Durango is a mid-sized town in southwest Colorado. Located at a crossroads of major state highways serving the Four Corners area, the town has become a popular base for exploring the San Juans, as well as the desert country to the south and west. If you want to see aspen trees, come here. Aspen trees are unique in that an entire grove may be composed of one giant organism, with each tree as an offshoot of the same root. The San Juan Mountains surrounding Durango support some of the largest aspen groves in Colorado. During winter months, you can access 5 major ski resorts, including Purgatory, now known as Durango Mountain Resort. This resort receives on average 260 inches of snowfall per year; when combined with over 300 days of sunshine, it's no wonder that readers of Ski Magazine voted this resort the best for winter weather. There is plenty to do in the summer months as well, with the Animas River providing some truly world class rafting opportunities and Gold Medal Waters for fisherman. Nearby Vallicito lake is fun for boaters, swimmers, windsurfers, and those looking for a great place to picnic. Finally, the San Juan Mountains provide unlimited hiking, biking and back country opportunities.
Even if you aren't an outdoor enthusiast, Durango still has much to offer. The area has a long and storied history dating from the Spanish era during the 1700's, through the mining era, and into the present age. Several movies have been filmed here, including Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, City Slickers, and National Lampoon's Vacation. Historic downtown is filled with buildings dating from the 1800s, when Durango served as a base for mining operations in Silverton. A ride on the historic Durango/Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is one of the most popular and beautiful trips in the west. A number of southwestern art galleries add some man-made beauty to the natural splendor of the surrounding countryside. Mesa Verde National Park is short drive away, taking the traveller back several hundred years through the Ancestral Puebloan (Anasazi) cliff dwelling ruins. The town also offers a Children's Museum, nearby hot springs, a chocolate factory, the Henry Strater Theatre, and several golf courses. A number of options in lodging and restaurants ensure comfort and good food while you enjoy the town.
The town of Durango is about 160 miles south of Grand Junction in southwestern Colorado.
