The Best Outdoor Activities in Durango, Colorado

Introduction

Durango is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise, with its stunning mountain views and vast array of outdoor activities. From hiking and biking to skiing and snowboarding, Durango has something for everyone. There is something to do all year round, whether it’s taking in the breathtaking fall foliage or exploring the snow-covered mountains in the winter. Durango is an outdoor playground and a great place to get away from it all. Here are the best outdoor activities in Durango, Colorado.

Hiking

Hiking is one of the most popular activities in Durango, and for good reason. With its breathtaking scenery and diverse terrain, Durango is a great place to explore on foot. There are trails for all levels of hikers, from easy, flat trails to more challenging mountain trails. The Colorado Trail, which runs from Denver to Durango, is a great way to explore the area and take in the stunning views. There are also plenty of trails to explore in the nearby San Juan National Forest.

Animas River Trail

The Animas River Trail is a great option for those looking for an easy hike. The trail follows the Animas River and offers stunning views of the river and the surrounding mountains. The trail is mostly flat and well-marked, making it a great option for families or those looking for an easy hike.

Missionary Ridge Trail

The Missionary Ridge Trail is a more challenging hike that offers stunning views of Durango and the surrounding mountains. The trail is a moderate hike that is about 5 miles in length and has an elevation gain of over 1,700 feet. The trail is well-marked and offers great views of the surrounding area, as well as some challenging sections.

Elbert Creek Trail

The Elbert Creek Trail is a great option for those looking for a longer, more challenging hike. The trail is about 8 miles in length and has an elevation gain of over 2,000 feet. The trail is mostly forested, with some open areas that offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The trail is well-marked and offers some great views of the area.

Biking

Durango is also a great place to go biking. There are plenty of trails for all levels of riders, from easy, flat trails to more technical mountain trails. Mountain biking is a popular activity in Durango, and there are plenty of trails to explore.

Hermosa Creek Trail

The Hermosa Creek Trail is a great option for beginner riders. The trail is mostly flat and well-marked, making it a great option for families or those looking for an easy ride. The trail follows the Hermosa Creek and offers stunning views of the creek and the surrounding mountains.

Grandview Trail

The Grandview Trail is a more challenging ride that offers stunning views of Durango and the surrounding mountains. The trail is about 8 miles in length and has an elevation gain of over 1,500 feet. The trail is well-marked and offers some great views of the area, as well as some challenging sections.

Purgatory Flats Trail

The Purgatory Flats Trail is a great option for those looking for a longer, more challenging ride. The trail is about 10 miles in length and has an elevation gain of over 2,000 feet. The trail is mostly forested, with some open areas that offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The trail is well-marked and offers some great views of the area.

Mountain Climbing

Durango is also a great place to go mountain climbing. With its rugged terrain and stunning views, it’s a great place to test your skills and explore the mountains. There are plenty of routes for all levels, from beginner to expert.

Mt. Hesperus

Mt. Hesperus is a great option for beginner climbers. The route is about 5.3 miles in length and has an elevation gain of about 4,000 feet. The route is mostly forested and has some open areas with stunning views of the surrounding area.

The Needles

The Needles is a more challenging climb that offers stunning views of Durango and the surrounding mountains. The route is about 6 miles in length and has an elevation gain of about 5,000 feet. The route is mostly forested, with some open areas that offer stunning views of the area.

Eldorado Canyon

Eldorado Canyon is a great option for those looking for a longer, more challenging climb. The route is about 8 miles in length and has an elevation gain of about 7,500 feet. The route is mostly forested, with some open areas that offer stunning views of the surrounding area.

Skiing & Snowboarding

Durango is a great place to go skiing and snowboarding. With its diverse terrain and stunning views, it’s a great place to explore on skis or a snowboard. There are plenty of trails for all levels, from beginner to expert.

Purgatory Resort

Purgatory Resort is a great option for beginner skiers and snowboarders. The resort offers plenty of beginner-friendly trails, as well as some more challenging ones for more experienced riders. The resort also offers plenty of activities for non-skiers, such as snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and tubing.

Wolf Creek Ski Area

Wolf Creek Ski Area is a great option for those looking for a more challenging ski or snowboard experience. The ski area offers plenty of intermediate and advanced trails, as well as some expert trails for the more experienced riders. The area also offers plenty of activities for non-skiers, such as snowshoeing and tubing.

Montezuma Bowl

Montezuma Bowl is a great option for those looking for a longer, more challenging ski or snowboard experience. The bowl offers plenty of intermediate and advanced trails, as well as some expert trails for the more experienced riders. The bowl also offers plenty of activities for non-skiers, such as snowshoeing and tubing.

Camping

Durango is a great place to go camping. With its beautiful scenery and diverse terrain, it’s a great place to explore and get away from it all. There are plenty of camping spots for all levels, from primitive camping to more developed campgrounds.

Piedra Campground

Piedra Campground is a great option for those looking for an easy camping experience. The campground is located near the Piedra River and offers stunning views of the river and the surrounding mountains. The campground offers plenty of sites for tents and RVs and is a great option for families or those looking for an easy camping experience.

Molas Lake Campground

Molas Lake Campground is a great option for those looking for a more adventurous camping experience. The campground is located near Molas Lake and offers stunning views of the lake and the surrounding mountains. The campground offers plenty of sites for tents and RVs and is a great option for those looking for a more adventurous camping experience.

Rim Campground

Rim Campground is a great option for those looking for a longer, more challenging camping experience. The campground is located near the San Juan National Forest and offers stunning views of the forest and the surrounding mountains. The campground offers plenty of sites for tents and RVs and is a great option for those looking for a longer, more challenging camping experience.

Fishing

Durango is also a great place to go fishing. With its abundance of rivers and lakes, it’s a great place to explore and catch some fish. There are plenty of spots for all levels, from easy, beginner-friendly spots to more challenging spots for the more experienced anglers.

Animas River

The Animas River is a great option for those looking for an easy fishing experience. The river is mostly flat and offers plenty of spots for both novice and experienced anglers. The river is home to a variety of fish, including rainbow trout, brown trout, and brook trout.

Molas Lake

Molas Lake is a great option for those looking for a more challenging fishing experience. The lake is located in the San Juan National Forest and offers stunning views of the forest and the surrounding mountains. The lake is home to a variety of fish, including rainbow trout, brown trout, and kokanee salmon.

Lake Nighthorse

Lake Nighthorse is a great option for those looking for a longer, more challenging fishing experience. The lake is located near Durango and offers stunning views of the area. The lake is home to a variety of fish, including rainbow trout, brown trout, and smallmouth bass.

Summary

Durango, Colorado is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise, with its stunning mountain views and vast array of outdoor activities. From hiking and biking to skiing and snowboarding, Durango has something for everyone. There are plenty of trails for all levels, from easy, flat trails to more challenging mountain trails. Durango is also a great place to go camping, mountain climbing, and fishing. With its beautiful scenery and diverse terrain, Durango is a great place to explore and get away from it all.