Outdoor Enthusiast Planning Guide
Top Things To Do On Your Outdoor Adventure
Plan your Durango, Colorado vacation with this suggested outdoor enthusiast itinerary. Durango is widely known as a destination for outdoor enthusiasts and has become a hub for outdoor adventurers who choose Durango for everything from rock climbing, biking and fishing to hunting, hiking and skiing. Below is a small sample itinerary of the many outdoor activities Durango has to offer.
Rafting Trips
Book a Durango rafting trips and take advantage of package pricing. Whitewater rafting the Animas is a great way to kick off the weekend. Start your day on the Animas River with a guided rafting trip. You will enjoy the beautiful scenery and cool off with a swim in the river, then head into the La Plata Mountains for a guided 4×4 jeep tour up Kennebunc Pass for the most spectacular views of the canyon and mountains.
Browse Rafting Trips
Rent An Off-Road Vehicle
Explore the vast Colorado landscape from behind the wheel of a rented off-road vehicle. Visitors can choose a Jeep rental for getting around both on and off the main roads, or the newly popular RZR rental for a more exciting outdoor experience.
Jeep & ATV Rental Packages
Gear Up for Adventure: Bikepacking the Colorado Trail
Thinking about bikepacking the Colorado Trail? It’s an incredible adventure, but being prepared makes all the difference. From what to pack to helpful trail tips, this guide has everything you need to plan an unforgettable ride through Colorado’s stunning landscapes.
Bikepacking the Colorado Trail
Stay At A Dude Ranch
Dude ranches are an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts in Durango. They offer the best of both worlds, with excellent lodging and amenities plus outdoor activities and adventures you can’t find anywhere else. Dude ranches offer something for every age group and interest, including fishing, archery, riflery, horseback riding and more. Plus, you’ll enjoy exceptional meals and snacks during your stay.
Browse Ranches
Go Rock Climbing
Ready for the best crag in Durango? Both Durango and the surrounding areas have many opportunities for rock climbing. No matter if you’re a beginner, intermediate or advanced climber, you’ll find what you’re looking for in the Southwest Colorado region.
Rock Climbing
The Colorado Trail
Hike a portion of the Colorado Trail. Colorado Trail and Junction Creek offers an excellent chance to explore part of the 469-mile Colorado Trail. This is the perfect opportunity to explore the woods and search for signs of wildlife along this spruce-covered trail. The trail follows Junction Creek and ascends to Gudy’s rest lookout point, a perfect place to enjoy lunch and take in the amazing views.
The Colorado TrailUse caution on the Colorado Trail as this is a multi-use trail for hikers, bikers, and horseback riders. To get to the trailhead: Head North on Hwy 550 in Durango, take a left hand turn at 25th street. Follow the signage for the Colorado Trail.
Splash into Adventure at Lake Nighthorse
Spanning more tha 1,500 acres and located just two miles from downtown Durango, Lake Nighthorse is a great place to visit for summer fun! From swimming, fishing, and baoting there are so many things to do!
Visit Lake Nighthorse
Discover Vallecito Lake: A Hidden Gem in Durango
Nestled in the San Juan Mountains, Vallecito Lake is a peaceful escape perfect for outdoor lovers. Whether you’re into boating, fishing, or simply soaking up stunning mountain views, this beautiful lake offers the ideal spot to relax and enjoy nature.
Vallecito Lake
Fly Fishing
Durango offers diverse fishing waters from lakes and reservoirs to creeks and rivers. If you want to stay close in town, look no further the Animas River. The Animas River is one of the last free flowing river in Colorado and this treasure runs through downtown Durango before merging with the San Juan in New Mexico.
FishingThe Animas is known for its Gold Medal status by the high numbers of quality trout. Public access within the city is plentiful with almost 7 miles of river access. If you are looking for fishing supplies, river information or a fishing guide, visit Duranglers on Main Avenue.
Celebrate Animas River Days in Durango
Animas River Days is a must-attend event for adventure seekers and outdoor lovers in Durango! This annual festival celebrates the town’s connection to the river with thrilling raft races, kayaking events, live music, and fun for the whole family. It’s the perfect way to experience the energy and spirit of Durango’s outdoor community!
Animas River Days
Go Kayaking
Kayaking down the Animas can give you an adrenaline rush like you’ve never experienced before. A spirited stretch of water essential to the Four Corners region, the Animas was originally named “El Rio de las Animas Perdidas en Purgatório” or “The River of Lost Souls in Purgatory”. The upper Animas is the most intense, but if you’re looking for something a little more laid back, try the lower Animas.
Kayaking
Soar Through The Skies
Think of ziplining as new way to experience nature. From above it’s easy to appreciate Durango’s pristine mountains, alpine meadows and beautiful rivers. Your expert guides will teach you everything you need to know about zip line safety, and you can start with a simple course if you’re a beginner.
Zip Line
Discover Colorado’s National Parks
Colorado is home to some truly breathtaking National Parks, and this guide helps you make the most of them! Whether you’re hiking through the stunning Rocky Mountains or discovering ancient ruins at Mesa Verde, there’s so much to explore and enjoy in these incredible parks.
Colorado’s National Parks
Explore The San Juans
The San Juan Forest National Forest is comprised of three wilderness areas: Weminuche Wilderness, South San Juan Wilderness, and Lizard Head Wilderness. The forest was created by Theodore Roosevelt in 1905. The 3,000 square miles of park now benefit visitors and locals alike with opportunities to encounter nature and enjoy recreation. There’s plenty to do in the park, including camping, hiking, driving the San Juan Skyway, fishing and more.
San Juan National Forest
Stay in a San Juan Hut
The only destination hut-to-hut based system in the United States to connect bikers, hikers, and skiers to Colorado and Utah’s backcountry. The San Juan Huts give outdoor adventurers the ability to stay in the backcountry longer without having to worry about packing a large rucksack.
San Juan HutsWilderness Access Train
Many people don’t realize that the Durango Train offers a unique opportunity for visitors to get out into nature easily. Hop on board the Wilderness Acess Train from May to October and the train will drop you off at either Elk Park or Needleton. These two access points are the main access points for the area. Explore the wilderness, camp, hike and enjoy the outdoors. When you’re ready to go back, flag down the train as it approaches the flag stops along the line.
Wilderness Access