Photography Courtesy of Durango Tourism Board- Robert Royem©

Written By Phil Lauro

Located 6,512 feet above sea level in the transition zone between mountains and high desert, Durango is blessed with a wonderfully temperate climate and an incredible variety of spectacular natural beauty.

Because of its world-class reputation as a must-see destination, Durango is able to offer amenities that belie its size. Activities available range from leisurely, self-guided walking tours of Durango's historic districts to all-out, stump-jumpin', mountain bike singletracks. River rafting, fishing, horseback riding, hiking, camping and four-wheeling are only a few of the summer activities to choose from.

Wintertime brings alpine and cross-country skiing at Durango Mountain Resort as well as snowshoeing, snowmobiling and sleigh rides. For the less adventurous, Durango has museums, numerous art galleries and shopping in its historic downtown district. The Durango Arts Center showcases the community's commitment to the arts with a variety of showings in every medium, as well as musical and dramatic performances.

The Durango area is in close proximity to world-renowned Mesa Verde National Park, home of the ancient Anasazi cliff dwellings. Only a 45-mile drive west of Durango, Mesa Verde is designated as a World Class Cultural Heritage Site by the United Nations and rated the "Number One Historical Hot Spot" by Historic Traveler Magazine. Of course, no visit to Durango would be complete without a ride on the famous Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. The D&SNGRR provides year-round train service, carrying passengers to the historic mining town of Silverton in the summer and to Cascade Canyon in the winter. Durango really does have it all.

LOCAL STATISTICS:

Attractions/Services

-Durango Silverton Railroad

-Community Rec Center

-Ski Resort

-Trimble Hot Springs

-Vallecito Lake

-Biking Routes (12)

-Spas & Salons (6)

-Museums (6)

-Rafting (11)

-Golf (2) & Mini-Golf (1)

-Fishing & Anglers (12)

-Hiking Trails (14)