Durango Fall Planning Guide

Durango FallFall is the optimum time to book a Vacation Package to Durango, Colorado. Travel+Leisure Magazine includes Durango, Colorado in their article about driving along the Continental Divide. [ read blog ] Shermans Travel named Durango number 4 on their list of "Top Ten Easy Fall Weekend Getaways." Naming Durango an "easy-going Colorado mountain town" that "proposes the perfect autumnal escape," while also pointing out the San Juan Skyway and the beautiful bright golden aspens, as well as the pueblo cliff dwellings of the Mesa Verde National Park. There are plenty of fun fall activities to enjoy in Durango. Enjoy the crisp outdoors by [ Visit Official Site Durango Train >>] the Animas River, hiking through the gold aspens of the San Juans or just stroll through the shops [ Durango Shopping >>] of historic downtown. If you’re feeling a little more adventurous, check out a zipline adventure, a jeep or ATV tour or maybe even a rock climbing adventure. After golden aspens transition into snowy evergreens. Durango makes the spectacular transformation to winter. Visitors enjoy Durango as a Christmas town and as a mid-winter party town. [ Durango Winter Planning Guide >>]

 

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. Durango.com provides you with the best itineraries and suggested things to do in Durango.

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Durango Cowboy Gathering

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Whether you're a cowboy or a day tripper, Durango.com highly recommends taking a day trip out to the beautiful Vallecito Lake region. It is a short drive and a wonderful destination for a day of fishing, a family reunion, or a wedding.

We also suggest, taking a train ride [ Durango Train >>] through the San Juan Mountains, check out the Mesa Verde National Park, take a camping trip or go biking through the mountains. Whatever your preference, get out there and try your hand at fly fishing. Just spend some unscripted time in nature, and enjoy the fall air and beautiful golden aspens before it's too late!

Since 1983 Duranglers has been the region's source for custom guided fly fishing trips, equipment, flies and information. Our fly shop is located in beautiful Durango Colorado within easy access of some of the best and most diverse fishing in the nation, including nearby Vallecito Lake.

The San Juan Skyway is a great way to enjoy the fall colors, it has been called "The Most Beautiful Drive in America" Looping through the beautiful San Juan Mountains, this 236-mile route takes you through the San Juan, Uncompahgre, Wilson and Sneffels mountain ranges. The route passes through the towns of Durango, Silverton, Ouray, Ridgway, Telluride, Rico, Dolores, Cortez and Mancos.

Outlaw Tours is your place for adventure in Durango!  This fall take a hummer or a jeep tour and discover a part of Durango not many have experienced. Or try an ATV tour where you can individualize your off-road experience.  Outlaw Tours has plenty of fun ways to experience the San Juans this fall!  

Fall for Durango Vacation PackageThe peak time in Southwest Colorado for the most vibrant fall colors is believed to be in the last 2 weeks of September and the first of October.  This is not guaranteed to be the peak time, but if you plan to visit during the end of September and through October you won’t be disappointed.

Order Yours Today! We know every traveler loves our DRO oval stickers, and we've come up with an easy way for you to get one. The DRO decal is FREE, and you only pay 1.00 to cover the cost of shipping. GET YOURS TODAY when you submit $1.00.

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Hampton Inn

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Durango HoliDazzle

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SnowDown 2012

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

 

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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.

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 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.

Pumpkin Patch Express - Ride the train to a pumpkin patch, where you will find fun and activities for the whole family.  Meet and have photos taken with Charlie Brown, Lucy, and Snoopy. [ reserve >>] Activities include live musical entertainment, games, trick-or-treating, bouncy houses, and a hay bale maze that will lead you to the pumpkin patch where kids pick the perfect pumpkin to take home.  [ <<Back ]
     
 
Durango Fly Fishing

Fishing

The Durango area has some of the best quality fishing in the USA. From the San Juan mountain high country to the semi-arid San Juan river tailwater, world class fly fishing for trophy size trout awaits the angler year-round. From the wild and free-flowing Animas river which can be fished in the middle of town to remote high country lakes in the middle of the largest wilderness area in Colorado, the Weminuche Wilderness, to the world famous tailwaters of the San Juan River below Navajo Dam, the Durango area has it all.
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  Best Hiking in Colorado

Hiking

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. Experience the thrill, and the relief, of emerging from your hike into pristine alpine meadows. Plan an escape that taps into your love for the outdoors. Both new and seasoned hikers will find something to suit their hiking desires in Durango. [ <<Back ]

     
  Bicycle Classic

Biking

Whether you are a professional downhill racer or a roadie, Durango, Colorado is your home to world-class biking. From the world's best single track mountain biking and road biking to downhill riding, and fat tire fun, Durango, Colorado has over 2,000 miles of trails and hundreds of miles of road for your riding pleasure. [Official Site: Iron Horse Bicycle Classic >>] Durango hosts the annual road bike race entitled Iron Horse Bicycle Classic. [ <<Back ]

     
  Durango area campgrounds and RV Parks

Camping

From outdoor sport enthusiasts to concert goers to RV-ers, Durango suits your camping style. Camping in Durango, Colorado is very popular whether you camp in the nearby San Juan National Forest or in one of the many campgrounds and RV parks the area has to offer. Durango, Colorado is an outdoor enthusiast's dream! With over 300 days of clear blue sky, Durango offers vacationers unlimited adventure. Forgo the traditional vacation spots and trendy theme parks. [ <<Back ]

     
  Durango is the number one location for rock climbing

Rock Climbing

Durango bouldering, rappelling, top-rope, or free ascent abounds. There are plenty of rock faces for all your climbing needs in the Rocky Mountains of Durango. The West offers unique geological formations found nowhere else in the world. Many popular areas for rock climbing are near Durango, making it the ideal place to stay for your rock climbing adventures.
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