Road Trip Series: Durango, Colorado
Choosing a road trip to somewhere in Colorado is tough. There are so many beautiful (and fun) places to choose from. Boulder, Fort Collins, Aspen, Telluride, and the list goes on. But the next stop in our spring road trip series is Durango.
Located in the southwest corner of Colorado, Durango is one of the smaller cities featured in this series. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty to do. From hiking to skiing to soaking in hot springs, you can move along at your own pace in Durango. At times it might feel like you are in the old Wild West due to the area’s mining history.
New to road-tripping? Read this blog article to learn how you can make sure your trip goes smoothly.
And now onto the good stuff. Check out these recommendations on where to stay, eat and drink, and adventure in Durango.
Where to Stay
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Strater Hotel: Built in 1887, The Strater is one of West’s most iconic hotels. It features 88 unique guest rooms, a Wild West-themed saloon, a craft cocktail lounge, and plenty of live entertainment options for the entire family. And while we wouldn’t blame you for never setting foot outside this fun spot, the Strater is steps away from great restaurants, shopping, and outdoor activities.
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Blue Lake Ranch: A serene boutique destination offering breathtaking mountain and garden views. It features 17 elegant cabins and cottages with luxurious amenities like king beds, fireplaces, and whirlpool tubs. Ideal for romantic getaways, weddings, and family reunions, the ranch provides easy access to outdoor adventures and is close to the Ridgewood Event Center for memorable events.
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Gable House Bed & Breakfast Inn: Located in the heart of Durango, this Queen Anne Victorian home was built in 1892 and is on the National & State Historic Register. Staying true to its roots, the rooms at the Gable House are furnished with antique period pieces. When it comes to classic charm, you won’t find a better place to stay than here.
Where to Eat
Lone Spur Cafe: You can’t be out west and not experience a little cowboy culture. The Lone Spur Cafe doesn’t just offer cowboy charm but downhome tasty cowboy food. From a hearty chicken fried steak breakfast to a crunchy BLT to a mouthwatering calamari steak, you won’t go hungry here no matter the time of day.
Steamworks Brewing: This place isn’t kidding when it claims it has one of the most diverse menus in Durango. Sure there are brewery staples such as burgers and sandwiches, but Steamworks also has steak and seafood on its menu, not to mention pizza! Of course, what goes well with pizza? How about a Lizard Head Red or a Steam Engine Lager! There’s something for everyone at this cozy establishment.
Sage Fresh Eats: A casual farm-to-table restaurant, Sage offers a wide variety of lunch and dinner items that are locally grown and ranched. In addition to salads and soups, you can enjoy grain bowls at Sage as well. While you are there, be sure to try out their sourdough focaccia, which is baked fresh daily — and is one of their signature menu items.
Where to Adventure
San Juan Skyway: You drove to get to Durango, so what’re another couple hundred miles of driving? This 235-mile loop takes you through a ton of beautiful scenery, old mining towns, and plenty of twists and turns. The entire loop takes about 7 hours to complete. Good thing you can always turn around. Just be sure to check the road conditions before you head out because there are steep drop-offs with no guardrails.
Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad: All aboard! This train ride has enthralled passengers for more than 100 years taking them through the remote scenic wilderness and high mountain landscape of the San Juan National Forest. Also, while you are waiting at the Durango Depot, you can check out the D&SNG Museum, a 12,000-square-foot facility that highlights Durango’s rich railroad and mining histories.
Durango Hot Springs Resort & Spa: Relaxation with a view. Soak in these natural mineral hot springs while admiring the surrounding mountain views. The Durango Hot Springs are the only natural hot springs in the world that use Aquagen, which infuses nano-meter oxygen bubbles, leading to increased water purity. Also on site is a resort-style swimming pool and 2 cold plunge pools.
Got Durango on your mind now? Let’s hit the road!
