 5 | Snowdown - Snowdown – Once upon a Snowdown will be the theme for this year’s 2012 Snowdown. Think fairy tales from Mother Goose to the Grimm Brothers.

February 11 | Sweethearts of the Arts - Gemma Kavanaugh, Linda Mack, Rochelle Mann and Mona Wood Patterson will be honored for their contribution to the vitality of vocal and instrumental music and the theatre arts in our region.  Durango Arts Center. 

February 11 - 12 | Womens Weekend Camp at DMR - Provides two fun-filled days of opportunities to meet other women with similar skiing and riding abilities and improve their skiing and riding skills in a small group environment.  Taught by Purgatory’s top women instructors, this clinic will help women gain more confidence on the slopes and achieve the next level.

Durango Mountain (CO) Lift Tickets from $47/day (save 36%)

February 16 | Soul Salvation - Featuring Ruthie Foster and Paul Thorn at the Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College.

February 17 | Chocolate Fantasia - All the chocolate your heart desires, sponsored by the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Fort Lewis College and local restaurants and caterers.  Located at the La Plata County Fairgrounds.

February 18 | Mogul Masters Clinic - This clinic will help novice to zipper line skiers find the best lines and perfect their skills on the bumps.

February 18 | Kids Night Out - 5:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. at Durango Mountain Resort, commonly referred to as "DMR." For kids aged 2 months through 10 years. Fun and qualified and licensed staff watch the kids while you have some fun on/around Durango Mountain Resort! Prices: $30 per child for the night, Dinner included (Pizza) for children able to eat table food. Arts and crafts, Movies, Games and snacks. 24 hours in advance reservations are preferred, but walk-ins available if space allows. Call 970-385-2144 for more information.

February 18 | Evening Snowshoe Tours at Durango Mountain Resort - Explore the mountain like never before during the Evening Snowshoe Tours, which include snowshoe rentals, guides, chairlift ride to the top of the mountain and a wine and cheese party at the Powderhouse restaurant.  Meet at 3:30 pm at the Guest Service desk inside the ticket office. Reservations are required with 24 hours notice. Call Guest Services at 970-385-2147 to book your Snowshoe adventure. 

February 20 - 24 | SnowPACK (Purgatory Adventure Camp for Kids) - This kid's camp is an exciting, fun new day camp for children ages 7-12 who love outdoor winter adventures! Kids will make new friends and participate in fun winter activities, such as tubing, snowshoeing, Nordic skiing, scavenger hunts, building snow sculptures, forts and igloos, and more!   Other programs include learning winter skills and safety and doing arts and crafts projects.  We give kids time to be kids, be creative, socialize and have fun!   Included:  daily hot lunch, daily bus transportation to/from Durango/Purgatory, winter program gear rentals (such as tubes, snowshoes, etc), arts & craft supplies and a free SnowPACK t-shirt.  Cost of program is $275 per child. 

February 25 | Evening Snowshoe Tours at Durango Mountain Resort - Explore the mountain like never before during the Evening Snowshoe Tours, which include snowshoe rentals, guides, chairlift ride to the top of the mountain and a wine and cheese party at the Powderhouse restaurant.  Meet at 3:30 pm at the Guest Service desk inside the ticket office. Reservations are required with 24 hours notice. Call Guest Services at 970-385-2147 to book your Snowshoe adventure. 

February 25 - 26 | Mogul Busters Weekend Camp - This weekend camp will help improve participants’ bump skiing abilities.  With two full days of coaching by Purgatory’s top professionals, participants will be bumping with the best of ‘em in no time, from blue bump trails to double diamond bump terrain.

February 29 - March 4 | SheRide Snowboard Camp - Share your passion or learn a new one during 3 fun-filled days of riding, learning & laughing with other ladies. Learn to snowboard or dramatically improve your skills in a safe, fun and confidence building environment.  All skills welcome from beginners to advanced. Camp Price: $680 ($575 For DMR Season Pass Holders), includes 3 days of on-hill coaching, video analysis, tuning clinic, evening reception/dinner and camp T-shirt.

February 29 - March 4 | Durango Independent Film Festival - The Lure of Film will lure you to Durango for this great film festival! This year theme is “are you in?” and keys off the “IN” in independent film. Sponsors, audience members, filmmakers, volunteers, supporters, and community certainly can scream a resounding “YES” in answer to this question.  It’s all about belonging, being part of the festival. Being “in.”   Be one of the “in crowd” when you participate in the 2012 Durango Independent Film Festival, which begins on LEAP DAY!  That’s a reason to jump in and join us!

March 1 | Durango Tug-o-Weather - A tug-of-war to forecast an extended winter or early spring. This event will pit winter sports enthusiasts against the boys and girls of summer. The staging area is in front of Steamworks at 801 E. 2nd Ave. starting at 5:30 p.m.

March 10 | Evening Snowshoe Tours at Durango Mountain Resort - Explore the mountain like never before during the Evening Snowshoe Tours, which include snowshoe rentals, guides, chairlift ride to the top of the mountain and a wine and cheese party at the Powderhouse restaurant.  Meet at 3:30 pm at the Guest Service desk inside the ticket office. Reservations are required with 24 hours notice. Call Guest Services at 970-385-2147 to book your Snowshoe adventure. 

March 10 | Kids Night Out - 5:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. at Durango Mountain Resort, commonly referred to as "DMR." For kids aged 2 months through 10 years. Fun and qualified and licensed staff watch the kids while you have some fun on/around Durango Mountain Resort! Prices: $30 per child for the night, Dinner included (Pizza) for children able to eat table food. Arts and crafts, Movies, Games and snacks. 24 hours in advance reservations are preferred, but walk-ins available if space allows. Call 970-385-2144 for more information.

March 13 | Evening Snowshoe Tours at Durango Mountain Resort - Explore the mountain like never before during the Evening Snowshoe Tours, which include snowshoe rentals, guides, chairlift ride to the top of the mountain and a wine and cheese party at the Powderhouse restaurant.  Meet at 3:30 pm at the Guest Service desk inside the ticket office. Reservations are required with 24 hours notice. Call Guest Services at 970-385-2147 to book your Snowshoe adventure. 

March 14 | Kids Night Out - 5:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. at Durango Mountain Resort, commonly referred to as "DMR." For kids aged 2 months through 10 years. Fun and qualified and licensed staff watch the kids while you have some fun on/around Durango Mountain Resort! Prices: $30 per child for the night, Dinner included (Pizza) for children able to eat table food. Arts and crafts, Movies, Games and snacks. 24 hours in advance reservations are preferred, but walk-ins available if space allows. Call 970-385-2144 for more information.

March 17 | Evening Snowshoe Tours at Durango Mountain Resort - Explore the mountain like never before during the Evening Snowshoe Tours, which include snowshoe rentals, guides, chairlift ride to the top of the mountain and a wine and cheese party at the Powderhouse restaurant.  Meet at 3:30 pm at the Guest Service desk inside the ticket office. Reservations are required with 24 hours notice. Call Guest Services at 970-385-2147 to book your Snowshoe adventure. 

Durango Colorado Winter Planning Guide

 

 
Durango, Colorado Outdoor Adventures

Outdoor Adventures in Durango

When the temperatures rise and snow starts melting in the mountains, that’s when we know summer is right around the corner in Durango.  The Animas River starts filling up and the rafting companies start preparing for a great season on the river!  Summertime in Durango is mostly spent outdoors.  The beautiful weather filled with sunny days is perfect for every outdoor activity imaginable.  Rafting, ziplining, horseback riding and biking are some of the most popular Durango outdoor activities in the summer.  Of course the D&SNGRR is a huge tourist attraction and is always busy in the summer, so be sure to plan accordingly if you want to take a ride on the train. 

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  Durango Train

Durango Train

In operation for over a century, the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is one of the most unique ways to take in the spectacular views offered by the San Juan Mountains and the Animas River. Choose between an open-air gondola and a covered cabin, or for adults, there are Parlor Cars which come equipped with a full bar. Relax and watch the mountain peaks and river-cut canyons pass alongside the train.

[ blog | Visit Official Site Durango Train >>]

 

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  Durango Horseback Riding

Durango Horseback Riding

Durango offers plenty of horseback riding options from one hour rides to entire day trips. You will find a number of great places that offer guided horseback rides for beginning riders, children and experienced riders. You will also find horse rentals in Durango that will rent only to the experienced riders where you will choose from variety of trail rides to take the horse for the day on an unguided tour. Durango area Dude and Guest Ranches feature many horseback riding options.

Learn more about Durango horseback riding!

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  Durango, Colorado Farmers Market

Durango Farmers Market

Also, the Durango Farmers Market is on a regular schedule where you can get fresh local produce once a week. Historic Downtown Durango is full of history and culture and you’re sure to have a great time exploring downtown on your next summer trip to Durango.

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  Hiking in Durango

Hiking in Durango

The Durango area boasts literally thousands of miles of incredible hiking trails. Choose from trails that promise an enjoyable afternoon stroll, or for the more ambitious, seek out a trail that clambers across the rugged peaks of the Rocky Mountains. Both new seasoned hikers will find things to do and trails to suit their hiking desires in Durango.

Learn more about Durango hiking!

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  Bicycle Classic

Iron Horse Bicycle Classic

A very popular Durango event is the Durango Iron Horse Bicycle Classic where you bike the 50 miles over the two mountain passes from Durango to Silverton.  The race has been a Durango tradition since 1971 and has a really cool story about how the two brothers Tom and Jim Mayer started the Iron Horse Bicycle Classic. 
[ Durango Iron Horse Bicycle Classic >>]

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  Durango  Fly Fishing

Fly Fishing in Durango

The clear, cold waters of Durango promise challenging angling for vigorous trout. For the casual fisherman, the waters of the Animas flowing through downtown Durango promise fishing. Serious fishing expeditions can take anglers deep into the mountains in search of the cool headwaters where trout thrive. Or, take advantage of the alpine lakes of the Durango area.

Learn more about fly fishing in Durango, Colorado.

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Featured Articles:



Summer Train & Lodging Package - your choice of lodging with round trip tickets on the historic train!


Durango's Christmas in July - The Animas Museum celebrates Christmas in July on Saturday, July 16th


Ignacio Bike Week! - more than 22,000 motorcycles riding in grandeur through spectacular scenery


Summer Adventures in Durango! - Let Outlaw Tours be your resource for summer fun!


Rio Grande Scenic Railroad Hosts Photographers Spectacular Excursion - La Veta Pass Route, August 22 - 23


Kelly Ripa in Durango - Check out the clip from "Live with Regis and Kelly."


Call to Artists! - garment design exhibition and auction fundraiser


4th of July in Durango - starting with breakfast at 7:30 am and ending the day with fireworks over downtown


New Direct Flight - from Dallas to Durango.


Facebook Photo Contest and Giveaway - presented by Mild to Wild Rafting & Jeep Trail Tours


Durango Tour de Brews - safe transport to sample four local breweries in a cool bus named "The Dude."

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Durango Blues Train - 3 hours of live blues while traveling by train through San Juan National Forest.

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Civil War Event - Old Wounds & a New Community: Impacts of the Civil War on Southwest Colorado

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Taste of Durango - showcasing the fabulous fare of our fine restaurants and craft beer.


Durango Wine Experience - Three Days and hundreds of wineries, artisan spirits and craft beers.


Peanuts™ Easter Beagle Train - Read about this top Easter activity the whole family can enjoy.

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Purgatory Adds Another Weekend - lifts running starting Friday, April 8 through Sunday, April 10, 2011

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Beach Bash at Purg - the top destination for spring snow skiing and winter sports

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