Durango

Durango 

Durango was founded in 1880 as a base for the Denver Rio Grande Railroad and as a supply center for the surrounding mines. Only a year later the railroad connected Durango to the mining town of Silverton, in the heart of the San Juan Mountains. Even today, the old train depot, the Railroad Museum, and historic Durango-Silverton train partly define the character of Durango.  A ride on this narrow gauge train, a National Historic Landmark, is certainly a must for visitors.  This ninety mile round-trip route winds through the beautiful Animus River Valley and the dramatic San Juan Mountains en-route to the town of Silverton at 9,300 feet elevation.

Durango still retains much of its "Old West" atmosphere and charm. The Main Avenue Historic District on Main Street is lined with historic commercial buildings, including the Strater Hotel, which still dominates the skyline of downtown Durango.  For some unusual night-life during the summer months, experience the Victorian Melodrama at the Stater Hotel, accompanied by live ragtime piano.  Numerous restaurants, souvenir shops, and art galleries are available in the downtown area.  Durango makes a great base for visiting the many points of interest in the surrounding area.  Nearby attractions include Trimble Hot Springs, Durango Mountain Resort (skiing), Vallecito Lake, and several world-recognized American Indian archeological sites such as Mesa Verde National Park.

Location:

South West Colorado at the junction of US 160 and US 550 

In the Animas River Valley at the southern edge of the San Juan Mountains and San Juan National Forest;  surrounded by red sandstone bluffs, mesa country lies to the South and West;  the Animas River runs south through the town

Elevation:

6,523 feet 

The average high temperature in July is 87 degrees (F), dropping into the 50's at night.  The average high temperature in January is 40 degrees, dropping into the teens at night.

Population:

Approximately 14,000 

Tourism, education, medical services, and government

Durango Area Tourism Office:  (800)525-8855, www.durango.org/

Durango Central Reservations:  (866)294-5187, www.durangoreservations.org/

Map:

Durango, CO